In a disturbing trend, Metro Detroit animal rescues are facing a surge of Facebook impersonation scams, jeopardizing crucial donations and community trust.

Happy Paws Haven, a foster-based, no-kill rescue operating in areas like Royal Oak, Ferndale, Detroit, Madison Heights, and Birmingham, recently discovered a fraudulent Facebook page mimicking their organization. This fake page amassed over 23,000 followers, using stolen photos and videos of animals to solicit donations through a deceptive PayPal link. Vice President Sydney Terenzi expressed deep concern, stating, "We rely heavily on our donors and the generosity of those who believe in our mission." ([clickondetroit.com](https://www.clickondetroit.com/news/local/2026/02/06/fake-facebook-pages-impersonate-metro-detroit-animal-rescue-threatening-donations/?utm_source=openai))

The fraudulent page falsely claimed that animals would be euthanized without immediate financial support, exploiting the compassion of potential donors. Despite repeated reports over two months, the page remained active until local news outlets intervened, leading to its eventual removal. However, the associated PayPal link continued to function until further action was taken. ([clickondetroit.com](https://www.clickondetroit.com/news/local/2026/02/06/fake-facebook-pages-impersonate-metro-detroit-animal-rescue-threatening-donations/?utm_source=openai))

This incident is not isolated. The Detroit Animal Care and Control (DACC) has reported similar scams where individuals impersonate staff, contacting pet owners to claim their lost pets have been found injured and demanding payment for emergency surgery via Apple Pay. DACC emphasizes that they never request payments over the phone or through such methods. ([detroitmi.gov](https://detroitmi.gov/news/callers-impersonating-detroit-animal-care-and-control-staff-scam-pet-owners?utm_source=openai))

To protect themselves, the Better Business Bureau advises the public to be vigilant for red flags such as recycled content, vague profiles, and fake engagement. They recommend verifying the authenticity of organizations before making donations and being cautious of unsolicited requests for money. ([clickondetroit.com](https://www.clickondetroit.com/news/local/2026/02/06/fake-facebook-pages-impersonate-metro-detroit-animal-rescue-threatening-donations/?utm_source=openai))

Despite these challenges, local rescues like Happy Paws Haven remain committed to their mission. Terenzi highlighted the community's resilience, noting, "For every scammer, we have a hundred people who come out of the woodwork and support us, and we're just so grateful for them." ([clickondetroit.com](https://www.clickondetroit.com/news/local/2026/02/06/fake-facebook-pages-impersonate-metro-detroit-animal-rescue-threatening-donations/?utm_source=openai))

The public is urged to report any suspicious activity to local authorities and to support animal rescues through verified channels to ensure their contributions genuinely aid animals in need.