Fake Crowdfunding Withdrawal Fee Scam

Scammers set up a fundraising website that looks like a real GoFundMe-style platform. People create campaigns and start seeing “donations” appear — often large amounts that feel life-changing. When they try to withdraw, the money is locked behind extra steps such as buying “points,” “badges,” “verification,” or paying “processing fees.” The goal is to make victims pay these upfront fees again and again, while no real payout ever happens. This scam often targets people already under financial stress.

I encountered this scam Learn common red flags
Primary example

How this scam works

  1. 1

    Step 1: You find a new fundraising site that promises fast donations and success stories.

  2. 2

    Step 2: You create a campaign and soon see many donations and likes — often from names you don’t recognize.

  3. 3

    Step 3: When you try to withdraw, the site says your account is restricted or not trusted yet.

  4. 4

    Step 4: They tell you to earn or buy special items (like points, badges, verification) to 'unlock' withdrawals.

  5. 5

    Step 5: You’re asked to pay small fees first, then more fees (for trust, security, taxes, or faster release).

  6. 6

    Step 6: Even after paying, the withdrawal is delayed or blocked, and the cycle repeats until the victim stops paying.

✓ Do this

  • Search the platform’s name plus the words 'scam,' 'reviews,' and 'withdrawal' before you join.
  • Use only well-known fundraising platforms, and confirm the company’s registration and physical address.
  • Ask a trusted friend or family member to look at the site with you before paying any fee.
  • Take screenshots of messages and pages if something feels off, and report the site to local consumer protection.
  • If you already paid, contact your bank or mobile money provider right away to ask about reversing the payment.

✗ Avoid this

  • Do not pay any fee to withdraw your own donations — real platforms do not make you buy points or badges.
  • Do not send payments to personal numbers or through gift cards or crypto for 'verification.'
  • Do not share your banking PINs, passwords, or ID photos with unknown platforms.
  • Do not rely on on-site reviews or donor counts alone — scammers fake those.

Quick tip: Verify independently

Don’t call numbers or click links in unexpected messages. Go directly to the company’s official site or app and contact support from there.

See common red flags