Heartless Scam: Fake GoFundMe Exploits Kentucky Boy’s Cancer Battle for Profit

How Online Predators Target Vulnerable Families—And How to Stay Safe

In a shocking act of cruelty, fraudsters created a fake GoFundMe campaign using the story of a Kentucky boy fighting cancer to steal donations from well-meaning strangers. The scam highlights the growing problem of online exploitation, where criminals prey on empathy to line their own pockets.

What Happened?

• A fake campaign was set up under the name of a young Kentucky boy recently diagnosed with cancer.
• Fraudsters copied legitimate details from the family’s real-life struggle to make the plea seem authentic.
• Donors unknowingly gave money to scammers instead of the child’s actual medical fund.

How to Spot Fake Charity Scams

1. Verify the Organizer—Legitimate campaigns are usually started by close family or verified friends.
2. Check for Updates—Real fundraisers often post regular progress reports.
3. Look for Blue Checks—GoFundMe verifies some campaigns with a "Verified" badge.
4. Report Suspicious Pages—If something feels off, notify GoFundMe or local authorities.

The Bigger Problem

This isn’t an isolated incident. Fake charity pages surge during tragedies, disasters, and health crises. Cybercriminals bank on goodwill, making it crucial for donors to stay vigilant.

What You Can Do

Before donating, cross-check campaigns with official sources. Reach out to the family directly if possible, or donate through established charities with secure payment systems.

What Do You Think?

• Should crowdfunding platforms face stricter regulations to prevent fraud?
• Is giving online becoming too risky due to scams?
• Would you donate to a stranger’s medical fundraiser, or does this story make you hesitant?
• Do victims of these scams deserve compensation from the platforms hosting them?