A VETS based in the Bradford district 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 issued the alert about the scam where fraudsters pose as staff from vet practices.
The scammers are reportedly calling owners of missing pets and claiming the animal is injured.
They claim the pet needs urgent treatment and ask for 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 practice 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.”
Missing 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 urgent care based on the finances of the owner.
A Pennine Vets spokesperson said: "We have been made aware of a horrific scam in the veterinary industry whereby individuals advertising lost pets have been contacted by a scam artist - claiming to be a veterinary surgeon.
"The caller states the pet has been found and needs urgent treatment and payment is required over the phone immediately."
They added: "We would never withhold urgent and immediate care from an injured pet based on finances.
"If you have lost your pet and do receive such a call from any veterinary centre, requiring payment upfront, please be cautious if you do.
"Please contact the police if you believe the call to be fraudulent.”
Action Fraud has useful information on how to protect yourself from fraud and cyber crime.
In a notice on their website, Action Fraud said: “Always question unsolicited calls, texts or emails requesting your personal or financial information (name, address, bank details, email or phone number). 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 out emails asking you to click on a link and confirm your bank details.
“Do not trust such emails, even if they look genuine,” said Action Fraud.
Genuine banks, or other trusted organisations, won't pressure you into making a financial transaction, if something feels wrong then it's usually right to question it.
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