Someone Tried to Scam Me With My Kid’s Picture—And I’m Not Taking It Sitting
Quick recap: An angry post on Facebook tried to piggyback on a photo of my little girl, Calynn, to raise a whopping $200,000. It turned out to be a scam, and now I’m on the front lines of a battle between heartfelt pleas and slick fraud.
Why the Family is Naturally Upset
When I heard about the fake fundraiser, I was stunned. “I’m mad as hell,” I told New Paper in Mandarin. “If even a slightly distorted photo is used to cheat people, that’s revolting.”
Even if the image had been doctored, it’s the idea of exploiting a child’s suffering for money that makes it downright hateful.
Experts Say: Don’t Trust Anything You See Online Without Checking First
- Andy Sim, director of digital innovation at the National Volunteer and Philanthropy Centre, says it’s essential to verify who’s really behind the campaign and understand where your money lands.
- Tan En, director of the Ray of Hope Initiative, warns that a single fraudulent post can cast a shadow over all legitimate fundraising efforts. “It’s a small market—one scandal, and people get skeptical,” he says.
- One red flag: if the appeal says you need to “transfer money directly to their bank account,” stop right away.
- Feelings: The post was asking for a fortune that most Singaporeans would simply pacify with a decent donation because we’re generous.
All Four Major Platforms Have Pledged to Keep Funds Transparent
Give.asia, Giving.sg, the Ray of Hope Initiative, and SimplyGiving all agreed to adopt an industry code of practice by January.
Chairman Gerard Ee’s Take
“People need education on not falling for ad‑hoc appeals. It hurts the scam victims, and it deprives true charities of the help they deserve,” says 69‑year‑old chairman, Gerard Ee.
Our Experience: The Real Story Behind Calynn’s Photo
- We set up a Facebook page last month to share the ups and downs of Calynn’s illness. The photo was supposed to be a sign of resilience, not a bait.
- A friend posted a fundraiser asking for $200,000, claiming it was for Calynn’s treatment. We instantly pointed out it was a scam.
- Calynn was diagnosed in May with glomerulonephritis, a kidney condition that can be unpredictable.
- We were shocked— “No one had considered that sharing her photo could be misused,” my wife said, who’s 45.
We’re now extra cautious about what we post online. This incident simply proved that even well‑meaning posts can be hijacked. It’s a reminder for you and me: think twice before posting personal images that might be weaponized.
Bottom line: If you see a fundraising post that seems too… enthusiastic, take a moment to research the organization, check the transaction instructions, and don’t be fooled by the sweet sentiment.
