The Calgary Police Service (CPS) recently issued a warning regarding an unauthorized GoFundMe campaign claiming to raise funds for the family of missing 11-year-old Parker Wells. According to CPS, this fundraiser is not affiliated with Parker's family, who have confirmed that no official GoFundMe exists for this case.

This warning comes on the heels of another incident in Ontario involving a separate GoFundMe campaign. In April, Durham Police announced that fraud charges were filed against a family member who organized a GoFundMe for Maryanne Mullett, a mother of ten severely injured while assisting a stranded vehicle on January 1. The charges arose because a significant portion of the over $19,000 raised remains unaccounted for, although these accusations have yet to be proven in court.

While many crowdfunding endeavors aim to help those in need, these recent cases have sparked concern among police and charity experts alike. A CPS spokesperson urged the public to exercise caution when contributing to online fundraising efforts and emphasized the importance of verifying the legitimacy of any campaign before making a donation.

Mark Blumberg, a Toronto-based charity lawyer, echoed this sentiment, advising potential fundraisers to follow proper protocols to mitigate fraud risks. He stressed that the bank account associated with the crowdfunding campaign should be in the name of the beneficiary rather than a third party.

Blumberg also cautioned donors to conduct thorough research before contributing. He noted, “Too many people donate based on someone asking for help without doing their own due diligence. If you’re not familiar with the individuals involved, the chances are higher that the funds may not be used as you expect.”

GoFundMe provides several tips for donors, encouraging them to closely examine each campaign for authenticity. Key questions they recommend asking include:

• How is the organizer connected to the intended recipient?
• What are the specific purposes of the GoFundMe, and how will the raised funds be utilized?
• Are friends and family leaving supportive messages or comments on the campaign page?
• Is the intended recipient able to control how the funds are withdrawn?

Blumberg highlighted the prevalence of charity scams, noting that they are not confined to online platforms. Scammers may also solicit donations face-to-face, whether on the street or at your door.

He advised against donating immediately after a request: “Take your time to research before you give. If it’s a genuine charity you wish to support, feel free to donate directly through the charity’s official website or via platforms like CanadaHelps.

In response to the rising tide of charity scams, Blumberg’s law firm has developed a helpful website aimed at educating donors. This resource focuses on how to avoid charity scams rather than merely identifying the best charities in Canada.

Blumberg emphasized the importance of careful evaluation before deciding to donate, stating, “If you're not satisfied with what you see, feel free to look elsewhere, as there are countless worthy causes across Canada.”

If you have any concerns, stories, or inquiries you would like further investigated, please feel free to reach out for assistance.