Scammers impersonate Oregon Humane Society, prey on pet owners

The Oregon Humane Society has issued a warning about a recent scam targeting pet owners who are searching for lost animals. Over the past month, scammers have been impersonating the organization, using spoofed phone numbers to make calls that appear legitimate. Victims have reported being told that their lost pets are injured and that payment is required for their care, leading to significant financial losses. Laura Klink, a public information officer for the humane society, expressed concerns about the ease with which scammers can obtain personal information. She suggested that this information might be sourced from social media or community postings about lost pets.

The organization is actively investigating the matter but is struggling to determine the full extent of the scam's reach. Klink emphasized the importance of vigilance among pet owners and encouraged anyone who suspects they have fallen victim to report it. A similar scam has also been reported in Pierce County, Washington, raising concerns about a broader pattern of fraudulent activity.