
TL;DR
Be careful of AI generated images, they are getting really good at it.
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I just want to let everyone know to be very careful in offering rewards or agreeing to meet people who says they have your dog. This is not the first time I have encountered this (probably the 5th one)
I received a phone call along with a text message and photo claiming they have my dog. They insist that its my dog and the photo they have sent is realistic enough to show it could be my dog.
BUT
This is an AI generated image. Its better done than the others I have received but the scale is way off (she is a 7lbs chihuahua)
We offered to meet up in the animal shelter to confirm and do the exchange. They refuse. "No money, no meet." They wanted $500 up front. We said no. Several back and forths until they said "I really have your dog if you don’t pay me by tomorrow morning I we’ll sell her to another city to got more then what you offer me" so I said "Thanks for the confirmation. I will make sure the police know you refuse to reasonably cooperate and are holding my property hostage"