Microchip Scam Alert

🚨 Don’t Fall for Fake Renewal Emails! 🚨

It’s always important to stay on top of your pet’s well-being, but recently, scammers have been targeting responsible pet owners with a fake microchip renewal scam. This scam involves receiving emails that claim your pet’s microchip registration has expired, prompting you to pay to "renew" it. But here’s the truth: microchips do not expire.

Pic: Paul, Kitten Kaboodle

🔍 How the Scam Works

The scam usually begins with an official-looking email from addresses like renewals @ petchip.info. These emails often contain legitimate-looking details about your pet, including their name, breed, and microchip number. They inform you that your pet’s microchip needs to be renewed or it will be deleted from the database, demanding payment for this "service." The scam leverages the fact that many pet owners may not fully understand how microchip registrations work.

🐾 What You Should Know

• Microchips are designed to last a lifetime – Once implanted, your pet’s microchip doesn’t need renewal or replacement. The microchip number is linked to your contact information in a secure database that only needs updating when your details change.
• DEFRA-compliant databases don’t charge for renewal – Legitimate microchip companies may charge a one-off registration fee or ask for a small payment when updating details, such as a change of address. However, they won’t delete your information or randomly ask for renewal fees.
• Check directly with your microchip provider – If you’re ever in doubt about a communication, contact your microchip provider directly. Companies like PetLog, or other DEFRA-compliant databases, can verify the status of your registration.

🔒 Legal Requirement to Microchip Your Cat

From June 10, 2024, it will be a legal requirement in the UK to microchip your cat. All cats must be microchipped by the age of 20 weeks, and owners will need to ensure that their contact details are kept up to date in an approved microchip database. Failure to comply with these new regulations can result in fines of up to £500. This law applies to both indoor and outdoor cats.

It’s possible that this increased focus on microchipping is why scammers are now taking advantage of pet owners, so be extra vigilant.

🛡️ How to Protect Yourself

• Do not respond to suspicious emails: If you receive an email about renewing your pet's microchip, do not provide payment details or personal information. Instead, report the email as phishing.
• Verify with your microchip company: If you’re unsure whether an email is legitimate, directly contact your microchip provider. They can confirm if your pet's microchip details need updating or if the email is a scam.
• Beware of false registries: Some scammers create fake websites or databases, such as the "UK Pet Chip Registry," which charge fees for services they don’t provide. Stick to the UK Government’s list of approved databases.

💳 What to Do if You’ve Paid

If you’ve fallen for this scam, immediately contact your bank to block further payments and report the incident. You may also follow-up with your bank to try and seek a refund, particularly if you have used PayPal for payment. Pet owners should also stay vigilant, as these scams continue to evolve and may come from different email addresses in the future.

By staying informed and cautious, you can protect yourself and your pet from fraudulent schemes. Always remember: microchips don’t need renewal—they’re there for life, just like your love for your pet. 🐾

Sources:

1. Bilton Vets: Beware Microchip Scam
2. Vet Times: Microchip Scam Warning
3. PDSA: Microchipping Cats: What You Need to Know
4. Vet Help Direct: Compulsory Microchipping for Cats