Greg's Corner

TikTok Cat Shelter Scam Exposed

By Greg Collier

A deceptive new charity scam has emerged on TikTok, once again proving how scammers adapt old tactics to modern platforms. The Better Business Bureau is warning users to be cautious, especially when appeals appear heartwarming and urgent.

A recent report to the BBB involved a TikTok account using stolen or AI-generated videos of an elderly couple selling novelty items like cat toys or slippers. These products were marketed as part of a fundraiser to help save a struggling cat shelter. A link in the video directed viewers to a website offering the items for purchase. Unfortunately, buyers reported that nothing ever arrived. More troubling, their credit card and personal information were likely compromised.

This kind of scheme relies heavily on emotional triggers. The scammers design content to make the viewer feel sympathy or guilt. By showing cute animals, pairing videos with sentimental music, and begging viewers not to scroll past, they hope to elicit a fast emotional reaction that leads to an impulsive purchase.

The BBB recommends skepticism toward online charities that do not clearly explain how donations are used. They also advise checking organizations through resources like Give.org and Charity Navigator to verify legitimacy.

Those who suspect they’ve been scammed should contact their credit card provider to request a chargeback and take extra precautions by enabling multifactor authentication on their digital accounts. This situation is another reminder that emotional manipulation is a powerful tool in the hands of bad actors, and that caution is always necessary before clicking on links or making online purchases.