Newport Beach Police Warn Pet Owners About Animal Control Scam
Newport Beach police are warning residents about a disturbing scam targeting pet owners, where callers pose as animal control officers and falsely claim a dog or cat has been injured in an accident. Victims are told their pet needs urgent medical treatment and are pressured to send money immediately for emergency care, often through payment apps like Zelle or Venmo.
Officials say the scam is designed to create panic and emotional urgency, making people act quickly before verifying the information. Police emphasized that neither Newport Beach Animal Control nor the police department will ever request payment over the phone for legitimate services. Authorities are encouraging pet owners to stay cautious, avoid sending money to unsolicited callers, and contact local animal control directly if they receive suspicious calls involving their pets.