Is That Rescue Legit? How to Spot, and Sue, Fake Animal Charities

Not every rescue is a rescue. Some are well-packaged trafficking operations. Others are sloppy, overrun, or run by narcissists who care more about their own image than the animals they’re “saving.” A growing number are outright scams, pocketing donations, faking rescue missions, and exploiting public sympathy for clicks and cash.

At LAW, we’ve had enough.

We’re now litigating cases involving fraudulent rescues and nonprofits misusing donor funds. And we’re hearing from whistleblowers who worked inside some of the worst offenders. Check out both our cases and our white papers for more detailed information.

So what does a fake rescue look like?

• They lack transparency.

• They claim to rescue hundreds of animals but have the infrastructure to do so..

• They solicit donations constantly but won’t show vet records, adoption logs, or transport papers.

• They post emotionally manipulative images, always asking for money to “save just one more.”

• They play up international rescues (China, Korea, etc.) without verified partners or clear import protocols.

How the scam works:

• They post dramatic photos or videos of animals “moments from death.”

• They create an emotional campaign to raise funds to “rescue and transport.”

• The animals are either never transported, already dead, or dumped in overwhelmed fosters.

• The organization pockets the excess money and deletes any criticism or questions.

How we fight back:

• We sue for fraud, misrepresentation, and donor deception.

• We support whistleblower claims from former volunteers or transporters.

• We report illegal import practices to USDA and U.S. Customs.

• We work with journalists to expose patterns of abuse.

What donors and adopters should look for:

• A real 501(c)(3) status with published IRS filings

• Clear, verifiable adoption records

• Transparent vetting of adopters

• Partnerships with legitimate shelters or local rescues

• Willingness to answer questions and provide proof

If you've been scammed: Save receipts. Take screenshots. Gather emails or messages. Reach out to LAW. We’re not just watchdogs. We’re litigators — and this is what we do.