The newest way for people to get help with their financial problems is to beg online, or “cyberbeg.”
Web sites such as Begslist, CyberBeg and DonateMoney2me.com give people the ability to tell their stories and ask for help. There is no way to know for sure who is scamming and who really needs the assistance, but some of the stories out there are pretty compelling.
The Boston Globe wrote about this national phenomenon, which is also being called digital panhandling:
“Some homeless people now have blogs where they seek donations. There are Web forums where the homeless exchange ideas, sites where people can donate money, and bulletin boards where penniless artists and foreclosure victims ask for cash. There’s even a Wikipedia entry for ‘Internet begging,’ which is one of more than 3 million Web sites listed by a Google search of the term.
“Neil J. Donovan, executive director of National Coalition for the Homeless in Washington, said he isn’t surprised more homeless people are looking for help online, noting how need spurs ingenuity.
” ‘When you’ve hit bottom — homelessness — every viable avenue up begins to look good and make sense,’ said Donovan, who has learned from his staff, many of whom were homeless, of the growing use of what has been also called cyber-begging and Internet panhandling. ‘So in a bad economy, when you combine reduced giving through typical panhandling with computer training for homeless jobseekers, it’s surprising the practice didn’t start sooner. . . . Don’t blame them for coming up with creative ways to tread water.’ “
The Columbus (Ohio) Dispatch told the story of a cattle rancher who turned to cyberbegging after he got sick and had to sell out at a big loss:
” ‘It’s very humiliating,’ he said. ‘I never thought I would be in this position.’
“Lacking options, Wayne Mercier recently tapped an unlikely source of salvation: the Internet.
“Last month on the Columbus and Zanesville editions of craigslist, a no-cost, online-classifieds Web site, and on the New Jersey-based Wishuponahero.com, he pleaded for help of any kind — a few dollars, a prayer, a meal.
“I feel pretty bad writing all of this to the world, but I just don’t know where to turn now, I am willing to return help to someone else in need as soon as I’m able.
“Somewhere in the digital ether, people noticed.
“A woman drove from Columbus to take the Merciers grocery shopping. Another sent a care package filled with toiletries. Someone else mailed a card with $2 enclosed. A jeweler sent Mrs. Mercier a modest costume ring, simply as a pick-me-up.
“Others have donated several hundred dollars through PayPal, which facilitates online money transfers, to help the Merciers pay utility bills and propane costs. It’s barely a dent, but it’s deeply appreciated.
” ‘The people who have reached out with what little they have,’ Mr. Mercier said, ‘is a blessing.’
“Other central Ohioans, too, are using the Web to seek a helping hand.
“Many go online because they are frustrated with traditional methods of assistance, or because they’re unable to procure it. Or maybe they’re too ashamed to resort to panhandling.”
Las Vegas City Life wrote about the people who are using Begslist and what they’re in need of:
” ‘Most people who are begging are in financial need,’ he writes in an e-mail. ‘From single parents to people with medical problems to students who need cash.’
“And a lot of them are Las Vegans such as Dave Lewis, who posted to Craigslist in mid-October after he realized the money in his account wouldn’t last the week. He previously used the site to drum up business for his web design company.
“My wife and I just need a little help with food for about 5 days until I get paid … Please help. I will pay you back or do some website work for you.
“Lewis forgot to mention his daughter. She’s 11 years old and severely autistic, requiring full-time care from her mother. She’s also the reason he swallowed his pride and asked for help.
” ‘My daughter needs love, food, therapy and shelter. Nothing will ever stop me from getting her what she needs. I feel embarrassed when I ask for help, but if I don’t, my wife and daughter suffer. My ego is not a valid excuse anymore,’ Lewis writes in an e-mail.”
A National Public Radio story noted that Begslist and similar sites warn donors and beggars alike about possible fraud.
