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Old 09-04-2018, 01:53 PM
 
Location: Honolulu, HI
24,374 posts, read 9,248,608 times
Reputation: 22745

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The story of the couple spending money meant for a homeless addict, in fear that he was going to blow the money himself on drugs tells us the darker side of these accounts.

https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/...nt/1192888002/

It showed us that some people are in no position to manage large amounts of money, that money for the homeless doesn’t necessarily solve their problems like a trade skill, education, or work ethic will. And it showed us that some folks are going to blow their money as fast as they get it and fail rehab.

So what do you think? Do GoFundMe accounts represent a slippery slope of people who are in no position to manage large amounts of money on behalf of someone? Or the slippery slope of giving homeless addicts large amount of money? Or even the slope of conmen running scams on the site and gullibility of the average American to believe it?
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Old 09-04-2018, 02:06 PM
 
Location: Gettysburg, PA
3,051 posts, read 2,905,942 times
Reputation: 7168
Quote:
Originally Posted by Rocko20 View Post
The story of the couple spending money meant for a homeless addict, in fear that he was going to blow the money himself on drugs tells us the darker side of these accounts.

https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/...nt/1192888002/

It showed us that some people are in no position to manage large amounts of money, that money for the homeless doesn’t necessarily solve their problems like a trade skill, education, or work ethic will. And it showed us that some folks are going to blow their money as fast as they get it and fail rehab.

So what do you think? Do GoFundMe accounts represent a slippery slope of people who are in no position to manage large amounts of money on behalf of someone? Or the slippery slope of giving homeless addicts large amount of money? Or even the slope of conmen running scams on the site and gullibility of the average American to believe it?
I tend to stay away from them. My impression of them is the rich helping the rich. I'd rather help someone who really is in need. I think the best thing you can do if you have the opportunity is to help someone you personally know is in need and to do so anonymously. I had the opportunity to do this once and it was great.

Next is to help those in your own community by way of charitable organizations like soup kitchens or other places that help those in need. In my own community of Gettysburg we have organizations like Adams County Rescue Mission and Tender Care Pregnancy Center. Sure, some of these people who are helped may be taking advantage of the organization, but you give with best intentions not expecting anything in return. Surely a good percentage of what you give actually goes to those who need the help.
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Old 09-04-2018, 02:17 PM
 
Location: Central IL
20,726 posts, read 16,250,320 times
Reputation: 50368
There's obviously no oversight over any of this - you're trusting them to hand it off to the person really in need so it's even worse than giving a dollar to the guy on the street. I prefer to donate to regular charities - you can check them out and get a tax deduction.
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Old 09-06-2018, 11:33 AM
 
5,252 posts, read 4,651,130 times
Reputation: 17362
Social media begging isn't all that much different than the guy at the intersection asking for financial help. I don't participate in those kinds of solicitation just because they have no valid vetting process and therefor are a magnet for con men.
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Old 09-07-2018, 06:51 PM
 
1,065 posts, read 593,031 times
Reputation: 1461
Quote:
Originally Posted by Rocko20 View Post
The story of the couple spending money meant for a homeless addict, in fear that he was going to blow the money himself on drugs tells us the darker side of these accounts.

https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/...nt/1192888002/

It showed us that some people are in no position to manage large amounts of money, that money for the homeless doesn’t necessarily solve their problems like a trade skill, education, or work ethic will. And it showed us that some folks are going to blow their money as fast as they get it and fail rehab.

So what do you think? Do GoFundMe accounts represent a slippery slope of people who are in no position to manage large amounts of money on behalf of someone? Or the slippery slope of giving homeless addicts large amount of money? Or even the slope of conmen running scams on the site and gullibility of the average American to believe it?
Go Fund Me Accounts even the playing field for normal everyday people with the churches and charities. The later can hide what they're doing better than the former. All a crapshoot.
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Old 09-07-2018, 07:31 PM
 
13,395 posts, read 13,438,414 times
Reputation: 35711
Quote:
Originally Posted by Middletwin View Post
Go Fund Me Accounts even the playing field for normal everyday people with the churches and charities. The later can hide what they're doing better than the former. All a crapshoot.
The churches I've attended held quarterly financial meetings where they went over the church books publicly. No crapshoot.

Legitimate charities also will disclose their financial information when asked.
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Old 09-07-2018, 09:44 PM
 
Location: Honolulu
1,889 posts, read 2,516,530 times
Reputation: 5382
Slippery slope is putting it mildly. There's a few reasons why I rarely donate to charity or fundraising causes. First, I don't have a lot of disposable income, and what I have I'd like to spend on myself, or those I have a good personal relationship with. Second, it's difficult to verify exactly what the money is being used for or in the case of GoFundMe, to verify the facts of each situation. Third, there are so many people in need, how do you decide which ones to donate to. Maybe in the future if I develop a strong feeling towards a certain cause (Ex. curing cancer) I may donate regularly to organizations that further my cause. I still help people, I'm just more selective in those I help (family, friends)
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Old 09-07-2018, 09:50 PM
 
7,274 posts, read 5,253,441 times
Reputation: 11476
I have the choice to give to whomever I please. Doesn't matter if it's Unicef, Salvation Army, or Go Fund Me. Technology is a perfect vehicle to reach out the tentacles. There will be those who steal and lie. But the honest can get their message out to a wider audience, and raise more money for their cause. Your choice, as Go Fund Me simply delivers the message.
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Old 09-07-2018, 10:30 PM
 
Location: Texas
13,480 posts, read 8,316,989 times
Reputation: 25947
Quote:
Originally Posted by Rocko20 View Post
So what do you think? Do GoFundMe accounts represent a slippery slope of people who are in no position to manage large amounts of money on behalf of someone?
Or people who can't manage their own money? I have a friend who does a Go Fund Me whenever her family needs something or goes through a crisis of some sort. They did a GFM to raise money for their first adoption (which fell through so I'm not sure what happened to the funds). Then did another GFM to raise money when her brother was in a car accident and his wife had some medical bills from that, but not serious injuries. They are also quite involved in various MLM schemes. I've just decided to avoid them because I don't like the way they treat everyone else they know like a walking wallet. I have little to no respect for them anymore. They are also greedy with the way they conduct their business affairs.
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Old 09-09-2018, 10:26 AM
 
1,065 posts, read 593,031 times
Reputation: 1461
Quote:
Originally Posted by charlygal View Post
The churches I've attended held quarterly financial meetings where they went over the church books publicly. No crapshoot.

Legitimate charities also will disclose their financial information when asked.
It takes years to uncover shady financial dealings with churches and charities probably because of changing staff.
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