Coles County Animal Shelter Alerts Residents to Text Message Scam

CHARLESTON, Ill. (WCIA) — The Coles County Animal Shelter is calling attention to a recent scam circulating via text message.

They said a scammer contacted local residents, pretending to be a shelter staff member. The scammer would then ask to send a six-digit code to “verify” ownership of the pet. In the image below, the scammer poses as “Officer Deanna VanHook” and claims to have found the recipient’s lost dog.

The shelter said it will never contact anyone via text message or force anyone to send information via text message. It urges people to remain vigilant against scammers.

If you receive a similar message, there is no need to respond. Contact the Coles County Animal Shelter directly with any inquiries.