1. Fake GoFundMe page collecting funds for phony victims in Rochester Hills
2. Phony Rochester Hills victims receive $15K from fraudulent GoFundMe page.
Accident – Death – Obituary News : Scammers Exploit Tragic Rochester Hills Shooting with Phony Fundraisers
The devastating mass shooting that occurred at a splash pad in Rochester Hills on late Saturday afternoon has not only left nine people injured but has also attracted the attention of scammers looking to profit from the tragedy through fake fundraisers.
One fraudulent GoFundMe page, which has since been taken down, managed to collect over $15,000 under the guise of supporting Kyle J. Thompson, his pregnant wife, and children, who falsely claimed to be victims of the shooting. Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard issued a statement on Sunday alerting the public that neither Thompson nor his family were actually affected by the incident, labeling the fundraising page as a “complete fraud.”
“These bottom-feeding scumbags are preying off this tragedy,” Sheriff Bouchard expressed in the press release. “They have already shown their character.”
Following the discovery of the fake fundraiser, the Sheriff’s Office urged the public to exercise caution and verify the legitimacy of any charity before making donations. As of Monday, verified fundraising sites were established to support the families of the actual victims.
In a heartwarming response to the tragedy, a GoFundMe campaign set up by friends of the Coughlin family, who were caught in the crossfire, has raised more than $64,000 out of an $80,000 goal. The account, titled “Help the Coughlin Family Recover,” was verified by the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office, providing a legitimate avenue for those wishing to contribute to the family’s recovery.
Meanwhile, another verified GoFundMe page was created to aid the Bebout family, who were among the victims of the Rochester Hills shooting. Tiffany Holcomb, the boys’ aunt, initiated the fundraising effort for the mother and her two sons, who sustained critical injuries during the incident.
In the wake of such tragedies, it is vital for individuals with charitable intentions to exercise caution and vigilance. Scammers often exploit crises to deceive well-meaning donors, emphasizing the importance of verifying the authenticity of fundraising efforts before contributing.
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) issued a warning about potential fraud related to fundraising platforms, advising individuals to verify the credibility of social media posts and hyperlinks associated with donation requests. If suspicious activity is identified, it is essential to report scams to the platform provider promptly.
GoFundMe offers a guarantee to donors, ensuring that funds are allocated correctly. In cases of fraudulent activity, donors are eligible for a full refund, underscoring the platform’s commitment to transparency and accountability.
As the community rallies together to support the victims of the Rochester Hills shooting, it is imperative to remain vigilant against opportunistic scammers seeking to exploit the tragedy for personal gain. By exercising due diligence and verifying the legitimacy of fundraising efforts, individuals can ensure that their contributions make a meaningful impact on those affected by the senseless violence..
1. Long-tailed fake GoFundMe page collected $15K for phony Rochester Hills victims
2. Long-tailed GoFundMe page collected $15K for phony Rochester Hills victims.
A Teaspoon Before Bedtime Makes you Lose 32LBS in 2 Weeks.
Related Post : Remember Tiger Wood's Ex Wife, Elin Nordegren ? Take a Look at Her Now.
The Conjoined Twins Abby & Brittany Hensel are No Longer Together.
