Warning over scammers using AI pictures of missing pets to demand 'reward' money

Pet owners are being warned about a cruel scam in which fraudsters send AI-generated pictures of missing cats and dogs, demand "reward" money, and then threaten to harm the animal if the owner refuses to pay.

A Birmingham foster carer is among those targeted, the BBC reports.

"100% certain"

When Stephanie Young's cat Buddy went missing from her garden in September last year, she shared his details on pet rescue sites and social media. A woman calling herself Melissa then sent her a picture of Buddy, claiming to have fed him and asking for reward money.

Ms Young said she was "100% certain" she had found her cat and took money out of the bank. But the woman never turned up to the agreed meeting, refused cash and pushed for 100 Apple gift cards instead. When Ms Young discovered the pictures were AI-generated and questioned her, threats to "sell or murder" Buddy followed.

She said the threats left her "upset and angry at how anybody could be so evil". Buddy has still not been found, 13 months on.

A pattern of demands

Cam Chauhan, from Wednesbury, was sent an "exact picture" of her missing cat Creed, followed by a demand for a £200 Apple gift card. Her daughters raised concerns that the image could be fake, and she refused to pay before seeing Creed.

In Northampton, Sarah Robinson was asked for £40,000 for her cat Cookie, with a money transfer link and a threat to kill the cat when she refused. "It's horrible, because you know it's not real but you're terrified it might be," she said.

All three owners reported what happened to Report Fraud, the national service run by City of London Police.

How to protect yourself

Report Fraud advises owners to arrange to see their pet in person before handing over any money, and to "stay alert" to criminals. Other simple steps can help:

Never pay with gift cards, vouchers or a bank transfer to someone you do not know. Genuine finders do not usually demand payment before returning a pet.

Ask for a short live video call, or for a photo showing the animal with something you name, such as a specific object or that day's newspaper. AI images are often too perfect, or slightly wrong in the details.

Make sure your pet is microchipped and that the details are up to date. A vet, rescue centre or council warden can scan a found pet and contact you directly.

When posting about a missing pet, consider keeping one distinctive marking private, so you can test anyone who claims to have found them.

Report it

If you are targeted, stop contact, keep screenshots, and report it to Report Fraud through its website. If anyone threatens you or your pet, you can also report it to the police on 101, or 999 in an emergency.