When evaluating whether an animal rehoming or rescue organisation is a scam or legitimate, there are several steps you can take to assess its credibility. Here are some tips to help you determine if trustworthy:
- Research the organisation: Start by conducting thorough research. Look for their official website (www.intolovinghomes.com.au), social media profiles (https://www.facebook.com/IntoLovingHomes), and any other online presence (https://www.linkedin.com/company/into-loving-homes). Check if they have contact information listed (ours is 1300577302 and FB messenger).
- Read about their mission, programs, and values (https://intolovinghomes.com.au/connecting-animals-with-local-adopters-targeted-facebook-ads-find-loving-homes/).
- Verify their registration and accreditation: You can often find this information on their website or by searching for their organisation’s name in relevant databases or directories.
- Read their reviews (https://www.facebook.com/IntoLovingHomes or see Google).
- Contact them directly: Reach out through their provided contact information (1300577302). Ask questions about their programs, adoptions, rehoming, how to donate or any other concerns/questions you may have. A reputable organisation will respond promptly and provide satisfactory answers.
- Check for collaboration or partnerships: See if Into Loving Homes collaborates with other reputable organisations (we are partnered with (https://www.libertyfoundation.org.au/ and over 250 veterinaries across Australia). Partnerships with established entities can indicate credibility and a commitment to their mission as well as social proof.
- Evaluate their online presence: Look for consistency across their online presence and ensure there are no red flags, such as poor design, grammatical errors, or suspicious requests for personal information.
- Exercise caution with donations: Ensure that you use secure payment methods (we offer PayPal, Bank transfer, cheque, vet and pet store credit). Avoid sharing sensitive information unless you are confident in the legitimacy of an organisation.
Exercise critical thinking, trust your instincts, keep an open heart and mind and be cautious if you encounter any suspicious or unethical behaviour.
Thank you for caring enough in these turbulent times of navigating online fraud to do your research and assure your efforts and support go to where it is needed most and used effectively and ethically.
