A Texas couple came close to raising $750,000 through a viral GoFundMe campaign to help cover medical expenses, but the fundraiser was removed after the woman who launched it was found to be their daughter.
According to NewsNation, the campaign was created for Don Johnson and his wife, Josephine. Don said he took a job as an airport luggage carrier three years ago to help pay for his wife's treatment for pancreatic cancer.
The elderly man said the physically demanding job was one of the few options available to him at his age as he searched for additional income to cover his wife's growing medical expenses following her terminal diagnosis.
However, the fundraiser came under scrutiny last week after GoFundMe received a tip questioning the identity of the woman who had organized the campaign.
The woman, identified on the fundraiser as "Erin Howell," was later found to actually be the couple's daughter, Amy Johnson, according to NewsNation.
GoFundMe subsequently removed the fundraiser, saying that misrepresenting an organizer's identity or relationship to a beneficiary violates its Terms of Service, regardless of the person's intentions.
The company said such misrepresentation can undermine donors' ability to understand who they are giving money to.
“As a result, the fundraiser has been removed and all donors have been refunded,” GoFundMe said in a statement.
The company added that protecting donors and maintaining trust on the platform remains its top priority.
As a result of the fundraiser being removed, all donations were refunded and the couple did not receive the nearly $750,000 that had been raised.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is GoFundMe?GoFundMe is a fundraising site that was launched in 2010. It claimed to have raised $40 billion since then, helping 190 million worldwide.
How do you start a GoFundMe fundraiser?
To start a GoFundMe fundraiser, click the “Start a GoFundMe” button and follow the prompts. You will need to explain who or what you are raising money for, add a photo or video, and provide details about how the funds will be used.
Can you raise money for someone else on GoFundMe?
Yes. GoFundMe allows people to raise money for someone else. However, organizers should accurately identify themselves and their relationship to the beneficiary. Misrepresenting an organizer's identity or relationship can violate GoFundMe's Terms of Service.
Are there fees for GoFundMe fundraisers?
A transaction fee is automatically deducted from each donation. The exact fees can vary, so organizers should check GoFundMe's current pricing information for details. GoFundMe Pricing
Can a GoFundMe fundraiser be removed?
Yes. GoFundMe can remove fundraisers that violate its Terms of Service. Organizers should provide accurate information about themselves, the beneficiary and the purpose of the fundraiser.
