Chicago Mom Warns of Fake GoFundMe Scams

In the wake of a brutal attack that garnered widespread attention, a Chicago mother is now issuing a critical warning: beware of fake GoFundMe campaigns. Corshwanda Hatter, the 33-year-old victim who bravely defended her children, is urging the public to exercise extreme caution, as scammers are attempting to exploit her traumatic experience for financial gain.

Exploiting Trauma for Profit

Following the widely circulated video of the attack, a significant outpouring of community support emerged. However, Hatter has discovered that deceptive online campaigns are now falsely claiming to raise funds for her family, reportedly seeking over $200,000. She took to Facebook on November 20th to alert potential donors, emphasizing that any GoFundMe campaign not directly linked to her verified accounts is fraudulent.

Hatter shared her personal Cash App, Chime, Zelle, and Apple Pay details, alongside a link to her legitimate GoFundMe page, imploring people to report and seek refunds from fake campaigns. She expressed the immense distress this has caused, stating, “me and my children are still healing from this horrific tragedy… please stop making false stories.”

The Devastating Aftermath

The attack left Hatter and her nine-year-old son with significant physical injuries, while her six-year-old daughter was left traumatized. Hatter is experiencing bruises and difficulty walking, compounded by the side effects of her sickle cell disease. Her son, who has reportedly been bullied for two years at school, is suffering from severe psychological distress, waking up screaming in the night.

The family has been moved to a secure, undisclosed location, and Hatter is pursuing legal action against the parents of the minors involved. Her children will also be transferred to a new school, and the family is seeking trauma-focused therapy to help them cope with the horrific ordeal. The ongoing bullying against her son, reportedly stemming from his mother’s mobility issues, adds another layer of pain to their recovery.

Protecting Genuine Support Efforts

While the outpouring of support has been overwhelming, the proliferation of fake campaigns poses a significant risk to genuine fundraising efforts. The Hatter family urges donors to rely on verified sources, such as official news outlets or known community leaders, to ensure their contributions reach those in genuine need. This scam alert serves as a crucial reminder to always verify before donating, especially when dealing with sensitive situations.