Panhandlers take their pleas to the internet

Online Panhandlers (Added: December 17, 2009)

Video from your local news source. (more)

0 Ratings | 0 Video Views

Post a Comment or Rate this Video

» View More Videos

By Cleve Bryan
Published: December 17, 2009

» 0 Comments | Post a Comment

They are anonymous cries for help, people describing their problems on websites designed to help them get money from strangers.

It's an on-line phenomenon some call cyber begging. Websites like Beglist.com or cyberbeg.com allow people to write about their needs with the intention some charitable reader will reply.

According to the website DonateMoney2Me.com one woman received $20,000 in 20 weeks.

"There is zero risk and 100 percent reward if you can post your story on-line for free," says Barry Waldman of the Trident United Way. He volunteers with the 211 hotline where people call looking for every imaginable type of help.

"There's many more people now days calling us for help than the traditional seeker who was chronically poor," says Waldman, "Many people who were doing OK financially just got knocked off the ledge with this recession."

The stories on the website reflect this theme. People looking for rent money, donations to get a sick loved one medical attention, and parents trying to feed their kids are all testimonies you'll find.

"The obvious question is: how do you know whether these stories are real or not?" says Waldman. He says even a bogus story can get money if there are millions of people who read it. He suggests becoming an informed donator and checking into the reputation of a charitable organization which helps people.

"There are plenty of local organizations that do great things for many people who really need help. Find one that touches your heart and work with them," says Waldman.