Animal Welfare League of Alexandria warning residents of fake lost pet scheme

ALEXANDRIA, Va. ( DC News Now ) — The Animal Welfare League of Alexandria (AWLA) is warning residents of a fraudulent scheme that is going around.

AWLA said it believes someone has been impersonating the organization and taking advantage of those who have made social media posts or put up fliers searching for their lost pets.

The organization said the swindler contacted a person who was looking for their lost pet, said they were with AWLA and had picked up the lost pet and told that person they needed money for emergency surgery to save the pet’s life.

AWLA said it will not call someone to ask for money to “cover emergency surgery or any other cost for an animal.”

Anyone who gets contacted by these swindlers should report it immediately to the Alexandria Police Department by calling (703) 746-4444.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | Washington, DC.