08/04/2026
As our community navigates these uncertain times, please be aware of potential fraudulent claims preying on our worst fears as pet owners.
🚨 COMMUNITY SCAM ALERT 🚨
One of the hardest parts of a crisis is knowing that some people will try to take advantage of it.
Today, we received a call from a community member who did exactly the right thing. She had already lost her home in the Spokane fires when she received a phone call from someone claiming to be from Spokane Humane Society. The caller told her that her missing pet had been found and urgently needed emergency surgery, then demanded thousands of dollars before her pet could be returned.
It was a scam.
We are so grateful they trusted their instincts and reached out first. We also want to make sure others know this is happening.
Please know: This is NOT Spokane Humane Society.
We will never call and demand immediate payment before returning your pet. We will never ask you to send money over the phone or request your bank account information, debit card, credit card, or other personal financial information during an unexpected call.
If you receive a call like this:
• Do not send money.
• Do not share your bank account, debit card, credit card, or any personal financial information.
• Hang up.
• Call Spokane Humane Society directly using our official phone number to verify the information.
For anyone searching for a missing pet, please know these scams are designed to prey on hope during one of the most emotional moments a family can experience. Wanting to believe your pet has been found is a completely natural reaction, and that is exactly what these individuals are counting on.
As our community continues to navigate the Spokane fires, we also encourage everyone to be mindful of the information shared publicly about missing pets. Sharing photos and general locations can help reunite families, but be cautious about posting personal information and always verify anyone claiming to have your pet before sharing sensitive information.
Please help us spread the word by sharing this post. A simple share could prevent another family from becoming a victim.
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