Go Fund Me contributions

[RWG1950]

Received a Go Fund Me e-mail solicitation from a casual acquaintance experiencing severe financial consequences as a result of cancer surgery.
The e-mail claims this is tax deductible. I have my doubts. Whether or not I decide to give $ will not be tax motivated.
Is such a gift tax deductible ? Thanks for comments

[kathyc2]

Depends on how it was set up. If funds go through a charitable organization such as a church, it may be. The fundraising page will have a "tax deductible" tag and show the qualifying organization.

[FEDUKE404]

So. . . how did the GoFundMe page obtain *your* email address?

A true red flag is the email claiming it is a tax deductible donation (like what's on a raffle ticket?). For my 2? worth, my guess is the chance of a 501c3 organization is. . .slim.

FWIW, an acquaintance received a similar email request for funds for a friend suffering from cancer. The sender even engaged in a follow-up conversation about "Mary" and her needs. The sender had hacked / spoofed the email account to include the account contact list.

Certainly you should help the cancer victim if that is your intent. But "be careful out there!"

FE