'Do not click links' - Irish animal charity warns supporters to be wary of scam emails

An Irish animal charity is warning supporters to be wary of criminals using their name and branding to scam people. 

According to Mutts Anonymous Dog Rescue and Adaption (MADRA), phishing emails are circulating in the community at present, with the charity urging people not to click links in an unexpected email. 

In a statement posted on Facebook on Tuesday (March 5), a MADRA spokesperson wrote: "Be aware of spam. This email was received but the person had not donated via Instagram. Beware of phishing emails and DO NOT CLICK links in an email that you are not expecting or do not understand!" 

A screenshot of an email received by a MADRA follower was included with the statement, and shows a receipt for a €10.00 donation to the charity. 

They continued: "Please only use the secure donation on our website, this way you can be sure your funds are reaching our dogs. We rely on your donations to help us to continue to rescue, care for, and rehome abandoned and unwanted dogs. Thank you for your support. 

According to An Garda Síochána, phishing attacks occur when someone receives an email that looks like it is from a bank, a supplier or another official agency. 

Clicking on any links may bring a potential victim to a legitimate looking website, where they may encounter a prompt to enter private or banking details. 

If you supply these, they will likely be used to commit fraud or sold online.

Gardaí advise not clicking on any links if an email of this type is received, and to delete it immediately. 

Anyone who has received one of these types of emails and sent money or provided personal details in response should contact a Garda Station.