PUBLIC BEWARE - ANIMAL RETURN SCAM

Fraudster Attempts to Scam Local Resident with Lost Pet

(GUELPH-ERAMOSA TWP, ON) - The Wellington County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) is warning residents of a recent scam that involved a local resident being subject to a potential fraud while attempting to find their lost cat.

On August 31, 2025, A local resident shared a photo of their cat on social media, alongside other websites, in an effort to find their recently lost cat. While in this process, the resident received an email from an unfamiliar email address, advising that they located their lost cat, alongside a demand for $250 for it to be returned. Additionally, the fraudster sent a photo back of the photo that the resident originally posted, appeared to be digitally altered in the attempt to convince they located the cat.

The resident found this suspicious and called the police before sending over any money. While police were present and speaking with the resident, the lost cat thankfully returned home.

The Wellington County OPP encourages the public to stay alert and educated to reduce the risk of being a victim of fraud. If you receive an unsolicited email, phone call or message, asking for personal information (name, birthday, address, phone number, bank information, SIN number) or payment via gift cards for a product, do not provide any personal information. End the call immediately and block the phone number or email address.

Warning signs to look out for when receiving unsolicited messages include:

• Emails, text-messages or phone calls sent at odd times of the night
• Creating a false sense of urgency
• Spelling errors
• Lack of punctuation or capitals in sentences
• Automated messages
• Random links or attachments
• Generic business or company name