Missing pet searchers dogged by Kamloops scam artist | iNFOnews | Thompson-Okanagan's News Source
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Kamloops News

Missing pet searchers dogged by Kamloops scam artist

Sophie's owner is still searching for her after receiving a phone call from a scammer in search of a reward.
Image Credit: Kijiji

KAMLOOPS – People in search of their missing pets should be cautious of a male caller saying he found the pet and would like a reward; he may be part of the latest scam.

Members of Kamloops RCMP discovered the scam after hearing complaints from pet owners phoned by a man who says he found the pet described in an online ad or flyer, then asks for a financial reward without an animal to exchange.

Cpl. Cheryl Bush, a spokesperson for the RCMP, says the caller preys on Kijiji or Craigslist ads posted by owners desperate for the return of their furry friend. In his calls he will provide key descriptors of the pet in an effort to convince the owner he found the animal and deserves the reward.

“In at least one instant the pet owner has done an email transfer to the caller and then went to collect their dog only to realize that they had been scammed,” Bush said in a press conference earlier today.

Police are advising pet owners to not send email transfers in order to get their missing pet. If a caller responds to a missing pet advertisement and asks to return an animal - meet him or her in a public place.

To contact a reporter for this story, email gbrothen@infotelnews.ca, or call 250-319-7494. To contact the editor, email mjones@infotelnews.ca or call 250-718-2724.

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