**How to Spot Fake GoFundMe Accounts for L.A. Fire Victims**
Thousands of online GoFundMe fundraising campaigns have flooded the internet in support of victims devastated by the recent wildfires in Los Angeles County. However, amidst the outpouring of generosity, officials are cautioning the public to remain vigilant against fraudulent GoFundMe accounts seeking to exploit the tragedy for personal gain.
**The Tale of Erin Berkowitz: A Victim of Fraud**
Erin Berkowitz, a talented natural dye artist, tragically lost her Altadena home to the Eaton fire. In a heartwarming gesture, a close friend created a GoFundMe fundraiser to help Erin replace her lost art materials and supplies. However, what followed was a harrowing ordeal as a fake Instagram account impersonated Erin, spreading false information and soliciting donations through a fraudulent GoFundMe page. The imitators went to great lengths to mirror Erin’s social media presence, causing immense distress during an already challenging time.
**A Call to Action Against Scammers**
To combat such deceitful practices, GoFundMe has established a centralized online hub featuring verified fundraising pages dedicated to the Los Angeles wildfires. Despite these efforts, Los Angeles County 5th District Supervisor Kathryn Barger has emphasized the need for caution when donating online, particularly through platforms like GoFundMe where scams are prevalent. Barger urges the public to exercise discernment and report suspicious fundraisers to prevent further exploitation of vulnerable individuals in crisis.
**Ensuring Legitimacy: How GoFundMe Validates Fundraisers**
As of now, over 1,200 active and verified GoFundMe fundraisers related to the wildfires are accessible on the centralized hub. To achieve verification status, fundraisers undergo a rigorous due diligence review process conducted by GoFundMe’s Trust and Safety team. This meticulous procedure involves verifying the connection between the fundraiser organizer and the intended recipient of the funds, ensuring transparency and accountability in the donation process.
**Navigating the Donation Process: Fees and Tips**
When donating to a GoFundMe campaign, donors incur a standard transaction fee of 2.9% plus 30 cents per donation to cover operational costs and fund disbursement. Additionally, donors have the option to tip GoFundMe services, with the default tip set at 14% of the donation amount. While tipping is voluntary, it contributes to maintaining the platform’s customer service quality and safety measures.
In conclusion, while the spirit of giving is commendable, it is essential to exercise caution and diligence when contributing to online fundraisers. By verifying the authenticity of fundraisers, understanding the donation process, and trusting your instincts, you can ensure your support reaches those truly in need during times of crisis. Remember, a small act of kindness can make a world of difference in someone’s life.