BE ALERT FOR PET TRANSPORTATION SCAMS

In an August 31, 2021 press release, the Will Rogers World Airport (WRWA) Public Information and Marketing department issued an alert regarding scams involving online pet delivery services promising safe transport of pets during a move or travel. The airport, located in Oklahoma City, OK, has been receiving calls and emails from around the country from citizens asking where their pets can be picked up. Apparently, the fake services are using the telephone area code for Will Rogers (405) and in some cases even using the airport’s address as the business location.

The airport offers a number of recommendations to avoid being scammed: Number one is that the airport itself does not have any central receiving area for pets, nor does it have any holding area for shipping, receiving, or pickup of any animals. WRWA recommends shipping your pet through a major airline or charter operator as the safest and most reliable method because they will have a specific location for pickups such as a baggage claim or cargo office. All shipping costs including crates, quarantine, vaccination, and insurance should be included in the initial payment, so no company should request more money after the pet is shipped. Finally, do not wire or transfer money to any company, and be cautious if not skeptical of any company requesting cash transactions. Use a payment method that enables a stop to be placed if necessary. More information at flyokc.com/warning-about-pet-scams