Common Scams

There are many scams that target animal lovers and pet owners. Some common scams include:

• Impersonation scams
• Phishing scams
• Online pet scams
• Donation scams

Venmo Scams

Impersonation scams on Venmo are becoming increasingly common. Scammers will create fake Venmo accounts and impersonate legitimate organizations to trick people into sending money.

Verify the venmo account is correct before sending a payment or donation. Check for typos, misspelling, or additional characters, such as ‘@cawsanimalss’ versus ‘@cawsanimals’.

Texting Scams

CAWS will never text an adopter or donor. If you receive a text message claiming to be from CAWS, it is likely a scam. Scammers will create a sense of urgency, hoping you will not second guess the legitimacy. Do not respond to the message or provide any personal information.

Phishing Scams

Phishing scams are attempts to obtain sensitive information, such as usernames, passwords, and credit card details, by disguising as a trustworthy entity in an electronic communication. Be cautious of unsolicited emails, phone calls, or text messages asking for personal information or payment.

Online pet scams

Online pet scams involve scammers posing as breeders or sellers of pets, often offering purebred or rare breeds at a discounted price. Be cautious of requests for payment before seeing the pet in person or requests for payment in the form of gift cards or cryptocurrency.

Donation scams

Donation scams involve scammers posing as legitimate charities or organizations to solicit donations. Be cautious of unsolicited requests for donations or payment, and research the organization before making a donation.

How to Protect Yourself

To protect yourself from scams, it is important to:

• Verify the legitimacy of any organization before donating
• Be cautious of requests for personal information or payment
• Research the organization or individual before making a donation or purchase
• Check the URL of websites to ensure they are secure
• Use secure payment methods
• Legitimate business will not require payment in the form of gift cards or cryptocurrency
• Be wary of unsolicited messages or requests for money
• Avoid clicking on suspicious links or providing personal information online
• Do not provide personal information over the phone or via email
• Be cautious of unsolicited emails, phone calls, or text messages
• Report any suspicious activity to the appropriate authorities

Reporting Scams

If you believe you have been targeted by a scam, you should report it to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the Better Business Bureau (BBB).