‼️ Important: How to spot a $cammer‼️
1 - Check their profile, how old is it? Can you see their previous posts and comments? How many posts have they made? Scammers often create new accounts to avoid being tracked and they can choose any username to try to scam people.
2 - Posts: scammers always use photos or videos from real cases of dogs in bad situations. You can do your own check: take a screenshot of the scammer’s post, do a reverse search on Google and look at the results, you’ll often find the original source or see that multiple scammers are using the same photo or video.
3 - P-a-yP-a-l account, crowdfunding (or any $ platform): is it verified? If not, do not send any money. Have you sent any money to a scammer? Report them, don’t be ashamed, don’t be afraid! Report them to Reddit, PP, authorities - just google how to report cyber crimes/scams in your country. Don’t reply to DM (chat/direct messages) asking for contributions, take a screenshot and report them.
4 - Check the shelters and rescue official social medias.
5 - The networkers who regularly post to help dogs on shelters NEVER ask for $ to be sent to their own accounts. Any contributions should be made directly to the rescue after a confirmation photo is provided, which can be double checked via the rescue’s social media/website.
6 - If you spot a NEW account copying/reposting real cases/asking for $, always be cautious, take screenshots of their profile and posts and also copy the links as well. You can report them to the sub via "Message Mods", you should also report them to Reddit using the link https://www.reddit.com/report. All the posts have 3 dots on the top right, if you click on it, it will also open a box with a "report" link.
7 - Still not sure? Ignore them, there are thousands of serious reputable rescuers/dogs you can help.
Scammers are stealing from all kind-hearted people that are fighting to change a truly horrific situation - donors, rescuers and everyone else working to connect and organise help. They are taking away the last chance the abandoned dogs have to live. Please, don’t stop helping the animals. ❤️🐾