Scammers use AI images and threats to demand money from missing-pet owners

Scammers are using AI-generated images and threats to extract money from people searching for missing pets, with owners in the West Midlands and Northamptonshire describing demands for gift cards and, in one case, £40,000.

Stephanie Young, from Birmingham, said she was contacted after her cat Buddy went missing. A woman sent her an image that appeared to show the cat and claimed she had been feeding him. Young said she was preparing to pay a reward when the woman demanded 100 Apple gift cards instead of meeting to return him. After Young questioned the images, she received threats to sell or kill Buddy. The cat has not been found.

Two other owners described similar approaches. Cam Chauhan said someone demanded a £200 Apple gift card nine months after her cat Creed went missing, while Sarah Robinson said a man demanded £40,000 to return her cat Cookie and threatened to kill her when she refused. All three reported the incidents to Report Fraud, run by City of London Police.

Aston University academic Rasha Kassem said AI had made it easier to create convincing fake images, and urged people not to rush into sending money when threatened. Report Fraud advises arranging to see a pet in person before paying. Missing-pet platform Pawboost recommends asking for specific proof, such as a video showing a distinctive feature, and meeting in a safe public place.