Fake GoFundMe, TikTok accounts created following death of 8-year-old Corbin boy

March 23, 2023

Hannah Woosley-Collins,

CORBIN, Ky. (WTVQ) — GoFundMe and TikTok accounts asking for money after an 8-year-old Corbin boy died in a basketball accident are fake, the boy’s mother and the Whitley County Sheriff’s Department say.

“It’s hard to believe that some people can be so cruel but [Eli Hill’s] parents are reporting a fake ‘Gofundme’ account has been set up asking for donations. They want everyone to know they are not asking for donations and to please DO NOT donate to the fake account,” the sheriff’s department wrote on its Facebook page.

A GoFundMe spokesperson told ABC 36 that the company has a “zero tolerance” policy for misuse of its platform. Here’s the full response:

“GoFundMe has zero tolerance for the misuse of our platform and we cooperate with law enforcement investigations of those accused of wrongdoing. Our team acted quickly to remove the fundraiser, refund donors, and ban this account from using our platform for any future fundraisers. GoFundMe’s Giving Guarantee offers a full refund in the rare case when something isn’t right.”

If you see any fake accounts, you’re asked to report them immediately.

Eli’s visitation is Thursday and his funeral is Friday.