Lost Pet Ransom

Wednesday, 28 May 2014 at 18:39

Disturbing phone calls target pet owners on the lookout for their lost dog or cat.

OXFORD COUNTY -- Those looking to be reunited with a missing pet and decide to post online in an effort to find their lost animal should take notice according to Oxford OPP.

Reportedly, victims who have lost a pet have been getting calls from a man trying to collect reward funds for dogs and cats he doesn't have, while threatening to kill the lost pet if he doesn't get your money.

Cst. Lisa Narancsik, Media and Community Services Officer with Oxford OPP says they've been getting reports from distraught pet owners pressured to pay up or else.

"We've actually has two instances in the last couple of days, one with a cat and one with a dog," says Narancsik. "Both were the same thing, people have been getting phone calls as they've posted ads regarding their missing pets on Kijiji. So they've contacted police, and police are now starting their investigations."

Narancsik, says even though we want to protect our pets, we need to protect ourselves and that means only posting certain information, and you should think twice to include your phone number or address with those types of ads going online.

"They're not going to be able to trace to where our family lives regarding our address through just an email, whereas if you have a phone number, they can make immediate contact with you and be a lot more disruptive to your life."

An Ingersoll woman received similar call this week, asking for money in exchange for her missing cat, while some other Oxford residents contacted Heart FM saying they have received the same call but have so far been reluctant to come forward.

A similar case was also reported to police in Windsor this month.

Narancsik says those who have been subjected to threats of extortion over their lost pet ad, should also contact Kijiji, or whichever site they posted on, in addition to the police.

OPP say anyone with information on this type of scam, including being subjected to threats or harassment should contact OPP immediately.