04/14/2024
Wanted to share the following info. This scam is involving the Wake County Animal Shelter but could certainly pertain to any shelter, animal control agency or rescue. Scammers will take advantage of any situation. Please share with your friends/loved ones and make sure they understand what “spoofing “ (ie copying) a phone number is.
SCAM ALERT
To say we are angry would be an understatement. We want everyone to be aware of a scam targeting pet owners at their most vulnerable, when their beloved family member is missing.
WakeGov Pets: Wake County Animal Center will never call you demanding you pay them money to care for your injured pet. The only call you may get from them is that your pet has been found and will be safe at the shelter until you arrive during their normal business hours. If your pet was injured they would be taken to an emergency vet and you should go there directly to see your pet. If you get a call from someone claiming to be the police who have your pet, ask for their contact info, then tell them you will confirm they are valid by looking up the police number and dialing it directly.
The scammers have spoofed the shelter's phone number so it may appear that the call is from the shelter. Hang up and call the shelter directly at 919-212-7387.
In case they start spoofing Animal Control here are their direct numbers. Hang up and call them directly. Animal Control Jurisdictions & Contact Information
Garner Animal Control: 919-772-8810
Holly Springs Animal Control: 919-557-9111
Raleigh Animal Control: 919-829-1911
Cary Animal Control: 919-319-4517
Wake County Animal Control: 919-856-6911
Report these terrible people to the police immediately with every piece of information you have about them. Our hearts break for the pet owners who receive these calls. ❤
