Lost Dog Scam: AI Tricks Targeting Pet Owners

0:00Alisa Harrell lost her one-year-old French bulldog named Dash four months ago when he bolted during a quick walk to the curb. She's now sounding the alarm on scammers, praying on desperate pet owners with slick a-itrix. She posted alerts on apps like Paul Boost and local SPCA sites, but months passed with no luck until a random text popped up claiming someone had Dash. The catch? They demanded $150 up front through Zell or Cash App before handing him over. Harrell offered the full $300 reward if it was legit, but neighbors on next door flagged the photo as fake. It matched her original post too closely, and there was a tell-tale AI diamond watermark in the corner. These emotional hustles are exploding. With the FBI's 2025 Internet Crime Report logging 22,000 AI-related complaints, many, hitting folks right in the heart like lost pet scams. Harrell dodged the trap and hopes her close call, wakes everyone up to double check those miracle messages before sending cash, especially when love.

1:03For our furry family is on the line. That's your California News Today update, AI-powered and always on.