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!