19/04/2023
Dozens of reports of lost pet scam amid Cumbria Police blackmail probe
POLICE in Cumbria say they are continuing to receive reports of pet owners being targeted by fraudsters.
The force said it has received more than 100 reports from across the country involving demands allegedly made to pet owners.
People are reportedly contacting the owners of lost or stolen dogs to claim that they have the dog and will return it to the owner in exchange for money.
Those reporting the offences have said they have been contacted after posting details of their lost or stolen dog on social media or through dedicated lost pet websites.
Officers say offences are being logged as blackmail, fraud and attempted fraud.
They are investigating whether they are linked.
As part of ongoing investigations, police have made a number of arrests.
Some 16 from people from Barrow - 12 men aged between 20 and 43 and four women aged 29 to 39 - have been arrested and released under investigation.
The probe has been ongoing for around two years.
A Cumbria Police spokesman said: "This is a very complex investigation with victims all over the UK and officers have interviewed several people as well as conducted extensive enquiries.
"To date, Cumbria Police have received over 100 reports from across the country of scams involving lost dogs. Enquiries are ongoing into whether all the reports are linked.
"These reports have resulted in the recording of crimes for offences of blackmail, fraud or attempted fraud.
"Due to the complex nature of the investigations, enquiries by detectives remain ongoing.
"Cumbria Police continue to receive new reports of similar incidents regularly."
Officers are advising pet owners on how to avoid scams.
The spokesman said: "Detectives would take this opportunity to advise members of the public who have lost their dogs, not to send reward money to anyone without doing extensive checks that the claim is legitimate and the dog has been found by that person.
"Checks could involve FaceTiming the person to see your dog with them or asking for new photos of your dog (please carefully check photos to make sure the photo is genuine and not edited).
"If you have concerns that the person saying they have your dog may be acting fraudulently, then please contact your local police force.
"Additionally, please contact the police if you are approached by individuals asking to use your bank account to receive cash transfers, even if only for a short period of time.
"Agreeing to facilitate the laundering of money is a prosecutable offence which can result in a criminal record and a sentence."
https://www.nwemail.co.uk/news/23310383.dozens-reports-lost-pet-scam-amid-cumbria-police-blackmail-probe/
