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Alert

I wanted to post this alert to all pet owners and more specifically lost pet owners. When you use the web to post your lost pet ads, there are scammers out there - we all know that.

There is a terrific pet site, petfinder.com referred to as “PETFINDER”. Not to be confused with a site called “PETFINDERS” (note the S). The guy who owns “PetFinders” has a website called “petfindersalert” DO NOT EVER use the service. They apparently offer a service like I used, findtoto.com.

How I learned of this… Before we found Zoey, I spoke with a MAR tech - she said there was a guy out there who’d scam lost pet owners. She said his name was “Gary” and he’d call you. but that’s all I knew. She referred me to the FindToto, instead - saying she KNEW they were reputable. Now, I know they are, from experience. Anyway… I never thought much about the other service by “Gary” -’till today.

Today, 8 days after Zoey went missing (tho I found her Monday), I get a call from “Petfinders” the number was 702-270-2379. I didn’t think anything of it. I did post an ad on petfinder but deleted it two days ago when we got our baby back.

I used good ‘ole Google to seek info on that phone number, a few hours later, as I thought it was odd. I sought out info and found it was the service ran by “Gary” - the guy I was warned about. More searching lead to see people had been scammed by him and the MAR tech was right.

While folks are grieving over their lost pet - the company takes advantage of them. They obtain ph#’s from lost pet ads (likely petfinder) and calls them. I assume people will think it’s the reputable site petfinder.com but it isn’t. They will ask for your CC info and will tell you they’ll help you find your pet.

The company sports a nice red F with the BBB.

I’m thankful I was NOT scammed by this “so called” company. Am glad I had warning of it, too.

Most people should know they should never give out there personal info, credit card info, etc over the phone when someone calls you. But, we all know some people don’t think before acting at times… that’s why I am sharing this. I even posted a warning on the petfinder lost pet section today (if they don’t delete it). I did read about it in their forums but know most won’t read there before posting a lost pet ad.

It makes me sick - people like this - that take advantage of others. I just wanted to spread the word in hopes that it will keep someone from being scammed. Maybe they don’t scam *everyone* but I know they do scam and I wouldn’t dare take a chance so you don’t either, in the event you ever find yourself seekin’ your pet.

P.S. All is well here!! I’ll post a new update soon!

Posted on Wednesday, April 30th, 2008 at 11:54 pm. Filed Informative. Scroll down to comment. Pinging is not allowed.

29 Comments to “Alert”

  1. 1. Comment by simplycats (14 comments.):
    May 1st, 2008 at 8:09 am

    People who do this sort of thing are evil. Most scammers are only successful because they approach people who are in some need of help.

  2. 2. Comment by Kelli (1 comments.):
    May 1st, 2008 at 11:51 am

    good advise.

  3. 3. Comment by storyteller (1 comments.):
    May 1st, 2008 at 4:05 pm

    Thanks for the heads-up and I hope Zoey’s doing well now that she’s back home ;–)
    Hugs and blessings,

    storyteller’s last blog post..T-13 #23 - Modified Meme of Fours (part 2)

  4. 4. Comment by Siani (9 comments.):
    May 1st, 2008 at 7:15 pm

    So glad to hear Zoey is home amd safe. That ‘Gary’ person is vile and despicable. I hope the authorities catch up with whoever is behind this scam, and soon. Once again - I’m glad you got your baby back - and avoided being scammed.

  5. 5. Comment by sammawow (30 comments.):
    May 2nd, 2008 at 8:06 am

    Glad you found out about the scammer ahead of time. It’s good that you posted this to alert others! And, again, I’m so happy that Zoey is back home with you!

    sammawow’s last blog post..Porch Kitties found a Bunny!

  6. 6. Comment by Queen of My Domain (18 comments.):
    May 2nd, 2008 at 10:02 am

    People like this amaze me with their cruel and horrible actions. I’m so glad you found your dog and hopefully others will be aware of the guy from now on.

    Queen of My Domain’s last blog post..Such Confidence

  7. 7. Comment by Artsy Catsy (1 comments.):
    May 2nd, 2008 at 12:07 pm

    Thanks for this very valuable information … and we’re so happy your woofie was found!

    Rocky & staff

  8. 8. Comment by Rach (Heart of Rachel) (142 comments.):
    May 2nd, 2008 at 12:39 pm

    Thank you for posting this eye opening facts about this type of scam.

    Again, I’m very happy that you found Zoey.

    Rach (Heart of Rachel)’s last blog post..Photo Hunt :: Time

  9. 9. Comment by Amy Shipp (8 comments.):
    May 2nd, 2008 at 4:08 pm

    Wow! That is amazing that someone would prey on people in their time of crisis! Thank you for this very informative post. :D
    Amy Shipp’s last blog post..Thank you!! And Passing along…

  10. 10. Comment by shelly:
    May 2nd, 2008 at 4:52 pm

    thanks for the information

  11. 11. Comment by snapcatch (2 comments.):
    May 2nd, 2008 at 5:38 pm

    Thanks for sharing… I’m glad that you found Zoey… Have a great weekend, tnchick!

    snapcatch’s last blog post..The Sky!

  12. 12. Comment by on the Rock (53 comments.):
    May 2nd, 2008 at 5:46 pm

    So relieved about finding Zoey:)

    on the Rock’s last blog post..Saturday Photo Hunt - Unique/Funny Signs

  13. 13. Comment by Cats~Goats~Quotes (60 comments.):
    May 2nd, 2008 at 8:02 pm

    Thanks for putting the word about about ‘Gary’
    Amazing that people are this mean.

    Cats~Goats~Quotes’s last blog post..Fund Raiser ~ Knock-Knock!

  14. 14. Comment by CrAzY Working Mom (89 comments.):
    May 2nd, 2008 at 9:39 pm

    It is so hard to imagine that there are people out there who would take advantage of those who are vulnerable in crisis! It sickens me. Why in the world haven’t they been brought down?! It’s just disgusting. :(

    I am so glad that you found her, though. I hope she is still doing well.

    CrAzY Working Mom’s last blog post..Saturday Photo Hunt - Time

  15. 15. Comment by DaisyMae Maus (8 comments.):
    May 2nd, 2008 at 10:23 pm

    Thank goodness you found your Zoey! Yay!

    DMM

    DaisyMae Maus’s last blog post..Friday Memes: Feast & Fill-ins

  16. 16. Comment by Tammy (10 comments.):
    May 3rd, 2008 at 12:42 am

    So glad your found your Zoey…
    And thank you for warning everyone about the scam. I think that people often don’t think clearly about giving out info when they’re upset over trying to find their pets…so great advice, and good to know the difference between the two names!
    Blessings!

    Tammy’s last blog post..California Road Trip Part 5

  17. 17. Comment by prettylifeonline (9 comments.):
    May 3rd, 2008 at 12:56 am

    thanks, good advise! I’m so glad you have found your dog.

  18. 18. Comment by Mindy & Moe (8 comments.):
    May 3rd, 2008 at 1:31 am

    We are so relieved that Zoey has been found. Your alert about the scammers that take advantage of lost pet owners is information certainly worth knowing. Thanks

    Mindy & Moe’s last blog post..Photo Hunt - Time

  19. 19. Comment by archiearchive (19 comments.):
    May 3rd, 2008 at 2:05 am

    I’m so happy that Zoey has found her humans. That is really good news.

    archiearchive’s last blog post..Photo Hunt #108; Time

  20. 20. Comment by Mickey (26 comments.):
    May 3rd, 2008 at 5:52 am

    I too am so happy Zoey is back home where she belongs!!!

    Mickey’s last blog post..Photo Hunt- Time

  21. 21. Comment by TorAa Mirror (49 comments.):
    May 3rd, 2008 at 6:29 am

    My Time has come too

    TorAa Mirror’s last blog post..Photo Hunt - May 3 - 2008: TIME

  22. 22. Comment by Sue (35 comments.):
    May 3rd, 2008 at 7:15 am

    What a creep! I hope someone has him charged with fraud.

  23. 23. Comment by Sabine (70 comments.):
    May 3rd, 2008 at 7:22 am

    Hmm… I haven’t worn a watch at all for well over 2 years. But I did try in the past to wear it the way you do, only it didn’t feel right.
    How’s Zoey doing?
    Happy weekend!!

  24. 24. Comment by Alasandra & The Cats (23 comments.):
    May 3rd, 2008 at 7:59 am

    Thank you for letting us know about the scam. It’s hard to think clearly when you are stressed out over a lost pet so your warning is very useful.

    My Time is up too.

    Alasandra & The Cats’s last blog post..Photo Hunt ~ Time

  25. 25. Comment by dawn (43 comments.):
    May 3rd, 2008 at 9:37 am

    Thanks for the warning. How can these “people” do this to other folks who are already grieving for their lost pets. They are heartless.

    I am glad to see Zoey is back in her your loving home and arms.

    dawn’s last blog post..Photohunt: Time

  26. 26. Comment by Dianne (45 comments.):
    May 3rd, 2008 at 10:30 am

    Wow, that a terrible thing about the petfinders scam-taking advantage of people when they are sad.
    I’m a lefty too! I wear my watch on my left wrist, but not turned around. ; )
    Mine was up at 2:30 am this morning-set it to be posted then, can’t get on here to say it’s up then!

  27. 27. Comment by Snap2days (16 comments.):
    May 3rd, 2008 at 11:17 am

    oh my, I cannot believe it!
    HOW TERRIBLY SAD! Thanks for the warning!

    Snap2days’s last blog post..Photo Hunt: Time

  28. 28. Comment by inlandempiregirl (30 comments.):
    May 3rd, 2008 at 12:11 pm

    I am so relieved for you that Zoey was found. Thanks for the information on the creep of a scammer. I love your time picture today. At my house it is tulip time!

    inlandempiregirl’s last blog post..Photo Hunt: Time

  29. 29. Comment by Kate:
    July 15th, 2008 at 1:23 pm

    I was nearly scammed by Gary as well. After giving him my info, I found this blog and quickly called him back to say my cat was “found” and cancel my request. He never called me back to confirm it was canceled. I also canceled the credit card number I gave so when he tried to charge, it wouldn’t go through (that was a little nerve-wracking). Findtoto.com definitely gave me a piece of mind and 3 days after my cat was found, I’m still getting calls from people who saw her last week. She was stuck in a neighbor’s backyard and another neighbor on the lookout contacted me. Thanks for the advice!

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