Beware Of Fake Solicitors Posing As Luck’s Rescue Or Animal Control
By LYDIA BERGLAR
News Editor
On July 11, the Dade County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO) released a statement warning locals that fake solicitors posing as “animal control” have been active in the area. The scam artists have reportedly asked for donations for the Trenton-Dade Animal Center (TDAC).
However, TDAC is not behind these scams. The DCSO added that TDAC is also not threatening to seize people’s animals in lieu of fines.
Screenshot of the scam Facebook page
TDAC does have a 501(c)(3) fundraising branch, called Friends of TDAC, but it is still in its early stages and has not been going door-to-door or soliciting through Facebook. Also, anyone raising funds for TDAC will likely be a familiar face and name to locals.
Audray Luck further explained to the Sentinel that she is aware of a fake Luck’s Rescue Facebook account. Someone posing as Luck has been attempting to sell/adopt out dogs and collect money. She reported that this imposter is also stealing dogs.
The fake page’s name is “Lucks rescue and fosters” with improper capitalization and punctuation, only three followers, limited information and posts, and a stolen cover photo. Luck’s true page is “Luck’s Rescue” with 50,000 followers, complete information, and the original cover photo.
Screenshot of the real Luck’s Rescue Facebook page
The sheriff’s office asks anyone who encounters these scammers to contact law enforcement immediately and attempt to capture photos of the subjects and their vehicles.
It seems that someone is attempting to take advantage of the months of heavy focus on animal rescue, county-city animal control, TDAC, and Luck’s successful operations in order to steal money from good-hearted animal lovers.
As with any suspected scams, it’s always best practice to go directly to the supposed source to confirm details. Don’t click on links or give out information over the phone or social media. If someone calls, hang up, look up the real number, and call directly. In this case, that means calling the county (until TDAC has its own number) or Luck’s Rescue.
There are also often tell-tale signs that a situation isn’t legitimate. For example, Luck reported that one near-victim of this scam had been told to meet at an unusual location to pick up a dog. Be aware of signs like this, and don’t hesitate to investigate further before giving out any personal or financial information.
Also, one of the perks of living in a close-knit community is that just about everyone knows everyone. If you’re being solicited by someone you don’t recognize or from a number you don’t have saved, check with your neighbors, friends, and well-connected people in the community. Chances are they can help you get in contact with the right person.
