Scammers set up fake accounts to collect donations for mauled Columbia County
The mother of 11-year-old Justin Gilstrap, who was attacked by three pit bulls in Columbia County in January, says an impersonator has been collecting money from the community via fake CashApp and Facebook accounts.
On Sunday, Columbia County Sheriff's Office deputies met with Ericka Gilstrap regarding a theft by deception.
Gilstrap told deputies an unknown person made a fake Facebook page about her son's animal attack incident and linked a CashApp account, according to an incident report. She said the person is collecting money, making the public believe it is her own CashApp account.
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Gilstrap said the fake Facebook page was made on Jan. 14 and has been deceiving people that thought their money was going toward Justin, according to the report.
The fake Facebook account has blocked Gilstrap's real account since it was created, according to the report.
Gilstrap told deputies she has attempted to get the CashApp and Facebook accounts banned, but has been unsuccessful, according to the report. She told deputies she is unsure how much money has been collected toward the fake account.
On Jan. 21, Gilstrap said on Facebook that she is no longer accepting any CashApp donations due to the fake accounts. Donations to the Gilstrap family can still be made to the family's GoFundMe.
This article originally appeared on Augusta Chronicle: Impersonator collecting money for 11-year-old dog attack victim
