Pet owners on alert for new microchip scam across Qld

Pet owners are being warned to watch out for a cruel new scam that could leave families devastated.

Scam emails demanding pet owners to renew their animal’s microchipping registration have sparked concern among Queenslanders, prompting police to reinforce its online safety messaging.

Brisbane pet owners have taken to social media to share screenshots of emails they have received from a microchipping company, claiming their pet’s microchip had expired.

The email claimed the owner needed to renew the microchip registration and pay a fee through the link provided. It also asked the email recipient to update their contact details.

A Queensland Police Services spokesman confirmed police were aware of online scams where pet owners were targeted by scammers urging the renewal of pet microchip coverage and updating contact details.

“Scammers use convincing and urgent language to concern potential victims into thinking their pet’s microchip coverage has or is about to, expire. This message may be in the form of a text message or an email,” the spokesman said.

“The scammer will use the name of a known pet microchip provider and create the impression that your pet will be at risk if you do not urgently renew the microchip subscription or update your online contact information.

Pet owners need to be on high alert for microchip scams.

“The scammers often use pressure tactics and time limits to get you to act fast, so they can steal your money and personal information.

“The Financial and Cyber Crime Group are reminding Queenslanders to maintain control when online by ensuring that any requests for money are thoroughly checked before making any payments.”

An RSPCA spokesman confirmed pet microchipping was permanent.

“Microchipping your pet is very important. If your pet becomes lost, then you are far more likely to be reunited if he or she is microchipped. A microchip is a permanent method of electronic identification,” the spokesman said.

“The chip itself is very small – about the size of a grain of rice – and is implanted just under the skin, between the shoulder blades at the back of your pet’s neck. Each chip has a unique number that is detected using a microchip scanner.

“The microchip number is recorded on a database registry with details about the animal and owner. Should your pet stray or become lost, vets, animal shelters and local councils can scan your pet for a microchip and contact you via the database.

“Microchips themselves do not expire. However, it’s very important to keep your contact details up to date on the database so that if you move house or change your phone number you will still be contactable in the event of your pet becoming lost/stray.”

Brisbane vet nurse Tabatha Whitehead said owners should be wary as microchips are registered for the full lifetime of the pet and to report these scams to their vet should they receive an email.

While Scamwatch had not seen pet microchipping-specific scam reports, the most common methods scammers used to contact victims were via text messages, emails, and phone calls.

Originally published as Pet owners on alert for new microchip scam across Qld