Fundraiser for Fayetteville Shooting Victim Sparks Controversy—Is It Legit?

BBB Issues Warning as Grieving Family Claims Misleading Donation Page

A fundraiser set up for a young girl injured in a Fayetteville shooting has raised concerns after the family accused the campaign of being misleading. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) has now stepped in, warning donors to verify the legitimacy of the plea for financial support.

What Happened?

The fundraiser was launched following a tragic shooting in Cumberland County that left a young girl seriously injured. While the campaign gained traction, the girl’s family insists the organizer misrepresented the connection to the victim and how donations would be used.

• Family's Claims: They say the organizer exaggerated ties to the victim.
• Donation Concerns: Questions emerged over where funds would actually go.
• BBB Warning: The bureau urged donors to research before contributing.

Why This Matters

With crowdfunding platforms becoming a go-to for emergency assistance, cases like this highlight the risks of unverified appeals. The BBB recommends:

1. Checking the organizer’s relationship to the cause.
2. Reviewing updates and transparency in fund distribution.
3. Reporting suspicious campaigns to the platform.

What’s Next?

The fundraiser remains active, but tensions are high. The family is now working on launching their own verified support page to ensure donations directly benefit the young survivor.

What Do You Think?

• Should crowdfunding platforms enforce stricter verification for emergency fundraisers?
• Does the BBB have a responsibility to shut down questionable campaigns faster?
• Would you donate to an online fundraiser without knowing the organizer personally?
• Is it ethical for strangers to profit from tragic events through fundraising?