Faux Donor Scams Nonprofit for Veterans

An Oregon-based nonprofit gym for veterans has fallen victim to a con artist. Alleged wealthy businessman named Garyn Bowen had pledged $425,000 to Lift for the 22, and claimed that supplement retailer GNC would match his gift. Since Bowen was a frequent attendee of the gym’s workout programs, the organization did not bother to check his background. After arranging a Facebook live-stream of the check presentation, the gym never received Bowen’s check. Later, the gym discovered that Bowen had stolen another member’s wallet to make purchases.

More on Lift for the 22’s story is available on the Nonprofit Quarterly website.