Crowdfunding for NRI: A series of NRI deaths, particularly in the US, has shed light on the misuse of crowdfunding. Families report how middlemen exploit the situation by raising substantial amounts under the guise of repatriating remains, only to either embezzle the funds or offer meagre sums to the bereaved.
While the average cost of repatriating a body to India from abroad is around $5K which sums up to near-about 4 Lakh Rupees, crowdfunding efforts often yield far more than necessary. Some cases reveal funds exceeding $50K raised to facilitate repatriation.
Crowdfunding for NRI…
Instances abound of families receiving only a fraction of the raised amount, despite substantial crowdfunding efforts. Disheartened by the lack of assistance, families struggle with debts and financial woes even after the loss of their loved ones.
Amid concerns about accountability, organisations working with the diaspora highlight the ease with which crowdfunding platforms can be exploited. Despite genuine cases, instances of misuse, where funds are raised disproportionately to the actual need, are rampant.
In response, families are becoming cautious, opting for safer alternatives such as routing funds through trusted individuals or voluntary organisations. These organisations step in to provide both logistical and financial support to bereaved families, ensuring a smoother process for repatriation while mitigating the risk of financial exploitation.
Also Read: Australian NRI Murdered in Punjab