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She Faked Cancer to Steal $40K From Neighbors
Woman Pretends to Have Cancer to Steal $40,000 from Neighbors
What Happened in Simple Terms
Imagine someone you see every day — someone who plans fun activities for your neighborhood — tells you they have cancer. You’d want to help, right? That’s exactly what happened in a Florida community, but it was all a lie.
A woman named Maribeth Jones, age 51, worked as the activities director at a community called Winding Cypress in Naples, Florida. From 2022 to 2024, she told her neighbors she was battling cancer. Kind-hearted residents donated over $40,000 to help her.
IMPORTANT POINT: This wasn’t a one-time mistake. Police say she did this three separate times — including two earlier GoFundMe campaigns — and used the money to pay her personal debts, not for medical treatment.
How the Scam Worked (Step by Step)
-
Built Trust First
Maribeth worked closely with residents for years. People liked her and trusted her. -
Claimed Cancer Diagnosis
She told neighbors she had cancer and needed treatment. -
Added Fake Details to Seem Real
- Said her condition was getting worse
- Had community members cut her hair "to prepare for chemotherapy"
- Claimed she was away handling her mother’s affairs (her mom was actually alive)
-
Set Up Ways to Collect Money
- A GoFundMe page linked straight to her personal bank account
- Accepted cash and personal checks from neighbors
- Repeated the Trick
Detectives found two previous GoFundMe campaigns where she made the same false cancer claims.
Who Got Hurt?
- 238 residents donated money
- Over $40,000 stolen total
- $41,000+ refunded by GoFundMe after the truth came out
- Emotional damage — neighbors felt betrayed, especially those who lost real loved ones to cancer
ONE NEIGHBOR’S STORY: Kay Ballard’s husband died of cancer. She gave $100 because she believed Maribeth. "I’m really sad she isn’t who I thought she was," Kay said.
Red Flags People Noticed (But Too Late)
- Gained weight — unusual for someone on chemo
- Stories didn’t add up — mother was alive despite claims
- Always had an excuse for why she couldn’t show medical proof
- Multiple past fundraisers for the same claimed illness
What Happened to the Scammer?
| Event | Details |
|---|---|
| Arrest | Turned herself in at Naples Jail Center |
| Charge | Grand theft ($20,000–$100,000) — a second-degree felony |
| Outcome | Case goes to court; could face prison time |
Sheriff Kevin Rambosk called it "appalling" because it exploited people’s kindness.
How to Protect Yourself & Others
IMPORTANT POINT: The Sheriff’s Office urges everyone: "Verify fundraising stories through trusted family members and friends before donating."
5 Smart Steps Before You Donate
- Ask for proof — Medical bills, doctor’s notes, hospital records
- Talk to family — Contact close relatives to confirm the story
- Use secure platforms — GoFundMe has protections, but still verify first
- Watch for pressure — Real emergencies don’t usually demand immediate cash
- Trust your gut — If something feels off, pause and investigate
Summary
- Maribeth Jones, a trusted community activities director, faked cancer for 2+ years
- She stole $40,000+ from 238 neighbors in a Naples, Florida community
- This was her third time running this exact scam
- GoFundMe refunded donors, but the emotional betrayal remains
- She now faces a felony charge and possible prison
- Always verify medical fundraisers before giving — even for people you know
FAQ
How could so many people be fooled?
She built trust over years as their activities director. People wanted to believe her because they liked her. Scammers often exploit existing relationships.
Did she actually have cancer?
No. Police confirmed she lied about having cancer — three separate times. She used the money for personal debts.
Will the donors get their money back?
Yes. GoFundMe removed the fundraisers and refunded over $41,000 to donors.
What crime was she charged with?
Grand theft between $20,000 and $100,000 — a second-degree felony in Florida, punishable by up to 15 years in prison.
How can I tell if a medical fundraiser is real?
- Ask for medical documentation
- Verify with close family (not just the organizer)
- Check if the platform (GoFundMe, etc.) has verified the campaign
- Be cautious of campaigns with no updates, vague details, or repeated requests
Remember: Kindness is wonderful — but smart kindness protects both you and the people who truly need help.
