PUBLIC ALERT: Scam Calls Pretending to be BARCS

We want to alert the public about a scam targeting people with missing pets. These scams started popping up back in the Fall and then seemed to disappear, but they have unfortunately started to occur again. Individuals who have posted about their lost pets on social media, along with their contact information, are receiving fraudulent calls from scammers spoofing BARCS’ official phone number, 410-396-4695.

The scammers are posing as BARCS employees and falsely claiming they have found the missing pet. They report that the animal is in critical condition and urgently needs medical procedures, then demand immediate payment via CashApp, Venmo, PayPal, or other third-party payment apps. While BARCS does have official Venmo and PayPal accounts, we will never call and request payments in this manner.

If you receive such a call, please do not send any payments. Instead, email us at info@BARCS.org so that we can continue tracking these incidents and file reports.

Stay vigilant and help us protect our community.

5/13 SECONDARY PUBLIC ALERT: Scam Targeting our Rescue Community

We’ve recently uncovered a new scam targeting our rescue community and supporters. Here’s what’s happening:

When BARCS posts animals in urgent need of rescue, many kind-hearted people comment offering pledges—saying things like, “I’ll donate $100 to the rescue that pulls Fluffy.” These pledges are a lifeline for rescue groups, and our team helps by collecting contact info from donors and passing it along to the rescue that steps up.

But now, scammers are watching these public posts. They’re sending direct messages to people who’ve pledged, pretending to be from BARCS, and asking them to “make good” on their pledge and money via Venmo, CashApp or a bogus donation link.

This is NOT how BARCS operates. We never collect pledges this way, and we never DM people asking for donations.

This scam comes on top of the recent phone spoofing scam involving fake calls about lost pets. It’s more important than ever to be vigilant and to help us spread the word.

How to stay safe:

1) If you pledge in the comments, only donate after hearing directly from the rescue, not someone claiming to be BARCS.
2) When in doubt, reach out to us through our website or verified email: give@BARCS.org
3) Please report suspicious accounts and messages to BARCS but also to the platform (in this case, Facebook).