ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Before anyone makes a donation to a GoFundMe account, they should check out the person who has organized the campaign.
Eyewitness News has reported in the past several fake accounts set up to honor loved ones, accounts to pay for medical expenses and other faux accounts.
GoFundMe and other crowdsourcing companies can’t guarantee that a donation plea is 100 percent accurate, so people need to do their own research.
Knowing the organizer personally is best situation. Check online if the organizer is behind other accounts. By submitting questions to the GoFundMe page, and potential should receive a swift response.
Be very careful when there are links to other pages or payment alternatives. When donating look for the lock icon in your browser that will confirm it’s a secure transaction.
If it’s a trusted campaign, then stick to the donate button on the GoFundMe page.
Articles related to GoFundMe accounts:
- Official GoFundMe account for family of slain Orlando police Master Sgt. Debra Clayton
- Official GoFundMe account for family of Orange County Deputy Norm Lewis
Cox Media Group
