TL;DR: GoFundMe offers a Giving Guarantee that can refund donors in the rare confirmed case of fraud, and campaign organizers can be identity-verified, which adds a layer of accountability most peer-to-peer giving doesn't have. Because campaigns can be created by anyone for almost any story, fabricated or exaggerated fundraisers do appear, especially ones riding on a viral news event or tragedy, timed for maximum emotional urgency.
GoFundMe is widely used, and for most people, most of the time, it works exactly as intended. GoFundMe offers a Giving Guarantee that can refund donors in the rare confirmed case of fraud, and campaign organizers can be identity-verified, which adds a layer of accountability most peer-to-peer giving doesn't have.
What the Real Risks Are
Because campaigns can be created by anyone for almost any story, fabricated or exaggerated fundraisers do appear, especially ones riding on a viral news event or tragedy, timed for maximum emotional urgency.
Red Flags to Watch For
A campaign with no verified organizer and a story that's hard to confirm through any other source, and pressure to donate immediately "before it's too late."
How to Use GoFundMe Safely
Keep all payments and communication inside GoFundMe’s own official app or platform — never move to text, email, or another app at someone else’s request. Verify who you’re dealing with before sending money or personal information, and turn on any extra security features GoFundMe offers.
If this looks similar to something else you've seen, it's worth reading Is Google Pay Safe? What to Know Before You Use It.
This pattern shows up elsewhere too — see Is Grailed Safe? What to Know Before You Use It.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is GoFundMe safe to use?
GoFundMe offers a Giving Guarantee that can refund donors in the rare confirmed case of fraud, and campaign organizers can be identity-verified, which adds a layer of accountability most peer-to-peer giving doesn't have.
What are the main risks of using GoFundMe?
Because campaigns can be created by anyone for almost any story, fabricated or exaggerated fundraisers do appear, especially ones riding on a viral news event or tragedy, timed for maximum emotional urgency.
What red flags should I watch for on GoFundMe?
A campaign with no verified organizer and a story that's hard to confirm through any other source, and pressure to donate immediately "before it's too late."
How do I stay safe while using GoFundMe?
Keep all payments and communication within GoFundMe’s own official app or platform, verify who you’re dealing with before sending money, and enable any security features GoFundMe offers, such as two-factor authentication.
What should I do if something goes wrong on GoFundMe?
Report the issue directly to GoFundMe’s support team, contact your bank or card issuer if money was involved, and change your password immediately if your account may be compromised.