Fundraising FAQ & How You Can Help

This all really happened to me. See the bottom of this page for some proof.

I sold a camera for $2000 on Facebook Marketplace. I received the money through Venmo, but a chargeback was initiated a week later. The money was removed from the account, leaving me without the camera or the money. I'm hoping to fundraise to recover the money. Thank you to all who have supported so far!

I'm Yaseen, an 18 year old high school senior from New Jersey. I've been into photography since I was 11, and was hoping for this year to be one I'd really be able to take things to another level, especially since I have my car and license now.

My most notable achievement in photography is a top 400 honorable mention in a US/Canada high school competition with over 10000 entrants and 50000 entries. Contest Results 2023

Academically, I'm in the top 6% of my class, got a 1420 on the SAT, and have done well overall throughout school. 

As far as vocational achievements, I've seen success in the Automotive Technology program at my high school. I won the SkillsUSA state gold medal for the Automotive Service Technology competition twice, placed third alongside my teammate in the Greater Philadelphia Auto Technology Competition, and currently work at a local dealership using the things I learned in school. Greater Philly Competition 

I recently got a new job! I'm working 15-25 hours a week, this covers my phone bill, car insurance, and gas pretty comfortably. As of May, my basic essentials are covered. It's just hard to save the amount necessary to buy a new camera.

I've taken efforts to promote the fundraiser digitally and in person, mostly by sharing this website and letting it do the rest of the work.

Of course, I've also contacted Venmo. I have to see if they got back to me (as of May... they should've by now but my grandmom would've noticed if they refunded me since the money was in her account so I don't think they did)

I put in a police report, but they're unable to do much with the little info I have + the potential location of the scammer.

I doubt that Venmo would refund me, but keep the money raised so far, and update you all on what exactly I plan to use it for. It will probably go to things I've already mentioned, such as savings, camera equipment, bills, car repairs, and other hobbies. Of course, I'd also make it clear that I was refunded and would close the fundraiser soon after.

My fundraising goal is really just to make sure I can pay my bills - about $700 would be nice. 

Update: This has been reached a while ago. THANK YOU! I'm self sufficient at this point when it comes to being able to continue to cover my phone and car expenses comfortably (so far). I planned to use the camera as a buffer to make sure I could cover my expenses until I sorted out something that would allow me to cover them continuously. The fundraiser has allowed me to do just that!

Beyond that, I hope to recover enough to get the camera I intended to get with the money that was stolen.