Florida Couple Warns of AI-Generated Scam After Missing Puppy Incident

St. Petersburg, Fla. — A local couple is cautioning pet owners after nearly falling victim to a scam involving their missing German Shepherd puppy, Hazel.

 

Dennis and Michelle Morida had been training Hazel when she slipped through a small gap in their backyard fence.

 

Despite immediate searches and social media posts, Hazel remained missing.

 

Late that night, they received a call from someone claiming to be a sergeant with the St. Petersburg Police Department.

 

The caller stated that Hazel had been hit by a car and required emergency surgery.

 

To support this claim, the couple was sent a photo of a dog resembling Hazel on an operating table.

 

Believing the situation to be urgent, Dennis attempted to send $1,900 via Zelle for the surgery.

 

Fortunately, the transaction was flagged, and the payment did not go through.

 

The next morning, Hazel was found unharmed in their front yard, revealing the scam.

 

Dr. Jill Schiefelbein, an AI strategist, advises pet owners to be vigilant.

 

She emphasizes that scammers often exploit emotionally charged situations and recommends verifying any urgent requests for money.

 

Pet owners are encouraged to report such incidents to local authorities and remain cautious when sharing personal information online.

 

For more information on protecting yourself from similar scams, consult local law enforcement or trusted community resources.