Pet Red Alert A neighbourhood network for lost and stray pets
⚠ Important

Safety guide — protect yourself from scams

Unfortunately, some people exploit the desperation of owners of lost pets. Before handing over or collecting an animal, read this guide. When in doubt, stop and contact local authorities.

Common scam patterns

Fake "finder" demanding a reward

Someone claims they have your pet and asks you to pre-pay a "reward", "transport cost", or "vet bill". There is no legitimate reward fee. Ask for photos with specific markings before agreeing to anything.

Fake vet or clinic

Someone claims the pet was injured and needs immediate payment to a vet's account. Call the clinic directly yourself to verify. Never send money to unknown accounts.

Fake long-distance transport

"I found your dog in Thessaloniki, send money so I can bring them." No legitimate pet-transport service operates this way. In every case, this is a scam.

Phishing via email or SMS

Emails that appear to come from the platform asking for credit card details, passwords, or "verification" via a link. The platform never asks for these. Never click links from unexpected emails — type the URL directly.

Identity scam

Someone claims to be the owner of a dog you've found, but cannot prove ownership. The real owner can show you: microchip number, vaccination booklet, old photos, witnesses (neighbours, vet).

How to verify legitimate ownership

  • 1. Microchip: Ask for the number. A vet can read it and confirm the registered owner via the National Pet Registry (pet.gov.gr) or the Pan-Hellenic Veterinary Association.
  • 2. Vaccination booklet or Pet Passport: Official document issued by a vet, with owner details and microchip number.
  • 3. Old photos: Ask for photos or videos showing the owner with the pet in different situations, dated before the day it went missing.
  • 4. ID document: National ID card, passport, or driver's licence. Compare the name with the one on the microchip or booklet.
  • 5. Witnesses: Neighbours, the local vet, or a professional trainer who knows the pet.

Handover guidelines

  • 📍 Meet in a public place — not at home. A busy park, a vet's parking lot, or a police station.
  • 👥 Bring at least one witness with you. Tell a third party where you are going.
  • 💰 Never exchange money. There is no legal reward fee for returning a pet under Greek law.
  • 📋 Photograph all documents and ask for a signed handover receipt that includes the microchip number.
  • ⛔ If you have any doubt or feel pressured to decide quickly, stop. Call the police (100) or the local veterinary association for help.

How to report suspicious behaviour

If you encounter an attempted scam or suspicious behaviour through the platform, email info@itcs.services with screenshots of the messages and the relevant post. We will never share your details with third parties without your consent.

Disclaimer

The Pet Red Alert platform provides a tool to connect owners of lost pets with people who have spotted or are holding them. We are not a guarantor of users' identity or trustworthiness. The responsibility for verifying legitimate ownership and ensuring a safe handover lies entirely with the users involved.