TL;DR: Children with cancer exploited in global crowdfunding scam
Sick children and their families were exploited through a global crowdfunding scam, stealing millions meant for medical treatments. Fraudulent campaigns featured staged emotional videos to manipulate donors. Investigations revealed Israeli national Erez Hadari as the orchestrator, leaving many families devastated, often receiving little or no funds.
• Scammed families received nominal or no payment despite raising significant amounts.
• Heartbreaking cases span the Philippines, Colombia, Ukraine, and beyond.
• Donors and families are urged to demand transparency and use verified platforms.
Stay vigilant, protect your goodwill by donating only to credible, transparent organizations.
Children battling cancer and their families face despair not only from their illnesses but also due to a malicious global scam uncovered by a recent investigative report by the BBC. According to their findings, millions of euros raised through online crowdfunding campaigns for sick children were stolen, leaving families with little to no funds to cover medical treatments. The perpetrators used emotionally manipulative methods, exploiting the public’s goodwill and trust.
How Were Families Scammed?
At the heart of the scam lies deceitful fundraising campaigns featuring children undergoing treatment for cancer. Families were recruited under false pretenses, often promised an upfront fee or the possibility of receiving donations for medical costs. However, their trust was betrayed. These campaigns were meticulously designed to elicit sympathy, often staging emotionally charged videos where children were made to cry or beg for help.
One heartbreaking case involved a boy from the Philippines named Khalil. A man referred to as “Erez” approached Khalil’s mother, coaxing her into filming a fundraising video. The campaign, pushed on various platforms, raised $27,000 purportedly for Khalil’s treatment, but the family received just €524. Khalil later passed away without receiving proper care. Similar stories have emerged from countries such as Colombia and Ukraine, amplifying the magnitude of the exploitation.
Who Was Behind the Scam?
The investigation revealed a network spearheaded by Erez Hadari, an Israeli national suspected of orchestrating multiple fraudulent operations, often under charitable names such as “Chance Letikva” and “Saint Raphael.” Using various aliases and organizations, the scammers sourced families and created these campaigns under cover, earning millions from unsuspecting donors.
While some families knew their images would be used for fundraising, others were completely unaware that their struggles had been monetized in such a ruthless manner. The funds were often funneled through convoluted networks, leaving minimal or zero accountability.
The Impact on Victims
The BBC identified at least 15 affected families as part of this scam. In some instances, families did receive nominal payments, but most were left empty-handed. Crucially, the fraudulent videos were often traumatic for both children and parents, further compounding their anguish during an already harrowing period in their lives.
For instance, a child in Colombia raised nearly $250,000 through these campaigns, yet her family was unaware of the figures and received no medical aid. In Ukraine, distressing videos allegedly produced in clinics raised €280,000 but left the targeted family without support.
How Can Donors and Families Protect Themselves?
This case highlights the need for vigilance when donating to charitable causes. Fraudsters leverage our empathy, exploiting gaps in scrutiny and transparency. Here are ways donors and beneficiaries can take precautions:
For Donors
- Donate Through Verified Channels: Ensure the fundraising entity is officially registered and follows strict financial protocols.
- Research Charity Ratings: Platforms like Charity Navigator and GuideStar can verify charitable organizations.
- Ask Questions: Request evidence of how donations are used and distributed.
For Families
- Understand Your Rights: Being approached for a campaign doesn’t mean you must agree, especially under unclear terms.
- Ask for Transparency: Demand to know all funding details and independently verify fundraising figures.
- Use Trusted Organizations: Integrate payment systems with stricter transparency safeguards.
The Way Forward for Charity Platforms
This exposure calls for reform in online crowdfunding procedures. Many platforms now recommend using stricter identity verification and transparency tools, tracking where funds go, and requiring charities to disclose campaign results directly to involved beneficiaries.
Conclusion
The BBC’s investigative research shines a light on heinous practices exploiting some of the most vulnerable among us, children battling cancer. While public sympathy remains an essential element in raising funds for humanitarian causes, ensuring transparency and ethical practices in crowdfunding initiatives cannot be overlooked. Families and donors alike deserve to trust fully in systems designed to help, not harm.
Let this story serve as both a warning and a call to action. By asking questions and demanding transparency, we can protect vulnerable individuals and maintain the integrity of charitable giving.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Cancer Treatment Scam Revealed by the BBC
What is the scam involving children with cancer uncovered by the BBC?
The BBC exposed a global fraud targeting children with cancer. Fraudsters raised millions through fake crowdfunding campaigns, exploiting families’ struggles for personal gain. The emotional campaigns often included videos of sick children crying or begging for help, aimed to elicit sympathy and donations. While donors believed their money supported medical treatments, affected families often received none of the funds. At least 15 families across countries like the Philippines, Colombia, and Ukraine were identified as victims, some unaware they were being exploited. For example, in one case, $27,000 was raised for a boy named Khalil, but his family only received €524. To learn more, read the full BBC coverage here: Children with cancer scammed out of millions fundraised for their treatment.
How did the scammers convince the families to participate?
Scammers typically approached families under false pretenses, promising financial assistance for their child’s treatment. In most instances, the families were asked to create heart-wrenching videos featuring the sick children. Techniques like using onions to induce tears or scripting messages were common. Families were assured they’d receive funds once the campaign succeeded, but most received nothing, or only a token amount. For example, a family in Colombia raised nearly $250,000, yet received no medical aid. Tragically, children involved often missed life-saving treatments due to this deception. Read more at the BBC World Service.
Who is Erez Hadari, the main perpetrator of this scam?
Erez Hadari, an Israeli national, is identified as the primary orchestrator of these scams. He operated various fraudulent organizations, including “Chance Letikva,” “Saint Raphael,” and “Walls of Hope.” Hadari used multiple aliases and reportedly lived in Canada during parts of the operation. He employed recruiters in different countries to find families and children to exploit. These recruiters filmed emotionally manipulative videos, which were used in seemingly genuine crowdfunding campaigns. To uncover more about his fraudulent operations, refer to the BBC Eye investigation.
How can donors ensure their contributions actually help legitimate causes?
Donors should research campaigns and organizations thoroughly before making contributions. Here’s how:
- Verify Organizations: Use resources like Charity Navigator or GuideStar to check the legitimacy of organizations.
- Ask for Transparency: Genuine campaigns will provide detailed breakdowns of how funds are used.
- Donate Through Reputable Platforms: Stick to well-known platforms with strict vetting processes.
If you’re passionate about supporting causes with accountability, platforms like Fundraising Regulations & Insights offer guidance for legitimate charitable donations.
What steps can families take to avoid being exploited by fraudulent charities?
Families should protect themselves by understanding their rights and requesting transparency when approached for campaigns.
- Read Agreements: Never sign contracts without understanding terms.
- Track Campaign Results: Request access to fundraising details to verify figures.
- Work with Trusted Organizations: Research charities thoroughly, ideally working with local, community-based organizations.
For more insights, refer to resources like BBC Eye’s investigative guide, which highlights protective measures for families.
What emotional and financial impact has this scam had on the victims?
Families and children involved were left traumatized. In many cases, children were made to cry or beg for funds, compounding their stress during already difficult periods of illness. Financially, families were left with little to no support for the medical treatments the campaigns were supposed to fund. For instance, a family in Ukraine raised €280,000 through fraudulent videos yet received no aid. The emotional distress caused by exploiting their suffering has lasting repercussions. Learn more about victims’ stories here.
How can charity platforms like GoFundMe improve transparency?
Crowdfunding platforms must impose stricter policies, such as:
- Identity Verification: Requiring campaign organizers to validate their identities.
- Fund Tracking: Monitoring how funds are disbursed and ensuring transparency with donors.
- Beneficiary Consultation: Directly connecting beneficiaries with funds raised to verify its rightful usage.
Public pressure for these improvements is critical. For professional advice, organizations like Charity Watchdog International advocate reform in crowdfunding platforms.
Are there guidelines for identifying fake charitable campaigns?
Yes, here are some red flags:
- Pressure Tactics: Urgent calls for donations with little detail on usage.
- No Verifiable Social Media Presence: Legit campaigns often have traceable, consistent profiles.
- Emotional Manipulation: Excessively dramatic photos/videos often indicate a scam.
Explore further tips at Donation Transparency Guides.
How does this scam highlight the importance of ethical fundraising?
The scam underscores the need for ethical practices in the fundraising sector. Families struggling with childhood illnesses deserve support, not exploitation. Transparency and accountability in campaigns are essential. Ethical fundraising ensures legitimate donations reach those in need while preserving public trust. Platforms like the MELA AI Index work to maintain these principles in the restaurant and broader service industries, promoting consumer trust and transparency.
What role do transparency initiatives like MELA AI play in building trust?
Platforms like MELA AI – Malta Restaurants Directory serve as a model for transparency, showcasing how organizations can establish accountability and trust. Just as MELA AI rates and brands restaurants offering quality dining experiences, such initiatives can inspire changes across sectors, including charity platforms. Trust and transparency are key in rebuilding public confidence in online donations. MELA AI’s success in the dining sector emphasizes how industry reform can restore integrity.
About the Author
Violetta Bonenkamp, also known as MeanCEO, is an experienced startup founder with an impressive educational background including an MBA and four other higher education degrees. She has over 20 years of work experience across multiple countries, including 5 years as a solopreneur and serial entrepreneur. Throughout her startup experience she has applied for multiple startup grants at the EU level, in the Netherlands and Malta, and her startups received quite a few of those. She’s been living, studying and working in many countries around the globe and her extensive multicultural experience has influenced her immensely.
Violetta Bonenkamp’s expertise in CAD sector, IP protection and blockchain
Violetta Bonenkamp is recognized as a multidisciplinary expert with significant achievements in the CAD sector, intellectual property (IP) protection, and blockchain technology.
CAD Sector:
- Violetta is the CEO and co-founder of CADChain, a deep tech startup focused on developing IP management software specifically for CAD (Computer-Aided Design) data. CADChain addresses the lack of industry standards for CAD data protection and sharing, using innovative technology to secure and manage design data.
- She has led the company since its inception in 2018, overseeing R&D, PR, and business development, and driving the creation of products for platforms such as Autodesk Inventor, Blender, and SolidWorks.
- Her leadership has been instrumental in scaling CADChain from a small team to a significant player in the deeptech space, with a diverse, international team.
IP Protection:
- Violetta has built deep expertise in intellectual property, combining academic training with practical startup experience. She has taken specialized courses in IP from institutions like WIPO and the EU IPO.
- She is known for sharing actionable strategies for startup IP protection, leveraging both legal and technological approaches, and has published guides and content on this topic for the entrepreneurial community.
- Her work at CADChain directly addresses the need for robust IP protection in the engineering and design industries, integrating cybersecurity and compliance measures to safeguard digital assets.
Blockchain:
- Violetta’s entry into the blockchain sector began with the founding of CADChain, which uses blockchain as a core technology for securing and managing CAD data.
- She holds several certifications in blockchain and has participated in major hackathons and policy forums, such as the OECD Global Blockchain Policy Forum.
- Her expertise extends to applying blockchain for IP management, ensuring data integrity, traceability, and secure sharing in the CAD industry.
Violetta is a true multiple specialist who has built expertise in Linguistics, Education, Business Management, Blockchain, Entrepreneurship, Intellectual Property, Game Design, AI, SEO, Digital Marketing, cyber security and zero code automations. Her extensive educational journey includes a Master of Arts in Linguistics and Education, an Advanced Master in Linguistics from Belgium (2006-2007), an MBA from Blekinge Institute of Technology in Sweden (2006-2008), and an Erasmus Mundus joint program European Master of Higher Education from universities in Norway, Finland, and Portugal (2009).
She is the founder of Fe/male Switch, a startup game that encourages women to enter STEM fields, and also leads CADChain, and multiple other projects like the Directory of 1,000 Startup Cities with a proprietary MeanCEO Index that ranks cities for female entrepreneurs. Violetta created the “gamepreneurship” methodology, which forms the scientific basis of her startup game. She also builds a lot of SEO tools for startups. Her achievements include being named one of the top 100 women in Europe by EU Startups in 2022 and being nominated for Impact Person of the year at the Dutch Blockchain Week. She is an author with Sifted and a speaker at different Universities. Recently she published a book on Startup Idea Validation the right way: from zero to first customers and beyond, launched a Directory of 1,500+ websites for startups to list themselves in order to gain traction and build backlinks and is building MELA AI to help local restaurants in Malta get more visibility online.
For the past several years Violetta has been living between the Netherlands and Malta, while also regularly traveling to different destinations around the globe, usually due to her entrepreneurial activities. This has led her to start writing about different locations and amenities from the POV of an entrepreneur. Here’s her recent article about the best hotels in Italy to work from.
