When Help Falls Into the Wrong Hands › restartinjamaica.com

The Truth About Fake Fundraisers After Hurricane Melissa

In the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, Jamaica stands in both heartbreak and resilience. Lives have been uprooted, homes destroyed, and communities left to start again from the bare ground. Across social media and fundraising platforms, you’ll find countless donation pages, emotional videos, and calls for help.
And while many of these are real — born from genuine pain and a desire to rebuild — some are not. The sad truth is, disasters often attract not only compassion but also opportunists. This is not a deterrent, please donate or give if you can but please be careful so those who truly need it receive it.

The Rise of Fake GoFundMe Campaigns and “Relief” Pages

In the days following Hurricane Melissa, dozens of GoFundMe pages and social posts began circulating using identical pictures, names, and stories — often copied from local news or random Facebook pages. Some even use AI-generated images of “Jamaican victims” that don’t exist.

These scammers prey on kindness. They know people around the world want to help Jamaica recover. They know emotions are high, and that most donors won’t stop to double-check before giving. But every fake fundraiser drains attention and money away from real families who desperately need it.

💸 Money meant for struggling families is stolen.
💔 Real survivors get less support.
⚠️ People begin doubting legitimate efforts.

A volunteer offering comfort by holding hands with an elderly person, showcasing compassion.

How It Hurts the Real People Who Need Help Most

When scams spread, trust disappears. Donors begin second-guessing every post — wondering if the story is real, or if their money will actually reach Jamaica.

That hesitation becomes another barrier for honest people trying to rebuild. Imagine losing your home in Portland, Clarendon, or St. Mary, and finally finding someone abroad willing to help — only for them to say, “I’m sorry, I saw too many scams, I don’t know who to trust.”

That’s the damage being done right now.

The Problem With Photo Ops in Disaster Zones

Another sad reality we’ve seen after Hurricane Melissa is people entering devastated areas just to take photos, pretending to be victims. Some post pictures standing in rubble or next to damaged houses, claiming they “lost everything” — when they haven’t. Others use these images to gain sympathy, followers, or even donations under false pretenses.

It’s painful to see, because these actions disrespect the people truly suffering. They steal attention and visibility from families who genuinely need help.
And it’s not just happening here — it happens everywhere in times of crisis. There are always bad-minded, selfish people who turn other people’s pain into their own opportunity.

So, please — be careful what you share, who you follow, and who you choose to support. Verify stories, ask questions, and stay aware. The people who truly lost everything deserve honesty, not exploitation.

Be Careful With Organizations That “Buy Supplies”

Another growing concern involves large organizations that collect money but don’t give it directly to those in need. Instead, they claim to “buy supplies” — even when those same supplies were already donated in physical form by others.

It’s a loophole that makes accountability difficult. Without clear, public proof of where funds go and who receives them, donors are left in the dark. Every dollar should be traceable, especially when lives and livelihoods are at stake.

How to Spot a Fake Fundraiser

Here are a few ways to make sure your generosity actually helps those who need it:

🔍 Reverse Image Search: Copy a photo and check it on Google Images. If it appears in multiple fundraisers or news sites, it’s likely stolen.
👤 Check the Organizer: Look for a visible connection to Jamaica — real names, local contact info, or social pages showing community work.
💬 Read Comments & Updates: Real fundraisers often post updates, photos, and messages from recipients.
⚠️ Be Cautious With New Accounts: Pages made right after the hurricane with dramatic stories but no proof are red flags.
🤝 Support Directly When Possible: Help through verified Jamaican charities, some churches, small business owners, or families you can personally confirm.

Real Help Still Matters — Just Be Smart About It

This isn’t a call to stop giving. Jamaica needs all the help it can get after Hurricane Melissa — from food and clothing to rebuilding materials and mental health support. But let’s make sure that help goes where it’s truly needed. Every dollar, every package, and every repost should uplift someone real — not feed another scam. So please, give wisely. Verify before you share. Support verified local groups, families, or businesses rebuilding with integrity.

A Message to Everyone Helping Jamaica Rebuild

To everyone donating, volunteering, and spreading awareness — thank you.
Your kindness keeps hope alive. Don’t let scammers or fake fundraisers make you doubt your generosity.
Jamaica’s true strength has always been our people — standing together, even after the storm.

Be careful, be wise, and keep your heart open.
We’ll rebuild — not just homes, but trust, community, and love for one another.

Check out my post on how you can help https://restartinjamaica.com/how-to-help-jamaica-now

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Let’s rebuild Jamaica the right way — together.

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