GoFundMe Shuts Down Scam Fundraiser for Angie Stone After $12K Raised
In a rather distasteful twist of fate, a fraudulent GoFundMe campaign claiming to honor the late Angie Stone has been swiftly shut down after raking in over $12,000. Just days following her tragic passing in a traffic accident, this so-called fundraiser was launched by an individual using the name “Lenda Peers.” However, the campaign fell flat on its face, offering no clarity on how the funds would actually benefit Stone’s family. Instead, it merely offered a vague account of her life and legacy, failing to connect the dots for potential donors.
GoFundMe, known for its commitment to genuine causes, confirmed to TMZ that the organizer had no access to the raised funds and is now banned from future fundraising efforts. The platform’s spokesperson emphasized, “GoFundMe has zero tolerance for the misuse of our platform and takes swift action against those who seek to take advantage of the generosity of our community.” Thankfully, the donations have been refunded, and the campaign was shut down before it could reach its $25,000 goal, which is a small blessing amid this unfortunate situation.
Cases of fraud on crowdfunding platforms like GoFundMe, while not unheard of, are typically addressed promptly, thanks to the site’s Giving Guarantee, which protects both donors and beneficiaries. The company is also on high alert for any other fundraisers that may pop up related to Stone’s passing, ready to remove any that violate their Terms of Service.
In the wake of this scandal, the real family of Angie Stone is busy planning a fitting memorial in Atlanta, alongside a more intimate funeral ceremony in Columbia, South Carolina. This just highlights the importance of supporting legitimate causes and being vigilant against opportunistic scams that prey on the goodwill of others.
As we navigate the world of online fundraising, it’s crucial to remember that the best intentions can be easily exploited. So, let’s keep our hearts open but our wallets guarded—especially in times of grief.
Sources: Celebrity Storm and TMZ, GoFundMe, People Magazine
Image Credit: Title: Untitled, Author: No author info, License: [‘cc_attribute’, ‘cc_nonderived’, ‘cc_publicdomain’]
