Is a crowdfunding campaign on GoFundMe or a similar site for a stranger I saw shared on social media legitimate?
Some are genuine, but fundraising fraud on crowdfunding platforms is common, and social sharing makes fraudulent campaigns appear more trustworthy than they are.
Last reviewed: 1 June 2026
Explanation
Crowdfunding platforms allow anyone to create a fundraiser, and while platforms have verification and fraud reporting processes, they cannot prevent all fraudulent campaigns. Scammers create compelling stories with stolen photos and emotional narratives. Social sharing creates a false sense of verification — if a friend shared it, it feels safe. Before donating to a stranger's campaign, look for verifiable details such as a named hospital, a specific location, or links to local news coverage. Check whether the beneficiary's name returns legitimate social media profiles consistent with the story. Even genuine campaigns can be set up by intermediaries who pocket some or all of the funds. Consider donating to established charities working in the relevant area instead.
Common red flags
- Story includes emotional but vague details that cannot be independently verified
- Photos on the campaign return results from unrelated social media profiles
- Campaign organiser is different from the stated beneficiary with no explanation
- Funds requested seem disproportionate to the stated need
- Campaign was set up very recently and is shared aggressively
What to do now
- Research the story independently using named people and locations
- Reverse image search photos on the campaign page
- Consider donating to a relevant established charity instead
- Report suspicious campaigns directly to the crowdfunding platform
Frequently asked questions
Does GoFundMe guarantee that funds reach the stated beneficiary?
GoFundMe has a guarantee policy for some campaign types, but coverage varies. Check the current terms before donating.