Lost pet scams: how to spot them and protect yourself
When your cat is missing, you're an easy target. Here's how to protect yourself.
When you post a missing cat with your phone number on flyers, social media, or pet recovery sites, you're broadcasting that you're emotionally vulnerable and willing to act fast. Scammers know this.
Most people who reach out to you will be kind neighbors trying to help. But you should know what the scams look like, because they're common — and they're devastating when they hit.
The most common scam: "I have your cat. Send money."
Someone calls or texts you. They claim they have your cat. Maybe they describe vague details from your flyer — color, neighborhood, name. They sound credible.
Then they ask for money. The framing varies:
- "I'll bring them back, I just need gas money / Uber money."
- "I had to take them to the vet — can you Venmo me for the visit?"
- "I'm out of town. Pay me and I'll have someone deliver them."
- "I rescued them from a bad situation. I need a 'rehoming fee' to give them back."
The rule is simple: never send money to anyone claiming to have your pet.
Not for gas, not for vet bills, not for shipping, not for anything — until you've physically seen your cat and are holding them.
A real Good Samaritan will not ask for money. They'll ask where to meet you, or send you a photo and address.
The "trucker" scam
You'll get a text from someone claiming they're a trucker who picked up your cat several states away. They want money to ship the cat back. The cat is never theirs. The texts often come from out-of-state or international numbers.
Don't engage. Block the number.
The phishing variant
You get a text or email saying "We found your cat — click this link to confirm." The link goes to a fake site asking for your credit card "to cover handling fees" or your login info for a pet recovery service.
Don't click links from strangers. Real people texting about your cat will just text you photos and a meeting place.
How to verify a real lead
When someone genuinely thinks they've found your cat, here's what to do:
- Ask for a clear, recent photo. A real finder will send one immediately. A scammer often won't, or will send something obviously stolen from your flyer.
- Ask for the location. A specific address or cross street. Real finders know where they are. Scammers get vague.
- Look for identifying details only the real owner would know. Ask about a marking, a quirk, anything not visible in your public flyer photo. "Does your cat have a small notch in their left ear?" If they say yes and your cat has no such notch, you have your answer.
- Meet in a public place if possible. A vet's parking lot, a coffee shop, a police station. Bring someone with you.
- Never send money before you have your cat. Period.
What about reward money?
It's fine to offer a reward on your flyer. But pay it after you have your cat back, in person, never wired or sent ahead of time.
Some people choose not to mention a reward amount publicly to avoid attracting bad actors. That's a reasonable choice. A genuine finder isn't doing it for the money.
If you're being scammed
- Stop responding.
- Block the number.
- Report the text to your carrier (forward to 7726 — that spells "SPAM").
- Don't share details of the scam publicly in a way that confirms what the scammer guessed correctly.
- Keep posting updates to MyCatIsLost. Real finders will still come through.
A reminder
Most people are good. The vast majority of messages you get about your missing cat will be genuine — neighbors who saw something, people who want to help, friends sharing your post.
The scams are real, but rare. Stay alert without losing trust in your community. Your cat is most likely going to be found by someone honest who doesn't want a thing in return.