A Florida woman faces a grand theft charge after deputies say she falsely claimed cancer, drawing donations from 238 people and more than $40,000.
A Florida cancer scam accusation has led to the arrest of a Bonita Springs woman whom deputies say falsely claimed she was battling the disease and collected thousands of dollars from people trying to help. Authorities say Maribeth Ellen Jones, 51, turned herself in at the Naples Jail Center this week after detectives secured a warrant on a second-degree felony grand theft charge.
The Collier County Sheriff’s Office says Jones is accused of taking more than $40,000 from 238 Naples residents between 2022 and 2024 after telling them she had cancer and was undergoing treatment. Investigators said the donations came from more than 200 people who believed she needed financial help. Deputies also said Jones pretended her condition was getting worse and asked community members to cut her hair so it would look as though she was preparing for chemotherapy.
According to the sheriff’s office, community members created a GoFundMe page for Jones that was tied to her personal bank account. Deputies said she also received cash and personal checks. The agency said Jones had already been the beneficiary of two earlier GoFundMe campaigns in which she made the same cancer claim. Investigators later determined she did not have cancer and used the money to pay personal debts.
“A Florida woman faces a grand theft charge after deputies say she falsely claimed cancer, drawing donations from 238 people and more than $40,000.”
GoFundMe said it moved to remove the fundraisers linked to Jones and banned her from future fundraising on the platform. A company spokesperson said the site has zero tolerance for misuse and confirmed that more than $41,000 was refunded to donors through its Giving Guarantee, which provides a full refund when something is not right. The company said the money was returned to donors on the platform.
Sheriff Kevin Rambosk called the case “appalling” because, in his view, it exploited people who were trying to help someone they thought was fighting for her life. He said anyone who lies in order to steal from generosity in Collier County will be arrested and held accountable. He also said scams like this damage trust in legitimate fundraisers for people who truly need help.
The case comes as online fundraising has become a common way for Americans to rally around neighbors facing medical bills, emergencies, and family crises. That same trust can be abused, and investigators say this case crossed that line by turning sympathy into personal gain. Jones now faces a felony theft case as deputies continue to present the allegations to the courts. For readers, the lesson is simple: donations can do real good, but verified details matter before money changes hands.
Frequently asked questions
What is Maribeth Ellen Jones accused of?
Deputies say she falsely claimed to have Cancer and used that story to collect donations from hundreds of people. She faces a grand theft charge between $20,000 and $100,000.
How many people were allegedly affected?
The Collier County Sheriff’s Office says 238 Naples residents were defrauded. Authorities also said more than 200 people donated because they believed she needed help.
What did GoFundMe do?
Gofundme said the fundraisers linked to Jones were removed, her account was banned from future fundraising, and more than $41,000 was refunded to donors.
What did deputies say happened to the money?
Detectives said Jones did not have Cancer and used the donated money to pay personal debts.
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