Twitch star Pokimane’s charity auction, organized by CDawgVA, has been marred by controversy as fake bids using stolen credit cards disrupted the event. The Pokimane Charity Auction, which offered opportunities such as gaming sessions with Pokimane and interactions with other influencers like VTuber IronMouse and PewDiePie, initially saw bids skyrocketing to an astonishing $500,000.
However, skepticism arose as it became clear that the majority of these bids were fraudulent. CDawgVA expressed frustration over the misuse of the auction platform, emphasizing that while the $500,000 figure was not genuine, legitimate bids still amounted to a substantial sum, with verified bids reaching at least $30,000.
The auction, hosted on Tiltify, has since implemented measures to verify bids and ban fraudulent accounts ahead of its scheduled conclusion on July 19th. Despite the setbacks caused by fake bidders using stolen credit cards and false identities, CDawgVA remained committed to the auction’s charitable purpose.
In response to the incident, CDawgVA condemned the fake bidders for their actions, describing the misuse of a charity auction as “super cringe” and highlighting the ethical implications of committing fraud in a charitable context. The event’s proceeds are intended to benefit the Immune Deficiency Foundation, which supports individuals diagnosed with primary immunodeficiency through resources and education.
Last year, the same Pokimane Auction raised $329,000 for the Immune Deficiency Foundation and contributed an additional $14,000 to Make-A-Wish America. Despite the challenges posed by fraudulent activity, organizers are determined to ensure that genuine contributions continue to support these charitable causes.
As preparations continue for the CDawgVA Charity Auction 2024’s conclusion, Tiltify and CDawgVA are working diligently to restore integrity to the bidding process and uphold the event’s commitment to making a positive impact through charitable giving.