As the network reports: Jessica Ratty, head of PR at Crowdfunding UK, has given us some tips on how to stay alert when donating to campaigns online.
"Be aware of poorly explained campaigns," she says.
"If it's donations-based, check to see if a charity is directly involved; is their logo on the page?
Flowers placed outside the Houses of Parliament
Image caption A bogus crowdfunding page was set up to raise money for the police officer killed in the Westminster attacks
"A lot of pages go viral and make national headlines - are there any mentions of these campaigns in the news?
"If it's rewards-based, what are the rewards like? Are they reasonable?
"Also check the team behind the product."
"Another way to check is to look at backers and donations.
"Check to see who is pledging - has anyone famous put their name to it?
"Are your friends donating?
"It's also good to check the comments section and see if the project owner is updating backers."
"Crowdfunder UK gives the user two options on how to donate, Stripe and PayPal.
"Make sure there is a recorded transaction of your donation.
"Also, the project owner should have made it clear on their page on how the money raised will be spent.
"It depends on the platform, but the project owner is mostly accountable."
