Local Comedian Stands Up Against a 200‑K Facebook Fundraising Scam
On August 29, 2018, comedian Mark Lee and his wife Catherine Ng fired back at a bogus fundraising campaign that had racked up whispers around the internet. The scammer was trying to rake in $200,000 by posting a heartbreaking photo of a little girl named Calynn, who was lying in a hospital bed.
Mark and Catherine were tipped off by a vigilant Facebook user. “It’s downright dishonest to trick people, and it’s even worse when you use a child’s photo for the ploy,” they wrote, letting everyone know they were not involved in the fake charity effort.
What They’re Doing About It
- They’re offering to help anyone who stumbles upon the fake post gather solid evidence.
- They’ll compile a full report so the police can take action.
- They made it very clear that they never started the fundraiser credited to Calynn’s name.
Why Calynn’s Story Is in the News
Earlier that month, the five‑year‑old was admitted to the hospital with glomerulonephritis—a rare condition where the immune system goes rogue and attacks the kidneys. Despite the scary diagnosis, Calynn has been making steady progress.
On August 21, her mum updated the Facebook “Cheers for Calynn” page, noting that it’ll take roughly six months of treatment to complete her recovery. She also thanked everyone who sent in advice and good vibes.
Key Takeaway
Never jump into a seemingly urgent fundraising request, especially if it features an innocent child’s photo. If you suspect fraud, reach out to the original poster so you can help bring the scammers to justice.
