Orange County Animal Services Warns Pet Owners About Lost Pet SCAM

OCAS never ask residents for payments via apps, nor for more than stated fees.

Orange County, FL – WARNING: scammers are targeting Central Florida pet owners, posing as Orange County Animal Services (OCAS) employees. One of its partner cat rescues

almost became a victim of the scam as recently as yesterday.

Valerie Fitzgerald, representing United Paws Rescue Inc., says she received the call after she posted her cat, Bella, on an online lost pet forum.

“I received a call from a private number,” Fitzgerald said. “The person on the other line said he was an OCAS employee, and that Bella was in the shelter.”

Fitzgerald says the person said Bella had been hit by a car, was paralyzed and in need of surgery that would cost $5,400. Fitzgerald needed to pay half of the fee immediately through Cash App, Venmo, or Zelle.

“I was pretty upset and trying to log into my Venmo,” Fitzgerald said. “He said he needed the payment immediately, or they will have to let Bella go.”

Fitzgerald said the caller eventually hung up. She then called OCAS, who confirmed this was a scam and Bella had not been brought in.

“It’s heartbreaking to know there are people attempting to take advantage of grieving and upset pet owners; people who are often so desperate for a chance to be reunited with their pet they miss suspicious behavior,” said Diane Summers, Manager for Orange County Animal Services.

OCAS has set fees for pet reclaims and we don’t ask for online payments.

“When we reach out to owners about reclaiming a pet, the first thing we ask them to do is visit the shelter, not send money,” Summers said. “If someone is contacting you on behalf of our shelter and you have any suspicion about the legitimacy of the information, please visit our shelter in person to speak with our staff.”