GoFundMe fraud update: New account open to help widow

As first reported on NorthernLife.ca on Thursday, more than $24,000 was raised in a GoFundMe.com campaign set up by an acquaintance of Roger Belanger. The Sudbury man was killed in a tragic accident last July and an acquaintance of his set up the online fundraiser soon afterward.

But when the family tried to have the funds transferred to their control, they eventually discovered the account had been drained and the person responsible for setting up the campaign had no easy answers as to what had occurred.

RCMP in Fort McMurray have confirmed they are investigating the case.

Belanger's sister, Roxanne, said the incident has caused even more heartache to the family, especially to Roger's widow, Justine, who had been planning to use the money to create an education fund for her two young sons, ages two and 3½.

She said people who donated to the campaign using a credit card may be able to have the donation refunded if they had fraud protection. She is working to put together the paper needed for anyone to give to their credit card company.

"So I'm encouraging people to communicate with me if they donated to the fund,” Roxanne said. “Once I have to documentation ready, I will be providing it to the people who donated in hopes they can be refunded and donate properly."

She has set up an email address — [email protected] — for people who donated to the original fund to contact her. And anyone who wishes to make a donation to the family can do so at the TD Bank. Donations should be made to the account of Justine M. Belanger, account number: 6385655, transit number: 02272, and institution number: 004.