From Dallas Express · Dallas Express · · 40s
GoFundMe Refunds $745K After Identity Misrepresentation
GoFundMe refunds $745K for viral Texas fundraiser after organizer misrepresented family identity.
In brief
GoFundMe refunds $745K for viral Texas fundraiser after organizer misrepresented family identity. GoFundMe refunded $745,000 to donors after a daughter falsely claimed to be a neighbor helping her cancer-stricken 81-year-old father. Originally reported by Dallas Express.
GoFundMe Refund
GoFundMe refunds $745,000 after organizer misrepresented identity.
“The fundraiser was presented as the work of a concerned neighbor named Erin Howell”
Identity Misrepresentation
Organizer identified as Amy Johnson, daughter of Donald and Josephine Johnson.
“She confirmed they were and identified herself as their daughter, Amy Johnson”
Fundraiser Details
Donald Johnson, 81, delivers luggage to help pay for wife's cancer treatment.
“Donald Johnson was an 81-year-old independent contractor delivering lost luggage”
GoFundMe Action
GoFundMe removed fundraiser and terminated organizer's account.
“The fundraiser was removed, and the organizer's account was terminated”
Family Response
Family says medical circumstances are real despite identity issue.
“Johnson has maintained that the underlying circumstances involving her parents are accurate”
New Fundraiser
Family moved to GiveSendGo to raise $75,000 for pancreatic cancer treatment.
“The GiveSendGo page has raised more than $75,000 as of Tuesday morning”
In short
GoFundMe refunded $745,000 to donors after a daughter falsely claimed to be a neighbor helping her cancer-stricken 81-year-old father.
