Is "Go fund me" legit, safe, and LEGAL? Can I use Go Fund me to raise bill money for my family?

Question

I created a Go fund me page, with hopes that maybe our family could raise some money in order to pay our electric and water bill in 4 days, plus buy groceries. We are going through such a tough time, and I want to make sure since I didn't post a picture of my family, that it's not fraud. Someone told me the site is fraudulent and that you can get in trouble for using it. I don't want the feds knocking on my door or anything... We have completely hit rock bottom and need a few hundred dollars to get us over this ....
My husband is ashamed, and my older daughter doesn't even want me to do this. I said there is just no other option right now. My husband had to quit his second job due to MS, and my youngest has developmental delays so I can't work full time. It's really getting me down... and I have the Go Fund me page, but I want to make sure it's completely safe, legal, and ok to do this. I have never asked for anything in my entire life. My husband and I feel like we have failed...

Answer 1

It's fine - but you have options in terms of other ways to fix this.

The utilities can't shut off your stuff for being late, if there is someone with disabilities or chronic illness in the home. Speak to them. Your water bill is a municipal bill, and there may be a discount program as well.

You are likely to qualify for some other programs, so get in touch with the local social services and have them do an assessment. You don't have to struggle like this - between your husband and your daughter, there will be help available, and the utility bills can be put off temporarily.



Getting these benefits isn't begging- we all pay into it, and your husband too, just so you don't have to resort to GoFundMe. You have NOT failed - you are flagging under the pressure of two disabilities most people don't have. Failing is never getting a job, much less two, and having your kids taken by CPS because you can be bothered to raise them.



You're good people, facing a huge challenge, and our society is set up to help you out. You just need to apply, so we know how much help you need. You paid into it, too, so it would be there.

Answer 2

Go Fund Me is a legit site, perfectly legal, and quite safe.



In the interim, go down to Social Services and get some emergency help.

Answer 3

Gofundme is legal and legitimate. Attempting to raise funds for your personal bills is a DIRECT violation of the website terms, and you WILL NOT receive and funds pledged before they remove your campaign.

Answer 4

If gofundme thinks it's fraud, they'll take it down. It's a legit site. Hate to burst your bubble but you probably won't get a dime.

Answer 5

It's not illegal to solicit donations for any reason as long as you are honest about it. It only becomes illegal if you lie or are deceptive (you can't solicit donations for your cancer treatment if you don't actually have cancer, for example).

Answer 6

Legal. The money is taxable income to you.