The Escambia County Department of Animal Welfare has received reports of fraudulent phone calls to the public from persons claiming to represent Animal Welfare staff. These calls are being targeted to citizens with lost pets, claiming their pet has been brought to the shelter and asking for $1,500 to be sent via Venmo in order to retrieve the pet. These calls are not legitimate and are not associated with Escambia County and the Department of Animal Welfare.
The persons calling have “spoofed” the animal shelter’s phone number, causing the caller ID to show the shelter’s phone number. Click here to learn more about caller ID spoofing.
Animal Welfare staff will never ask for funds to be sent via Venmo. Redemption fees will be calculated at the time of redemption. A list of animal welfare service fees is available here.
If your pet is missing, please check 24petconnect.com under your zip code and the “Escambia County Florida Animal Services” location. Please visit the shelter in person to identify your missing pet. The shelter is located at 200 W. Fairfield Drive and open Monday-Friday, 12-5 p.m., and Saturdays from 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
Anyone who has received a scam call should report it to the Federal Trade Commission. Visit https://reportfraud.ftc.gov to report scams or fraud to the FTC online.
