The Dogs Trust charity has issued a critical warning to pet owners across the United Kingdom regarding a disturbing surge in social media scams. Fraudsters are increasingly impersonating the charity's rehoming centres to exploit the compassion of animal lovers, particularly those seeking to adopt rescue dogs.
Exploiting Compassion: How Scammers Operate
According to the animal welfare organisation, scammers are actively using platforms like Facebook to contact individuals, requesting payments to "reserve" dogs that do not exist. In one heartbreaking incident, a family travelled to a Dogs Trust centre expecting to meet a dog, only to discover they had been deceived after sending money to a fraudulent account.
The charity emphasises that legitimate rehoming processes never involve such practices. Dogs Trust will never send friend requests on social media, demand payment before a meeting, or contact individuals who haven't submitted formal applications through their official website.
Recognising the Red Flags
Dogs Trust has outlined clear warning signs that pet lovers should watch for:
- Unsolicited friend requests from accounts claiming to represent the charity
- Requests for payment to reserve a dog before any in-person meeting
- Contact about adoption opportunities without prior application submission
- Pressure to act quickly or offers that seem too good to be true
The charity's legitimate communication protocol involves either telephone calls or emails to discuss potential matches, always initiated after proper application procedures.
Social Media Platforms Respond
Facebook has reinforced Dogs Trust's warnings, confirming that fraudulent activity violates their community standards. The platform's Help Centre provides specific guidance on identifying and reporting scams, noting that scammers often create fake accounts or compromise existing ones to deceive users.
"Scammers target people to trick them into giving away money or sensitive information," Facebook stated, drawing parallels with phishing emails and fraudulent investment schemes. The company works with law enforcement and organisations like Stop Scams UK to combat such activities.
Protective Measures for Pet Seekers
Dogs Trust urges prospective adopters to conduct thorough research and trust their instincts. Any legitimate organisation will encourage meeting dogs in person, provide complete background and veterinary information, and answer questions transparently. The charity stresses that paying upfront for an unseen animal represents a major red flag.
Individuals should report suspicious accounts directly through social media platforms' reporting tools. Dogs Trust maintains comprehensive advice on their website regarding safe rehoming processes.
What to Do If Targeted
If you suspect you've encountered a scam:
- Report the account immediately using the platform's reporting features
- Contact your bank to secure accounts if payments have been made
- Report the incident to Action Fraud (0300 123 2040 or online)
- Change potentially compromised passwords immediately
- Forward phishing attempts to report@phishing.gov.uk
A Dogs Trust spokesperson expressed particular distress at scammers exploiting the charity's reputation: "It's heartbreaking to see people targeted in this way. We work hard to protect dog welfare and to do the right thing by both dogs and adopters, which is why it's especially upsetting when scammers misuse our name and reputation to gain trust."
The charity reminds the public that while their warning specifically mentions Facebook, similar scams can occur across various social media platforms and websites. Vigilance and verification remain essential when engaging with any online adoption opportunity.
