von In Buncombe County, North Carolina, pet owners are currently facing a troubling situation as scammers are targeting them in their time of distress. These scammers are claiming to represent the Buncombe County Animal Shelter or animal control and are reaching out to victims either by phone or text, as reported by WNCT.
The scammers are deceiving pet owners by falsely claiming that they have their lost pet in their possession or that the pet is in need of urgent surgery. They then proceed to ask for money from the unsuspecting victims. In some instances, the scammers even ask the victims to verify a certain code, adding to the complexity of their fraudulent scheme.
Authorities suspect that these scammers are using online platforms such as Facebook and NextDoor to identify and target potential victims. By exploiting the emotional vulnerability of pet owners who are desperately searching for their lost pets, these scammers are preying on individuals at their most vulnerable moments.
It is important for pet owners in Buncombe County to remain vigilant and cautious when receiving any unsolicited communication regarding their lost pets. Authorities advise individuals to verify the legitimacy of any claims made by contacting the Buncombe County Animal Shelter directly. By staying informed and aware of these fraudulent activities, pet owners can protect themselves from falling victim to these heartless scams.
