Petfinder might be different, but I found this on a scambusting website. PM if you would like more details, but I'm not sure if I'm supposed to post a site or not.
PET RECOVERY SERVICES THAT SOLICIT
There are illegitimate individuals who call owners of missing pets and claim to conduct searches employing various methods, most often calling neighbors and alerting them to "be on the lookout for the pet."
Some may actually do what they claim, but our 28-years of experience is that a "red flag" should go up, when they call you (most often because the pet owner ran a lost pet classified ad).
We advise that, if the service appears of value (calling neighbors is all but useless, compared to putting up flyers), take their phone number and call them back before signing up. Also, ask your local shelter, as well as the BBB if they have knowledge of the organization/company. Finally, are they nonprofit? If they claim they are, ask for their tax-exempt number.
We are also happy to give you the benefit of our experience in sorting through legitimate services from those that are fraudulent.
Owners of missing pets are vulnerable, and want to try everything to get their pet back. But it exacerbates the stress to get scammed by someone who preys on that very vulnerability.
__________________ The fullness of our heart is expressed in our eyes, in our touch, in what we write, in what we say, in the way we walk, the way we receive, the way we need. -Mother Teresa ( RIP Gizmo 3/9/07-8/18/12)  |