By Fatma Younis
Scammers are using AI-generated images of missing pets to trick owners into paying reward money, with victims reporting threats of violence against their animals.
Victims Targeted
Stephanie Young, a foster carer from Birmingham, lost her cat Buddy in September 2023. She received an AI-generated photo from a woman claiming to have found him and demanding Apple gift cards. When Young questioned the image, the scammer threatened to sell or murder the cat.
Similar cases include Cam Chauhan from Wednesbury, who was sent an exact picture of her missing cat Creed and asked for a £200 gift card, and Sarah Robinson from Northampton, who faced a £40,000 demand and death threats after a man claimed to have her cat Cookie.
Police and Expert Advice
All three owners reported the fraud to the City of London Police's Report Fraud service. Police advise arranging an in-person meeting to verify the pet before handing over any money.
Dr Rasha Kassem, a senior academic at Aston University, said AI now plays a major role in online fraud because creating convincing fakes has become "super easy, accessible and free." She warned that criminals create urgency to pressure victims into paying quickly.
How to Protect Yourself
Pawboost, a free platform for missing pets, recommends asking for specific proof such as a short video showing a unique feature, meeting in a safe public place, and asking questions only the genuine finder would know.
