BBB Alert: Fake GoFundMe campaign
The Better Business Bureau is aware that there is at least one fake GoFundMe campaign that has been launched in relation to a missing child in Calgary. The Calgary Police Service and the child’s family have confirmed there is no campaign.
“In one word, despicable,” says BBB President and CEO, Mary O’Sullivan-Andersen about this phony fundraiser. “This only goes to underscore what lengths scammers will go to to gain access to personal information and your money.”
Be aware of online crowdfunding fraud
For many people, it’s a natural instinct to want to help financially after a tragedy or natural disaster. BBB advises that you watch out for online fundraising solicitations through crowdfunding websites with links on social media or in your email.
There are scammers seeking to take advantage of high public sympathy by setting up crowdfunding projects that may have no official connection to any charitable organization and may be using names and photos of victims without the families’ permission. The largest online fundraising platform is GoFundMe, a BBB Accredited Business. If funds are misused, they will refund affected donations.
If you have a question or want to know more about a campaign before you donate, reach out to the GoFundMe team at support.gofundme.com. To contact the campaign organizer, just click on the envelope next to the campaign organizer’s name on the campaign page. There is also a link on each campaign page to “Report Campaign” if you do not get answers to a question or have other concerns.
Whether you are giving to an established charity or through a personal appeal, you can also find tips for safe giving at BBB’s Wise Giving Alliance at Give.org.