Florida woman faked cancer diagnosis for years to scam hundreds of people out of nearly $40,000, police say

Published: 00:45, 11 August 2026 | Updated: 00:57, 11 August 2026 A Florida woman was arrested after allegedly lying to hundreds of donors who raised more than $40,000 for her fake cancer diagnosis, officials said. Maribeth Ellen Jones, 51, is accused of defrauding 238 residents in a Naples community, according to the Collier County Sheriff's Office. Jones, of Bonita Springs, allegedly fabricated a cancer diagnosis from 2022 to 2024, taking measures such as cutting her hair to make it appear she was preparing for chemotherapy and pretending that her condition was worsening. 'This is an appalling case because it exploited the kindness and generosity of people who truly wanted to help someone they believed was fighting for her life,' Sheriff Kevin Rambosk said. 'If you lie to steal from the generosity of others in Collier County, we will arrest you and hold you accountable.' Officials said a GoFundMe campaign was set up for Jones and linked to her personal bank account. She also allegedly received personal checks and cash donations. Detectives added that they found she had previously set up two other GoFundMe campaigns in which she allegedly claimed to have cancer. 'This type of scam not only hurts victims financially, it undermines trust in legitimate fundraisers for people who genuinely need help,' Rambosk said. Maribeth Ellen Jones, 51, was arrested this week after allegedly scamming nearly 250 people into donating to her GoFundMe for her fake cancer diagnosis  Jones, of Bonita Springs, allegedly fabricated a cancer diagnosis from 2022 to 2024 She turned herself in after a warrant was issued for her arrest on a charge of grand theft between $20,000 and $100,000. A GoFundMe spokesperson issued a statement to Fox 13: 'GoFundMe has zero tolerance for the misuse of our platform and anyone who seeks to take advantage of the generosity of others.' 'We can confirm fundraisers organized on behalf of Maribeth Jones were removed from our platform, and her account was banned from future fundraising.  'More than $41,000 was refunded to donors through our GoFundMe Giving Guarantee, which offers a full refund in the rare case something isn't right.' The Daily Mail has reached out to GoFundMe for comment. The Sheriff's Office suggested several safety tips to consider before donating to any online fundraiser: 'Look for updates, documentation and transparency from the organizer.' Jones allegedly took measures such as cutting her hair to make it appear she was preparing for chemotherapy and pretending that her condition was worsening She turned herself in after a warrant was issued for her arrest on a charge of grand theft between $20,000 and $100,000 'Look at the comments and donations. Are family, friends or community members making donations and leaving supportive comments?' 'Be cautious if you're pressured to donate quickly or if the story can't be independently confirmed. 'When possible, donate directly to the individual, hospital or a verified charity.' Jones's next court date is scheduled for August 31.