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NEWPORT — Pawsitive Outreach Spay Neuter Alliance is warning the public of scams preying on pet owners, using the identity of legitimate, local nonprofit organizations.
POSNA was recently informed by a client of at least one active scam operating in its service area, targeting pet owners trying to access spay-neuter services. Other local animal welfare nonprofits have also been affected.
According to a POSNA news release, the scam works by requiring payment up front, online, before an appointment. Then the victim is given an incorrect but real address, as well as an appointment time. When the victim appears at the residence expecting an appointment for surgery, they discover the address is for a private residence whose owners have no knowledge of the scam.
A low-income family that was victimized by this scam lost $200 and received no services. (If you belong to the family this happened to, or know who they are, please leave POSNA a voicemail at 509-671-1427. The nonprofit will gladly schedule an appointment for your animals at no charge.)
POSNA will never ask for payment in advance online. Nor will Angel Paws or Priest River Animal Rescue, or other animal welfare nonprofits in the area. If a party claiming to be a POSNA clinic asks for payment up front, it is not legitimate. Should this happen, victims are advised to contact the sheriff and POSNA so they are aware of the situation. A police report has already been filed about the above incident.
Angel Paws, a local nonprofit that assists pet owners with veterinary bills, was also recently targeted. There was a post with Angel Paws’ logo with pictures of Siamese kittens, claiming they were free because Angel Paws could not care for them. Angel Paws does not take in pets, so any such advertisements are also scams.
According to the news release, there are many active scammers, and they specialize in manipulation. To clear up doubts about any group, contact them directly. PRAR can be reached at 208-448-0699, Angel Paws at 509-671-1437 and POSNA at 509-671-1427.
