Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office warns of scam targeting families with missing pets

BRUNSWICK COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — The Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office is warning pet owners to be on the lookout for scammers after a local family reportedly lost more than $1,100 while searching for their missing dog.

According to the sheriff’s office, the family shared a social media post about their missing pet and was directed in the comments to what appeared to be a drone pet recovery company.

Investigators say the family paid more than $1,100 through PayPal and Venmo for promised drone search services. However, after the payments were sent, the company allegedly never provided the services, and all communication stopped.

The sheriff’s office said the case serves as a reminder that scammers often target people during emotionally difficult situations, including when a beloved pet goes missing.

Authorities are urging pet owners to take precautions before sending money to anyone offering recovery services. They recommend researching companies, checking reviews and references, verifying the legitimacy of a business, and being cautious of anyone requesting upfront payment through peer-to-peer payment apps such as PayPal or Venmo.

The sheriff’s office also advises people to be wary of unsolicited recommendations posted in the comments of social media posts.

Anyone who believes they have been the victim of a scam is encouraged to report it to their local law enforcement agency as soon as possible.

The Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office is also asking residents to share the warning to help protect other pet owners from similar scams.