In this article, we will explore the fascinating world of Sick baby hoax, a topic that has captured the attention and interest of people around the world. With a rich history and significant influence on different aspects of daily life, Sick baby hoax has played a fundamental role in society over time. Through an in-depth analysis, we will examine the different aspects and dimensions of Sick baby hoax, from its origin and evolution to its impact today. Whether you are an expert on Sick baby hoax or just getting into this topic, this article will provide you with valuable information and unique perspectives that will allow you to better understand its importance and relevance in today's world.
A sick baby hoax is a confidence trick where a person claims, often on a website, that they have an ill child (or sometimes a pet) and are struggling to pay for their medical expenses. Some versions of the hoax ask people to make a monetary donation directly, while others simply encourage people to share the story.
Professional beggars have been exploiting sick children since ancient times. The success of such scams relies on a particular compassion in people towards children. When a child is sick, this particularly touches people's hearts. An early example of this kind of hoax online is the "sick child chain letter", an email making the claim that "with every name that this is sent to, the American Cancer Society will donate 3 cents per name to her treatment".
Social media, such as Facebook, facilitate the following form of this scam. A photo of a sick child is posted online, commonly without knowledge of the relatives, accompanied by a heart-touching story and sometimes a request for donations, which are simply collected by the scammer. Often these photos become viral, so it becomes close to impossible to take them down. Since Facebook has been slow to address the problem efficiently (relying on user takedown requests and reports only), several scam- and hoax-combatting websites have worked together to raise the awareness of social media providers regarding this issue.
There are also cases where parents exploit their own child with a legitimate sickness. However, raised funds do not go towards medical treatment, but rather to cover their own needs. Patrons donate money to parents' bank accounts, providing a convenient source of money. There have been several cases wherein parents posted several videos of a sick child and their wire-transfer information in a public channel.