PUBLIC ALERT: Scam Calls Pretending to be BARCS

We want to alert the public about a scam targeting people with missing pets. These scams started popping up back in the Fall and then seemed to disappear, but they have unfortunately started to occur again. Individuals who have posted about their lost pets on social media, along with their contact information, are receiving fraudulent calls from scammers spoofing BARCS’ official phone number, 410-396-4695.

The scammers are posing as BARCS employees and falsely claiming they have found the missing pet. They report that the animal is in critical condition and urgently needs medical procedures, then demand immediate payment via CashApp, Venmo, PayPal, or other third-party payment apps. While BARCS does have official Venmo and PayPal accounts, we will never call and request payments in this manner.

If you receive such a call, please do not send any payments. Instead, email us at info@BARCS.org so that we can continue tracking these incidents and file reports.

Stay vigilant and help us protect our community.