Michigan Woman's GoFundMe Campaign May Be Scam, Police Say

BRIGHTON, MI – A woman who told her social media friends that she had stage 4 breast cancer and raised more than $30,000 via a GoFundMe page is now under investigation, according to police. Police say they believe the page, titled "Candace Kicks Cancer" was a fraud.

The GoFundMe page is no longer available.

Brighton Police report that the page, which belonged to a woman identified as Candace Streng, raised $31,645 from 399 donors. While no one has been charged, Brighton Police Chief Robert Bradford said there is enough information to indicate the page was fraudulently used to accept donations.

Police expect to submit charges to the Livingston County prosecutor's office for consideration.

News of the fake GoFundMe campaign struck a nerve on social media. One person, wrote how disappointed she was to find out the truth behind the page's author.

"My family loved her. My friends enjoyed her," wrote the woman. "Sadly, and with regret I was personally informed by her that she is not a fighter, not a survivor and not trust worthy."

That social media shows an article headlined "This is kind of my last chance" from the Livingston Daily newspaper detailing Candace Streng's bout with cancer.

Brighton Police donors who contributed to the page should contact GoFundMe.

According to a statement from GoFundMe, when donors give to a fraudulent campaign, their donations are guaranteed and will be refunded.

"There are unfortunate and rare instances where people create campaigns with the intention to take advantage of others’ generosity," said GoFundMe in the statement. "In the small handful of cases where misuse occurs, GoFundMe takes action to resolve the issue."

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