Is it that time of year again?

[furb & dez]

...for sob-story forum leeches? Didn't we have a sticky here last year warning people about them?

 

[Fyrefly]

It's a good reminder. If I recall correctly, last year there wasn't a sticky, just a regularly bumped thread. Unfortunately I feel like under the board's current terms and conditions, people who linked specifically to threads and people that were chronic scam artists got their posts deleted for harassment, while the beggers got to keep going without being bothered. So things sort of turned into code for "if you do a board search on xyz you'll see what I'm talking about."

A rather unfortunate case. But it does bear repeating for all members that you can't know what the situation of people is on the internet. Be it one post or a thousand, anybody is equally capable of lying to you no matter how touching the story is. If you want to help out someone needy this holiday season, look into toy drives, adopt-a-family programs, and other initiatives in your local community, where you know your money will be put to good work.

 

[disykat]

Actually, I think the reality is very few people actually ASK for money. Most people talking are probably doing what most of us on here are doing - talking, venting, brainstorming, etc. I think it's a perfectly reasonable annonymous forum to do so. Venting is different than asking for things.

However, the problem comes when people start OFFERING money. Why on earth would people start offering money to strangers over the internet?

When you are on a budget board, people are going to want to talk about budget issues. There's nothing wrong with doing so IMO. It's odd to me that people come to a budget board, talk about budget woes, and then get trashed for doing so.

Talk all you want, just don't ask for anything. Respond all you want, but do it in helpful ways that don't involve GIVING MONEY TO STRANGERS!

 

[stacy347]

Actually, I think the reality is very few people actually ASK for money. Most people talking are probably doing what most of us on here are doing - talking, venting, brainstorming, etc. I think it's a perfectly reasonable annonymous forum to do so. Venting is different than asking for things.

However, the problem comes when people start OFFERING money. Why on earth would people start offering money to strangers over the internet?

When you are on a budget board, people are going to want to talk about budget issues. There's nothing wrong with doing so IMO. It's odd to me that people come to a budget board, talk about budget woes, and then get trashed for doing so.

Talk all you want, just don't ask for anything. Respond all you want, but do it in helpful ways that don't involve GIVING MONEY TO STRANGERS!

I agree with this 100%. Sometimes I will open those posts and say a little prayer for the poster...other times I just shake my head. Far be it from me to judge someone for venting.
But, I would never send money to someone on a message board for crying out loud. For the people who do ~ well, you just have to be fine with kissing your money goodbye, and never knowing where it actually went.

 

[disneychrista]

I learned early on in my online life that you can never fully trust ANYONE on the internet. There is no way to know who the person really is behind their online persona.

 

[sookie]

What raises the flag is when someone gives a very over the top story - and when people give very good, credible options for help - food bank, charity options, etc - and there are so many reasons why the poster can't take advantage.

Venting and telling a story is one thing, but then it becomes a big fishing expedition. Most aren't asking, but a lot are hoping someone will offer to "help".

I really do see some stories on here that make me really sad for the OP though. Dang - some of it is just too crazy to even begin to make up.

Yes, never, ever give money, or your personal info to strangers on the internet. But you can give advice and resources if you want.

Thanks OP! If it isn't that special holiday time of the year, it will be soon. :-/