Scammers targeting missing pet owners with AI

CONNECTICUT (WABC) -- Connecticut Senator Richard Blumenthal is warning pet owners about AI scams.

People with missing pets often post pictures online, looking for information.

Blumenthal says scammers are waiting to pounce on this vulnerable population.

They will manipulate the photos to make it look like the animal is hurt and then call the pet's owner, promising to reunite them for a fee.

Senator Blumenthal is calling on the Federal Trade Commission to issue an alert.

He says suspected perpetrators should also face increased penalties.

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