Scammers using AI-generated images of missing pets to demand reward money

Scammers are utilising AI-generated images of missing pets to defraud vulnerable owners of reward money. Victims report receiving threats to kill their cats unless payments are made, leaving them terrified and angry. This rise in AI-generated fraud is part of a broader trend, with scammers stealing almost £1.3billion in 2025. Pet owners across the country are now sounding the alarm regarding these fraudulent schemes designed to fleece individuals through the use of synthetic imagery.