A Memphis mother of eleven says online claims that she made up her story about losing her job days before Christmas are false.
Earlier this week, Jessica’s story spread widely online. She told a local news station that she lost her job of 12 years at Taco Bell right before the holidays and that she was facing an eviction. She had been asking for donations to help her family. “I’m just doing what I can for me and my kids, but right now, my bills have overwhelmed me,” she told the station.
As the story gained attention from other outlets, some people online questioned it. According to posts on social media, critics claimed that she does not have eleven children and that her GoFundMe page had been created months earlier. Those claims were made by commenters online and were not confirmed.
Fox 13 Memphis followed up with Jessica, and she denied the accusations. She showed the station a W2 and pay stubs from Taco Bell dated November and December of last year, which the station reported as showing she had worked there. Fox 13 also contacted Taco Bell, and the company said it could not comment on whether she was an employee. The station also reported finding evidence that she was behind on rent, owing $1,900.
Jessica acknowledged that some details on her GoFundMe page did not line up with her story. She said she simply did not know how to update the page. She explained that she had trouble setting up other ways to receive money, so she used an older GoFundMe page that she already had.
Scams do happen online, and it is smart to be careful where your money goes. Still, this is a reminder to check the facts before accusing someone who may truly be in need.
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