Roanoke Valley SPCA warns public about fraudulent account asking for pet owner payments
ROANOKE, Va. (WFXR) — The Roanoke Valley SPCA is alerting community members about a recent scam attacking those who have lost pets.
According to the SPCA, the scammer is posing as a third party from the Roanoke Valley SPCA. Victims say a person or persons have been targeting individuals who have poster their pets as missing, claiming during their calls that they are with Animal Care and Alliance. They allege to be a third-party representative of the Roanoke Valley SPCA and say their missing pet has been found, but that they have been hit by a car and have a dislocated shoulder.
The caller will then ask the victim to verify the microchip information and ask for a credit card number and authorization to treat the pet. If the victim begins to question the caller, the caller threatens them and says paying is the only way you’ll see your dog.
“I can’t imagine getting your hopes up and thinking that someone has called, and they’ve found my pet only for it to be a scam and to try and get money out of you,” said Marketing and Communications Director with Roanoke Valley SPCA Julie Rickmond. “It’s really, really heartbreaking and it’s pretty appalling in my opinion.”
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According to Rickmond, this is a scam and two people were targeted on Saturday, July 6. She says that the Roanoke Valley SPCA was alerted to these fraudulent calls by a veterinarian who the caller attempted the scam on them.
Richmond says neither of the victims paid the caller.
These calls also come less than a month after the Regional Center for Animal Care and Protection reported a strikingly similar call.
“This is an appalling scam that preys on those who have lost their pets,” said Denise
Hayes, CEO. “The Roanoke Valley SPCA does not take in or treat stray animals, including
lost pets. The Roanoke Valley SPCA would also NEVER ask for a credit card payment
over the phone or hold a pet hostage for payment. We have notified the Roanoke City
Police Department, but we want the public to be aware of what is happening
immediately.”
Anyone who has been affected by this scam is asked to please reach out to the
Roanoke City Police Department at (540) 853-2212. For more information
about the Roanoke Valley SPCA, please contact Julie Rickmond at
(540) 339-9513 or jrickmond@rvspca.org.
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