What to Know
For more than two years, 51-year-old Maribeth Ellen Jones told people she had cancer. She reportedly battled the disease very publicly and received support from hundreds of people in the Florida community where she worked. Loved ones held fundraisers to help her financially, and some cut her hair to prepare Jones for chemotherapy.
But it appears her cancer wasn’t real, but the money she took from donations was. After people became aware of her alleged scam, Jones turned herself in to the police and now faces grand theft charges related to the scheme.
More than 200 people contributed to helping Jones.
Per an online statement from the Collier County Sheriff’s Department, an investigation found that Jones convinced people in a Naples community that she had cancer. She reportedly worked as the activities director in the community from 2022 to 2024 and shared during that time that she was going through cancer treatment.
She reportedly defrauded residents out of more than $40,000. During the time, she allegedly did her best to make people believe she was preparing for chemotherapy and even had a resident cut her hair in preparation for treatment.
Jones became the beneficiary on two separate fundraising accounts.
@combatboots4u Maribeth Ellen Jones I've heard of someone else doing this too…."Allegedly"🤔 #shameful #con #dispicable #cancer #grossbehavior ♬ Breath Of Victory – Clove Vance
Per the sheriff’s department, Jones allegedly became the beneficiary for two GoFundMe accounts to pay for her treatment and accepted cash and checks from residents. She allegedly used the money to pay off personal debts. She ultimately turned herself in to the Naples Jail Center on charges of grand theft of $20,000 to $100,000.
GoFundMe shared a statement with US Weekly condemning the alleged scheme.
“GoFundMe has zero tolerance for the misuse of our platform and anyone who seeks to take advantage of the generosity of others. We can confirm fundraisers organized on behalf of Maribeth Jones were removed from our platform, and her account was banned for any future fundraising,” the company said in a statement. “More than $41,000 was refunded to donors on the platform through GoFundMe’s Giving Guarantee, which offers a full refund in the rare case something isn’t right.”
The sheriff’s office shared tips to keep others safe from these types of scams.
Sadly, even the most legitimate-looking fundraisers aren’t always real.
“This is an appalling case because it exploited the kindness and generosity of people who truly wanted to help someone they believed was fighting for her life,” Sheriff Kevin Rambosk shared in a news release. “If you lie to steal from the generosity of others in Collier County, we will arrest you and hold you accountable.”
The Collier County Sheriff’s Office reminded residents to “always do your homework first before donating” by verifying the fundraiser through loved ones and trusted friends. The sheriff’s department also recommended looking for updates and detailed documentation and transparency from any organization you plan to donate to. “Be cautious if you’re pressured to donate quickly or if the story can’t be independently confirmed,” the sheriff’s office stated.
Jones’s story enraged cancer survivors who felt the 51-year-old took advantage of others.
“I fought cancer! Can’t believe someone would do this!!! Shame on you,” someone wrote online.
“People like this are the reason I battled cancer alone!” Another person added.
Loved ones of those battling cancer had little sympathy for Jones. “How horrible… my sister actually has cancer; this is disgusting,” a comment reads.
The sheriff agreed, writing, “This type of scam not only hurts victims financially, it undermines trust in legitimate fundraisers for people who genuinely need help,” Rambosk added.
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