Fraudsters Exploit Pet Owners in Indianapolis with Deceptive...

INDIANAPOLIS (WXIN) — A new scam has emerged, preying on the emotions of individuals searching for their missing pets.

Fraudsters are contacting pet owners, pretending to be from local animal shelters or humane societies. They falsely claim to have located the missing pet and request funds for veterinary expenses before the pet can be returned.

Local pet organizations have reported an increase in these deceptive calls, with scammers alleging to be associated with their groups.

Recently, a California animal shelter rescued nearly 100 small pets from a single home, highlighting the ongoing issues in the animal welfare sector.

“It’s happening in several instances, but I assure you, it’s not us,” stated Donna Casamento, CEO of IndyHumane.

One Nextdoor app user shared an experience of receiving a call from someone impersonating IndyHumane. The caller falsely claimed that her cat was found injured and required surgery, urging her to pay for the procedure. Sadly, this turned out to be a fraudulent attempt to exploit her distress over her lost pet.

IndyHumane says they would never do that.

“There are under no circumstances that IndyHumane would contact a pet owner and say you must give us money before we treat your animal,” Casamento said.

According to the Better Business Bureau, there’s been an increase in pet scams this year.

The Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department has also received calls about the scam as well as calls about lost pets. While it’s hard to track down the scammers and arrest them, the police did offer tips on finding different ways to verify that the shelter has your pet.

Lt. William Carter with IMPD first suggests calling back the organization that the caller claims to be affiliated with but from a verified number to ask, “‘Hey, do you have my animal?’”

“When you call, just slow down and verify the information for anyone claiming they have the pet,” he says.

The IMPD also suggests never giving your pet’s microchip number over the phone. If an actual shelter or rescue has your pet, they should be able to provide you with the number first.

IndyHumane said they are frustrated with this new scam, especially because it targets pet owners who are already vulnerable.

“They are preying on these people who have lost their pet or searching for them and would do anything to get them back,” Casamento said. “That’s not appropriate for people to be taking advantage of our citizens in that way. It’s just not right.”

New Federal Student Loan Limits Push Borrowers to Private Lenders

NEW YORK – When Chloe Frabotta began training in New York City…

Internewscast
November 6, 2026

Production of Tesla's Cybertruck will wind down soon with allure escaping most potential buyers

Local news

Tesla Cybertruck Production Set to Wind Down as Demand Falls Short

Tesla will scale back production of its stainless-steel Cybertruck next year, bringing…

Internewscast
November 6, 2026

3 charged in scheme to use AI to impersonate CEOs and attorneys to steal $129 million

Local news

3 Charged in AI Scheme Impersonating CEOs and Lawyers to Steal $129 Million

NEW YORK – Three people accused of using artificial intelligence to impersonate…

Internewscast
November 6, 2026

Fraudsters Exploit Pet Owners in Indianapolis with Deceptive Tactics

Up next

Author

Internewscast

Share article

New Federal Student Loan Limits Push Borrowers to Private Lenders

Tesla Cybertruck Production Set to Wind Down as Demand Falls Short

3 Charged in AI Scheme Impersonating CEOs and Lawyers to Steal $129 Million

King Charles’s Popularity Hits Reign Low After Harry and Meghan Return

GP Shares 3 Winter Wellness Tips to Help Prevent Colds and Flu

Paraguay President Santiago Peña Investigated Over Bank Collapse, Faces Possible Removal from Office

NYC Releases Mexican Migrant With Assault, Weapons Charge Record

Fraudsters Exploit Pet Owners in Indianapolis with Deceptive Tactics

Up next

Author

Internewscast

Share article

You May Also Like