Viral 2017 GoFundMe Story Exposed as Coordinated Fraud
Viral 2017 GoFundMe Story Exposed as Coordinated Fraud
Viral 2017 GoFundMe Story Exposed as Coordinated Fraud
A feel-good story that captured global attention in 2017 has been revealed as an elaborate scam, serving as a cautionary tale about viral charity campaigns.
At the time, Katelyn McClure claimed that a homeless man, Johnny Bobbitt Jr., had spent his last $20 to help her buy gas. Moved by the alleged act of kindness, McClure and her boyfriend, Mark D’Amico, launched a GoFundMe campaign to help Bobbitt “get back on his feet.”
The story spread rapidly across social media and news platforms, drawing sympathy from around the world. More than 14,000 donors contributed, raising over $400,000.
However, investigations later uncovered that the story was fabricated. Authorities stated that McClure, D’Amico and Bobbitt had conspired together to deceive the public, with much of the donated money reportedly used on personal expenses rather than for Bobbitt’s welfare as promised.
All three were charged in connection with the fraud.
The case has since become one of the most infamous examples of online charity scams, highlighting the need for greater caution and verification before donating to viral fundraising appeals.
Viral 2017 GoFundMe Story Exposed as Coordinated Fraud
