05/11/2025
FAKE SEARCH & RESCUE SCAMS AND SCAMMERS as of 5/10/2025 (this list will be updated as needed)
When owners have a lost pet and post on social media, not only does posting alert those that want to help but unfortunately scammers try to take advantage of those desperate to find their pet.
*Scammers try to draw the owner in by offering a search and find service, they offer to send a drone up from their location, require you book online, ask for/require a pre-payment prior. DO NOT DO THIS, most scammers will take the pre-payment and block you.
***Most legit FAA thermal drone operators in my area will settle the cost/payment at the end of the search.
A majority of these scammers are located in Nigeria, Cameroon, Indonesia, Philippines and elsewhere. They use stolen pictures, videos (do a google image search) Scammers will say they are from the states, give an address - do a google search or property search for the area they claim they are in. Some use a burner phone with a USA phone number.
Two that are bad are Fur Drone Rescue and Policepet. Policepet stole pictures/videos from Trey Larson and pictures from the Georgia Police K-9 Foundation. Fur Drone Rescue has ripped several people off.
*Another type of scam, someone will text you saying they have your cat or dog, for information and a picture, location you need to text in a code first - do not do this it is a scam, it can allow the thief access to your data, personal information.
You need to report the scam, scammer page to Facebook. There are multiple ways to do this. Depending how an owner paid a scammer they may or may not be able to get your funds back. Contact your bank, credit card company asap.
If you are scammed, I have talked to the local and national FBI Bureau, they are aware of the issues regarding scammers on Facebook. They suggest you file a complaint with each of these agencies.
1. Call the FBI (FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION) main number 1- 800 CALL FBI (National Threat Operations Center - NTOC, open 24/7) and pick option 3 to talk directly to a person to file a complaint. For financial loss they offer the help of a case manager for those over the age of 60.
2. You can also call your local FBI office, most states have several locations, file a complaint with them. Pick Option 3 when calling
3. Call the Internet Crime Complaint Center - IC3 Cyber Division - 833-372-8311 to file a complaint.
4. File an IC3 complaint online using the online form https://www.ic3.gov/
5. Call and file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission 877-382-4357
