Here's how to spot a fake crowdfunding page

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crowdfundingImage source, Getty Images

More needs to be done to protect people from fraudulent crowdfunding pages, the Fundraising Regulator has exclusively told the BBC.

It's after a fake JustGiving page was made for one of the Westminster terror attack victims.

David Clarke, director of the Fraud Advisory Panel said the acts of fraud were "sickening".

Another crowdfunding site, GoFundMe, has said that it will refund anyone that falls victim to these pages.

How to spot a fake crowdfunding campaign

Jessica Ratty, head of PR at Crowdfunding UK, has given us some tips on how to stay alert when donating to campaigns online.

Look for content

"Be aware of poorly explained campaigns," she says.

"If it's donations-based, check to see if a charity is directly involved; is their logo on the page?

Image source, Reuters
Image caption,

A bogus crowdfunding page was set up to raise money for the police officer killed in the Westminster attacks

"A lot of pages go viral and make national headlines - are there any mentions of these campaigns in the news?

"If it's rewards-based, what are the rewards like? Are they reasonable?

"Also check the team behind the product."

Other backers

"Another way to check is to look at backers and donations.

"Check to see who is pledging - has anyone famous put their name to it?

"Are your friends donating?

"It's also good to check the comments section and see if the project owner is updating backers."

Image source, Getty Images

Ways of donating

"Crowdfunder UK gives the user two options on how to donate, Stripe and PayPal.

"Make sure there is a recorded transaction of your donation.

"Also, the project owner should have made it clear on their page on how the money raised will be spent.

"It depends on the platform, but the project owner is mostly accountable."

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