General Discussion
Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsGo Fund Me's on DU- a dystopian nightmare
I fully support and understand GFM's...the ones that break my heart the most are the ones for funerals. How awful.
GFM has essentially become a populist welfare website in a cruel society that has very little social support. As a YA librarian, this looks very much like a dystopian nightmare- are we to put our needs in an organized space and fight for survival?
I urge everyone here to look carefully at the GFM's they choose to support. We- as Dems- tend to have soft hearts, and are therefore willing to support everyone in need. It is what makes the Dem party awesome, and on the other side of that sword, also makes us targets for misuse.
When you look at a GFM page, try to do some background search: Look for obituaries, "Google" the people that have posted it. Many times you can find them on Linkedin, Instagram, etc.
I am NOT suggesting that you "dox" anyone, nor am i stating in any way whom you should donate to. I personally could not care less what you choose to do. IF you repsond "I can donate however I want" I will cut and paste this paragraph and think silently, "this is an idiot that cannot read, and I hope I don't meet them in person."
Be careful on the internet folks- there are scammers and grifters everywhere at this point.
Response to Thtwudbeme (Original post)
Tetrachloride This message was self-deleted by its author.
Thtwudbeme
(7,737 posts)I really don't care anymore than I care about who buys what at Target.
Sympthsical
(8,935 posts)Middle men are so middling.
Thtwudbeme
(7,737 posts)Sounds good.
Have a good day.
Xavier Breath
(3,528 posts)to acquire a free PlayStation 5. They run north of $600, from what I can tell. So, in reality, many would probably need a GFM to legally get one.
Yes, it's a sad state that it's come to people having to beg in the public square for help with medical (and subsequently, funeral expenses).
Sympthsical
(8,935 posts)However, without any kind of verification, it's hard to say. We never know what's going with strangers on social media. We generally only see a small sliver that they are allowing others to see.
I've never glommed onto GFM or solicitations for it. I help friends and family where I know their circumstances. Outside of that, I only give to smaller charities where I know absolutely where my money is going.
GFM just seems . . . very exploitable.
radical noodle
(7,990 posts)either personally or through others.
Thtwudbeme
(7,737 posts)Same.
dalton99a
(81,068 posts)Every cellphone can do that
Thtwudbeme
(7,737 posts)the ability of the people to do that.
Just be careful on GFM's.
Wounded Bear
(58,440 posts)Thtwudbeme
(7,737 posts)nt
Response to Thtwudbeme (Original post)
Post removed
Thtwudbeme
(7,737 posts)I think ALL GFM threads need to be evaluated for certain criteria at this point.
Again, I would never- ever think to tell someone how to spend their money. I don't give a rat's behind.
That said, I have heard from another DUer that is in serious need that s/he did not want to post a GFM because they feel like there are grifters here. This DUer has never put up a GFM before- and is in dire straights.
2naSalit
(86,059 posts)Back when I had to live in my car for almost a year. Yet, if I were already acquainted with someone, I might donate if I had the cash which isn't often since I'm on SSDI myself. And I don't mind one-timers for the most part but I never asked for help here because I don't care to see it here though I understand the level of desperation and evaluation one goes through in deciding to do so.
I get what you are saying in your OP and I agree. There are too many scammers out there anymore and some are very convincing.
I'm hoping the individual I referenced will be prohibited from continuing their habit of seeking DU funders for what seems to be their regular income. I thought I would add my two cents on that one recurring asker as an example of what some of the scamming might look like.
Response to 2naSalit (Reply #13)
Thtwudbeme This message was self-deleted by its author.
modrepub
(3,469 posts)A lot of funeral homes will post on a person's obit that they are seeking donations to offset the costs. Consider checking your local funeral home if you want to donate and help the less unfortunate. I suspect a lot of funeral homes will do basic services for those in need and eat the cost. I'd think there'd be less of a grift chance working through them than GFM.
Thtwudbeme
(7,737 posts)I agree. It's horrific to see a family just trying to bury a loved one with no money.
What a state the US is in.
dalton99a
(81,068 posts)and/or mention of a memorial fund at a local bank
phylny
(8,353 posts)I donated money, without being asked, directly to the funeral home to offset costs. What a tragedy.
Thtwudbeme
(7,737 posts)That is the type of situation that just breaks my heart.
phylny
(8,353 posts)I don't know how family moves on from such a thing.
Thtwudbeme
(7,737 posts)nt
demtenjeep
(31,997 posts)For my retirement. Hey. If people want to give