The scam preys on pet owners by sending fraudulent emails asking for payment for “microchip registration expiration”. The emails include a threat that pets will be listed as “unregistered” if a fee is not paid.
Emails from Petchip are not issued by or in conjunction with Council.
Acting Mayor, Ann-Maree Greaney said Townsville residents needed to remain vigilant when receiving unexpected emails or phone calls demanding payments.
“This international scam has been targeting pet owners across Australia, the US and the UK,” Cr Greaney said.
“Pet microchips do not expire and do not need to be re-registered for a fee.
“Scams are growing increasingly sophisticated which can make it hard to decipher between what is legitimate and what is fraudulent."