To feel guilty about feeling suspicious of certain threads?

[littlemisssunny]

I read certain threads where people have had money stolen etc, and I do feel incredibly sorry for them, but I have to admit there is a part of me that wonders if its genuine?

I feel guilty for thinking about it, but I can't help but think how easy it is to post on an Internet forum.

I like to think of myself as a kind person, and if I can help others I shall, like my neighbour who runs a charity, I help him out with donations for raffles, car boots etc.

I just feel bad that I automatically get suspicious even though they could be genuine?

I don't believe everything I read on here and guess neither do others. This is why I never post about serious things in my life as its likely people will assume its bullshit

I see what you mean.
the first thread I've ever read (and posted on) was about being a newbie on mumsnet

turned out it was some sort of prank amongst long time "friends" who wanted to fool people for their own amusement.

I was not impressed and I often wonder why people ask for help with things like - should I have another baby? I mean really? I don't get involved if I think it's a wind up....

Just treat them all as genuine but try not to get emotionally entangled. If ever you do want to help someone out, never send them anything you can't afford to lose.
When you see the thread where you just think "you lying cow, that is just so much bullshit, do you seriously expect anyone to believe that crap?" then don't post There's always a chance that yes, someone really is that stupid and that surreal ridiculous Darwin Award candidate thread is actually true

There have been several threads recently that are clearly bogus, and are either schoolboy-level jokes or are an attempt by a journalist to get cheap material for a story in a magazine.
But even so they sometimes get interesting replies and I often find them worth following.

YANBU not to believe all you read on the internet but YABU to feel guilty about it.

MN had loads of badly disguised begging threads just before Christmas and they certainly weren't the only forum.

Just report or ignore if you don't believe them.