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GoFundMe Shuts Down Donald Johnson’s $739K Fundraiser Ruse

By Drooid · Sep 28, 2026, 3:29 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

GoFundMe Shuts Down

GoFundMe shut down Donald Johnson’s fundraiser after learning his daughter posed as a neighbor.
The “Erin Howell” page raised $739,334 of a $1 million target before removal.
GoFundMe got a tip on September 25 that the organizer was Amy Johnson, who confirmed the ruse on a recorded call.
Amy Johnson then opened a GiveSendGo campaign, collecting over $45,000 toward a $100,000 goal by Monday.

Summary

Don Johnson Goes Viral

Don Johnson’s doorbell camera video hauling luggage went viral, generating widespread online sympathy.
He has been an airport luggage courier for three years to pay for his wife Josephine Johnson’s cancer treatment.
After GoFundMe removed their campaign, donors were told refunds would be issued, prompting disappointment.
The GiveSendGo page lists a prayer-request section alongside the monetary goal.

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GoFundMe Shuts Down

GoFundMe shut down Donald Johnson’s fundraiser after learning his daughter posed as a neighbor.
The “Erin Howell” page raised $739,334 of a $1 million target before removal.
GoFundMe got a tip on September 25 that the organizer was Amy Johnson, who confirmed the ruse on a recorded call.
Amy Johnson then opened a GiveSendGo campaign, collecting over $45,000 toward a $100,000 goal by Monday.

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