Scam Targets Pet Owners in Minneapolis

A new scam is preying on pet owners searching for lost animals, with scammers posing as animal control officers to extract money under false pretenses. Victims receive calls claiming their missing pets need urgent medical care, accompanied by bogus details and requests for immediate payment, often through wire transfer services like Zelle. Minneapolis Animal Care and Control reported at least 30 incidents, with victims losing thousands of dollars, as scammers exploit the emotional distress of pet owners. One victim, Marla Khan-Schwartz, revealed that scammers used legitimate-sounding medical jargon to manipulate her into almost paying for a fictitious surgery for her cat. Authorities emphasize that these scammers are taking advantage of vulnerable individuals and urge residents to report such incidents. The MACC clarified that they never ask for payment over the phone and always require proof of ownership in person for lost pets.