Beware of Wolves That Hide Behind a Friendly Facebook or Forum Profile

February 8th 2012 | share on

    I have been procrastinating in writing a blog post, but recent events within our community have made me feel that we need to look out for one another in a proactive way. Please realize that no harm is wished upon anyone, but there is a major difference between needs & wants. Basically these types of beggars/con artists feel that others should pay for the things they want, they are experts at manipulating the details to tug at your heart strings. We can all fall victim to this, myself included.

   Make no mistake though many make a living doing this, they know that there are fresh new victims waiting when they get "outed" by others, they just move on to fresh new territory. These types of people believe what they are doing is perfectly ok, and in many cases celebrate the generousity of others by praising & thanking God for all the money thats showered upon them. Please just have your eyes wide open, and think about who & where you donate your hard earned money.

   Most of these beggars don't have to work much if at all because all their victims give them enough to support them. It's kind of like the homeless person on the corner asking for donations, its been proven they can make upwards of $200+ a day doing that. When interviewed alot of them say "Why should I get a job when others will give me enough money to live on?" Geez, our society has gotten so screwed up. Then they have been known to not spend the night homeless at all, they have a place to go, they just pretend to be needy. It can be all an act for the benefit of generous victims like us, not in all cases, but sadly it is the truth in many.

   Save your money and donate to a local established charity or a friend/family member you know could use some extra help. Not a stranger from the internet that would rob you blind if given the chance. It's a sad world we live in that we have to be so guarded, but its just the reality of it. Stay safe and try not to purpetuate the problem by enabling these people and allowing them to continue to fool you again & again. I know you all are smarter than that.

Smiles, Mary

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| Permalink | Planet Earth Thrift Company in Internet Safety | 13 Comments

Reader Comments (13)

Addoway.com/catsmom/storefront/ | February 8th 2012 at 1328738068

Mary, Great blog and much needed. John Stossel did a show on this very subject not long ago. It was amazing the things he talked about.

There have been times that I could have used some financial help. But my thought was to "borrow" it. After thinking about it for awhile I realized that to borrow money was just a way of putting off my problem. I chose to face it now and get it over with.

I would never blatantly ask someone for money. Never. I would just have to get up off my butt and get a job of some sort.

Planet Earth Thrift Company | February 8th 2012 at 1328741005

Thanks Ilene, we all have to keep our eyes peeled and watch out for one another. That's what's so sad about the state of our nation on a whole: there is too much entitlement expected.

Silkworm | February 8th 2012 at 1328742473

Internet begging has become quite the norm in the past several years. It's nearly impossible sometimes to sort out the 'professional beggars' from those who have a real need. It's always a good idea to do an internet search on the person or cause before deciding to donate. Fortunately, the internet is pretty much 'forever'...it's difficult to remove everything that has been posted online. That's the first step, always, if you don't personally know the person or it's not an established charity.

There are tons of begging sites, and only a handful actually verify the need before allowing anyone and everyone to post their wants or needs. If you find someone's request through that type of site, look around at the type of requests they allow, and look at their sign-up requirements and terms of service before deciding they are legitimate. If you get sent a request from what looks like a legitimate charity, don't respond through links in an email or social site. Go to the actual website for that charity and see if the person or cause is actually listed there as being sponsored by that charity.

Many people are struggling these days, and there are many innocent, good-hearted people who feel compelled to help others...many of the donors may be having their own problems, yet will cheerfully share whatever they have with someone in need. If con artists and professional beggars are getting their money, how many of the actual needy are being deprived?

Planet Earth Thrift Company | February 8th 2012 at 1328742747

Thanks for your constructive helpful added information, much appreciated :-)

Ayuni Gifts of the World | February 8th 2012 at 1328743947

How sad that we all have to be so cynical - but you are very right. I, for one, hate that.

Planet Earth Thrift Company | February 8th 2012 at 1328744040

Yes, I agree. I hate having to be always on guard, but sadly its the reality of the world we live in. Thanks for your comments.

R Sales Online Group | February 8th 2012 at 1328744272

Professional begging is as old as our civilization, It comes in many forms, Use to be the only way for a crippled person was able to get their daily substance, But as time has gone, These beggars are now working the system in ways called "Welfare", There are whole city's and generations who there only means of sustenance is the welfare role, And we wonder why this country which is the greatest on this planet is in financial trouble, Beggars use every angle to scam medicare as well as food stamps and our local food banks. The thing that made American great were those who saw opportunity and made something of it, Today many see the opportunity to line up for a free hand out, Wether it be our ER's for free pain pills or soup kitchens for a free meal, Don't get me wrong, If someone is in need of help, I'm all for helping, Just not taking for a ride by those who think they are entitled.

Now those with no moral compass scam nice generous folks by working on their soft side, But make no mistake, These folks will get whats coming to them eventually and it won't be in the form of gifts. Life is too short to do wrong. Many a con artist has thought they were home free only to find themselves in front of a jury and then in a prison cell.

Planet Earth Thrift Company | February 8th 2012 at 1328744894

Amen to that Larry! Well said, thanks for helping us protect the good people that really need the help.

BeewitchingItems | February 8th 2012 at 1328753782

This is great, I fell for a sob story by someone on here and sent money. I will never do that again. I will just continue to donate to the charities that I like and only help out people that I know and love

Planet Earth Thrift Company | February 8th 2012 at 1328758323

As did many of us, as you said the best plan is to donate to known charities you like & help the people you love <3

Donna's Stuff & More | February 9th 2012 at 1328796201

Thank you for writing this. I too fell for the sobs, but no more. It is a sad state when people feel that this is ok. Reposting & tweeting! ;-D

Vintage Around The Clock | February 9th 2012 at 1328801131

This is a great reminder Mary. I'm keeping my eyes open.

Friend | February 10th 2012 at 1328901815

Thanks. I was forewarned way ahead, before it unfolded. Thanks to my honored friends. I have worked many many charity organizations in my life. With names known as such....

What goes around...comes around. Better yet... "Good deed brings fortune; bad deed brings misfortune."

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