Bradford District Vets issue warning over ‘horrific’ missing pet phone scam

A Bradford-based VETS has warned of a scam where people are told their missing pet has been found and money is needed for urgent treatment.

Avenue Vets in Bingley has issued an alert about the scam where fraudsters are posing as employees of veterinary practices.

Scammers apparently call owners of missing animals and claim the animal is injured.

They claim that the pet needs urgent treatment and request payment over the phone.

The veterinary practice urged people to be vigilant and issued the following:

• Do not give your details to anyone who calls you.

• Tell them you will call back.

• Look up the veterinary office number online and call them directly.

A spokesperson for Avenue Vets said: “Stay vigilant and protect your information. If in doubt, always contact us directly.”

No pet scam

It comes after a similar warning from a vet practice based in Bolton and Bury.

Pennine Vets, based in Tottington and Harwood, said it never withholds emergency care based on an owner’s finances.

A spokesman for Pennine Vets said: “We have been made aware of an appalling scam in the veterinary industry where lost pet advertisers have been contacted by a scam artist – pretending to be a veterinary surgeon.

“Caller states pet has been found and needs urgent treatment and payment is required over the phone immediately.”

They added: “We will never refuse urgent and immediate care from an injured pet based on finances.

“If you have lost your pet and receive such a call from any veterinary center that requires payment in advance, please be cautious of doing so.

“Please contact the police if you believe the call is fraudulent.”

Action Fraud has useful information on how to protect yourself from fraud and cybercrime.

In a notice on their website, Action Fraud said: “Always question unsolicited calls, texts or emails asking for personal or financial information (name, address, bank details, email or phone number). phone). Instead, contact the company directly using a known email or phone number.”

Many frauds start with a phishing email, Action Fraud said, but people should remember that banks and financial institutions will not send emails asking you to click on a link and confirm your details banking.

“Do not trust such emails, even if they appear genuine,” Action Fraud said.

Genuine banks or other trusted organizations will not pressure you into making a financial transaction, if something is not right then it is usually right to question it.