BBC investigation: Ugandan scammers exploit dogs to harvest online donations
A BBC investigation has uncovered a Ugandan scam network that posts viral videos of suffering dogs online, then pockets donations from animal-loving viewers worldwide. None of the money reaches the animals.
A BBC investigation has documented a Ugandan scam operation that publishes videos of injured or distressed dogs on social media and then asks animal lovers worldwide to send money to save them. The investigation found the dogs in the videos had been deliberately mistreated to create the content.
The appeals are written in English and target users primarily in the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany and Australia. The BBC traced funds and found donations did not reach rescue work in the months that followed but flowed to personal accounts linked to the network.
Ugandan police have begun reviewing the BBC's evidence on the authenticity of the videos and the money transfers. Animal welfare groups are calling on social media companies to tighten enforcement against this type of content. The platforms have been asked to respond on their detection procedures.
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