I am concerned at offers of money, goods and toys here

[trudgingalong]

I am certainly filled with the Christmas spirit but a website for parents (well, I always consider mumsnet a website for women really, although I know some men post here) is going to be like a neon light for chancers and for frauds.

When posters offer money, even as a loan, toys, food or goods such as electrics or whatever, it encourages posters of this nature.

It's also often embarrassing for genuine posters who just want advice/and or a few encouraging words about happy Christmases without a thousand gifts, as when money is offered even when they refuse it puts them in an awkward position, and a question mark over their sincerity.

Is there any chance we could have a site rule about this? I realise PMs are harder to police of course but I just feel that however kindly meant this is a 'solution' that benefits no one.

Hi all - apologies for the blue bar at the top, that was my mistake

We can understand why these sorts of threads cause concern, but we wouldn't say that implementing a ban on offers of money/food/goods or any other RL help is necessary or appropriate for the site.

There have been some really lovely stories of Mumsnetters who have helped each other out over the years and we really don't want to stop that from happening.

As always, we do advise all our members to be aware that not everyone on the internet is who they say they are, and we'd always caution anyone never to give more of themselves to another poster, emotionally or financially, than they can afford to spare. And if you are concerned about a particular thread, please do report it to us and we'll take a closer look.