Scammers used AI images to try and swindle $2,800 from desperate family searching for missing dog

NewsWorldAmericasUS Crime NewsScammers used AI images to try and swindle $2,800 from desperate family searching for missing dogFraudsters provided the address of a supposed ‘veterinary clinic’ treating the dog, but it actually led to Deltona City HallErin Keller In Ohio Friday 17 April 2026 14:30 BSTBookmarkBookmark popoverRemoved from bookmarksClose popover{"translations":{"comments":"Go to comments","share":"Share","copyLink":"Copy link","bookmark":"Bookmark","removeBookmark":"Remove bookmark"},"showComments":false,"showBookmark":true,"articleId":"b2959824","articleMeta":{"url":"https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/crime/florida-ai-scam-missing-dog-b2959824.html","title":"AI scam tried to swindle $2,800 from family of missing dog"}}open image in gallery{"id":"trigger-autogallery-352","index":0}This is one of the AI-generated images the Cosens family received from scammers, who demanded nearly $2,800 while falsely claiming their dog, Archer, had been hit by a car and needed emergency surgery (AI/The Cosens Family)The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekdayYour briefing on the latest headlines from across the USYour briefing on the latest headlines from across the USEmail*SIGN UPI would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice{"className":"sc-1ge0fwe-0","newsletterData":{"regSourceNewsletter":"IND_Evening_Newsletter","regTitle":"Evening Headlines","subscriptionGroup":"us_evening_headlines","subscriptionGroupId":"4326e634-422a-4447-8e1e-604a937cd3b5","type":"daily_news","pathPrefix":["/us","/news/world/americas","/news/world/americas/crime"],"title":"The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday","mobileTitle":"Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US","imageSrc":"https://static.independent.co.uk/static-assets/images/newsletters/usEveningHeadlines1_1.png","label":"I would like to rece...