Spanish Police warn of cruel AI scam targeting owners of missing pets
Fraudsters are creating realistic images and videos of missing animals before demanding money for their return
The National Police have issued a warning about a particularly cruel scam doing the rounds across Spain that targets people searching for missing pets, using artificial intelligence to create convincing fake evidence that their animal has been found.
According to police, scammers search social media posts and missing pet notices for dogs and cats whose owners have publicly shared photographs and contact details in the hope of finding them.
The fraudsters then contact the owner claiming to have found the animal. To make the story appear genuine, they use AI tools to create realistic photos or videos showing the missing pet in a different location.
Police say the scam deliberately exploits the emotional distress of owners desperate to be reunited with a treasured pet.
After convincing the victim that the animal is in their possession, the scammers demand money, often claiming it is needed to cover transport costs, fuel expenses or delivery fees. Once the payment is made, the supposed finder disappears and the pet never materialises.
The National Police are urging owners not to make any payment without first confirming in person that the animal has genuinely been found.
The authorities also recommend withholding some identifying details when publishing missing pet appeals. Keeping certain characteristics private can help owners verify whether someone genuinely has the animal rather than relying solely on photographs.
🦮🐈⬛ Si pierdes a tu #mascota y recibes un #mensaje como este📲…
— Policía Nacional (@policia) July 2, 2026
⚠️¡¡CUIDADO!!⚠️
En la #estafa de la mascota perdida juegan con tu desesperación
Mienten y te dicen haberla encontrado para pedirte dinero💶
👀Atento➡️ te explicamos cómo puedes detectar esta estafa para evitar… pic.twitter.com/USK3fMt5d3
Police warn that modern AI tools can create highly realistic images and videos, making it increasingly difficult to distinguish genuine evidence from fabricated content.
Anyone contacted by a suspected scammer should keep screenshots, messages and telephone numbers, report the incident to police and notify any online platforms being used by the fraudsters.
The National Police's message is clear: "If they demand money to return your animal, do not give in and report it."
Also of interest: Spain heatwave warning: Early signs of heatstroke every dog owner should know
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