According to a news release from the Steamboat Springs Police Department, law enforcement personnel are aware of a fraudulent fund-raising website looking to take advantage of a recent tragic incident in Steamboat Springs.

The Go Fund Me page set up for the Matt Johnson Family, which has raised more than $75,000, has been cloned. The cloned site is operating under the address of HopeFundMe.org. and is not the official site taking donations for the family. It looks identical to the GoFundMe page with similar images and information.

“The community has come to the support of the Johnson family during this difficult time through a legitimate GoFundMe effort,” said Chief Mark Beckett. “Too often during tragedies like this, nefarious individuals look to take advantage of the situation. We don’t want this to overshadow the outpouring of support for the Johnson family — however, it’s imperative that you know your donation is going to the right place and check the web address to ensure it makes it to the Johnson family.”

As of Thursday afternoon, 21 individuals had donated $1,800 to the fraudulent site. If you have donated to the Johnson Family through the HopeFundMe.org page, the Steamboat Springs Police Department is asking that you contact Detective Sergeant Sam Silva at 970-879-4344 or via email at ssilva@steamboatsprings.net.

“I want to thank the Steamboat Pilot & Today for immediately bringing this to our attention,” continued Beckett. “Their quick action will likely keep more folks from falling prey to this scam.” 

The actual GoFundMe site remains live and individuals can still safely make donations to the Johnson family through the link on the GoFundMe.com website.