Ham e-begging

If you are not familiar with the above term, or have not been a victim of cyber begging, then you should consider yourself lucky. You are doing everything socially right – so don’t change!

Unfortunately, the moment one steps out into public space, and become visible in the ‘public domain’, there is a real possibility of attracting the attention of a ham e-beggar.

What is e-begging?

Simply, it is the online version of traditional begging: asking strangers for money or favours.

In ham radio, it ranges from relatively benign, like free QSL and free LoTW confirmation, to outright requests for radio equipment and money.

The ever outstretched hand

E-beggars get to the point quickly: “I need it, please provide”. Without exception, such requests are ‘justified’ by some kind of injustice, unfairness, disadvantage or disability they’ve suffered. Physical impairment, loss of job, divorce, natural disaster or even old age are some of the common excuses.

There is no benefit to you

Unlike mutually beneficial transactions like support or sponsorship, e-beggar offer nothing in return. In his mind, it is your job to provide for his needs and you are expected to act generously, humanely, empathetically – and promptly.

Otherwise…

If the initial communication is ignored, or met with resistance to comply, professional beggars are ready to take it up a notch. Depending on how they perceive you, they will either start a friendly grooming process of manipulation and guilting, or more aggressive harassment.

Watch for phrases like: “I thought you believe in the ham spirit”, “LoTW is free, just click it”, “It costs you nothing, but would help me a lot.”

The final phase

If you refuse to give in, brace yourself for the final phase: threats and blackmails.

The polite e-beggar will quickly reveal his true colours threatening to ‘expose you’ publicly, on social media or leaving derogatory comments on Web clusters. And in most cases, those self entitled narcissists do exactly as promised.

Luckily, there is a solution

And it is a simple one: do not engage and do not reply to beggars. Ignore, delete, block. In ham radio, you owe nothing to anyone, especially not to total strangers. Enjoy the pileup!