A frightening situation turned into a story of relief after a family’s missing dog was safely returned, following a suspected scam that nearly cost them thousands of dollars.

Lytton Cosens said the ordeal began when his 11-year-old dog, Archer, went missing, prompting a late-night search. The next day, the family received a call from someone claiming the dog had been found injured and needed urgent surgery.

The caller demanded over $2,700 in gift cards and sent a photo as proof, but the family noticed inconsistencies and refused to pay.

Later, a neighbor reported seeing someone take the dog, who was ultimately returned safely the next day. Archer was tired but unharmed, and the family is now warning others about increasingly convincing scam tactics.

wwnytv.com