Question

What if someone makes a GoFundMe for someone else then steals the money? How does one go about getting help?

Answer 1

If someone creates a GoFundMe campaign for someone else and then misappropriates the funds for personal use, it would be considered fraudulent behavior. GoFundMe has mechanisms in place to prevent and address such situations, but if you find yourself or someone you know in this unfortunate circumstance, here's what you can do to seek help:

1. Contact GoFundMe: Report the fraudulent campaign directly to GoFundMe's customer support team. You can do this through their website or by sending an email to their support address. Provide them with all the relevant information about the campaign and the fraudulent behavior.

2. Contact Law Enforcement: If you believe that a crime has been committed, such as theft or fraud, you should contact your local law enforcement authorities and report the incident. They will investigate the matter and take appropriate actions if necessary.

3. Seek Legal Advice: You may want to consult with an attorney who specializes in fraud or civil litigation. They can provide guidance on your legal rights and options for recovering the misappropriated funds.

4. Document Everything: Gather all the evidence you have related to the campaign and the fraudulent behavior. This may include screenshots, communications, and any other relevant information that could support your case.

5. Notify Others: If you're aware of others who donated to the campaign, inform them about the fraudulent activity so they can take appropriate action, such as requesting a refund from GoFundMe or filing a dispute with their payment provider.

6. Raise Awareness: Share the situation on social media or other platforms to raise awareness about the fraudulent campaign. This can help prevent others from falling victim to the scam and may also put additional pressure on the responsible party to address the issue.

Remember that it's essential to act quickly and decisively when dealing with fraud. The sooner you report the issue and take appropriate steps, the better the chances of recovering the misappropriated funds or holding the responsible party accountable.