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AI-generated cat images fuel scams targeting desperate owners
Scammers are using AI-generated images of missing cats to deceive distressed owners into paying for information or return of their pets. The fraud exploits the urgency and hope owners feel, and some scammers have threatened to harm the animals if their demands are not met.
The article describes owners being asked for Apple gift cards or large money transfers after receiving convincing but altered images. Neena Chauhan was asked for a £200 gift card; Stephanie Young was asked for 100 gift cards after a scammer claimed to have her cat Buddy, who remains missing. Sarah Robinson was sent an edited image of Cookie and asked to transfer £40,000, while the article says almost £1.3 billion was stolen by scammers in 2025.
In short
- AI images are being used to fake sightings of missing cats.
- Scammers demand gift cards or large transfers from worried owners.
- Some owners have received threats against their pets.
Read the full article at the source →
Originally published by Daily Mail as “Scammers turn to AI to generate fake pictures of missing cats in bid to fleece owners of reward cash”.