Consumer Alert: Scammer posing as Pinellas County Animal Control Officer

Consumer Alert: Scammer posing as Pinellas County Animal Control Officer

Pinellas County Animal Services and Consumer Protection are encouraging the public to be on alert for a recent phone call scam.

The County has been made aware of an individual calling residents posing as an Animal Control Officer. The scammer tells the victim their pet is in surgery that must be paid for immediately over the phone. The caller ID may be spoofed to look like an official County phone number.

Scams like this use deceptive tactics like aggressive and threatening language to pressure individuals to provide sensitive information. If you receive a call like this, hang up and contact the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office at (727)-582-6200 to make a report.

Animal Services does not provide public veterinary services, but this serves as a reminder to stay vigilant as impostor scams are on the rise.

Pinellas County Consumer Protection recommends you watch out for these red flags to protect yourself and your information from an imposter scam: 

• Do not click on links or call phone numbers listed in unexpected text messages or emails.

• Never send money via wire transfer, cryptocurrency, or gift cards to someone you don't know in response to an unexpected text message or call.

• If you believe a message is real, verify the information by contacting the organization directly using a telephone, website or email you know is real.

Learn how to spot and avoid impostor scams by visiting pinellas.gov/imposter-scam.