Fraudster posing as animal control in Utah attempts to scam residents who have lost pets

ST. GEORGE, Utah (KUTV) — Fraudters are targeting people in St. George, Utah with a concerning, pet-related scam.

Scott Donnachie recently experienced an attempt when a scammer, posing as a representative from the St. George Animal Shelter, falsely claimed to have found his lost cat, George.

The imposter demanded money for the cat's return, but Donnachie grew suspicious and confirmed with the actual animal shelter that his pet had not been located.

I was elated, then afraid. I was scared, thinking, 'Wow, this could really be George.' Then, as the story went on, reality kind of set in, and I was like, 'Yeah, this really isn't,' especially when they started to ask for money," Donnachie said.

Donnachie later reported another attempt by scammers to the police.

Authorities are working to identify the suspects and emphasized that the animal shelter never requested money for pet reunions.

Fortunately, no one fell victim to the scam, police said.