Miami-Dade Animal Services Warns Dog Owners of Citation Collections Scam

The Miami-Dade County Animal Services Department has issued a warning to dog owners about a scam. Scammers impersonate Animal Services and claim that individuals owe payments for citations that must be paid immediately. These callers ask for credit card information for fake past due citations. The caller ID may show Animal Services from the number 305-884-1101, but these calls are not legitimate.

Animal Services does issue civil citations but does not make collection calls or accept payments over the phone. All payments must be made in person.

To verify a citation, residents can check online or call 786-469-2900. For questions, email CitaCollect@MiamiDade.gov. If a citation is in collections, it can be searched and paid online at Credit and Collection.

– How can dog owners protect themselves from falling victim to payment scams?

Interview with Animal Services Specialist on Recent Scam Targeting Dog Owners

Interviewer: Thank you for joining us today. Can you start by explaining what this recent scam involves?

Specialist: Thank you for having me. The scam involves individuals impersonating the Miami-Dade County Animal Services Department. They call dog owners claiming that they owe payments for citations, insisting these payments must be made immediately. They often request credit card information for supposed past due citations.

Interviewer: What should dog owners know about these calls?

Specialist: It’s important for dog owners to know that these calls are not legitimate. Although the caller ID may display our official number, 305-884-1101, we do not make collection calls or accept payments over the phone. Our department issues civil citations, but all payments must be made in person.

Interviewer: How can residents verify if they have received a citation?

Specialist: Residents can verify citations by visiting our official website or by calling our office at 786-469-2900. We encourage anyone with concerns to reach out directly to our department.

Interviewer: If someone has already fallen victim to the scam, what steps should they take?

Specialist: If someone believes they’ve been scammed, they should immediately contact their bank to alert them of potential fraud. We also advise reporting the incident to local law enforcement. Keeping personal information safe is crucial.

Interviewer: How can residents find more information about pet citations?

Specialist: For further details on civil citations related to pets, residents can visit our official website at MiamiDade.Gov/Animals. There, they can find information on how citations work and other important resources regarding animal services.

Interviewer: Thank you for this valuable information. Any final thoughts you’d like to share?

Specialist: Yes, I want to remind everyone to stay vigilant and not share personal information over the phone. It’s better to verify with us directly if you have any doubts. Thank you for helping us spread the word!

Interviewer: Thank you for your time and insights today.

For further details on pet citations, visit MiamiDade.Gov/Animals.

Stay safe and do not share personal information over the phone.