Thinking about Donating to a Crowdfunding Project? Make Sure It Isn’t a Scam First
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Thinking about Donating to a Crowdfunding Project? Make Sure It Isn’t a Scam First

New tips for verifying legit campaigns in 2025 so your dollars go to a real cause

August 1, 2025

Crowdfunding platforms continue to flourish: GoFundMe, Kickstarter, Indiegogo, Patreon and newer niche sites (e.g., Fundable for startups, DonorsChoose for teachers) host millions of campaigns each year. Unfortunately, fraudsters still exploit goodwill, just in new ways. Scammers now deploy AI-generated personas, deepfake videos, cloned charity pages and slick “phishing” donation links. Use the updated red-flag checklist below before you click “Contribute.”

1. Vet the organizer beyond social media

  • Cross-platform presence: Real organizers maintain consistent profiles on LinkedIn, Instagram, TikTok, Facebook and (for nonprofits) an official website and charity registration.
  • Look for verifiable credentials: Search state charity registries (e.g., NC Secretary of State’s Charitable Solicitations) to confirm nonprofit status or campaign legitimacy.
  • Check prior campaign history: Legitimate creators link to completed, well-documented past fundraisers with transparent fund use and updates.

2. Scrutinize multimedia for authenticity

  • Reverse image/video search: Use Google Lens or TinEye on photos and run short clips through deepfake detectors (e.g., Microsoft Video Authenticator) to spot stolen or AI-generated media.
  • Metadata inspection: Campaign platforms often show upload dates and file sources, mismatches between claimed event dates and file metadata are suspicious.

3. Demand detailed budgeting and milestones

Genuine campaigns now include:

  • Itemized budgets showing exactly how each dollar is spent (medical bills by date, prototype phases with cost breakdowns, etc.).
  • Clear timelines and milestones with regular progress updates, look for monthly or biweekly “backer” reports.
  • Third-party endorsements: links to press articles, professional references or community-affiliated boards overseeing fund distribution (e.g., a verified hospital, university or nonprofit trustee).

4. Beware of cross-platform duplication

While established nonprofits may host fund drives across multiple sites, true individuals seldom launch identical campaigns on rival platforms simultaneously. If you find two campaigns with the same story but different organizer names or pages, proceed with extreme caution.

5. Use secure payment methods and check platform safeguards

  • Prefer platforms offering built-in payment escrow or “held until goal reached” features; avoid direct PayPal/Venmo requests embedded in off-site URLs.
  • Use credit cards (not debit) or verified ACH to leverage fraud protection; avoid gift cards or cryptocurrency requests.
  • Review the site’s fraud-reporting tools: most major sites now boast one-click “report scam” buttons and 24/7 moderation teams.

North Carolina resources

  • NC Secretary of State’s Charities Section: Verify registrations at sosnc.gov/cfc.
  • NC Attorney General’s Consumer Protection: File crowdfunding complaints at ncdoj.gov/consumer or call 919-716-6000.
  • Better Business Bureau of Eastern NC: Check charity reviews and complaint history at bbb.org.

Conclusion

Generosity is admirable, but scammers have upped their game with AI, clone pages and “phishy” links. Always verify the organizer’s identity, inspect media authenticity, demand transparent budgets, and route donations through secure, well-moderated platforms. By following these updated checks, North Carolina donors can support real causes, and keep their money safe from fraud.