City of McAllen warns public of lost pet scam

MCALLEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The City of McAllen advises the public to be aware of lost pet text scams circulating online.

City officials say the scam consists of residents receiving a text stating their dog is lost. Additionally, the resident will receive a second text with a City of McAllen Enforcement Officer's name stating owners must pay to have their pet returned to them.

City officials emphasize that if any pets have been lost in the city, animal care officers will scan them and locate the owners to return their pets as soon as possible.

If the owners of the pets are not located they will be taken to the Palm Valley Animal Society.

Anyone who has received a text message is asked to call the McAllen Police Department at (956) 681-2000 and file a report.