Crans-Montana tragedy and fake fundraising campaigns: protecting solidarity

The Crans-Montana tragedy deeply shocked Switzerland. The fire that occurred during the end-of-year festivities caused serious injuries and left several families in mourning. In the hours and days that followed, a strong wave of solidarity emerged through online fundraising campaigns aimed at supporting the victims and their loved ones. However, very quickly, authorities, media and platforms had to face a worrying phenomenon: the rapid spread of fake fundraising campaigns exploiting collective emotion.

Several Swiss French-language media outlets warned about these fraudulent practices. Unauthorized collections circulated on social networks, sometimes using the names of victims or images taken out of context. These initiatives exploit the generosity of donors and undermine trust, which is essential in times of disaster. In Switzerland, where solidarity is deeply rooted, these abuses caused serious concern.

These scams often rely on simple mechanisms. Individuals create an online fundraising campaign claiming to act on behalf of a family or an association. The descriptions are highly emotional and sometimes copied word for word from press articles to appear credible. Donors believe they are helping directly, while the funds never reach the intended beneficiaries. In some cases, the organizers disappear once the money has been collected.

In response, several cantons and police authorities reminded the public of the importance of verifying the origin of fundraising campaigns. The media stressed that only campaigns created by families, close relatives or recognized organizations should be supported. Caution is even more necessary when events are recent and widely covered, as in Crans-Montana.

In this context, Swiss platforms such as Happy Pot play a key role in securing solidarity. As a Switzerland-based actor, Happy Pot implements identity checks, manual verifications and close monitoring of fundraising campaigns linked to sensitive events. These measures aim to limit fraud risks and protect both donors and beneficiaries.

Fake fundraising campaigns also have an indirect but lasting impact. When a scandal breaks, overall trust in solidarity initiatives declines. Families who are genuinely in need may then receive less support. This is why Swiss media emphasize collective responsibility: verify before donating and prioritize reliable platforms such as Happy Pot.

The Crans-Montana case also highlights the importance of transparency. A credible fundraising campaign clearly states who manages it, who the funds are intended for and how they will be used. Happy Pot encourages this transparency by requiring detailed information and enabling direct dialogue with organizers.

In Switzerland, digital solidarity has become a powerful tool. When properly regulated, it allows rapid fundraising for emergency situations. But without safeguards, it can be misused. Articles published after the Crans-Montana fire show that vigilance must accompany every act of generosity.

Authorities and platforms are now calling for stronger cooperation. Media, law enforcement and actors such as Happy Pot share a common goal: preserving public trust. This trust is essential for solidarity fundraising campaigns to continue playing their role during future crises.

Ultimately, the Crans-Montana tragedy revealed both the best and the worst of the digital world. On one side, massive and spontaneous solidarity. On the other, attempts at fraud. By staying informed, verifying sources and using secure Swiss platforms such as Happy Pot, everyone can contribute to a fairer and safer form of solidarity.