Is this donation request from RSPCA Australia a scam?
Scammers exploit people's generosity by posing as trusted charities like RSPCA Australia, especially after disasters and during major appeals. A donation request, text or email that looks like it's from RSPCA Australia can be genuine — but it can just as easily be a scam built to look identical. The good news: a few quick checks almost always tell a real RSPCA Australia message from a fake.
Genuine RSPCA Australia links only ever go to rspca.org.au. Below is exactly what a real RSPCA Australia message looks like, the scams currently circulating in its name, the red flags that give a fake away, and a real example to compare against. Got a message in front of you? Check it now for an instant verdict.
What a real RSPCA Australia message looks like
Genuine messages from RSPCA Australia only ever link to rspca.org.au.
- Emails only from addresses ending in @rspca.org.au
- Adoption processes are handled through the state RSPCA shelter websites listed on rspca.org.au
- RSPCA never initiates contact by SMS asking for money or deposits
- Donations are only requested through the official rspca.org.au donation pages
- All pet listings appear on the official state shelter pages, not personal or third-party sites
Crucially, RSPCA Australia will never pressure you to donate instantly via gift cards, cryptocurrency or a transfer to a personal account — you can verify any charity on the ACNC register.
Common RSPCA Australia scams
- Scammers post fake RSPCA pet-adoption ads on Facebook Marketplace or Gumtree that ask for a deposit via bank transfer to hold the animal
- Fraudsters claim the RSPCA has an urgent animal in need of foster care and request money for transport or vet fees
- Emails or messages pretending to be from RSPCA Australia offering to match you with a rescue dog or cat if you pay an upfront fee
- Fake urgent appeals claiming a local RSPCA branch needs immediate donations for a disaster response and directing payment to a personal account
Red flags to watch for
- Any message asking you to pay a deposit or transfer money to secure an RSPCA animal
- Requests to communicate outside the official rspca.org.au or state shelter websites
- Adoption listings that appear on private seller sites rather than the state RSPCA shelter pages
- Pressure to act quickly or send money via bank transfer, gift cards or cryptocurrency
- Sender email addresses that do not end in @rspca.org.au
Scam text examples
Here's a real example of a scam message impersonating RSPCA Australia, with the tell-tale red flags highlighted. Compare it against anything you've received.
Hi, RSPCA Australia has an 8-week-old kelpie ready for urgent foster. To hold her please transfer a $150 adoption deposit to our verified account today. Once paid we will send collection details.
What gives it away:
- Any message asking you to pay a deposit or transfer money to secure an RSPCA animal
- Requests to communicate outside the official rspca.org.au or state shelter websites
- Adoption listings that appear on private seller sites rather than the state RSPCA shelter pages
- Pressure to act quickly or send money via bank transfer, gift cards or cryptocurrency
- Sender email addresses that do not end in @rspca.org.au
Not sure about your message?
Paste the suspicious RSPCA Australia text or email and get an instant scam verdict, free.
How to verify a message from RSPCA Australia
- Find pets via rspca.org.au and your state RSPCA domain
- Donate at rspca.org.au
Where to report a scam impersonating RSPCA Australia
Received — or fell for — a message impersonating RSPCA Australia? Report it. It helps authorities and carriers shut the campaign down for everyone who gets the next one.
- Scamwatch — Report the scam to the ACCC's national scam service.
- ReportCyber — Report cybercrime and financial loss to the police.
- ACMA — Report scam texts and spam SMS or calls.
- Forward to 7226 (SPAM) — Forward the scam SMS to short code 7226 so your carrier can block the source.
- IDCARE — Free identity and cyber support if your details were taken.
Frequently asked questions
I saw an RSPCA pet adoption listing asking for a bank transfer deposit — is it a scam?
Yes. RSPCA Australia never asks for a deposit via bank transfer to hold an animal. All adoptions go through official state shelters listed on rspca.org.au.
How do I know if an RSPCA message or email is real?
Genuine RSPCA messages come from addresses ending in @rspca.org.au and direct you only to rspca.org.au or your state shelter site. They never request upfront payments for adoptions.
I paid a deposit to someone claiming to be RSPCA — what should I do?
Report the incident to Scamwatch at scamwatch.gov.au and contact your bank immediately. ReportCyber at cyber.gov.au can also help if personal details were shared.
Where can I safely adopt a pet from RSPCA Australia?
Only use the adoption listings on rspca.org.au and your state RSPCA website. Never respond to ads on social media or private marketplaces.
Related scam types
Scams impersonating RSPCA Australia usually fit one of these patterns. Learn how each works:
Related brands
Other charity names scammers impersonate — check a message from one:
This guide is general information, not legal or financial advice — always verify with RSPCA Australia through an official channel.