Scammers Target Online Charities

There is a new type of scam that is targeting online charities.

If you have ever donated to an online site to help a stranger in need you may need to do more research.

KVRR’s Brittany Ford has the story.

Popular online giving sites like Gofundme and Kickerstarter are being targeted by scammers.

Scammers are posting fake fundraisers to fight terminally ill diseases.

Instead of forwarding the proceeds, they are pocketing the money.

The people we spoke to just couldn’t believe it.

“As much time as people put into scams and viruses you might as well at this point just get a job. With all the creativity that’s going in these scams,” said Sarah English from Fargo.

“It feels cheated because of how much help it does do for the people that actually need it. You take something that should be wholesome people who just care about people and then turn it into money grabbing idea makes you feel sick,” said Brian Howey from Fargo.

“When deciding if you are going to donate to a GoFundMe page or an online charity. Fargo Police are encouraging you to turn your logic on and your emotions off.”

“Trying to playing on people’s sympathies. By simply utilizing the emotional intelligence of somebody and manipulating that’s how they get their money,” said Lt. Joel Vettel of Fargo Police.

To ensure that the online charity you are donating to is legit, you should research the name of the person or organization.

Fake charities often closely resemble well-known organizations.

Look for detailed information about identity, mission, costs, and how the donation will be used.

You can also check and see if there is proof that a contribution is tax deductible.

Brittany Ford KVRR News.

The Federal Trade Commission has already filled four lawsuits against The Cancer Fund of America, The Cancer Society, The Children’s Cancer Fund of America and Cancer Support Services for scamming up to 187-millions from donors.