Resident warns of phone scam impersonating Plano Animal Services

At a public meeting, Steve Stoler warned that scammers are calling people who have lost pets, falsely claiming Plano Animal Services has the animal and demanding immediate payment to cover emergency surgery.

Stoler said the callers tell owners their pet was hit by a car and is being rushed into surgery, then pressure them to pay by phone. "Plano Animal Services will never ask for a credit card number or bank account," Stoler said. He added that scammers "Ask for money to be sent via an app or other electronic means. Ask for any banking information or tell you that your injured pet will be euthanized if you don't send money right away."

The warning was delivered as a public comment; no formal action or direction was recorded in the meeting transcript. The speaker urged pet owners to be cautious and not to provide payment or banking details to callers who claim to represent Plano Animal Services. The transcript did not provide a city or agency contact number or further instructions for confirming a legitimate call.

The alert matters because scammers commonly exploit owners' emotional distress when pets are missing. The public comment noted the scam pattern (phone calls claiming urgent veterinary needs and requests for immediate electronic payment) and emphasized that legitimate animal‑services agencies do not request bank or credit‑card details over the phone.

If residents receive a call of this type, the transcript did not specify a verification procedure or contact information; callers should not provide payment or banking details and should verify claims through known official channels.