Fake GoFundMe pages appear after Ballina van fire tragedy
Community rallies for van fire victim Glen — but scam warnings issued
A Ballina man who lost everything in a van fire is now at the centre of a scam warning, after multiple unauthorised fundraisers emerged online.
Glen Webster, who had been living in his camper while working as a cleaner at the BP Travel Centre in West Ballina, lost his home and belongings in Friday’s fire.
Within hours, the community stepped in.
Emergency accommodation was organised, clothing was donated, and a fundraising campaign was launched to help him rebuild.
Glen Webster (Photo -NBN News)
Celebrated local community volunteer Mark Ross set up a GoFundMe page with Mr Webster’s approval, which had raised close to $3,000 by Sunday morning.
“The Ballina community have been amazing,” Mr Ross said.
“He’s got somewhere to stay and people have really stepped up.”
Readers can support Mr Webster through the verified fundraiser here:
https://www.gofundme.com/f/qjjhpa-life-up-in-flames
‘Watch for scams’ warning
But as support surged, so did concerns.
Mr Ross said at least two other GoFundMe pages had appeared claiming to raise money for Mr Webster — without his knowledge or consent.
“To anyone that wanted to donate… this is the only GoFundMe set up for him — watch for scams,” he wrote on social media.
He later warned that other pages had been created by people with no connection to Mr Webster.
Glen Webster’s burnt out camper
“For one they don’t have his approval, and two they haven’t asked for his bank details to pass on donations,” he said.
Mr Ross told Ballina News Daily his official fundraiser is linked directly to Mr Webster’s account, ensuring donations go straight to him.
How scams can happen
The situation highlights a broader issue with crowdfunding platforms like GoFundMe.
Anyone can set up a fundraiser — including for someone they don’t personally know — and campaigns can begin collecting donations immediately.
While the platform has rules requiring honesty and allows refunds where fraud is proven, checks are often triggered only after complaints are made.
That can create a window where unauthorised or misleading campaigns attract donations before being identified.
Call for caution
Mr Ross is urging locals to take extra care when donating.
“Please make sure you’re donating to the right page,” (main image above) he said.
“If you’re not sure, check with someone who knows Glen or contact me.”
A community response — and a warning
Despite the confusion, support for Mr Webster continues to grow.
The focus now is on helping him secure a replacement vehicle and stable accommodation so he can keep working.
But the emergence of copycat fundraisers has added an unexpected layer to the story — and a reminder for donors to stay vigilant.
