Be suspicious of n00bs asking for favors.
He’s not asking you to send him money. He’s simply asking if anyone remembers reading such an article. Whether the request is worded to your liking is beside the point. If you don’t remember or do remember but don’t feel like helping, then move along. I don’t see how whether he’s brand spanking new to the site or been lurking for 15 years and never wanted to post before enters into the equation.