Fake Jackie merchandise scam targets Big Bear eagle fans — here's what to know

Big Bear Valley's beloved bald eagle Jackie died this month at the Ojai Raptor Center in Ventura County after receiving treatment there[1], and now the grief of her fans is being exploited. The raptor center and Friends of Big Bear Valley (FOBBV) are warning the community that unauthorized sellers online are falsely claiming a portion of Jackie-themed merchandise sales will benefit either the center or local groups.

The Ojai Raptor Center was direct in its public statement: it does not sell merchandise featuring Jackie or any other individual patient, despite what some sellers are implying[1]. At least one newly formed Facebook page selling eagle shirts and a plush Jackie has claimed a portion of sales will go to a Big Bear group that had no involvement in the bird's rescue or rehabilitation[1].

FOBBV is the only organization that reached out to the Ojai Raptor Center about a legitimate Jackie merchandise collaboration[1] — and even then, the center specifically requested that none of FOBBV's proceeds be donated back to them[1]. So if you see merchandise claiming to send money to the Ojai Raptor Center, that claim is not accurate.

Demand for legitimate FOBBV merchandise has been overwhelming. The organization's online shop sold out within 24 hours of Jackie's death being announced, and FOBBV is actively reordering most items[1]. Buyers should expect longer-than-usual shipping times due to the high volume of orders[1].

As for honoring Jackie's memory in person, FOBBV noted that while preliminary talks with local organizations and agencies have begun, no details about a memorial gathering are available yet[1].

To support legitimate wildlife rehabilitation work, residents can shop directly at the Ojai Raptor Center's official store, donate to their Bald Eagle Rehabilitation Campaign, or purchase from FOBBV's shop at friendsofbigbearvalley.org. If you spot suspicious merchandise sellers online, the best response is to avoid purchasing and report the page to the platform.

Big Bear News was unable to independently confirm the identity of the Facebook page or pages in question. The specific Big Bear group allegedly named by unauthorized sellers could not be identified for this report.