Wow, this has been some thread. A lot of emotions. Something I would not have expected on this forum, however, I am not surprised, especially in this day and age of social media and networking. I am in banking 27 years, and one thing I have learned and what I have been taught when dealing with people both in person and over technology is you must practice good KYC = Know Your Customer. Knowing which is defined as, knowing the person on a level where you know exactly where they live, you met them in person, you know and have met their friends and family, you know a bit of their history, you know where they work, and would know how to get in touch with them. I donate and volunteer my time quite often. I encourage it, however, there are different risks giving to someone directly and giving to a well known organizaton. For those who gave this guy money, you did it from the heart and it stinks when you have been taken advantage of trying to help. I agree with the other members who stated donations should be side bar conversations and through PMs. Just remember the inherent risk in the future, there will be more Vics on ths site, unfortunately. Instead, refer them to areas in their community for support and aid, which can be easily googled as we saw Tom do when he uncovered the fraud pic. Happy to be part of the OldMiniBikes forum
