Someone claims they found my lost cat, but they keep…

On July 17, 2026, Regional Animal Services of King County (RASKC) issued an urgent warning regarding a sophisticated new scam targeting pet owners. Criminals are monitoring missing pet flyers to harvest contact information, then contacting owners while posing as shelter staff to demand immediate payment for emergency veterinary procedures.

What happened

The scam relies on the high emotional state of owners searching for lost animals. After claiming to have found the pet, the scammers send realistic, AI-generated images of the animal appearing to undergo surgery to add a sense of urgency. The perpetrators demand digital payments, sometimes totaling thousands of dollars, via text or payment applications. RASKC officials, including Cameron Satterfield, noted that the use of generative AI to create these fabricated photos represents a significant escalation in traditional pet recovery scams. In one instance, a resident reported receiving images of a cat in surgery along with a demand for immediate funds. Fortunately, the resident chose to verify the claim with the shelter in person rather than sending money. RASKC has clarified that no legitimate animal shelter or organization will ever contact owners via text or voicemail to demand immediate payment for an injured pet. Authorities advise residents not to provide funds or banking details, but instead to check official registries at kingcounty.gov/LostAPet or visit the shelter in Kent to confirm the status of a missing animal.