A nonprofit organization in Georgetown, Texas called Motorcycle Missions recently fell victim to a scam where they lost $95,000 in what they believed to be a generous donation. The organization, founded by Krystal Hess almost ten years ago, provides assistance to veterans and first responders dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder through various programs like welding, track days, motocross, build mentorship, and Motorcycle Safety Foundation training.
Hess received an email from a stranger expressing interest in donating money to the organization, claiming that their work deeply resonated with him. He sent a check for $95,000, which Hess deposited into the organization’s account. However, a few days later, the donor requested $45,000 back, stating that his assistant had made a mistake and only intended to send $50,000. Thinking the check had cleared, Hess wired the money back to the donor, only to later find out that the original check was fraudulent.
As a result, Chase Bank withdrew the full $95,000 from Motorcycle Missions’ account, leaving the organization in a difficult financial situation. Despite this setback, Hess remains determined to continue the organization’s mission of helping veterans and first responders. Motorcycle Missions has already served 500 individuals nationwide, and Hess is determined to keep going with the community’s support.
The Better Business Bureau (BBB) highlighted that this type of fraudulent donation scheme is unfortunately common. Once a fake check is deposited, scammers often request a portion of the money back before the bank detects the fraud, leaving the victim at a loss. Just a few months ago, the Dyslexia Center of Austin experienced a similar scam involving a fraudulent $95,000 check, though their bank caught the issue before any funds were transferred.
Scams like these can have a significant impact on nonprofits that rely on donations to carry out their important work. It is essential for organizations to remain vigilant and verify the authenticity of large donations to prevent falling victim to such schemes in the future. If you would like to support Motorcycle Missions in overcoming this setback and continuing their vital services for veterans and first responders, you can donate through the provided link on their website. Your contribution can make a difference in helping those who have bravely served our communities.
