Sussex Dog Groomer’s Scam Warning: How to Stay Safe and Keep Your Dog Grooming Business Thriving Online

When it comes to running a dog-grooming business in the UK, social media isn’t just for cute before-and-after photos of pooches — it’s a vital tool for growing your client base, building trust, and showcasing your work. But as a Sussex dog groomer recently found out, not every message that lands in your inbox can be trusted.

Caroline Donoghue, a professional groomer from Polegate with nearly 700,000 followers, has spoken out after being targeted by a clever online scam. She was contacted through her agent to appear on what she thought was a genuine podcast, only to discover later that the bookers were impersonators who wanted access to her Meta Business Suite — the platform used for managing business pages on Facebook and Instagram.

Thankfully, Caroline realised before losing control of her page, but she warned how easily such scams can catch professionals off guard, especially when approached through trusted contacts.

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Why this matters for dog groomers

Dog groomers today rely on digital tools for everything — from showing off grooms and taking bookings, to staying in touch with loyal clients. That means online safety is as important as keeping your scissors sharp.

The good news is, you can stay active and visible on social media without worry by following a few smart steps. Most scams, like the one that targeted Caroline, rely on tricking people into granting access or sharing logins. Once you know the signs, you’re far less likely to get caught out.

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How to keep your accounts safe 1. Never share your login details – If someone asks for access to your Meta, Instagram, or Facebook accounts to “set up” something for you, take a moment to double-check who they are. 2. Enable two-factor authentication – This adds a second layer of security, so even if someone has your password, they can’t log in. 3. Verify offers through official channels – If you’re contacted for interviews or brand collaborations, check their website or email domain before replying. 4. Use trusted platforms like Groomly – Groomly is designed for dog groomers, helping you share your work and connect safely with verified businesses and clients — without the noise or risk that comes with general-use social media. 5. Keep learning – Organisations like Get Safe Online and Action Fraud share regular updates on scams and how to report suspicious activity.

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Other similar stories

Sadly, Caroline’s case isn’t unique. Several UK professionals have fallen victim to similar scams recently: • A BBC Scotland account was hacked to promote a crypto scam — a reminder that no one is too small or too big to be targeted. (The Scottish Sun) • Influencers have also been used in fake “deepfake” adverts, as seen in scams involving consumer expert Martin Lewis. (Financial Times)

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The Groomly advantage

At Groomly, we understand how important social media is for dog groomers — it’s your digital shop window. That’s why Groomly was built as a community-first platform where real groomers can showcase their work, connect with dog owners, and book appointments without worrying about scams, spam, or dodgy messages.

We verify businesses, moderate content, and offer tools that help you grow safely and confidently — so you can focus on what you do best: making dogs look and feel amazing.

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Final thoughts

Caroline Donoghue’s story is a reminder to stay alert, not afraid. Being cautious online doesn’t mean you should avoid social media — it means choosing the right platforms and using them wisely.

For UK dog groomers, Groomly offers a safe, supportive, and scam-aware space to shine. Because your business deserves a platform that works as hard as you do.

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