URGENT UPDATE: San Antonio Pets Alive! has issued a warning regarding an unauthorized GoFundMe page that falsely claims to benefit the nonprofit. This alarming revelation comes as the organization fears potential scams targeting well-intentioned donors.
Just announced by Executive Director Bob Citrullo, the nonprofit discovered the fake page raising funds without their consent, causing significant concern for the welfare of the animals they rescue. “Every dollar is vital to take care of these animals that we’re saving their lives,” Citrullo emphasized.
The unauthorized GoFundMe page reportedly raised over $1,300 before it was taken down. “When you see something like this, and then people donate, it’s troubling knowing that they might be misled,” Citrullo said. He expressed deep concern for the donors who may feel betrayed by this fraudulent activity.
Last month, GoFundMe created more than 1.4 million donation pages for registered nonprofits across the U.S., but Citrullo highlights a critical flaw: “It has to be approved through the organization to do that, and so it’s very misleading.” This misstep has left organizations vulnerable to scams that could damage their reputations and donor trust.
In response to the growing backlash, a GoFundMe spokesperson confirmed that the unauthorized page has been removed and the funds collected have been redirected to San Antonio Pets Alive! through the Paypal Giving Fund. “We understand clearly that our recent efforts with Nonprofit Pages have caused concern, and we are fully committed to rebuilding trust through action,” the spokesperson stated.
Citrullo urges potential donors to be vigilant: “Anybody wanting to make a donation, just be very careful, really look at where you’re donating and honestly go to the organization’s website.” San Antonio Pets Alive! only accepts donations directly through their official website at SanAntonioPetsAlive.org.
As this situation develops, the nonprofit emphasizes the importance of transparency in fundraising. With trust at stake, both San Antonio Pets Alive! and GoFundMe are navigating the aftermath of this incident, aiming to restore confidence among donors and strengthen community support.
What’s next? Donors are encouraged to verify the authenticity of fundraising pages and ensure their contributions directly support legitimate causes. This incident serves as a crucial reminder about the need for vigilance in online donations, especially in today’s digital landscape.
For ongoing updates and to support the vital work of San Antonio Pets Alive!, visit their official website or follow their social media channels.
