Lost pet scam

[Catherine]

This particular scam is happening in Minnesota, but these scams have a way of spreading. The scammers check out lost pet ads and posters. They contact the people who have lost their pet. They claim to be Animal Control officers. They tell you that your pet has been injured and needs life saving surgery right away. 
Then they ask you to send the money for the surgery right away.
The implication is that the pet will die if you don't send the money.

https://kfgo.com/2024/08/31/authorities-...lost-pets/

Your first reaction would be to panic and send the money. What pet owner would hesitate.
But wait a minute, Animal Control would never call you like that. They would never ask for money or send a link over the phone.

As with any scam there is always a sense of urgency and they ask for money right away.
Real Animal Control officers would want to confirm that it is actually your pet. They would be able to describe the pet or even send a picture.
As with any scam, they prey upon our emotions and they panic us into sending money.

One response would be to ask the name of the vet so you could call them and arrange future payment after the surgery is done.
Since the scammer doesn't have the pet and there is no vet they won't be able to do it.

Certainly ask where the pet is and say that you will come to see it right away.

As with any scam, a little bit of caution is enough to expose the scammer. 
They are clever, but they are not that clever.