ELM Bulletin - April 30, 2009
Beware of False Benevolence
The Swine Flu is making headlines around the world and in many cases lives have been shattered by its impact. Swine Flu is a serious matter and it is in our human nature to try to do what we can for those who are being hurt by this disease. Many highly regarded and selfless agencies exist through which we can help those who suffer.
Among the very best of these are:
There is, however, a less generous type of person in this world. In the midst of suffering and fear, these despicable individuals will use human tradgedy as an excuse to profit from the pain of others. You will encounter email and Internet scams from these people over the next weeks and months; hoping to capitalize on the feared Swine Flu epidemic. In past disasters they have come up from their holes to take advantage of our concern. It is happening now. It will happen when the next disaster comes.
There is nothing that we can do about these people except pray for them with the hope that they will be someday changed. Until then we will endure their selfishness. We need to remember that not everyone who offers to help those in need will actually do it. Some heartless souls will use the need of others as a hook to trick us to respond to their scam. They do this so they can steal the help we give out of the hands of those who's need is desperate. They do this so they can impregnate our computers with malware and steal even more from us. They do this because their only concern is for themselves.
When you receive email or see a website asking for your assistance to help those in need, be careful. Give your help through reliable organizations (see the links above). Be generous with what you have been given, and be careful that your kindness goes to those who need it instead of the thieves.
Someday, these despicable actions will end.
Until then, be wary.
As always, please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions about this or any other issue.
Past issues of the ELM Bulletin are available from our website, feel free to forward them to anyone you wish.
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Peter Rhebergen Telephone |
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