AIBU?
To ask if this is some kind of strange scam?
Merryoldgoat · 10/05/2021 14:12
I’m really perplexed.
I do a variety of crafting and post on FB now and then. I did a practise blanket and posted a pic to discuss pitfalls etc. It turned out well but I learned a few lessons so I was pleased. But I said on my post that I now had a blanket I didn’t need so did anyone know where I could donate it?
A lady responded that she collects baby stuff for an orphanage in Africa and she’d love it. Job done. Happy to help. She DMed her address. I chatted briefly and asked if she’d like some other bits and bobs I was going to donate - all very good condition and she said yes.
She’s given me an address that doesn’t exist! I looked at her FB page. She posts a daily request to ‘friends’ to help with donations but she only has 15 friends. No other activity other than the odd inspirational (!) meme.
I don’t understand how this is a scam? Getting people to send stuff to a non existent address? It’s just odd.
I’ve messaged her to ask but I’m reluctant to send it now anyway.
Any thoughts?
EmeraldShamrock · 10/05/2021 14:22
Put them online for a local family or the nearest charity shop.
Yes it is a scam I'm not sure how it works.
I was selling an expensive handbag and received a email from a company in Africa asking me to post bag and they'd forward western union payment.
I didn't.
imgoingtoregretthis · 10/05/2021 14:24
As in you put the address into Hermes or similar and it doesn't exist? The 15 friends be only the ones that allow people they don't know to see them on Facebook ? I've no idea really.
It seems a strange scam if she can't actually get the item, personally I'd worry she might sell thing rather then send them on.
Merryoldgoat · 10/05/2021 14:27
The postcode doesn’t exist and the road doesn’t exist either - could be spelling error but getting the post code wrong too seems off and surely you spell your address correctly??
I’m not really concerned about her selling them on - if someone is so broke they can make a few quid out of the clothes that’s fine.
It’s more I don’t want to post them into the ether.
LBunz · 10/05/2021 14:34
It does sound strange if the address doesn’t exist. Could the ladies profile be locked down so you can see much of her posting history?
FWIW you sound lovely and generous for donating something like a patchwork blanket I can imagine how much time went into it. I had a small patchwork blanket my nana made for me as a baby (sadly my parents can’t find it!) but I adored it. Do you sell them?
cookiecreampie · 10/05/2021 14:34
I'd just assume it was someone strange thinking they're having a joke and block them. I had a listing on Gumtree and the same person almost daily would message under different profiles and say they wanted to buy the item and never show up. I knew it was the same person because they kept making the same weird spelling mistakes. People can be so odd.
tuttifuckinfruity · 10/05/2021 14:39
@cookiecreampie
That is so weird. People really are so odd.
FuriousCheekyFucker · 10/05/2021 15:23
@cookiecreampie
Definately odd behaviour :)
Merryoldgoat · 10/05/2021 15:34
@tuttifuckinfruity
See what she says.
Oh I’m totally nosey and have already sent that message before posting here! 🤣
Merryoldgoat · 10/05/2021 15:39
@PassMeTheWotsits I crochet and sew a lot of blankets so I will definitely keep this charity in mind. Thank you.
@LBunz I’m quite new to patchwork although I really like it - I did a little practise before making one from my sons’ old babygros and that’s what I was giving away. I only sew and craft for the joy of the hobby (and to clothe myself) so whilst I don’t sell I take commissions for family and friends but only for cost of materials.
Orgasmagorical · 10/05/2021 19:26
Yes, Merry, WH take patchwork quilts too.
Details can be found here
bookstearocknroll · 10/05/2021 19:57
This does sound strange! Another good use for your lovely creation would be to donate it to your local neonatal ward. The one where my twins were cared for used blankets constantly to put over the top of incubators to mimic night time/help with sleeping. They were also used to wrap the babies in for cuddles. Not sure if they'd still be accepting them in these covid-y times, but worth checking perhaps.
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