BBC uncovers the Ugandan scammers abusing dogs to elicit donations from animal lovers
Summary
The BBC investigated a scam in Uganda where dogs with injuries are used in fake online fundraisers to get money from animal lovers abroad. The scam is based in Mityana, Uganda, where scammers post videos showing suffering dogs to trick people into donating for their care, but the money often does not help the animals.Key Facts
- A dog named Russet in Uganda was used in many online videos that asked for donations to treat his injuries.
- Thousands of dollars were donated, but Russet never recovered and likely suffered for a long time.
- The scam operates mainly in Mityana, about 70 km from Uganda’s capital, Kampala.
- Many fake dog rescue accounts on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube flood social media with emotional videos to raise money.
- Scammers exploit animal lovers’ emotions by showing poor-looking animals and telling stories that fit stereotypes about poverty and neglect in Africa.
- Over the last five years, more than $730,000 has been raised through online fundraisers linked to animal shelters in Uganda, with about 40% connected to Mityana.
- Local people in Mityana say the scam is widely known, and signs like young men driving expensive cars can indicate scammers.
- The scam benefits from the popularity of dogs on social media in Europe, North America, and Australia.
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