A Deltona family is warning other pet owners after nearly falling victim to what they described as an AI-driven scam after their dog went missing.
Bill Cosens told WESH 2 that his beagle, Archer, went missing April 11 after escaping from his family’s backyard. Hours after posting photos of Archer on social media, Cosens said he and his wife received a phone call from someone claiming the dog needed emergency surgery.
The caller’s description matched Archer, Cosens told the station, and said the family would not be allowed to visit the dog at the emergency veterinary office.
When Cosens’ wife asked for a photo, the caller sent what the family believed was an AI-generated image showing Archer in a veterinary setting on an operating table. The caller then asked for $2,746, requesting payment through Zelle, Apple Pay or PayPal.
“When you’re in that moment, you don’t realize it’s an AI picture, because you look at the face and you see the face and see it’s Archer’s face,” Cosens said.
Cosens said his wife became suspicious and began asking why they could not see Archer and whether a veterinary office would accept payment through apps such as Zelle.
The family grew more suspicious after the caller sent a second image that appeared inconsistent, Cosens said. One monitor in the image showed the date as “2022,” and the collar shown was different from the one Archer had been wearing when he disappeared.
When the family asked where Archer was supposedly being treated, the caller gave them the address for Deltona City Hall, Cosens told WESH 2.
Cosens said the family filed a report with the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office and did not send any money.
According to WESH 2, the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office said the case remains under investigation and deputies are pursuing additional leads. Archer has since been reunited with his family.
“It never, never would have crossed our mind that somebody would be trying to scam us at our lowest point,” Cosens said.
If you receive a call claiming your missing pet needs emergency care
- Do not send money immediately. Even if the caller claims it’s urgent.
- Ask for verifiable details. Request the clinic name, the full address and the veterinarian’s name.
- Independently confirm. Look up the clinic yourself and call the listed number. Do not rely on any contact information provided by the caller.
- Request real-time proof. Ask for a live video call showing your pet and the facility.
- Check for inconsistencies. Look closely at any photos or videos for mismatched details, including collars, markings, timestamps or medical equipment.
- Avoid nonstandard payment methods. Be cautious if you’re asked to pay through apps such as Zelle, PayPal or Apple Pay.
- Contact local authorities. Notify law enforcement, animal control and nearby shelters.
- Report the attempt. File a report with your local sheriff’s office or police department.
