Our policy on third party or personal fundraising on FR: Don't do it!

February 27, 2014 | Jim Robinson

[Jim Robinson]

Don't do it. Prayer requests are ok, but asking for money is not.

There is absolutely no way that we can vet people asking for money on the internet and so our policy is not to allow personal or third party fundraising on FR. Occasionally people do it anyway. And sometimes good Samaritans get burned. People are not always who they seem to be. Beware of who you send money or personal information to (real names, phone numbers, address, email address, checking account numbers, etc).

We have warned, suspended and banned posters in the past for violating this policy. But it still happens and innocent people get burned. Do not send money to people you don't know [UPDATE] unless they are a long-term business or organization with a good reputation (Free Republic for example). Do not give anyone your personal information unless you know them personally or they have a known trustworthy reputation. It's too easy for unscrupulous operators on the Internet to steal your information, use it, or sell it for others to use.

My personal information is well known on the Internet so I subscribe to a service that guards my identity. And I do receive alerts from time-to-time. Even so, I've still had personal credit cards compromised more than once. Luckily for me, the credit card companies took care of it.

Be careful out there. Guard your personal info. Do not become a victim of an Internet scam or of identity theft. If you suspect there's a chance of your credit card or checking account info or any other of your personal info may have been compromised, check with the major credit reporting agencies or subscribe to a service like lifelock, etc.

The only authorized fundraising we do on FR is our quarterly fundraisers for our operating expenses and we've been doing this for over 15 years.

Thank you all very much.

This is a public announcement, not an advertisement.

[JoeProBono]

[NEMDF]

NOT THE ZOT
Oh the HUMANATEE

Banished to Thailand!

[Pan_Yan]

Best. Scam. Evah.

[no-to-illegals]

family jewels

humble ... I have a two inch by two inch shipping container. Will that help?

[onyx]

I’ve seen this done a few times and it has always worried me. Just because a personal plea is posted doesn’t mean a person is who they pretend to be. Paranoia can be healthy. ;-)

It's just not a good policy.

It puts everyone involved in awkward, uncomfortable positions.

Prayer requests and praying is what we do here, gladly, sincerely, faithfully and if possible on bended knees.

BTW, I'm sure this includes the use of FR mail, too.

[The Cajun]

You should have added at the end,
"But wait, order now and receive two memberships for the same price!!"

Just a suggestion :)

[AAABEST]

I agree with this policy 100%. Allowing 3rd party fundraising on a site you manage is nothing but liability and trouble.

Don't ask me how I know.

[DJ MacWoW]

I hadn’t even thought of FReepmail being used. *eyes rolling*

[Carry_Okie]

Are you including solicitations for documented conservative candidates (Matt Bevin comes to mind)?

[CSM]

I agree and volunteer to have everyone send me their money and I will re-distribute it as I see fit!

;-)

[SZonian]

Just pay separate processing and handling...

[Jim Robinson]

I’m not registered as a PAC and so cannot solicit for funds for candidates. I try to avoid that, though I have posted info (not solicitations) about known conservative PACs before.

[glorgau]

I am a Nigerian prince and would like your assistance in moving funds from a diamond mine in the total of $435,345,000...

[Vigilanteman]

I liked it better when they sent those offers by mail back in the day. At least my daughter got to add some Nigerian postage stamps to her collection album.

[Fledermaus]

Oh come on, I’m sure you still have some Platinum Packages available for us high rollers!

[Tenacious 1]

This sounds HUGH and SERIES!!

Check your BEBER. I hit yo digits.

(References like these should be posted when "FR Lore" is quoted.)

[Tenacious 1]

Oops. You beat me to it.

[no-to-illegals]

Have seen it done via FReepmail. I too rolled my eyes. Will say one more thing, then am going to leave for this day. Okay, I understand all the applause (smile) at my leaving for the day. This is a great policy Jim has put in place. Thank You, once more, Jim. Jim, your care of this site is beyond what other business would do and each here could cite many examples of other businesses not taking the time to warn those that frequent their business or website. Much success to you and yours Jim. Prayers for much success.

[DariusBane]

Affinity Marketing. Affinity Scamming. It could happen here.

[DJ MacWoW]

Too bad you’re leaving for the day. Have a good “rest of the day”. :-)