Google Voice scam at Escambia County animal shelter targets lost pets
The loss of a pet can be stressful and emotionally draining, but when you add in scammers trying to capitalize on the tragedy, the result can be time-consuming and financial chaos.
For this reason, the Escambia County Animal Welfare Department is warning citizens about fraudulent text messages and social media messages from scammers posing as animal welfare workers.
“These messages are directed at citizens whose pets have gone missing. They claim their pet has been brought to the shelter and ask for a Google verification code to help locate the pet,” an Escambia County press release states. “When animal control officers locate a missing pet, the owner is notified by phone, email and/or letter.”
When animal control notifies a person of a lost pet, the owner is asked to visit the shelter in person to confirm ownership and must pay all fees in person. All repossession fees are assessed and paid in person, according to Escambia County.
If you have lost a pet, you can visit 24petconnect.com and enter your zip code.
What is a Google Voice verification scam and how to avoid it?
Scammers typically send Google Voice verification codes to people selling things on third-party websites or to people who have lost a pet. They then use the code to create a Google Voice number linked to the victim’s phone number, according to the Federal Trade Commission.
“The scammer could use this number to scam other people and hide their identity,” the FTC said in a consumer alert. “Sometimes these scammers are after a Google Voice verification code and other information about you. If they get enough of your information, they could impersonate you to access your accounts or open new accounts in your name.”
The FTC recommends that you do not share your Google Voice verification code unless you have first contacted the organization or person.
Previously: Escambia warns: Scammers use lost animals to defraud pet owners
What are the Escambia County Animal Control redemption fees?
If you have lost your pet and need to pick it up from Escambia County Animal Services, go to 200 W. Fairfield Drive. The shelter is open Monday through Friday from noon to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The following fees await you:
- Cat boarding fees: $7 per day
- Dog boarding fees: $10 per day
- Cat quarantine/legal custody: $10 per day
- Dog quarantine/legal custody: $15 per day
- Rabies vaccination: 15 USD
- Microchip: 15 USD
- County license: $7–30
- Other surrender fees based on intake process, medical needs, license status and number of violations
- All summonses for violations of county ordinances
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