Scammers Reportedly Used AI-Generated Image of Missing Puppy Hazel to Solicit Fraudulent Vet Payment from St. Petersburg, Florida Couple
Scammers reportedly used an AI-generated or AI-altered image of a missing German Shepherd puppy on an operating table to convince a St. Petersburg, Florida couple that the dog had been hit by a car and needed emergency surgery. The caller allegedly impersonated police and veterinary staff while requesting $1,900 through Zelle. The payment was flagged as fraud, and the dog later returned home unharmed.
- Date it happened
- 2026-01-20
- Organisation involved
- Scammers
- Product, system or model
- Image generation technology
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