Woman Accused of Misusing GoFundMe Donations for Cruise
A Pennsylvania woman is in hot water after allegedly misusing over £32,000 meant for her cousin’s recovery. Instead, she reportedly spent the funds on personal expenses, including a Carnival cruise. The woman, Vanessa Lewis, started a GoFundMe campaign in August 2024 after her cousin suffered severe injuries in a motorcycle accident.
Disappearing Donations
The fundraiser quickly amassed over £32,000. However, the injured man’s family claims they never received any financial support. The situation came to light when the victim’s father found photos of Lewis on a cruise on social media. A police investigation revealed that the GoFundMe account, which had over £32,000 in August 2024, dwindled to just £2,400 by March 2025.
Allegations and Legal Consequences
Authorities allege that Lewis withdrew or transferred more than £29,000. This includes a £4,900 payment linked to a Carnival Cruise Line trip from Miami. Investigators also found a wire transfer of over £16,800 to another account. Lewis faces charges of theft by deception and receiving stolen property. Both are third-degree felonies in Pennsylvania, with potential penalties of up to seven years in prison and £12,000 in fines. She is currently out on £8,000 bail and is due in court on 16th September 2025.
Cruises and Financial Crime
This case is not unique. In Florida, a church secretary allegedly embezzled over £400,000, some of which funded cruise holidays. Similarly, a business manager in Virginia misused nearly £200,000, including charges for a Royal Caribbean cruise. Earlier this year, a Wyoming woman was arrested for allegedly stealing church funds to book a Norwegian Cruise Line trip to Alaska.
Family Fraud and Cruises
Fraud can also occur within families. In August 2024, a person shared how their parents used their name to open credit cards, accruing over £8,000 in debt, including cruise holidays. The parents even opened more credit accounts in their other children’s names. They advised their children to file for bankruptcy, but only after opening more fraudulent credit cards.
Luxury Cruises and Stolen Money
These cases highlight how cruise holidays can become a luxury outlet for stolen money. Prosecutors continue to uncover links between fraud and extravagant travel. As cruise enthusiasts, it’s crucial to be aware of these issues and ensure your travel funds are legitimate.
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