“Help Us Save an Abandoned Cat”: The TikTok Scam Exploiting Animal Lovers

How the Scam Works

A viral trend on TikTok features videos with heart-wrenching pleas such as “We’re selling cat toys to save our shelter.” These clips show animals in distress and appear to represent struggling rescue centers. In reality, it’s a carefully staged scam.

According to an AFP Factuel investigation, the scammers behind these accounts lure viewers into buying supposed “handmade” products. But these items often turn out to be low-quality goods mass-produced in China, typically sourced cheaply on platforms like AliExpress.

The fraudsters often hijack real footage, impersonate shelters or individuals, and then direct users to questionable e-commerce websites. Once the emotional connection is established, many animal lovers purchase items believing they are helping animals in need.

Fake Shelters, Fake Stores

Journalists at RMC Conso uncovered several suspicious websites with names like refugedestincanin.com or centredesfelinsoublies.com, claiming to fund animal rescue missions. But closer inspection revealed that these sites lacked legally required details such as company registration numbers, official addresses, and legal representatives.

These red flags highlight how scammers operate under the guise of compassion while providing no transparency or accountability.

Why It’s Misleading—and Potentially Illegal

While reselling imported goods through dropshipping is not necessarily illegal, marketing them as locally crafted, charity-driven products is fraudulent. Consumers are tricked into believing their purchase directly supports abandoned animals when, in fact, it only enriches the scammers.

As animal welfare campaigns rely heavily on public trust, such deceptive practices undermine legitimate shelters that desperately need real donations.

How to Protect Yourself

To avoid falling victim to these scams, experts recommend:

• Look closely at the videos. Many use strange, repetitive, or poorly edited image sequences.
• Run a reverse image search. Tools like Google Lens can reveal if photos or products are stolen from other sources.
• Check the website. Legitimate organizations list legal information, including registration numbers, contact details, and headquarters addresses.
• Research the platform. If no credible reviews or references exist, it’s best to avoid making purchases.

By staying alert, internet users can protect themselves and ensure their support goes to genuine rescues that truly save lives.