Buzz
When someone close to you faces a crisis, and a crowdfunding page is created to support their medical or other expenses, the instinct to contribute is strong. However, not all such pages are genuine—even if the crisis itself is real and involves someone you know.
Because anyone can create a crowdfunding page, fraudsters might use your friend’s name and photo to set up a fake fund. In some cases, scammers have replicated entire fundraising pages, making the only distinction between the real and fake page the recipient of the funds. Occasionally, a fundraiser might be managed by a family friend who fails to deliver the collected money.
GoFundMe states on their safety page that while they cannot provide a “100% guarantee” of a fundraiser’s legitimacy, they recommend certain precautions:
Investigate the fundraiser’s creator. The donation page should be connected to a Facebook account, allowing you to verify mutual friends and a recognizable profile picture.
Use only the official WePay account for payments. If someone posing as the fundraiser organizer or a GoFundMe representative requests payment through alternative methods, report them immediately.
Seek confirmation. GoFundMe advises donating only to individuals you “personally know and trust.” If doubts persist, contact the person in need or a reliable mutual friend to verify the fundraiser’s authenticity.
This guidance is equally relevant for other crowdfunding platforms; explore the site’s Help section to understand how (and if) you can spot potential fraud. Additionally, refer to the link below for a deeper dive into the advantages and disadvantages of contributing to medical fundraisers:
Photo by Colin Knowles.
