- Scammers impersonate charities like CAWS on platforms, intercepting potential donations.
- Imposters create similar accounts with slight name changes, misleading donors.
- Organizations urge donors to verify accounts to ensure funds reach intended recipients.
SALT LAKE CITY — When animal shelters fill up, volunteer organizations like Community Animal Welfare Society, more commonly known as CAWS, often step in.
“We take in animals that may not do as well in shelters,” CAWS board chair Di Lewis explained. “These are either because they’re susceptible to disease, they’re more anxious, that kind of thing.”
At times, the nonprofit that depends on volunteer fosters across the Wasatch Front may ask for help when they have animals with major medical issues. As it did so recently, Lewis says the organization noticed something concerning. As some donors searched for the official CAWS Venmo account, an imposter showed up as well, using the CAWS name logo and name, with an extra “S” at the end…