A Disturbing Scam Involving AI-Generated Pet Images
When Sarah’s cat went missing, she was filled with hope upon receiving a message from someone claiming to have seen her. However, the Sydney student, 18, soon found herself in a shocking situation that turned her initial optimism into a cautionary tale.
Sarah had posted on Facebook and put up posters about her missing pet, Black cat Cinda, who is 16 years old. Cinda escaped at Middle Street in Kingsford in Sydney at 9pm on May 5. The person who contacted Sarah, by email, claimed to have “found her” and even posted photos that looked like the cat in a car and on a sofa. But when Sarah questioned them further, they demanded $200, with some to be paid by Apple gift card.
“They were like ‘I spent my last buck on her’. They were like, ‘Are you going to compensate me?’” she said. While like any cat owner Sarah said she’d hand over any amount of money to get her cat back, she started to get suspicious. She said the photos didn’t seem to be her cat.
“I just knew it wasn’t her,” she said. She showed them to her boyfriend who also realized something wasn’t right. The messages were also written with strange grammar. When Sarah questioned them, they threatened they would “go and sell her”.
Sarah said she was onto them but went ahead with their demands to meet at a local supermarket. She went with her mother but nobody turned up. “I’d give everything I have for her but we knew it was a scam,” she said. While the police told her there’s nothing they can do, she also reported what happened to Scamwatch.
She’s warning other pet owners to beware. “What they’re doing is extortion and it’s a crime,” she said. “I would say question it – don’t just rely on your own judgement.”
Cinda has green eyes, and one of her eyes has brown discolouration. Underneath the black fur on her neck is sparse white fur. If you can have seen the cat, contact reporter Sarah Swain on [email protected].
Common Cat Scams Reported to Scamwatch
The National Anti-Scam Centre spokesperson said criminals are using AI images of pets to try and steal money. “The most common cat scams reported to Scamwatch involve criminals advertising cats or kittens for sale to steal money from people looking to adopt,” they told.
Never pay money to someone who claims to have your pet. If you come across such a situation, it’s important to report it immediately.
Red Flags to Watch Out For
- The person contacting you insists on payment through unconventional methods like gift cards.
- The photos provided do not match your pet’s unique features.
- The communication contains grammatical errors or odd phrasing.
- The person threatens you if you do not comply with their demands.
Steps to Take if You Suspect a Scam
- Do not pay any money requested by the person claiming to have your pet.
- Verify the details of the person contacting you. Check their email address and phone number for any inconsistencies.
- Report the incident to Scamwatch or your local authorities.
- Share your experience with others to raise awareness about such scams.
How to Help Find Missing Pets
If you see a lost pet, consider the following steps:
- Take a photo of the pet and share it on social media platforms.
- Post information on community boards or local online groups.
- Contact local animal shelters or veterinary clinics to check if the pet has been brought in.
- Reach out to the pet owner directly if you have their contact information.
By being vigilant and taking the necessary precautions, pet owners can protect themselves from falling victim to these types of scams. 
