Drammen fire fundraisers blocked amid fraud warnings

Twelve crowdfunding campaigns linked to the Drammen fire have been paused and blocked from receiving new donations, SpareBank 1 Spleis confirmed to Dagbladet.

The bank stated the campaigns were frozen because organizers failed to update their pages within three days of receiving a warning. Six additional fundraisers risk being blocked unless they provide further information or make required updates.

A separate campaign, previously reported by Dagbladet for its goal of raising 25 million kroner for fire victims, now carries a warning label: “Several are skeptical about this fundraiser. Familiarize yourself with the case before deciding whether to support it.” The campaign remains active but is not blocked.

Tone Mesna, SpareBank 1 Spleis communications director, said the red “skeptical” warning is triggered by user behavior and activity patterns, while blue informational banners are added manually when a campaign attracts significant attention or requires clarification.

Drammen Mayor Kjell Arne Hermansen (H) praised public generosity but urged caution: “I hope no one exploits this situation under false pretenses. Use fundraisers established by recognized organizations.” He noted the municipality directs financial offers to the Red Cross, Sanitetskvinnene, and Norsk Folkehjelp.

Beyond monetary donations, housing offers have poured in. Drammens Tidende’s “Bolighjelpen” initiative has received 96 property listings for displaced residents, with no reported fraud attempts to date.