Account security tips and how to sniff out online pet scams

Unlike all the adorable pets listed on PetRescue, the internet isn’t perfect. We want to ensure that you only get matched with your furry BFF, not a scammer with bad grammar. 

To make your experience on PetRescue nothing less than a joyous celebration of pet adoption and the anticipation of opening your home and heart to a rescue furry, read up on some of the useful tips and tricks we’ve rounded up to help you sniff out potential scams and shams. 

You security checklist 🔒

• Don’t leave your login details saved on public servers

• Link your mobile number to your PetRescue account for two-step verification. This ensures that you are made aware every time someone has logged into your account from a different server. 

• Don’t share your password with anyone. PetRescue will never ask you for your password

• Use a password manager to manage your logins. Some helpful applications include Dashlane, Remembear, 1Password and LastPass 

• Keep changing your password every few months and avoid using one password for all logins

• Get creative with your passwords. You can alternatively use a passphrase which is around 20 characters or so and consists of seemingly random words strung together along with numbers, symbols and upper and lower case letters, for example, BlueMountains#123happyboats. Avoid using personal information such as birthdays, names, or surnames

• And definitely, don’t make password your password

How to spot an online pet scam 🔍

• Be wary of puppy or kitten listings that use language such as “for sale” “shipping” or “postage”. These adverts could be fraudulent, so be extremely cautious before sending money to anyone since genuine rescue groups would never use this terminology when referring to pets who are listed for adoption. 

• If you have been contacted by someone claiming to be from PetRescue via PetRescue’s chat system then verify this message by reaching out to us via email at info@petrescue.org.au. 

• Variations of PetRescue's official email, i.e info@petrescue.org.au such as petrescue@gmail.com or petrescue.admin@gmail.com are not affiliated with PetRescue Ltd. and could be untrustworthy

• You might be redirected to another website that phishes for personal information such as your national ID or bank details. If you do, then verify the information and contents of the website before making any transactions or giving away personal details

• Some phishing websites may appear to look legitimate but can have sketchy pop-ups which ask you to share personal details. You can use anti-phishing applications and plugins such as Netcraft which can give you specific details about a website including its risk rating, ranking and date created 

• Scammers could offer the pet in one location, somewhere close to you, and then tell you that because of some situation, the animals are somewhere else and cannot be picked up directly. In this case, first, confirm the legitimacy of the rescue organisation and do not make any payments until you have confirmed that it’s a genuine rescue. You can always drop us an email at info@petrescue.org.au if you need help with verification 

• Check the PetRescue logo on any forms or surveys sent to you and make sure it’s the same as the one on www.petrescue.com.au  

If you are a rescue organisation 🏠

• Ensure that you keep a check of your PetRescue account admins and have a record of everyone who has your account's login details

• If you can’t access your account, reset your password and if you still face any obstacles, contact us immediately at members@petrescue.org.au 

• Use the PetRescue chat system for any correspondence with potential adopters

• If your listed pet has an adoption fee, it is always better to have a PayPal account set up to receive payments

• It’s always good to have a website or social media page with information about your organisation, along with helpful details such as email, phone, and a bio.

• If you use your website for adoption forms or donations, then make sure that you get an SSL certificate. When installed on a web server, it activates the little padlock icon on the left of the URL and allows secure connections from a web server to a browser. This helps adopters and donors trust your website and steer clear of fraudulent ones with similar domain names

See something, say something! 📢

 If you aren’t sure about the rescue organisation that you are adopting from, you can always drop us an email, or run an internet search for further clarification. It’s always good to run as many background checks as you like before giving away any personal details or making monetary transactions. 

Scammers often try to “advertise” pedigree or purebred puppies and kittens for sale, playing on people’s affinity for such pets. Don’t let your desire for a purebred leave you vulnerable to scammers! Mixed breed pets are wonderful who easily adapt to their environments and need amazing adopters like you to give them a loving home!

If you think you’ve come across a potential online scammer then be sure to report it on Scam Watch to alert all other adopters out there.  And if you sniff out funny business on PetRescue, then let our team know by emailing us at info@petrescue.org.au.  

At PetRescue we value your privacy and ensure that your personal details are always protected.

In the meantime, continue searching for your best friend on www.petrescue.com.au!