Steam Developer Accused of Stealing Thousands in Cancer Charity Funds
A shocking series of events has unfolded in the gaming community, as the developer of a Steam indie game stands accused of stealing over $5,000 raised during a charity livestream for a streamer’s mother battling cancer. The incident has sent ripples across social media, serving as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance in online fundraising.
The controversy centers around the streamer, known as “Sgt Ducky,” and Glivi Games, the developer behind the recently released title Crafty Survivors. In a heartfelt effort to support his mother’s cancer treatment, Sgt Ducky organized a charity stream. According to the streamer, the developer of Crafty Survivors reached out and generously offered to match donations raised during the event.
To facilitate the fundraising, a campaign was set up on Tiltify, a popular and legitimate platform used by creators for charity drives. The stream was a massive success, with Sgt Ducky’s community rallying to raise more than $5,000 for the cause.
However, the situation took a devastating turn shortly after the funds were collected.
The Alleged Scam and Disappearance
According to Sgt Ducky, once the fundraising goal was met, the developer allegedly took control of the funds and vanished. The developer reportedly blocked the streamer on all communication platforms, including Discord, and proceeded to delete their social media presence, including their Twitter/X account.
The core of the alleged scam appears to be in how the fundraising campaign was configured. While Tiltify is a trusted platform, it allows campaign organizers to link a PayPal account to receive the donations. It is alleged that the funds were funneled directly into the developer’s personal PayPal account instead of being routed to the intended recipient or a registered charity. This critical detail allowed the developer to allegedly seize the funds directly.
In the wake of these accusations, the gaming community has responded with both outrage and support. The Steam page for Crafty Survivors has been inundated with negative reviews from users warning others about the developer’s alleged actions. Meanwhile, an outpouring of support has been directed at Sgt Ducky, who has been left to grapple with the emotional and financial fallout of the betrayal.
How to Protect Yourself During Online Charity Drives
This unfortunate incident highlights the need for extreme caution when donating online, even when the cause is compelling and the platform seems legitimate. Scammers often exploit the goodwill of others, using emotional stories to perpetrate fraud.
Here are several crucial tips to ensure your donations reach their intended destination:
- Verify the Destination of Funds: Before donating on a platform like Tiltify or Streamlabs, carefully inspect the campaign details. Look for information that explicitly states where the money is going. Legitimate campaigns will clearly name the registered charity (e.g., American Cancer Society, Doctors Without Borders) as the direct recipient. If the funds are being sent to an individual’s PayPal or bank account, exercise extreme caution.
- Donate Directly When Possible: The safest way to support a cause is often to donate directly through the official website of the registered charity. You can then inform the streamer or content creator of your donation if you wish for it to be acknowledged as part of their campaign.
- Look for Transparency: Reputable creators and fundraisers are transparent about the process. They will readily share links to the official charity and provide clear information about how funds are being handled. Be wary of campaigns that are vague or pressure you into using private payment methods like a direct PayPal transfer, Venmo, or Cash App.
- Research the Organizer and the Cause: Take a moment to look into the streamer or organizer hosting the event. Do they have a history of legitimate community engagement? While not foolproof, a long-standing positive reputation can be a good indicator. If something feels off, it’s better to be safe than sorry.
This situation is a painful lesson in the importance of due diligence. While the vast majority of charity streams are run with integrity by creators who genuinely want to make a difference, it only takes one bad actor to cause significant harm. By staying informed and cautious, you can continue to support important causes while protecting yourself from potential fraud.
Source: https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/security/verified-steam-game-steals-streamers-cancer-treatment-donations/
