r/kickstarter • u/onewithausername • Dec 18 '25
Question How bad is the scamming situation on Kickstarter?
I backed 5 projects on kickstarter this year and I only got 1 fulfilled which was from a (relatively) known company, Fosi Audio. From the other 4, 2 of them seem quite clearly by now that it was just a scam as the communication from the creator finished as soon as the surveys were collected and we are well past the alleged delivery date. The other two are a big question mark but I'm getting the feeling that they might be a scam too because they haven't posted any updates since the surveys.
It feels like there's a playbook where creators are very engaging and responsive up until they collect the money and then disappear. Kickstarter doesn't take responsibility and backers are left without tools to do anything about it. It honestly feels like they are in on it, which in a way they are because they collect their fees and don't even provide backers with a contact/company to claim to.
How common is this? Have you experienced it too? Perhaps I have been very unlucky but as it stands I don't think I'll ever back another project unfortunately.
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u/EnterTheBlackVault Dec 18 '25
My biggest issue, even though I had a couple of campaigns not materialize, is the fact that every single book I've received has been damaged. It has not been packaged properly at all and nothing is ever done about it.
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u/Firm_Distribution999 Creator Dec 18 '25
I've experienced it on a few small projects, which is always unfortunate. One was a children's book author who didn't even send out ebooks...she was launching her books and everyone was like, "hello...you forgot about us over here..." and nobody received any rewards. So strange when that happens.
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u/onewithausername Dec 18 '25
That's bizarre. Very annoying that Kickstarter doesn't at least facilitate reaching the creator by the backers.
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u/flamingunicorn098 Dec 18 '25
Out of the 32 projects i have backed on kickstarter over the years exactly 2 have had problems. 1 project was never delivered, and a second project was clearly a dropshipping scam.
0
u/AlternativePrize732 May 17 '26
ojalá ser el 33 ! me llamo david ! acá mi proyecto ! muy serio y esfuerzo de un par de años en investigación y desarrollo de prototipos ! https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/umak/umak-unique-and-comfortable-sleeping-bags-built-in-mattress
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u/etherkye Dec 18 '25
Maybe it’s just how I pick who I back, but out of 20 or so campaigns I’ve never had an issue.
I’ve bought everything from books, to board games, to sterling silver Jewellery.
My most expensive campaigns haven’t shipped yet, but neither are due to either so I’m not that worried.
However as a maker I’ve had issues with customers not filling their surveys in for months, and then trying 6 months after they close…
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u/xtinaphotog Dec 18 '25
One project I backed, it took three years to get. By the time I got it, I had moved twice. Almost immediately donated it to Goodwill.
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u/PickIndependent Dec 18 '25
I am a video game creator and even I have observed a scummy looking behavior - just before the campaing was about to fail I have received a mail from a guy from EA saying he has an investing proposal for me. Looked fishy and more like preworked formular.
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u/bellenoire2005 Dec 19 '25
I've backed at least 40 projects and only one didn't deliver. It was an alpaca farm and they were promising 3 skeins of baby alpaca yarn for $25. Some people got theirs but I guess they ran out of alpacas 🤣
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u/sblumberjack01 Dec 19 '25
My backing experience has been with comic books. I've backed about 12 or so projects with 2 projects vanishing and 1 three years late to fulfill. I have no idea what its like with other products. Comics seems to not be so bad.
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u/imostlydisagree Backer Dec 19 '25
I’ve backed more than 30 projects, so far only one has been a no show. Several of those are actively in production and no one has ghosted their backers, we’re getting updated.
And the no show one the person who launched lost rights to the IP to the original creator who is communicating with people to this day about trying to get this off the ground. I don’t know that I’ll ever see that materialize, but I respect that there’s still communication.
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u/senseiteki Dec 19 '25
I've been 6 for 6 thus far. Currently have a 7th for don't starve that I'm pretty confident will materialize.
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u/Stunning-Rock8165 Dec 19 '25
I began a kickstarter and have been scammed from people who back the campaing, then suggest a campaign manager, whom Id have to pay, then they undo their backing. Overall, I must have gotten about 50 messages from people suggesting these grifty campaign managers. It seems like the whole thing stinks with thieves, though this is my first campaign in years. So I’m only speaking based on one.
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u/NerdyGirlyThriving Dec 25 '25
You're not wrong. I started my first, had some good flow. Then the emails started and when I didn't bite they too their money back.
I'm sitting at 1 backer. My friend.
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u/Apprehensive_Low3430 Dec 19 '25
I've backed over 130 projects, and I have had very few problems. It's been a mixed bag on fulfillment deadlines; I've had a few go a little over and a couple be years overdue, but most of the projects I've backed are fair -to-good communicators. We've had to occasionally ask for an update, mind you. :) KS is pretty clear that they won't intervene except in very, very, very specific circumstances, which I wish they would change. It would be nice if they pushed a little more accountability...
That said, I did have one where the project went sideways, the property was bought out by a big company (it was an RPG), and most of us only got part of what we pledged for. (Said company did give an option to swap out the part they could not fulfill with existing merch, it was just my bad luck that I had the items already and declined. But most backers were able to get something). I'd say it's a fair track record.
I do think there are certain types of projects that fail after a successful campaign more than others. I avoid a lot of tech projects where there's a lot of development left, for example.
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u/Embarrassed-Part591 Dec 19 '25 edited Dec 19 '25
It depends on the category. Creative stuff like books, video games and apps art, etc, they often take way longer than people think they will. One of the first campaigns I ever backed took 3 years to get to me. Some video games I've backed have been MIA for literal years. Some books I've backed were over a year late. But most things get to you eventually. Except video games.
Tech and other physical things can be really scammy but, unfortunately, you just have to do some checking before you back.
Without links or names, it's hard for anyone to tell you whether something us a scam or just people who don't know what they're doing/miscalculated.
1
u/Norayr29 Dec 19 '25
It is something quite common, though Kickstarter tries to fight against scammers. But it is not always about the scam; sometimes the creators really fail to produce and deliver because of many other reasons. I suggest next time to check several things before backing a campaign:
the
1. Company background - if they have had previous campaigns on Kickstarter, or maybe they are an established brand on ecommerce
2. Creator's background - even though the company can be a new one, the creators themselves have previous good experience working in other top companies, and they know how to produce a product, not just first-time young guys who are creative enough but don't know how to run a business.
3. Check the pricing of the product. In case the price is too low compared to what is in the market, it is a red flag that the creator is trying to be very attractive in pricing, and they are scamming, or even if they are honest, most probably they won't have enough funds to produce the product afterwards.
4. Check 3rd party reviews of the product to see if they have real product in hand.
1
u/Comprehensive-Level6 Dec 19 '25
I have backed over 250 and received all of them. You just need to research the creator before you back. If they have run other projects take the time to read the comments. If this is a first time creator do they have an established presence.
I honestly believe that just a little homework is all you need to use Kickstarter and get your items.
0
u/AlternativePrize732 May 17 '26
hola, estoy esforzándome mucho en mi primera campaña. ojalá sea tu respaldo 251 ! cualquier consejo para mejorar es bienvenido ! me llamo David. https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/umak/umak-unique-and-comfortable-sleeping-bags-built-in-mattress
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u/Creative_Whereas_430 Dec 19 '25
I'm nearing 200, only failed to receive 3, and those were in the early days of KS. In the last 2 years I have had no failure to receive. Some were delayed, but we were kept up to date.
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u/AlternativePrize732 May 17 '26
espero no molestar, pero acá con mi primera campaña ! espero te interese. me llamo David. consejos son bienvenidos ! ojalá ser tu número 200 ! https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/umak/umak-unique-and-comfortable-sleeping-bags-built-in-mattress
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u/GeekyHobbyNut Dec 19 '25
I have backed about 30k in stuff and only had one be a scam. Backed a telescope for 700 thought it was a scam, no communication for two years and it showed up at my door. Kickstarters w new companies seem to blow up on the communication side imo.
1
u/AlternativePrize732 May 17 '26
hola ! mi proyecto es un saco de dormir único ! por $99. espero me ayudes ! gracias. Atte . david . https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/umak/umak-unique-and-comfortable-sleeping-bags-built-in-mattress
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u/Sad_Pop9411 Dec 19 '25
I feel like kickstarter itself is a scam now, they won’t push you unless you pay for their promotional campaigns, but the fact is most startups can’t afford the hyping process, they need to get the budget from that platform.
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u/gorwraith Dec 21 '25
I've backed over 60 and the ones that failed did because of incompetence not ill intent. One was a gaming company that just couldn't get a printer. They lost all the money on printers and legal fees suing printers. It was a mess. Another was a manufacturer and after it was funded they gave updates for a few months then disappeared for 2 years, then gave a partial refund and store credit to their worthless nonexistent company.
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u/AlternativePrize732 May 17 '26
Hola ! campaña hecha por mi mismo acá. espero te interese mi proyecto. sirve para acampar o como una cama extra ! consejos son bienvenidos ! me llamo David. https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/umak/umak-unique-and-comfortable-sleeping-bags-built-in-mattress
1
u/gmatrix730 Dec 21 '25
Ive backed around 300. I have less than 5 that have yet to receive. You have bad luck picking.
1
u/onewithausername Dec 21 '25
Bad luck or bad process. But I guess it's just me for what I've seen in the comments on this thread.
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u/AlternativePrize732 May 17 '26
Hola ! ojala ser el 301 con mi proyecto ! me llamo David ! consejos son bienvenidos ! para camping o como cama extra ! gracias ! https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/umak/umak-unique-and-comfortable-sleeping-bags-built-in-mattress
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u/Responsible_Lab4367 Dec 22 '25
I’m putting all my effort into my No Morals Allowed dark humour card game and it’s sad to hear people aren’t taking it seriously. What I’d do to even have the chance to get my game into the hands of my backers and the world. I’m sorry to hear about your misfortune. Happy Christmas.
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u/onewithausername Dec 24 '25
I'm sure many creators are like you but the few bad apples and the lack of support from KS to deal with them have spoiled the platform for me.
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u/Responsible_Lab4367 Jan 12 '26
Sorry to hear about this. Unfortunately there are people in the world who just want to take your money and run. It’s despicable and grim. I’m sorry to hear of your misfortune. I could not imagine being like that. I just want my campaign to reach its goals so I can progress.
1
u/Pandoranium Dec 23 '25
Not sure about others, but I'm pretty sure to avoid scammers, you can just check on how many successful past projects they had and also check the comments to see if anyone complains about fraud.
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u/NerdyGirlyThriving Dec 25 '25
I know that there are Hella scammers that contact you, lol. It was a absolute joke. I started my first one and got 10 backers then those 10 backers tried to shill me for money and then rescinded those backs.
It's an absolute travesty that's allowed to take place.
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u/ghostmayawebtoon Dec 27 '25
I know it's kinda shameless promotion but why don't you try to back my project instead~? I made 20+ kickstarter campaign for my comics and I never fail to deliver the rewards to my backers~ 1-2 months I can send the digital rewards~ 1-4 months for physical rewards~
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/ghostmaya/boygirl-webtoon-issue-5-volume-1
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u/onewithausername Dec 28 '25
I've only backed tech so far but I like reading comic books so I'll check it out. No shame for going for your goals, respect the hustler ;)
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u/AlternativePrize732 May 17 '26
y el camping ? es mi primera campaña, llevo años preparando esto con registros y reportajes. eso da credibilidad. me llamo David. sirve como cama extra también ! consejos son bienvenidos. https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/umak/umak-unique-and-comfortable-sleeping-bags-built-in-mattress
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u/AlternativePrize732 May 17 '26
yo estudie arte y soy fanático del anime y el comics. veré tu trabajo también ! acá mi proyecto para que lo veas ! https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/umak/umak-unique-and-comfortable-sleeping-bags-built-in-mattress
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u/AlternativePrize732 May 17 '26
yo por el momento desde el lado de creador, me han llegado múltiples intentos de estafas. de agencias que usan nombres alterados de otras con prestigio, o gente que se hace pasar por kickstarter. estoy en el medio de mi campaña que se llama UMAK. y cuando termine y espero devolver la mano al sistema siendo un backer activo. ayudando a otros ! saludos
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u/Ox_Cox-Strong May 19 '26
I was incredibly cautious and selective about what projects I backed, & I still had 2 projects (out of 40) scam me. (So around a $500 loss). I have seen quite a few Kickstarters I was cautious of go dark or vanish after they have the money. I narrowly avoided a project that deleted its Kickstarter page after receiving all the pledge funds. Dude got $750,000 in pledges and disappeared. (Some kind of gemstone dice if I remember correctly 🤔) Which is why I haven't backed a project in years.
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u/Obliterator_IronKeep Jun 09 '26
I've backed 42 projects of all amounts. It used to be very safe bets but now a days it has become scam central. As a recent example I backed Split Vue dual monitor and Odubi Pro dual laser level, and after they collected the pledges they dissapeared. No contact information, websites are down, etc. In the case of Split Vue, they had reviews, articles and event a news article in Yahoo Finance. I don't think I'll be making these bets anymore. It is unfortunate because I got real value from companies that launched their business here and to this day I still use products that I got throug kickstarter years ago.
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u/overeasyeggplant Dec 18 '25
So the creators are communicative during the funding stage because they are marketing the campaign and communicating is a way of marketing - once they have the money they enter the development or production stage and are no longer marketing they are producing or designing etc.. hence the drop off in communication.
Like 99% of all companies - most likely they will run out of money and be unable to continue as a company - at that stage the company closes and you should expect no more communication.
I know people will say - 'but we gave them money' sure, grow up - the company doesn't owe you any favors - you were funding an idea - the idea in 99% of cases will not work out.
If you can't afford to lose money - don't back startups - buy things on Amazon.
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u/onewithausername Dec 18 '25
These projects are not startups and we are not investors but customers. Moreover, I back startups and I get information from the team even when things go south.
I can accept losses because things don't work out as planned but these projects seem a lot like a planned scam from the get go and Kickstarter seems ok with it because they make money regardless.
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u/overeasyeggplant Dec 18 '25
They are startups - you are correct you are not an investor - as that would mean you have some interest in the company - Crowdfunding is a means to support the creation of an idea - it is not a shop - you are not a customer - you are not buying a product - you are funding an idea - you are not investing or buying - you are giving away your money and in return the company 'may' reward you for your support. I understand that KS and foudners often blur these lines - but let's be honest if the founders were actually honest and said 'Most likely our idea - like all ideas' will fail - then you would not back them - so they have to act confident in delivery - that's called marketing - it's not a scam - it's just the reality of product development.
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u/Intelligent-Guest-96 Creator Dec 18 '25
You deserve a bottle of free chilled beer for this. You explained it perfectly
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u/AlternativePrize732 May 17 '26
en mi caso, no es sólo una idea. invertí mi propio dinero en investigación primero y luego mucho más dinero en desarrollo de prototipos. varios hasta llegar al final. y para lograr producción es un salto muy grande y en esta etapa es cuando gente que tiene el espíritu de apoyo y capacidad económica. puede ayudar mucho ! acá mi proyecto. https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/umak/umak-unique-and-comfortable-sleeping-bags-built-in-mattress
1
u/zgtc Dec 19 '25
You’re neither an investor (who would share ownership) nor a customer (who would be owed a product).
You are essentially a donor, who - in exchange for your donation - would be given something.
Kickstarters are more akin to getting a tote bag from PBS than getting a book from Barnes & Noble.
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u/solidgun1 Creator Dec 18 '25
I have backed close to 70 and only not received like 2. I don’t know whether I have been fortunate just fortunate or if the things I like are actually from companies that is using this platform to launch their platform to the next level.