Back to Fake Crowdfunding Withdrawal Fee Scam

This is a version of Fake Crowdfunding Withdrawal Fee Scam.

Verdant Charity Withdrawal Fee Scam

Verdant Charity looks like a GoFundMe-style platform but uses a pay-to-unlock system. Campaigns appear to receive donations, yet withdrawals are blocked until users “earn” or buy “Impact Points” to unlock “Badges.” These points act as advance fees. Investigators observed inconsistent company dates, a leadership page using unrelated peoples’ photos, claims of Stripe support while collecting card numbers directly on-site, broken links, and social posts asking for PayPal payments to a Gmail address and contact via WhatsApp. Activity appears focused on Kenya (Swahili language, +254 numbers, Kenyan currency). Google searches on related phone numbers largely point back to their own website.

Verdant Charity Withdrawal Fee Scam | Primary Image

What’s different in this version

These traits set this message apart from the usual pattern.

  1. Crowdfunding-style website using “Impact Points/Badges” to gate withdrawals (advance-fee pattern)

  2. Direct card entry on site (not Stripe checkout), PayPal to a Gmail address, WhatsApp coordination; M‑Pesa references noted

  3. Kenya-focused (Swahili content, +254 phone code, Kenyan currency seen in videos)

  4. Photos appear borrowed from unrelated people and renamed; reviews/donor activity look generated

  5. Many broken links (Donate/Financial Reports), “Local Time” placeholder, external/API-filled content

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.

Verbatim excerpts from the scam

Exact lines from emails or messages—searchable text so you can compare wording.

  1. 1 Excerpt 1
    Account reinstatement email excerpt: "We understand the past few days may have felt uncertain. Being temporarily restricted from your own account, especially during a time of need, can feel frustrating and even disheartening. But through your patience, your willingness to explain, and your belief in the process, you've made it possible for us to resolve the matter. That strength and resilience doesn’t go unnoticed."
  2. 2 Excerpt 2
    On-site/DM instruction (example): "To withdraw your donations, complete the required Badges. You can earn Impact Points or purchase Impact Points to unlock your withdrawal faster."