Friday, September 5, 2008
Scams in sl,
All comments have been removed and all future comments will not be published for this post.
inV has chosen to re-run this post due to new information regarding the person responsible for the initial posting. While she isn't the only person to be wary of in Second Life, she has proven to be seeking money from those who are generous enough to give it to her. Her stories play on sympathy. Please do not give in. There are community resources she can turn to and if times are rough she has the option to turn off her Internet and cable services until she can stand on her own in RL. Don't be scammed. If you want to help, search for Salvation Army, Samaritan or church services in her area. Do NOT send money to her, whether it be Lindens or RL funds. Thank you.
Second Life is full of kind, generous people. In-world charities have been known to raise up to 1 million Lindens during events and individuals are often helping newbies get out of their ugly birth shapes and into attractive forms. However, as in RL, there are people who will take advantage of those who are giving.
How do we protect ourselves from scams? Legitimate in-world charities will offer documentation that funds were given to the charity. Feel free to ask for an upload of the documentation. Those who are working hard for Relay for Life, City of Hope or Toys for Tots understand the concerns people have and don't want money going to a con artist.
Not all fraud takes place behind the mask of an established charity, though. Some individuals may play on the sympathy card, requesting $500 USD to help "feed my family" or "pay my car note." Should this request come through--even from a trusted friend--be wary. Instead of giving in to what is likely a scam being played on several individuals, suggest that the person go to a local food bank or suggest maybe a rl job. It makes use of resources that are there for just this purpose and protects both you and the person in question from future hurt regarding the money. Other possible issues can also be resolved with community resources.
For some of us, saying no is nearly impossible, but it's necessary. Scams follow wherever the opportunity to make money can be found. SL is no exception. Aiding those who truly need is a rewarding experience, but in an Internet setting where the need can't be verified, the possibility of fraud is too great. Help with information, not money. It will make a difference in the long run.
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57 comments:
She is shunned from everywhere. The only places she goes are 3rd rate places. SCAMMER.
...All comments are much appreciated because everyone is entitled to their own opinions, but I decided to remove all comments but this one.
Jade and I have enjoyed the company and talent of DJ Syri on many occasions. I often had her perform at my parties and events and everyone had a great time. She is a great Dj and much adored.
During these times she always respected our relationship. Never once did she overstep the boundaries. While this is just one example, I cannot say that her friendliness was ever anything more than a flirty type of friendship that often develops between gay men and women. I've experienced the same closeness with other women and know that they aren't planning on crossing any lines. Any assumption with seems to be a smoke screen added to disguise other issues in the way.
The truth is, she was always generous with little gifts and time and never asked us for money. If she had, I would've given it to her and that would have been my choice. I asked my grandfather for plenty of money in my day, so I can't judge her as any different.
I can't deny that she done so much for the gay community and brought us countless hours of fun in our Second Lives. I may not speak to her anymore, but I do think about her and wish her the best. We've all been hurt by circumstance and we all deserve to rise above the pain and get all life has to offer. Jade and I hope she can overcome the rough situation she has found herself without anymore pain and find true happiness.
Know yourself, love yourself and no one will ever hurt you.
A.P.
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