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I think I just avoided a scam?

I awoke to a suspicious request that I felt compelled to share to the rest of the community in hopes that it raises awareness, and prevents anyone from being taken advantage of.

Today, I received a request for a 7-day booking in September 2019. (It is currently March 2019) It seems a little early to ask for dog sitting services as many, if not most of us, are unsure of our schedule commitments that far in advance.

The profile for the client was created today, and there are no pictures of him, or his dogs.

This request was for two large dogs, a Labrador retriever, and a border collie, both weighing over 60 lbs. I only board small dogs, from 1-15 lbs, and my profile explicitly says as much.

He requested that we “chat over Instagram direct message” instead of via the Rover platform. (BIG NO-NO!)

I received a request for a direct message on Instagram from this person which was then deleted. I saw the notification, but no message. When I searched for the IG handle that he provided in the booking request, it no longer existed.

I have reported the conversation to Rover HQ, as I’m pretty sure wanting to discuss booking details, etc off of the Rover platform violates terms of service.

Now, I have received legit booking requests from folks who have just recently created an account, and haven’t yet updated their pet’s pictures and details. But this seemed way off base for me, as the other clients never ask to contact me in any other way than the Rover app.

There are other threads on the Q and A community that discuss ways in which people are trying to use you, your time, or scam you out of your personal info and money. Please give them a read, as all of this info is important, especially for new sitters just starting out.

Be safe out there, everyone.

Comments

I also just received a very very sketchy request that appears to just be an attempt to pick up girls and they have an empty profile as well. How did you report yours to Rover? I want to report the one I got today

Kellyn C.

Yes, I did report it to Rover, and I received a response a few hours later that they were investigating... I accessed the convo via the Rover web site in my web browser, and there is a functionality that allows you to report the conversation. I hope this helps. Best of luck.

Thalia S.

Did you ever get a thorough & timely response from Rover support ?

Tracy B.

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Walt G.

Book a Stay
Woodbridge, VA

SCAM booking requests are becoming a fact of life for Rover sitters as the frequency of them happening is significanly on the rise. Almost every day in the Rover Facebook Groups a sitter is posting on yet another SCAM request. Be careful!

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Erica M.

September is going to creep up on us faster then we know it.

I actually have clients who in January are requesting dates 6/7or even 8 months in advance. I also have some clients that will have their whole year schedule with dates in Novemeber/December they will be needing a sitter. Dog sitting is my fulltime job so it doesn't seem too odd for me when clients want to schedule in advance. But yes, I would agree with you, there are unfortunately scams out there. This is a good reminder for all of us to be careful and make sure we are playing it safe. (Listen to that inner voice, if something doesn't feel right, you gotta go with your gut feeling).

Keeping your conversations through the Rover platform, scheduling meet and greets prior to booking the reservation (and of course booking through Rover).

I actually get a lot of requests from new clients who don't have a lot in their profile, no pictures, or just opened a rover account that same day. For those who are new sitters, I would say not to let that always turn you away. Just make sure you are asking the right questions and getting all the information you need before scheduling a meet and greet. (And always schedule a meet and greet!)

It is always better to be safe then sorry.

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Kristen W.

I’ve been a Rover sitter for a couple months and I’ve already received TWO scam like requests.

The first was similar to yours.. blank profile with no pictures and little details of the dog. His first couple messages made sense but he asked for my personal email as “he wanted to describe everything he required in full length.” I agreed only because I was curious. He sent paragraphs about a move from another city to my city and used overly proper English. The big red flag was when he basically kept replying but they didn’t match my responses anymore. I flagged him for spam and emailed Rover, as well.

The second had photos and details so I believe the spam bots are catching on to us! But in the end, they both requested to pay me outside of the Rover app 🚩 🚩 and needed my full name, address and phone number “to complete the payment.”

Stay careful, Rover Fam

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I think I just avoided a scam?

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