In response to Mark Crispin Miller’s recent post about the ongoing tragedy in Gaza, I left a comment that resonated—liked by 12 readers, regardless of where they stand politically. While emotions are understandably high, I shared a personal story meant as a caution: heartfelt pleas for help, especially during times of war and crisis, can sometimes be manipulative or outright fraudulent.
Here’s what I wrote:
Mark, I appreciate your compassion, and no one should turn a blind eye to suffering. But I urge people to be very careful about where they send their money. During COVID, I was conned by someone who spun one heartbreaking tale after another. He was incredibly convincing—photos, stories, urgency. I thought I was helping someone survive lockdowns. I sent money through Western Union. It was only later I realized the whole thing was a scam.
You might think you know the person—but in these situations, especially across borders and conflict zones, you're often trusting a digital shadow. And even if the person is sincere, middlemen often take huge cuts—one of the appeals you shared admits to a 40% loss due to money brokers. That alone should raise red flags.
During Covid I made a music video called In Toba Tek Singh, drawn from my own experience of being deceived during that time:
That is a prudent practice, Turfseer, and one that typically I follow for internet appeals of uncertain provenance.
For other readers, if moved to action, heed Turseer's warning and make your contributions of a non-financial nature: raise your voice, engage your circle and community to not accept the mainstream narrative.
As one of the group of Palestine supporters on that corner, I thank you with all my heart and salute your determination, Ned. It is an honor to know you ✊🏽🇵🇸🙏
Thanks for sharing your story. I can certainly relate to many of your experiences though I myself have not hit the sidewalk in protest, which certainly bothers me. I did leave Facebook for several months due to the apathy (re-posted much of Caitlin's material) I encountered. But I'm working on getting out there. You're a great inspiration. Keep up the good work and to having less pain while doing it. At 72 I DEF get that part.
Thank you, Mikhael. Not everyone can hit the sidewalks in protest. Amplifying the message through social media and/or online activism is also important. I say that even though I got off Facebook six years ago.
A Word of Caution Amid the Chaos
In response to Mark Crispin Miller’s recent post about the ongoing tragedy in Gaza, I left a comment that resonated—liked by 12 readers, regardless of where they stand politically. While emotions are understandably high, I shared a personal story meant as a caution: heartfelt pleas for help, especially during times of war and crisis, can sometimes be manipulative or outright fraudulent.
Here’s what I wrote:
Mark, I appreciate your compassion, and no one should turn a blind eye to suffering. But I urge people to be very careful about where they send their money. During COVID, I was conned by someone who spun one heartbreaking tale after another. He was incredibly convincing—photos, stories, urgency. I thought I was helping someone survive lockdowns. I sent money through Western Union. It was only later I realized the whole thing was a scam.
You might think you know the person—but in these situations, especially across borders and conflict zones, you're often trusting a digital shadow. And even if the person is sincere, middlemen often take huge cuts—one of the appeals you shared admits to a 40% loss due to money brokers. That alone should raise red flags.
During Covid I made a music video called In Toba Tek Singh, drawn from my own experience of being deceived during that time:
👉 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=88iazIAx7o8
So by all means feel compassion—but don’t let your heart outrun your judgment.
That is a prudent practice, Turfseer, and one that typically I follow for internet appeals of uncertain provenance.
For other readers, if moved to action, heed Turseer's warning and make your contributions of a non-financial nature: raise your voice, engage your circle and community to not accept the mainstream narrative.
As one of the group of Palestine supporters on that corner, I thank you with all my heart and salute your determination, Ned. It is an honor to know you ✊🏽🇵🇸🙏
Thank you, Fran. Our group is small but dedicated. It's an honor to stand with you.
Thanks for sharing your story. I can certainly relate to many of your experiences though I myself have not hit the sidewalk in protest, which certainly bothers me. I did leave Facebook for several months due to the apathy (re-posted much of Caitlin's material) I encountered. But I'm working on getting out there. You're a great inspiration. Keep up the good work and to having less pain while doing it. At 72 I DEF get that part.
Thank you, Mikhael. Not everyone can hit the sidewalks in protest. Amplifying the message through social media and/or online activism is also important. I say that even though I got off Facebook six years ago.
Good on you Ned. Thanks for your compassion and efforts.
Remember, I'm going to come visit you on one of these Fridays so I can stand with you and your group. Looking forward to it, Ned.
I'm looking forward to it as well, Laila.