Help with discernment

[Melks]

I put myself in a situation where I don’t know how to act.

I could write a lengthy background to explain the details, but the important points are:
A strange person with a photo of a friendly old lady on her profile added me and other people that share the same tastes(catholicism, conservatism, disgust against communism, etc) on facebook.

Few days later, she asked me in private for financial support because of her husband’s health problem. I don’t know if or to how many she asked the same thing. I gave my word that I’d help, and she was very grateful, said that would pray the rosary for me, and even said that would payback every cent, so I could help someone else.

As I’m suspicious of people on internet, I searched her name (and she has a rather unique name with italian surnames) and I found that someone with that same name, along with a husband, was charged with the crime of stelionate, and a equivalent of thousands of dollars.

Now, I know nothing about laws, and it could be as well an unjust charge. I don’t even know if or how the accusation ended. Her photos seems legit. She has a beautiful baby granddaugther.

I asked someone else added by her, explaining the situation, and he don’t know her. I know for a fact that the guy is trustworthy because I follow him.

All this happened more than a month ago. But now I’m feeling guilty and don’t have the courage to confront her. Should I just act as the good samaritan and give the money anyway?

 

[Roseeurekacross]

There are so many scams. Strangers adding us, may look to have the most innocent profiles.

Once they ask for money…big red flag. I am a member of a huge group. Sometimes members need help with medical bills. There is one coordinator who gets the details of the medical clinic/ vet etc, and those banking details. This is all verified. People can then choose to donate, but they do so directly to the medico or vet etc to pay the bill.

Money is never sent directly to the person.

If I were you I would unfriendl. And pray for them.

 

[Hoosier_Daddy]

I put myself in a situation where I don’t know how to act.

I could write a lengthy background to explain the details, but the important points are:
A strange person with a photo of a friendly old lady on her profile added me and other people that share the same tastes(catholicism, conservatism, disgust against communism, etc) on facebook.

Few days later, she asked me in private for financial support because of her husband’s health problem. I don’t know if or to how many she asked the same thing. I gave my word that I’d help, and she was very grateful, said that would pray the rosary for me, and even said that would payback every cent, so I could help someone else.

As I’m suspicious of people on internet, I searched her name (and she has a rather unique name with italian surnames) and I found that someone with that same name, along with a husband, was charged with the crime of stelionate, and a equivalent of thousands of dollars.

Now, I know nothing about laws, and it could be as well an unjust charge. I don’t even know if or how the accusation ended. Her photos seems legit. She has a beautiful baby granddaugther.

I asked someone else added by her, explaining the situation, and he don’t know her. I know for a fact that the guy is trustworthy because I follow him.

All this happened more than a month ago. But now I’m feeling guilty and don’t have the courage to confront her. Should I just act as the good samaritan and give the money anyway?

Do not give money unless you know them personally in real life.

This is like common sense 101.

 

[MaryT777]

No, do not give them your hard earned money. Give to someone you know for sure is in need or an organization that is credible and well established as using the money for its intended purpose.

May God bless you for your giving heart but don’t be scammed. As noted in a previous posts there are just too many Internet scams. Without verification of some sort you could just be wasting your money.

God bless,

Mary.

 

[pianistclare]

FB is pretty much a scammer’s delight.
Don’t send $$$$
Don’t feel bad.
Unfriend.
Block.

 

[JoyousCatholic]

Be wise as serpents, but harmless as doves. Being a gentle, nice Christian does mean you put yourself in harm’s way.

I would either delete and block, or tell her that you are very sorry you can’t help, but point her towards online organisations that can