Scammer targets pet owners, posing as animal control officer in Newport Beach

Pet owners in the Newport Beach area were urged to be cautious as a scammer appears to be targeting people with dogs and cats, claiming their animal was hurt in an accident.

Police said someone has been calling pet owners by phone and telling them that their pet was hit by a car. The scammer, posing as an employee of Newport Beach Animal Control, demanded money for the animal’s medical care, the Newport Beach Police Department said.

Those who received the call from the scammer confirmed that the calls did not come from the Animal Control department, police explained.

“Please note that the Newport Beach Police Department (including Animal Control) will not contact you to request money and does not accept any kind of payment for legitimate services over the phone,” police said in a statement.

If somehow a pet is involved in a crash and taken to a veterinarian, animal control officers would inform the pet owners so they can go to or call the veterinary hospital.

Similar attempts were reported in Mission Viejo last December as scammers threatened pet owners that their animals won’t be released until medical costs are paid for.

The scammers would typically ask people to pay through Zelle or Venmo, according to Mission Viejo officials.

“Scams target people to create emotion and stir up feelings to get a quick response, as seen in this scam, as well as the grandparent scam, outstanding warrant scam, and others that appear to necessitate quick payment and response,” said Crime Prevention Specialist Lisa Lebron Flores.