If you’ve ever stopped scrolling to watch a sad-eyed animal staring through a fence, or opened your wallet for a dog named Charlie with a Friday deadline – this page is for you.
Fake animal rescue pages are everywhere on social media. They use stolen videos, fabricated urgency, and emotional manipulation to collect donations that never reach a single animal. Many of them claim to be registered nonprofits. Most of them aren’t. And the people donating to them are some of the kindest people on the internet.
I started investigating these pages after a follower asked me to look into it. What I found was bigger than I expected – a sprawling network of fake and unverifiable rescue pages operating across Facebook, TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram, many of them appearing to be run from outside the United States.
This tracker is my attempt to document what I find and give you the tools to protect yourself.
How to use this tracker
First things first, the tracker is updated regularly as new pages are identified, so bookmark this page now.
Every page listed here has been researched and cross-checked against the IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search. Where pages claim 501(c)(3) nonprofit status, I’ve verified (or been unable to verify) that claim directly with the IRS. Each entry includes red flags, payment methods, and current status.
If you find a dead link, it probably means the scammer closed shop and moved on to their next con — they change names often and change their sense of entitlement… never.
☝️Click at the top of any column to sort by column or use the search bar at the top to look for something in specific.
👇This is a MULTI-PAGE LIST – please use the page numbers at the bottom of the table to move to the next page or navigate to a specific page.
| SCAM NAME | PAGE | DETAILS & RED FLAGS | STATUS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anne Ranch Horse Rescue - REPORTED - SHUT DOWN | May 2026: 55,000+ followers. Not recognized by the IRS as a registered nonprofit. Page is full of stolen content. PayPal connected to Shelter of Hope or Save Lives (https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=CL4YZCSB5ZZTQ) June 9, 2026: Page set up a new PayPal account after their first one was shut down. (https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=XQRHYCBPQ33DA). Claims to be located in Delaware, USA - Facebook profile lists "Primary country location for the profile owner: Uganda. REPORTED by Ask Grammy and SHUT DOWN! | SHUT DOWN! Reported to: FTC: 6/3/2026 (Report number: 202485617) PayPal: 6/3/2026 6/3/26 - PAYPAL SEVERED ACCOUNT "This organization is currently ineligible to receive donations." 6/9/26 - NEW PAYPAL ACCOUNT LISTED 6/9/26 - New account reported to PayPal |
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| Arizona Saved Paws - REPORTED - SHUT DOWN | May 2026: 2,800+ followers. Not recognized by the IRS as a registered nonprofit. PayPal SAVE LIVES (www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=59TRRRRBBKVNY). Page is full of stolen content. REPORTED by Ask Grammy and SHUT DOWN! | SHUT DOWN! Reported to: FTC: 6/3/2026 (Report number: 202485617) PayPal: 6/3/2026 INSTAGRAM ACCOUNT SHUT DOWN WITHIN 24 HOURS! |
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| Carl Slides | June 2026: 330,000+ followers. Not recognized by the IRS as a registered nonprofit. Selling slippers/slides via website (site is now being blocked by multiple browsers and marked as a fake store). Sadvertising tactics. New site - domain registered 3/8/2026. Same images as appear on relumetherapy.co Instagram - another scam page | ||
| Elizabeth Wilson Rescue - REPORTED - SHUT DOWN | Website | June 2026: Hosted on the Shopify platform. Not recognized by the IRS as a registered nonprofit. Sadvertising tactics. AI-generated main character. AI-generated dogs. AI-generated shelter environment. New site with domain registered 5/12/2026. REPORTED by Ask Grammy and SHUT DOWN! | SHUT DOWN! |
| Equine Hope Foundation | YouTube | June 2, 2026: 44,600+ followers. Not recognized by the IRS as a registered nonprofit. Taking donations through PayPal (paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=GSKE3V5RQFJXQ). Page is populated with images and videos stolen from other pages. | Reported to: FTC: 6/3/2026 (Report number: 202485617) PayPal: 6/3/2026 |
| Equine Rescue Barn - REPORTED - SHUT DOWN | May 2026: 288,000+ followers. Claims to be a 501(c)(3) non-profit, but is not recognized by the IRS as a registered nonprofit. PayPal is connected to an individual, not an organization ((https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=YXA6DWEWZ6JB4). Claims to be located in Florida, USA - Facebook profile lists "Primary country location for the profile owner: Uganda" REPORTED by Ask Grammy and SHUT DOWN! | SHUT DOWN! Reported to: FTC: 6/3/2026 (Report number: 202485617) PayPal: 6/3/2026 |
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| Fred Baligonza - REPORTED - SHUT DOWN | May 2026: 4,100+ followers. Page started Jan. 2026. Not recognized by the IRS as a registered nonprofit. Content is stolen from other pages. PayPal: PAWS RESCUE, RESCUE ALL PAWS (https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=UK3P9KHUTGFHJ) REPORTED by Ask Grammy and SHUT DOWN! | SHUT DOWN! Reported to: FTC: 6/3/2026 (Report number: 202485617) PayPal: 6/3/2026 |
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| God's Mercy Horse Rescue | TikTok | May 2026: 7,800+ followers. Page started Jan. 2026. Not recognized by the IRS as a registered nonprofit. Content is stolen from other pages. PayPal: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=ZLJGYXPBHC9T2 | Reported to: FTC: 6/3/2026 (Report number: 202485617) |
| Heel and Hoof Rescue (Safe Haven Horse Rescue) | YouTube | June 9, 2026: 180+ followers. Page started May 2026. Not recognized by the IRS as a registered nonprofit. Content is stolen from other pages. PayPal goes to an individual, not an organization: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/KATAMBADERRICK | Reported to: FTC: 6/9/2026 (Report #202743161) PayPal: 6/9/2026 |
| Help Saving the Paws | May 2026: 7,400+ followers. Not recognized by the IRS as a registered nonprofit. Stolen content. Brand new operation; using name confusion with real org "Saving Paws Animal Rescue". Facebook profile lists "Primary country/region location for people who manage this Page includes: Philippines (5), United States (3), Italy (2)" Selling bracelets at https://savingthepaws-help.com/collections/original-bracelets | Reported to: FTC: 6/3/2026 (Report number: 202485617) Reported to Stripe - their credit card processing software company |
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| HopeHooves Rescue - REPORTED - SHUT DOWN | May 2026: 13,000+ followers. Not recognized by the IRS as a registered nonprofit. Stolen content. Brand new operation; name confusion with real org "Saving Paws Animal Rescue". PayPal account: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=4TXY88Z6ML766/ REPORTED by Ask Grammy and SHUT DOWN! | SHUT DOWN! Reported to: FTC: 6/3/2026 (Report number: 202485617) 6/16/2026 - PayPal has canceled that payment account, "This organization is currently ineligible to receive donations." REPORTED by Ask Grammy and SHUT DOWN! |
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| Hungry & Abandoned Paws Shelter | May 2026: 880+ followers. Not recognized by the IRS as a registered nonprofit. All content is stolen from other pages. Claims to be in the US, but is operated from Brazil. Page started on Dec. 2, 2021 under the name "Friendly PAW"; name changed to "Vila Films - Insulfime" on Dec. 2, 2021; name changed to "Vila Films - Insulfim" on Dec. 7, 2021; name changed to "Cocina Delicada" on Jul.13, 2024; name changed back to "Friendly PAW" on Apr. 22, 2025; name changed to "Hungry & Abandoned Paws - Shelter" on Apr. 24, 2026; name changed to AUNT ROSIE'S SHELTER on Aug. 14, 2026. Takes payments through a ko-fi.com link. | Reported to: FTC: 6/3/2026 (Report number: 202485617) |
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| Just One Life Shelter | May 2026: 527+ followers. Not recognized by the IRS as a registered nonprofit. All content is stolen from other pages. Claims to be in the US, but is operated from Brazil. Page started on May 3, 2019 under the name "Suporte Smart Cell - Brasil"; name changed to "Just One Life Shelter" on Nov. 6, 2025; name changed to AUNT MEL'S RESCUE on Aug. 14, 2026. Takes payments through a ko-fi.com link. | Reported to: FTC: 6/3/2026 (Report number: 202485617) |
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| Love Souls | YouTube | June 2, 2026: 15+ subscribers. Not recognized by the IRS as a registered nonprofit. All content is stolen from other pages. Takes donations via PayPal (https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=JDY4NN39DLJS2). This is their second PayPal link - the former (https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=CDDWGLW4GPK5J) was linked to GBP not USD. | Reported to: FTC: 6/3/2026 (Report number: 202485617) PayPal: 6/3/2026 |
| Margaret Wilson Rescue | Website | June 14, 2026: AI-generated main character, AI-generated dogs, AI-generated shelter environment. Domain registered 5/9/2026. Not recognized by the IRS as a registered nonprofit. Takes payments via Shopify. | |
| Mary Watchers - REPORTED - SHUT DOWN | May 2026: Not recognized by the IRS as a registered nonprofit. All content is stolen from other pages. Claims to be in the US, but is operated from Uganda. PayPal connected to 'animal rescue shelter' (https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=6MAS6ARJQ5ADW) REPORTED by Ask Grammy and SHUT DOWN! | SHUT DOWN! Reported to: FTC: 6/3/2026 (Report number: 202485617) PayPal: 6/3/2026 REPORTED by Ask Grammy and SHUT DOWN! |
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| Mebo's Animal Rescue - REPORTED - SHUT DOWN | YouTube | May 2026: 6,100+ followers. Not recognized by the IRS as a registered nonprofit. All content is stolen from other pages. PayPal link (https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=Z3LMQT963EVLS) goes to an individual, not an organization. REPORTED by Ask Grammy and SHUT DOWN! | SHUT DOWN! Reported to: FTC: 6/3/2026 (Report number: 202485617) PayPal: 6/3/2026 |
| Miracle Jolly Horse Rescue - REPORTED - SHUT DOWN | YouTube | June 2, 2026: 300+ followers. Not recognized by the IRS as a registered nonprofit. All content is stolen from other pages. PayPal link was shut down and replaced by a new one - the new one has now been shut down as well. REPORTED by Ask Grammy and SHUT DOWN! | SHUT DOWN! Reported to: FTC: 6/3/2026 (Report number: 202485617) PayPal: 6/3/2026 PayPal: 6/5/2026 (new PPL link) |
| Safe Haven for Horses - REPORTED - SHUT DOWN | YouTube | May 2026: 500+ followers. Channel started Feb 26, 2026. Not recognized by the IRS as a registered nonprofit. All content is stolen from other pages. PayPal connected to Hope for Abandoned souls (https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=SCCWQGQTZX8QG) REPORTED by Ask Grammy and SHUT DOWN! | SHUT DOWN! Reported to: FTC: 6/3/2026 (Report number: 202485617) PayPal: 6/3/2026 6/16/2026 - PayPal link no longer active |
| save.horse1 | YouTube | Jun. 2, 2026: 10+ followers. Channel started May 14, 2026. Not recognized by the IRS as a registered nonprofit. All content is stolen from other pages. PayPal "Save Us Today" (https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=RSVGD343HAPTW) | Reported to: FTC: 6/3/2026 (Report number: 202485617) PayPal: 6/3/2026 |
| Second Chance Haven - REPORTED - SHUT DOWN | YouTube | May 2026: 38,900+ followers. Not recognized by the IRS as a registered nonprofit. All content is stolen from other pages. PayPal is to an individual, not an organization PayPal SAVE LIVES, Christopher Sseruuma (paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=HJB4G9F6YGHTQ paypal.me/SseruumaChristopher) REPORTED by Ask Grammy and SHUT DOWN! | SHUT DOWN! Reported to: FTC: 6/3/2026 (Report number: 202485617) PayPal: 6/3/2026 |
| Second Chance Sanctuary | YouTube | May 2026: 18,200+ followers. Claims to be a California-based non-profit, but is not recognized by the IRS as a registered nonprofit. Content is stolen from other pages. PayPal connected to SAVE HORSES (https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=LWXR53426PJ3A). They have also been using a Donorbox link. | Reported to: FTC: 6/3/2026 (Report number: 202485617) PayPal: 6/3/2026 Donorbox: 6/16/2026 |
| Tarzo Horse Rescue Sanctuary | YouTube | June 3, 2026: 9,980+ followers. Not recognized by the IRS as a registered nonprofit. Content is stolen from other pages, including from Horse Illustrated. Has taken payments via two PayPal accounts associated with individuals, not organizations: kayiira Akram (https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=ZVPB43CVGACXL) Nassiwa Sylivia (https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=QFL7YBQPBFC3A). PayPal accounts appear to be connected to Uganda. PayPal accounts were closed and they are now taking payment via GiverImpact (https://giverimpact.com/c/loveandkindnesses). | Reported to: FTC: 6/3/2026 (Report number: 202485617) PayPal: 6/3/2026 |
| Walter's Haven Rescue - REPORTED - SHUT DOWN | Website | June 14, 2026: AI-generated main character, AI-generated dogs, AI-generated shelter environment. Domain registered 4/23/2026. Not recognized by the IRS as a registered nonprofit. Taking payments via Shopify. REPORTED by Ask Grammy and SHUT DOWN! | SHUT DOWN! |
| Wild Horse Rescue Ranch - REPORTED - SHUT DOWN | June 2, 2026: 7,200+ followers. Not recognized by the IRS as a registered nonprofit. Uses stolen images and videos. Has changed username 2x on Instagram. linktr.ee/savea.life leads to a PayPal link "Pet Aid" (https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=XQRHYCBPQ33DA) REPORTED by Ask Grammy and SHUT DOWN! | SHUT DOWN! Reported to: FTC: 6/3/2026 (Report number: 202485617) PayPal: 6/3/2026 6/16/26 - SHUT DOWN!! |
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| Forever Loved Sanctuary | YouTube | Sept. 9, 2026: 6,300+ followers. Not recognized by the IRS as a registered nonprofit. YouTube channel launched Feb. 4, 2026. Images and videos stolen from Rebel Dogs Detroit - an actual rescue. Even profile photo is from Beyond Rescue. Taking payments via PayPal (paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=6XC5XXHCY9KX2) | Emailed Rebel Dogs to report use of images and videos; will report to PayPal and FTC in bulk submission |
| Aunt Rosie's Shelter | See Hungry & Abandoned Paws Shelter on this tracker. | ||
| Aunt Mel's Rescue | See Just One Life Shelter on this tracker. | ||
| Daren Rescue | YouTube | Also appears on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61591853252634). 24K followers on Facebook (page started 7/13/26), 23.4K followers on YouTube (started 4/22/26). Claims to be a registered nonprofit based in Florida, but provided an Employer Identification Number (EIN) provided belongs to Blue Waters Dog Rescue - an actual nonprofit in Florida. Facebook indicates the page is managed by someone in INDIA, NOT FLORIDA. Further, they list their location as Madrid, Spain on Facebook. All images and videos are stolen from other pages. Takes "donations" through PayPal (https://www.paypal.com/donate?campaign_id=GUMVNXHECYAV8) and that leads to an individual, not an organization. |
This tracker is maintained by AskGrammy.com for consumer education purposes only. It is not legal advice. Findings reflect research conducted at the time of each investigation and are subject to change. If you believe you’ve been the victim of charitable fraud, file a complaint with the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov or contact your state attorney general’s office.
How to verify any rescue yourself
Before you donate to any animal rescue page online, take 30 seconds and search the organization name at the IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search: apps.irs.gov/app/eos
If they claim to be a 501(c)(3) and they’re not in that database — you have your answer.
Spotted one I haven’t listed?
If you’ve come across a suspicious rescue page that isn’t in this tracker, I want to know about it. Send me the details using my CONTACT FORM – select “Animal Rescue Scam” from the “Type of Scam” drop-down menu. Please include the page name, the platform, and a link if you have one. I’ll investigate and add it if the evidence warrants.
A note about legitimate rescues
Not every animal rescue page is a scam. There are thousands of dedicated, legitimate organizations doing incredible work every single day. If you want to support animal rescue — and I absolutely hope you do — your local shelter is almost always the best place to start. You can see exactly where the help is going.
You can also verify any organization at:
- IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search: apps.irs.gov/app/eos
- Charity Navigator: charitynavigator.org
- BBB Wise Giving Alliance: give.org