Scammers are using AI-generated photos in lost pet scheme, here’s how - WIS News 10

In June 2026, Valerie Timm, a Phoenix resident searching for her missing pit bull lab mix, fell victim to a sophisticated scam that exploited her emotional distress. After posting on social media, Timm was contacted by a fraudster posing as a police officer who claimed to have recovered her pet.

What happened

The scammer, identifying himself as "Officer McGee" of the Phoenix police, contacted Timm and claimed her dog, Nala, had been found with a broken leg. To provide proof, the caller sent an image that appeared to show Nala wearing her distinctive purple collar and displaying her unique face markings. Timm later learned from authorities that the image was a fabrication generated by AI, likely created using photos from her own social media posts.

Capitalizing on the convincing image, the scammer requested payment for veterinary bills, suggesting a total of $1,700 but accepting the $1,300 that Timm was able to borrow. The payment was sent via Zelle. Upon arriving at the address provided by the caller to retrieve her dog, Timm found only an empty, closed courthouse parking lot.

Local authorities, including the Maricopa County Animal Care & Control and Phoenix Police, have warned that law enforcement agencies will never request payment over the phone for the return of a pet. Officials highlight that requests for immediate payment via platforms like Zelle, Venmo, or gift cards are significant red flags. While investigations remain difficult due to the challenges of tracing digital payments, officials advise pet owners to remain calm, verify information through official channels, and avoid rushing into financial transactions during stressful searches.