Missing pet AI scams: How criminals are using fake images to trick pet owners

Police and consumer protection agencies across the United States are warning about a rise in AI-powered missing pet scams, where criminals scrape photos from social media posts and generate realistic-looking images of injured or rescued animals.

Key takeaways

• AI is making missing pet scams more believable, with criminals generating realistic images of missing pets to manipulate victims
• Scammers act fast—they can reach out within minutes of a missing pet post going live
• Urgency and hope are used to pressure victims into sending money
• Verification is critical—legitimate finders will cooperate and prove they have your pet in real time

Police warn about rise in AI-powered pet scams

Pennsylvania State Police recently alerted the public to a growing scam targeting people searching for lost pets. Scammers are monitoring social media posts and community apps, then reaching out, pretending they found the animal.

In some cases, they send AI-generated images showing the pet injured or at a veterinary clinic, asking for urgent payment for “treatment.”

Similar warnings have surfaced in other states, as scammers refine their tactics and take advantage of how easy it is to generate realistic images in seconds.

How the scam works

These scams move fast and are designed to catch people at their most vulnerable moment.

It usually starts right after a missing pet post goes live. Owners often share photos, contact details, and information about where the pet was last seen.

Scammers use that information to build a believable story.

They may claim:

• They found your pet
• Your pet was injured and needs urgent care
• A shelter or vet clinic is holding the animal
• You need to pay immediately to secure or treat the pet

To make the story more convincing, they send AI-generated images that appear to show your pet in distress or recovery.

Then comes the pressure. Payment is requested immediately, often through apps or cryptocurrency, making it difficult or impossible to recover the money.

One pet owner shared their experience on Reddit after losing their dog just days before Christmas.

“My whole family was in full panic mode, posting everywhere we could.”

Instead of help, they were flooded with scams.

“We counted around 27 messages and calls. People saying they ‘found her’ and demanding money. People offering fake drone services. One guy even pretended to be police.”

What made it worse was how personal the messages felt.

“They used the exact info we posted to sound believable.” The user said they sensed something was off, but their mother believed the images might be real. “Watching her get her hopes up thinking we finally found our dog, then realizing it was fake, was honestly heartbreaking.”

In another recent case, another pet owner told FOX 13 news he was targeted by scammers shortly after his beagle mix, Archer, escaped from his backyard. Like many pet owners, he turned to social media for help, posting photos and details about his missing dog.

Not long after, he received a call from a woman claiming she had found Archer. The caller told him the dog had been hit by a vehicle and urgently needed $2,800 for emergency surgery. To make the story believable, she sent photos that appeared to show Archer on an operating table. The images were fake.

How to spot an AI-generated ‘proof’ photo

Police say these fake images can look very convincing at first glance, especially when emotions are high. Still, there are a few warning signs to watch for.

One of the clearest clues is the eyes. AI-generated pets often have overly glossy or unnatural-looking eyes. Urgency is another major red flag. Scammers push victims to send money quickly (even crypto), claiming the pet needs immediate treatment.

Verification is where the story usually breaks down. Scammers often refuse to provide real contact details for a veterinary clinic or refuse to let you speak directly with staff.

What you need to do if targeted

Police urge anyone targeted by this scam to stop communicating with the suspect immediately.

Do not send money or personal information, no matter how convincing the story seems.

Report the incident to your local police as soon as possible so authorities can track and respond to these cases.

How to protect yourself when your pet goes missing

Sharing details of a missing pet online can still be one of the fastest ways to get help, but it also exposes information scammers can exploit.

A few simple precautions can make a difference:

• Avoid sharing every identifying detail publicly
• Be cautious about posting your phone number openly
• Ask for a live video from anyone claiming to have your pet
• Request specific proof you control, like calling the pet’s name or showing a unique detail
• Contact veterinary clinics or shelters directly using official numbers

If you receive suspicious messages, you can also use Bitdefender Scamio to analyze them. Just paste the message, screenshot, or link, and Scamio can help you quickly figure out if you’re dealing with a scam.

FAQs

What is the lost dog scam text?

In this variation of the scam, the attacker claims they have found your pet and says they need to verify that you are the owner.

They will send you a verification code and ask you to share it back with them.

Never give anyone verification codes. These codes are often used to access your accounts, including email, social media, or messaging apps. Sharing them can lead to account takeover.

How to spot a pet scammer?

Pet scammers often rely on a sense of urgency and emotional pressure.

Common signs include asking for money immediately, refusing live video verification, sending photos that look slightly unnatural, and avoiding direct answers or verifiable details. If something feels a bit off, trust that instinct and verify before acting.

How can AI find lost pets?

AI can actually be helpful in legitimate cases. Some tools use image recognition to scan social media, shelters, or databases to match lost pets with found animals. Others help analyze sightings or predict movement patterns.

What should I do if someone claims they have found my pet?

Ask for proof that you control. Request a live video call, ask them to show the pet responding to its name, or include a specific object or gesture in the video.

Do not send money until you are absolutely sure the claim is legitimate.