The Norwalk Police Department is warning pet owners about a growing scam in which criminals use artificial intelligence to falsely claim they have found a missing pet.

Police say anyone contacted by a person claiming to have their animal should demand proof before responding.

Officers recommend asking for a current photo or video of the pet and requesting that the image include something specific, such as a note displaying that day’s date.

If someone does have a pet, police advise arranging a pickup at a safe public location, such as a local police department. They also recommend not going alone when meeting the person.

Officials say those precautions can help pet owners avoid becoming victims of increasingly sophisticated scams.