New phone scam ask for money to return lost pets

COLUMBUS, Ga. ( WRBL ) — A new phone scam is targeting people who have lost their pets in Columbus, by claiming to have found the pets asking for money to return them.

The scammer goes by the name William Thomas and falsely claims to work at Paws Humane Society when contacting victims. Paws Humane Society has confirmed no one by the name William Thomas works at the shelter.

Paws Humane Society warns the scammer could now be using a different name(s).

According to Paws Humane Society, the scammer has used lost pet forums to contact people asking for money to return their pets, often claiming the pet was hit by a car.

Courtney Pierce, Executive Director of Paws Humane Society says the shelter would never ask for money over the phone, via PayPal or other online sources.

Pierce described to News 3 the usual protocol for when lost animals are brought in.

“If individuals bring in an animal, we do scan for microchips,” Pierce says. “An employee may give somebody a call to let them know, ‘Hey, a good Samaritan found your animal,’ we can be a meeting spot, and the good Samaritan can stay here, and they can do the exchange that way,” says Pierce

Paws Humane Society does not take in or hold stray animals.

Paws Humane Society recommends if you have been contacted by someone making these claims to report it to the police immediately.

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