Better Business Bureau of Upstate New York is warning consumers about a new scam involving donation requests after a pair of local animal rescue groups reported impersonation accounts targeting Venmo users.
Buffalo CARES and Buffalo Underdogs Rescue shared warnings including pictures of fake Venmo accounts asking users for donations. Neither organization says they will ever request donations like this and that users should not engage with the accounts.
Before donating to any charity or cause, BBB of UNY suggests that you check with the organization directly, be wary of any unsolicited requests, confirm you are dealing with the legitimate organization, use a credit card when possible and block and report any fraudulent accounts.
Anyone who encounters a scam should report it to BBB of Upstate NY via their BBB Scam Tracker.
Brian Campbell - Digital Producer
After many years in the newspaper industry, Brian Campbell joined Spectrum News as a digital producer. He graduated from Buffalo State with degrees in journalism and creative writing.
