Beware of Fake GoFundMe Account

The City of Urbana has been made aware of a fraudulent GoFundMe campaign circulating within the local area.

"It looks like a GoFundMe campaign, sent from our domain and with our City's name and logo," Sanford Hess, City of Urbana IT Director said.

Phishing is a method of trying to gather personal information using deceptive emails and websites. It is a sophisticated form of cyberattack.

The goal is to trick the email recipient into believing that the message is something needed or wanted. It can be a request from a bank, a note from an insurance company-which are all fake-to entice people to click a link or download an attachment.

In this particular phishing scheme, an email is sent with a fake email address, which includes the City’s name and logo, asking for help for a sick child, who does not exist.

“But, this is really a phish, and the (fake) GoFundMe link goes to a PayPal account,” Hess reiterated.

The criminals then scam people for information. They may try to steal passwords, account numbers, or Social Security numbers. This information can help these criminals gain access to bank accounts, email accounts, and other important and private information.

Be aware

If you receive anything asking for fundraising from the City of Urbana, please question whether it is legitimate.

“The City of Urbana does not officially sponsor fundraising of any kind for individuals, organizations, or programs not directly affiliated with the City,” Carol Mitten, City Administrator said.