JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Family members of a Jacksonville woman who was killed when an Amtrak train struck her Jeep on Thursday are warning the public about a fraudulent GoFundMe campaign created in her name.
Lakeisha Jennings was a mother of four and was about four months pregnant when she died, according to family members. Her relatives said the fake fundraiser used photos of Jennings and her family and collected donations less than 24 hours after her death.
“It’s not a good feeling, you know, that people would use your hurt and use your pain just to turn it into a financial gain for themselves,” family member Valerie Oliver said.
The family is asking GoFundMe to remove the fraudulent page. Oliver said the situation has added to the family’s grief as they make funeral arrangements.
“It just doesn’t make any sense,” Oliver said. “It’s selfish, and it makes me feel bad because she’s trying to get everything together for her daughter to have an unforgettable homegoing.”
The family has verified a legitimate GoFundMe campaign created by Arcadia Brown to help cover Wiggins’ funeral expenses. The authentic fundraiser is linked with this story.
The family worries scammers may take advantage of other people who are grieving or seeking financial help.
“I do believe that it happens a lot,” Oliver said. “People look through obituaries and all kinds of things, preying on the deceased all the time.”
News4JAX contacted GoFundMe by email and filed a complaint about a fraudulent GoFund me post, The fake post has garnerned hundrds of dollars.
GoFundMe’s Giving Guarantee says donors may be eligible for a refund within one year if a fundraiser is found to be fraudulent.
Cybersecurity expert Ian Marlow, CEO of Fitech, said small donations can quickly add up, especially when a fundraiser spreads online.
“These are small, considered small denominations of money — $20, $50, $100 — that obviously can add up to quite a large sum, especially if something goes viral,” Marlow said.
Marlow advised donors to verify fundraisers before contributing.
“Be extra vigilant. Ask the questions: Is the site legitimate? Is the email legitimate? Do you know other people who have given to it?” Marlow said. “Contact someone else you think would have given and make sure you’re both asking the questions.”
Jennings family said funeral arrangements are being finalized. She is scheduled to be laid to rest Sept. 3.
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