EP 24: Lost Pet Scam, Lost Trust: How Scammers Exploit Our Deepest Bonds

A Heartbreaking Tale of Love, Loss, and Deception: Lost Pet Scams

When Chloe’s beloved family cat Percy went missing, the anxiety alone was almost unbearable. But what followed was even worse — a scam so cruel and calculated, it left emotional and financial scars. In this eye-opening episode of Behind the Scams, Nick and Sue uncover one of the most emotionally manipulative cons out there: The Lost Pet Scam.

The Emotional Manipulation at the Heart of the Lost Pet Scam

Lost pet scams are more than just financial frauds. They target people at their most vulnerable — pet owners terrified for the safety of their missing animals. Scammers lurk on social media and community boards, monitoring posts about missing pets. Once they find a grieving owner, they pounce, often posing as a vet clinic, animal shelter, or even a Good Samaritan who “found” the pet.

The urgency they create is intentional. They’ll claim the pet has been injured, needs emergency surgery, or is being held at a shelter that requires immediate payment. Their goal? Get money fast — usually through hard-to-trace methods like gift cards, wire transfers, or peer-to-peer apps.

Percy’s Story: A Perfect Storm of Vulnerability

Chloe’s mom was experiencing a medical emergency. In the chaos, Percy, the family cat, slipped out unnoticed. Days passed, flyers were posted, social media posts were shared — but no Percy. Then, a “miracle” call came in. Someone claiming to be from the Tampa Bay Humane Society said they had Percy. He’d been hit by a car and needed emergency surgery — to the tune of $2,000.

Without hesitation, they paid.

But Percy was never there. The number was fake. The story was a lie. And Percy? Still missing.

Why This Scam Hits Harder Than Most

Unlike traditional financial scams, this one deals in more than dollars. It deals in hope, love, and trust. When scammers insert themselves into the already traumatic situation of a missing pet, they rob victims not just of money — but of peace, hope, and closure.

As a former federal agent and licensed private investigator, Nick Henley has seen many scams. But he says the ones that target emotional pain, like lost pet scams, are some of the most devastating.

The Red Flags Every Pet Owner Should Know

Recognizing the signs of a scam can save you heartbreak and financial loss. Here’s what to watch for:

• Unusual payment methods like gift cards, Venmo, or wire transfers
• Extreme urgency, such as “pay in the next 10 minutes or your pet dies”
• Impersonation of legitimate organizations — always verify independently
• Refusal to provide a current photo or video of the pet
• Claims that the animal cannot be visited before payment

Prevention: Protecting Pets Before They Go Missing

Being proactive is your best defense. Here are practical steps to take before tragedy strikes:

• Microchip your pet and keep your contact info updated
• Use GPS trackers or AirTags hidden in pet collars
• Have recent, clear photos of your pet from different angles
• Secure gates, fences, and doors to prevent escapes
• Limit personal information on lost pet flyers or social posts

When your pet goes missing, report directly to verified shelters or humane societies using contact info from official we...

Chapters

• (00:00:00) - Behind The Scams: Stolen Pet Scam
• (00:01:03) - The Lost Pet Scam
• (00:06:46) - Pet Scammer Targets Emotional Woman
• (00:12:07) - Scammer Uses Pet Situation to Get Money
• (00:16:09) - How Do Pet Scammers Get Your Money?
• (00:20:44) - How Pet Sitters Are Placed in Fear
• (00:22:50) - Signs That a Scam Is Real
• (00:25:28) - Three Pet Scam Red Flags
• (00:29:44) - How to Find Your Pet If He's Missing
• (00:37:02) - Scammer: What to Do Immediately?
• (00:39:00) - Lost Pet Scam
• (00:43:53) - Behind the Scams: Pet Scams