Residents across Durham Region are being warned to exercise caution when purchasing products claiming to support the Uxbridge-Scugog Animal Shelter after municipal officials discovered an unauthorized fundraising scheme using the shelter’s logo.
The Townships of Uxbridge and Scugog have issued a public warning advising residents that a third-party organization is promoting and selling products featuring the Uxbridge-Scugog Animal Shelter logo without permission.
According to the municipalities, the organization behind the sales is not affiliated with either township, the existing animal shelter, or the planned new shelter project. Officials say any purchases made through the unauthorized seller do not benefit the shelter and are considered fraudulent.
The warning was issued after township staff became aware of products being advertised and sold using the shelter’s branding. Municipal officials moved quickly to notify residents in an effort to prevent community members from unknowingly supporting the unauthorized operation.
The Uxbridge-Scugog Animal Shelter serves both municipalities and plays an important role in providing care, shelter, and support for lost, abandoned, and surrendered animals throughout the region. Community support and fundraising efforts are often important sources of assistance for animal welfare initiatives, making the misuse of the shelter’s name particularly concerning.
Officials emphasized that legitimate fundraising campaigns connected to the shelter are carefully organized and publicly announced through official municipal communication channels. Residents are encouraged to verify any fundraising initiative before making purchases or donations.
The Townships of Uxbridge and Scugog stated that any authentic fundraising efforts related to the shelter or future shelter projects will be promoted through official township websites, social media accounts, and recognized municipal communication platforms.
Municipal leaders are urging residents to remain vigilant when encountering online advertisements, social media promotions, or merchandise claiming to support local organizations. Fraudulent fundraising campaigns have become increasingly common across Canada, with scammers often using trusted community organizations, charities, and public institutions to gain credibility.
Consumer protection experts recommend verifying the legitimacy of fundraising campaigns before making purchases or donations. Residents should look for official website links, contact information, and confirmation from recognized organizations before providing financial support.
The unauthorized use of logos and branding can make fraudulent operations appear legitimate, making it difficult for consumers to distinguish between genuine fundraising efforts and scams. Officials are reminding residents that if an offer seems suspicious or cannot be verified through official sources, extra caution should be exercised.
The municipalities have confirmed that they are actively addressing the issue and working to protect the reputation of the Uxbridge-Scugog Animal Shelter. However, no details have been released regarding the identity of the unauthorized seller or the scope of the operation.
At this time, officials have not indicated whether the matter has been reported to police. The public statement issued by the municipalities focused primarily on raising awareness and preventing further purchases from the unauthorized source.
Residents who encounter merchandise or fundraising campaigns claiming to support the shelter are encouraged to verify the information directly through the Township of Uxbridge or Township of Scugog before making a purchase.
Municipal officials hope the warning will help prevent additional residents from becoming victims of the scam while ensuring future support reaches the shelter and animals it serves.
As investigations into the unauthorized sales continue, residents are reminded to rely on official township communication channels for accurate information regarding shelter fundraising initiatives and community projects.
