ID.me will power the online verification and validation program for Fund the First, the first verified online fundraising platform built for first responders, by first responders. Criminals have learned to use crowdfunding sites to promote first responder stories of need, and take advantage of consumer generosity, to collect millions in online contributions that never went to the intended recipients. Today’s partnership with Fund the First and ID.me will provide first responders and citizens with a means of raising funds in a scam-free environment.
“Our nation’s first responders are performing heroic feats every day. We knew this long before the Covid-19 pandemic, but our reliance on them has grown exponentially,” said Blake Hall, CEO and Founder of ID.me. “So many need our help and we are proud to help Fund the First deliver the assistance that so many deserve.”
FundtheFirst.com enables anyone to host a contribution campaign to help a first responder. Campaigns can be created to help with injury or illness, support a first responder family due to death or even help a first responder launch a new business. Prior to the launch of any campaign, the identity of the first responder or family in need (in the case of a death) must be fully verified. In just a few minutes, ID.me can verify professional credentials for firefighters, EMS, healthcare, police and military service members.
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Once a Fund the First campaign is verified using ID.me, all campaign funders have peace of mind that their money is going directly to their intended beneficiary.
“Our research has found that 25% of consumers who said they donated to an online fundraising campaign thought they were duped by fraudsters, and 81% admitted that they don’t know how to tell if an online fundraising campaign is legitimate,” said Robert Garland, CEO of Fund the First. “Thanks to the launch of Fund the First and our partnership with ID.me, the scams end today.”
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