FOX13 Seattle recently shared an article about scammers using AI images of lost pets to target King County residents. Regional Animal Services of King County (RASKC) was featured in the article, warning owners to remain skeptical and verify the claim with the shelter in-person first.

The article quotes Cameron Satterfield, Communications Manager with King County Department of Executive Services, explaining a recent situation with a pet owner.

“We were actually approached by a resident of King County [who] came into the shelter and said that he had gotten this text from somebody that showed pictures of a pet that was in surgery, and that they demanded immediate payment” for the treatment, said Satterfield.

RASKC reminds pet owners in King County seeking a lost pet to contact RASKC directly:

• Check online: Visit the official registry at kingcounty.gov/LostAPet to look through reports of found animals.
• Visit in person: Walk through the stray kennels at the RASKC shelter, located at 21615 64th Ave. S. in Kent. The shelter is open weekdays from noon to 6 p.m. and weekends from noon to 5 p.m.

Read the full article here.