A Viral Rescue Turns Into a Warning Against Deception
In a harrowing incident that captured the hearts of many online, a woman in Mandaue City risked her safety to save her beloved pets from a raging fire. However, the viral fame of her bravery quickly attracted a darker element. Scammers appropriated her story and images to solicit money from the public, prompting the woman to speak out and warn others about the dangers of online fraud. This incident highlights a growing trend where compassionate individuals are targeted by bad actors exploiting emotional narratives for financial gain.
Ei Mei Lee Chui-Maningo, a 37-year-old resident of Barangay Guizo, found herself in a terrifying situation when a fire broke out in her neighborhood. Living alone while her husband works at sea, she had only her two Pomeranian dogs, Miyah and Kayen, for company in their upper story home. As flames engulfed the structure, panic set in. Yet, amidst the chaos, her focus remained squarely on the safety of her animals. She knew she could not leave them behind to perish in the blaze.
With escape routes limited and time running out, Chui-Maningo made a desperate choice. She decided to lower her dogs to the ground below, trusting that strangers would catch them. It was a leap of faith driven by sheer determination and love for her pets. One by one, she dropped the dogs to the waiting arms of people on the street. Fortunately, both Miyah and Kayen landed safely and were later checked by a veterinarian, found to be unharmed despite the ordeal.
Risking It All for Family
The rescue was captured on video and quickly spread across social media platforms, garnering millions of views and widespread praise. Viewers were moved by Chui-Maningo’s courage and her refusal to abandon her animals in their time of need. For many, the act was a powerful reminder of the bond between humans and their pets. In the Philippines, where animals are often considered part of the household, her actions resonated deeply.
Chui-Maningo later recalled the fear she felt during those critical moments. In interviews, she described how terrified she was, noting that she does not even recall exactly how she managed to bring the dogs down. She remembered holding onto them tightly, afraid that if she let go, they would run and hide, making rescue impossible. She stated that initially, onlookers suggested she leave the dogs behind, but she refused. To her, leaving them was not an option. “They are my family,” she insisted, emphasizing that they were her only companions while her husband was away.
While the physical rescue ended successfully, the aftermath brought a new kind of challenge. Chui-Maningo learned days later that her act of bravery had gone viral. She was overwhelmed by the attention and the outpouring of support from strangers. However, she soon discovered that not everyone reaching out had good intentions. Unbeknownst to her, individuals with malicious agendas were using her photos and the story of the fire to line their own pockets.
City Council Honors Heroism
Recognizing the extraordinary nature of her actions, the Mandaue City Council invited Chui-Maningo to a regular session to honor her courage. During the session on December 15, Councilor Jennifer Del Mar commended her for her bravery and sound judgment. The council cited her devotion to her pets as an example of compassion over fear. They presented her with a plaque of recognition to formally acknowledge her heroic deed.
Councilor Del Mar spoke passionately about the values displayed by Chui-Maningo. She noted that the woman chose compassion over fear, refusing to abandon her dogs in the face of danger. Del Mar argued that this refusal demonstrated the sacrifices one makes for family, regardless of whether that family is human or animal. She stated that such conduct reflects values worthy of public praise and serves as an example to the community.
“The exemplary conduct by Chui-Maningo stands as a testament to civic responsibility and personal courage that are deserving of public recognition,” said Del Mar during the council session.
The Island Rescue Organization also attended the session to show their support. They presented gifts and treats for Miyah and Kayen, celebrating their survival and the woman who saved them. The event was meant to be a moment of celebration and closure for a traumatic event. Yet, even as she received these accolades, Chui-Maningo was dealing with the frustrating reality of being exploited by scammers.
A Dark Turn: Exploiting a Hero
Amidst the praise and official recognition, a disturbing trend emerged. Unknown individuals created social media pages and posts claiming to raise funds for Chui-Maningo. These solicitations included photos taken from the fire and the subsequent rescue, making the appeals appear legitimate. They circulated GCash account numbers, a popular mobile wallet in the Philippines, asking for donations to help the “fire victim.”
Chui-Maningo was quick to clarify that she had no part in these campaigns. She explicitly stated that she never begged for money from anyone. She explained that the GCash accounts being shared online did not belong to her and that the people behind these pages had no connection to her whatsoever. While she appreciated the genuine generosity of those who wanted to help, she was alarmed by the use of her story for deception.
In a public statement, she appealed directly to the scammers and the public. She expressed gratitude to those who extended help voluntarily but urged those with bad intentions to stop using her photos to solicit cash. Her message was clear and direct.
“I never asked for any financial help from anyone and only accept what is given to us willingly and voluntarily,” Chui-Maningo said. “For those who helped, thank you. For those who have bad intentions, please stop.”
This situation serves as a cautionary tale about the speed at which misinformation and fraud can spread in the digital age. Scammers often hijack trending stories or emotional events to manipulate well meaning donors. By the time the victim realizes what is happening, the fraudsters may have already disappeared with the money.
A Global Issue with Fake Rescues
The exploitation of animal welfare narratives for profit is not limited to the Philippines. It is a global phenomenon that takes various forms, from fake donation drives to entirely fictitious rescue operations. Around the world, scammers prey on the empathy of animal lovers, creating elaborate schemes to steal money under the guise of saving lives.
In Australia, for example, a leading animal welfare charity recently issued a warning about fake rescue groups targeting potential adopters. Trish Ennis, CEO of Companion Animal Network Australia, noted that while most rescue groups are ethical, there is a rise in scams breaking hearts and draining bank accounts. One victim, 78-year-old Christine Jenkins, lost $2,500 to a fake website called WoodPetsAU. She thought she was adopting a rescue dog named Milo, but the dog did not exist. The emotional toll was severe, leaving Jenkins feeling sick and foolish.
Staged Content for Profit
Perhaps even more disturbing are the fake animal rescue channels that have proliferated on video platforms. Investigations have uncovered numerous channels that stage rescue situations. In these scenarios, animals are often put in harm’s way intentionally, just so the “rescuer” can film themselves saving the creature. These creators profit from the views and advertising revenue generated by the emotional content.
Lists of these abusive channels have been circulated by animal rights activists. They identify channels that repeatedly show animals in dangerous situations without proper context or safety measures. Viewers, touched by the plight of the animal, donate money to the channel, believing they are supporting a good cause. In reality, they are often funding the continued exploitation of these animals. This type of content not only defrauds viewers but also normalizes the abuse of animals for entertainment.
Even legitimate organizations are not immune to impersonation. In Claremore, Oklahoma, a real rescue group called Okie Pet Rescue had to warn the public about a fake Facebook account using their name. The imposter page was messaging people to request donations. The rescue had to ask their supporters to report the page to protect their reputation and ensure donations went to the actual animals in need.
Identifying Red Flags in Donation Requests
Given the prevalence of these scams, it is crucial for donors to be vigilant. Experts suggest several steps one can take to verify the legitimacy of a donation drive or rescue operation. Transparency is the most important factor. Genuine rescues and charity organizers are usually open about their finances and operations.
If a page asks for money but provides no details about how the funds will be used, it is a major red flag. Legitimate organizations typically share veterinary bills, receipts for supplies, or detailed breakdowns of costs. They are often willing to answer questions from potential donors. In contrast, scammers often become defensive or block users who ask too many questions.
- Veterinary Transparency: Real rescues work with licensed vets. Ask for the name of the vet treating the animal or copies of medical bills.
- Proof of Outcome: Scammers often post sad photos to get money but rarely follow up with “after” photos showing the animal’s recovery.
- Direct Communication: If a donation page claims to help a specific individual, try to verify it through official channels or mutual friends before giving.
- Payment Methods: Be wary of requests for wire transfers, cryptocurrency, or untraceable gift cards. Credit cards and secure platforms offer more recourse if something goes wrong.
Animal welfare advocates also warn against “emotional blackmail.” Scammers often use urgent language, claiming an animal will die tonight if money is not sent immediately. While emergencies do happen, legitimate organizations usually have a protocol and do not rely solely on high pressure tactics via social media comments.
Furthermore, potential pet adopters should be extremely cautious when dealing with online only sellers. As seen in the case of Christine Jenkins in Australia, scammers will create fake personas for animals and invent tragic backstories to justify why the animal cannot be met in person. Experts advise never paying for a pet before seeing it in real life, or at least conducting a video call with the seller to verify the animal exists.
Supporting Real Animal Welfare
Despite the risks posed by scammers, there are many legitimate organizations doing incredible work for animals. These groups rely on public support to continue their missions. The key is to support established charities with proven track records of transparency and impact.
Organizations like Greater Good Charities, for example, have high ratings from watchdog groups like Charity Navigator. They provide detailed financial reports and updates on their programs, which include funding shelter renovations, distributing pet food, and providing emergency medical funding. Donors can feel confident that their contributions are being used effectively when supporting such entities.
When in doubt, donating directly to well known shelters or visiting a local facility in person is the safest way to help. Local rescues often appreciate supplies like food, blankets, and towels just as much as cash donations. This eliminates the middleman and ensures the goods go straight to the animals.
The story of Ei Mei Lee Chui-Maningo is ultimately one of love and bravery. She risked her life for her dogs because they are her family. While it is unfortunate that scammers tried to tarnish that moment of heroism, her quick response to warn the public has likely saved others from being victimized. Her experience serves as a reminder that while the internet can be a place of connection and support, it requires a healthy dose of skepticism.
The Essentials
- Ei Mei Lee Chui-Maningo rescued her two Pomeranians from a fire in Mandaue City by dropping them to safety.
- The Mandaue City Council awarded her a plaque of recognition for her bravery and compassion.
- Scammers used photos of the fire and rescue to create fake donation drives.
- Chui-Maningo clarified she never asked for money and the solicitations were fake.
- Fake animal rescue scams and staged content are a growing global problem.
- Donors should verify veterinary records and financial transparency before giving money.
- Legitimate charities like Greater Good Charities offer transparency ratings for safe giving.
