Home / Crime and Justice / Fake Funeral Fund Scams $16K Donor Cash
Fake Funeral Fund Scams $16K Donor Cash
13 Nov
Summary
- Unauthorized online campaigns raised funds after a boy's death.
- A separate website displayed $16,000 in donations, never received.
- A local funeral director covered all costs for the grieving family.
A grieving Atlanta family encountered significant financial hardship following the death of their 13-year-old son, Mason Towler, on January 29, 2026. Their attempts to raise funds for his funeral were thwarted by unauthorized online campaigns.
A community leader, Renee Sunshine Lewis, created two GoFundMe campaigns for Mason's funeral after the family declined her offer to help. GoFundMe removed these campaigns for violating their rules, and the mere $175 raised was refunded to donors, providing no aid.
Adding to the family's distress, a separate website, GoFundRaiser.org, displayed $16,000 in donations linked to Mason's story. However, the family confirmed they never received any of this money, and the origin of these funds remained unclear.
In a heartwarming turn, Kyle Stocks, a local funeral director, intervened. He covered the entire cost of Mason's cremation, funeral service, and obituary, allowing the family to finally lay their son to rest without further financial burden.
This ordeal highlighted the risks of online fundraising, prompting consumer advocates to recommend precautions like using established platforms and verifying campaign organizers' identities.
