Roanoke Valley SPCA Releases Public Service Announcement Scam Alert
The Roanoke Valley SPCA has been made aware that community members who have lost their pets are being targeted by someone posing as a third party from the Roanoke Valley SPCA. THIS IS A SCAM. The scammer is asking for a credit card number in order to treat their found pet who was supposedly hit by a car. At least two people have been targeted this evening.
According to the victims, a person or persons have been targeting individuals who have posted their pets as missing. The scammer is calling the victims using a blocked number and claiming that they are with Animal Care and Alliance. They allege to be a third party representative of the Roanoke Valley SPCA. The scammer says that the victim’s missing pet has been found, but that they have been hit by a car and have a dislocated shoulder.
The scammer asks the victim to verify microchip information and asks for a credit card number and authorization to treat the pet. One report said the scammer claimed to be a lead veterinarian named William Taylor. When the targeted victims raised questions to the scammer, they were threatened and told that if they didn’t pay, they would lose their dog.
“This is an appalling scam that preys on those who have lost their pets,” said Denise Hayes, CEO. “The Roanoke Valley SPCA does not take in or treat stray animals, including lost pets. The Roanoke Valley SPCA would also NEVER ask for a credit card payment over the phone or hold a pet hostage for payment. We have notified the Roanoke City Police Department, but we want the public to be aware of what is happening immediately.”
Anyone who has been affected by this scam, is asked to please reach out to the Roanoke City Police Department at: (540) 853-2212. For more information about the Roanoke Valley SPCA, please contact Julie Rickmond at
(540) 339-9513 or jrickmond@rvspca.org.
The Roanoke Valley SPCA is a community resource that provides pet adoption, retention, and education services in Virginia’s Blue Ridge.
1340 Baldwin Avenue, Roanoke VA 24012 P: (540) 339-9247 | F: (540) 342-6730 www.rvspca.org
About the Roanoke Valley SPCA
Since 1916, the Roanoke Valley SPCA has provided a safe environment for lost, abandoned, and homeless animals. Over 25,000 cats and dogs have been adopted since opening our new building in 2004. Annually we provide food, shelter, rehabilitation, and medical treatment for over 1,500 homeless animals, ensuring they are altered, microchipped, and healthy prior to adoption. Our Pets Eat Too program feeds the pets of homebound seniors receiving Meals on Wheels as well as hospice patients, local food pantry participants, and families struggling to feed their pets, distributing over 80,000 pounds of food annually. Transportation services provide access to veterinary care and spay/neuter services throughout our community and we have expanded our offerings to include transitional fostering of pets whose owners are fleeing domestic violence, may be experiencing temporary homelessness due to fire, or need to spend time in a rehabilitation center following surgery.
