. >> reporter: and last year, kate mcclure's seemingly heartwarming story went viral.e sides of the road when johnny bobbitt spent his last $20 to buy her gas. >> she needed the help, she took the help. >> reporter: with the title "paying it forward", the go fund me page raised more than $400,000. >> like winning the lottery. >> reporter: but the ruse unravelled in a shocking twist. >> the entire campaign was predicated on a lie. >> reporter: authorities say it was all a coordinated scam from the start. the cover photo on the page staged. they say all three were in on the elaborate hoax. >> they conspired to pass off a fake, feel-good story that would compel donors to contribute the to their cause. >> reporter: mcclure and bobbitt both pled guilty in federal court. >> those three really ruined it for people who really need the help. >> reporter: in her podcast interview, jessica smith criticizes the tree yio, blamin them for making it difficult for those who actually need to raise money, but soon it was smith's fundraisers owing refunds after her efforts were shut down