Polegate groomer highlights dangers of online fraud after social media scam

Groomer Caroline Donoghue, of Lovemud Dog Grooming in Polegate, East Sussex, is warned others about the dangers of online fraud after she was targeted by potential fraudsters.

The groomer, who has nearly 700,000 social media followers, earns a set sum as a content creator and her account is also key to income she makes as a brand ambassador.

Donoghue was contacted a few weeks ago via her agent to appear on what she believed was a real podcast. She was asked to grant access to her Meta Business Suite, so the bookers could schedule a livestream for the podcast. Once access was granted, the bookers went silent, and Donoghue realised they were fraudsters.

She still has access to her account and has not yet noticed suspicious activity on it. However, the rogue email address still has access, which means it could take over the account at any time.

Donoghue told the BBC: “I did have a little glimmer and thought, ‘that’s a bit strange’… but I thought it’s come through the agent, it’s not going to be an issue.”

She added: “They know how important these accounts [are] to us as influencers. It’s not just something we do on the side – it pays the rent.”

A Meta spokesperson told the BBC: “We take the safety and security of our community seriously, and we encourage everyone to create a strong password, enable two factor authentication and to be suspicious of emails or messages asking for personal details.”

Donoghue’s business TikTok account was hacked two year ago and she lost more than 300,000 followers.