(Kat)
BBB of Upstate New York warns consumers to watch out for suspicious unsolicited donation requests after local animal rescue groups have reported impersonation accounts targeting Venmo users.
Both Buffalo CARES, Buffalo Underdogs Rescue, and several other local rescue groups have recently posted warnings on their social media pages including pictures of fake Venmo accounts asking users for donations. Those organizations shared they will never request donations like this and that users should not engage with the accounts.
BBB offers the following reminders to those who wish to donate to any charitable organization:
- Check with the organization directly for information on the safest way to donate
- Be wary of any unsolicited requests for donations
- Look closely at logos, URLs, and account information to confirm you are dealing with the legitimate organization
- When possible, use a credit card. Credit cards are the safest form of payment should you encounter fraud
- Block and report any fraudulent account
Anyone who encounters a scam is encouraged to report it to BBB of Upstate NY using our BBB Scam Tracker.
