It seems that the deteriorating living conditions have pushed Lebanese people to seek new ways to secure their livelihood. Although poverty has taken over the lives of many, this does not justify the fraudulent methods some individuals have resorted to for theft. In one post on Facebook, a woman using a fake name shared her very bad financial situation and asked for help from those with a conscience to provide any food for her empty fridge or clothes for her children. This prompted one person to visit her home to help, but the surprising turn of events was that the woman made excuses about not being home, asking her to send money via OMT only. This tactic led activists to warn about individuals who use begging as a way to deceive others.
In a similar context, another woman posted in a group about her experience, stating that one person asked her for clothes for her children under the pretext of her deteriorating situation, only to be shocked that the person had a car newer than hers and her children had tablets. Despite this, she offered the clothes, believing that the woman might genuinely need them. The unnamed woman added, "After a while, I found her children's clothes being sold at very low prices" on a social media page.
These fraudulent methods are leading Lebanese people to hesitate in helping those who are truly in need due to the cunning approach these individuals use to play on people's emotions and elicit sympathy. Therefore, beware of these gangs and provide assistance in this tragic situation only to those who genuinely need it after verifying their circumstances.
