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The Block's Sarah-Jane and Tom caught up in GoFundMe scam
The Block's Tom Calleja and Sarah-Jane Wilson have been caught up in a GoFundMe scam after a supposed fan set up a page to support the couple after they made just $20,000 in profit from the show, the lowest amount since 2014.
Despite being tipped to win, the couple placed third in the show's finale when their property sold for $4,100,000.99. They revealed on Monday that they now plan on selling the $80,000 Ford Ranger they won on the show last month to try and earn extra money.
The GoFundMe page, which has since been deleted, reportedly hoped to earn the couple $1,586,670, according to So Dramatic!. Before the page was taken down, four donations had been given to a total of $425, Daily Mail reports.
"Tom and SJ deserve a lot more for the efforts they put into building their house on The Block," the page read. "Their positive attitude and willingness to call it as it was made them an instant show favourite. Let’s show them what the Aussie spirit can do and help raise funds to make a difference, set their family up and make the 12 weeks worthwhile."
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While the organiser was listed as SJ and Tom, according to So Dramatic!, Sarah-Jane revealed on her personal Instagram account that they didn't start the fundraiser, with the reality star telling her followers, "Hey guys… We just found out that someone has set up a GoFundMe page for us."
"That is not Tom and I. It’s a scam, Channel Nine are trying to work on getting it taken down. It is definitely not us, do not be sucked in."
She continued, saying that they're "grateful for what [they] have", and that the GoFundMe page isn't for them, "It’s to help people that are in really sh**ty situations and that’s just not Tom and I. We're in a good situation. So, not us. Spread the word!"
GoFundMe shared a statement with Yahoo Lifestyle, revealing how they assist in situations like these, "It is not uncommon for Australians to launch fundraisers on behalf of others, often as an act of kindness, and in these cases, all funds are held until we can be sure that they will reach the right place.
"As part of its standard verification process, the GoFundMe Trust & Safety team has contacted the organiser of the fundraiser for Tom and Sarah-Jane and will continue to liaise with them directly to better understand their intent. All donations raised so far are being safely held.
"Our platform is also backed by the GoFundMe Giving Guarantee, which protects donors and their generosity. We guarantee a full donation refund in the rare case something isn’t right - this is the first and only donor protection guarantee in the fundraising industry."
Sarah-Jane and Tom were surprised by the small profit they made off their Gisborne property, with the pair admitting they suffered a "massive loss" by being on the show, as they were away from their day jobs for so long.
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"Ultimate high with the boys [winners Omar and Oz] and now ultimate low. I didn’t expect to make a load of money, but I didn’t expect to come out at a massive loss too," Sarah-Jane told the cameras. "It’s the way the cookie crumbles. I can’t change it. Just got to roll with it."
Taking to Instagram, the couple wrote, "We honestly had the best time and have zero regrets. Unfortunately for Tom we will sell the Ford, and we will be walking away with 100k so no complaints from us. Even if we walked away with nothing we had the experience of a lifetime and something we can tell our grandkids about!
"Are we disappointed sure but nothing is ever guaranteed and at this point I think we’ll be fully over it by Tuesday. There’s bigger issues in the world. Love to you all."
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