Hyndburn Stray Dogs In Need issues warning over potential scam

The animal welfare group said it had received a series of phone calls and letters addressed to a ‘Doctor Robert Dube’.

However, nobody of that name works for the charity or supports its efforts to care for stray dogs.

Ian Barlow, the charity’s chairman, said: “Please be aware of anyone calling themselves Doctor Robert Dube claiming to represent our charity.

"He is not connected to our charity in any way.

“We think it is somebody trying to run a scam in the name of the charity, or using the charity’s registered address.

“We have been the victim of a scam before and had nearly £2,000 removed from our bank account.

“The bank did refund the money right away, so if you have been contacted by someone claiming to be from the charity and you have any suspicions, then please inform us right away.”

Steve Wood, the charity’s animal welfare officer, said in the case of the previous scam a standing order was set up with a bank for rental payments using HSDIN’s registered address.

He said he had called the police to report this new incident, but was told to go to Trading Standards.

He said: “We are aware of this new situation and trying to keep our eyes peeled.

“I’ve checked on the medical register.

“This Dr Dube is not a medical doctor and nobody seems to know anything about him.”

The charity was founded 11 years ago with the mission of “giving stray dogs a second chance”.

It helps re-home stray dogs, pays vet bills for stray dogs needing emergency treatment and contributes to a micro-chipping programme across the borough.

The charity also runs an educational programme in schools about being safe around dogs, animal husbandry and the dangers of toxocara, supports families with re-homed strays and provides dog training classes.

It relies on donations and sales at its shop in Whalley Road, Accrington to continue this work.

For more information about Hyndburn Stray Dogs in need call the charity on 01254 875990.