GOFundMe reminds users to beware of scams
Message offer 'help' usually charge a fee
by: Brian Day
Victorville Daily Press
USA Today Newark
..... GoFundMe.com campaigns have helped enormous numbers of families over the years as they deal with tragedies ranging form the unexpected loss of loved ones to life-threatening illnesses. The company and its sister platform, Classy, which specializes in nonprofit organizing fundraising, announced in February [2024] that they had collectively facilitated more than $30 billion in donations globally, benefiting more than 30 million recipients in 190 countries.
.....
But not everyone who engages with others through the platform or its campaigns has philanthropic motives. It's not uncommon for links to fundraising campaigns shared via social media to by promptly targeted with replies from automated accounts offering to provide the organizers "help"
in their efforts.
..... Hi there, how are you?" reads one such message posted within a minute of a post on X that included a link to a GoFundMe.com campaign. "I'd like to assist with your fundraising campaign, follow me back if you need the help."
..... Another account replying to the same post read, "You should consider reaching out to the influencer who's helping people achieve their campaign goals ... I was able to raise $50K+ in just 4 days of his help. You can follow him now on Twitter at (Social media handle)."
.....
GoFundMe spokesman Alex White said the company is mindful of the possibility of bad actors trying to take advantage of those who need help, or those who wish to give it.
..... "We keep a close eye on this kind of external activity," he said. "Should a question arise, people can reach out to account-security@gofundme.com to flag suspicious behavior."
..... The company has also published several videos and other resources to help users avoid scams. One way scammers attempt to exploit those running donation campaigns is to offer to run or share the campaigns for a fee, according to GoFundMe.