The Cherokee County Animal Shelter is warning area pet owners of a new scam.

In a recent social media post, officials advised pet owners “to exercise caution due to a scam targeting individuals who have lost their pets. Scammers impersonating the Cherokee County Animal Shelter contact individuals who have posted about their lost pets, falsely claiming the pet is injured and demanding payment for surgery or veterinary care.”

They further emphasize that the “Cherokee County Animal Shelter does not request payment for surgery or to reclaim a pet via phone, text, email, or online. Scammers have manipulated caller IDs to display our number.”

If you receive one of these calls from a suspected scammer, you are urged to report it to local authorities immediately.

If you have lost or found a pet, please contact the Cherokee County Animal Shelter at 256-266-1390 or email ccas@cherokeecounty-al.gov