Scam targets pet owners in Roanoke Valley

Roanoke, Virginia – The public is being alerted by the Roanoke Valley SPCA about a fraud that preys on pet owners who have misplaced their animals.

People who pose as officials of the Roanoke Valley SPCA or an organization named Animal Care and Alliance are involved in the fraud. Scammers, according to officials, prey on pet owners who are looking for their missing animals.

The Roanoke Valley SPCA has received complaints that indicate the con artist contacts people who have posted about their missing pets. The con artist says they have spotted a pet that was struck by a car and needs emergency care, including a dislocated shoulder. The individual presents themselves as a third-party agent working with the Roanoke Valley SPCA.

The con artist then asks for the credit card details of the pet owner in order to pay for the fictitious medical costs of the discovered animal. Victims have described feeling coerced and threatened with losing possession of their cherished pets if they do not comply with financial demands.

“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.”

The Roanoke City Police Department has been notified by the Roanoke Valley SPCA to look into these instances. It is recommended that pet owners who have fallen victim to this fraud report their incident by calling the Roanoke City Police Department at (540) 853-2212.

To obtain additional details on the Roanoke Valley SPCA or to confirm correspondence purporting to be from them, please contact Julie Rickmond at jrickmond@rvspca.org at (540) 339-9513.