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Well, according to his profile he is busy entering a 25,000 card collection he has purchased. 

In all seriousness I won't call him guilty in this thread because I still want to believe that what he was saying is true. 

If it is false it is very saddening.

There are SO many good people in the world. That being said, as a whole, humans are the worst. 

Shark Week Fun Fact - Arguably the greatest predator on the planet, the shark won’t (allegedly) steal your baseball cards.

I was very angry when I read this last night. I think the biggest tragedy of this is not the loss of cards, but the fact that next time there is a plea for help from someone who really needs it many of us will be a little more reluctant to help. I did send a small package I even had my son help pick out a couple packs at Target to send. And he drew the kid a picture. 

Exactly. That's why I was skeptical because I was personally approached by someone who supposedly volunteered at an Atlanta children's hospital and who gave young cancer patients cards and other memorabilia. It turned up to be nothing but a scam, and Admin was alerted and the guy outed having only taken advantage of a few members. 

Each one of us will have opportunities to serve and help someone at some point with cards, finances, or other things. But my belief is that if we journey through life with eyes open we'll see enough to do our part as we're able. I never felt guilty for choosing to be a non-participant in this because I felt I'd been doing my part in other ways. If you sent cards I believe you'll be rewarded for a kindness shown. That cannot be taken away. Being scammed is unfortunate, but the scammer will eventually pay. And we don't have to concern ourselves with that. But do be aware that scammers are in our midst. Unfortunately. 

Lugnut80 wrote:

I was very angry when I read this last night. I think the biggest tragedy of this is not the loss of cards, but the fact that next time there is a plea for help from someone who really needs it many of us will be a little more reluctant to help. I did send a small package I even had my son help pick out a couple packs at Target to send. And he drew the kid a picture. 

I’m just gonna chalk this up to a tuneup for my b.s. meter. I won’t stop helping where I can just do a little more due diligence first. And CAD I’d say it’s the former. If all is true there were no good intentions on Shaw’s part and it’s his road that’s being paved right now. He’s in the express lane as far as I’m concerned 

A few things bother me about this whole situation. And before I start, allow me to state that I've been sitting on a package for some time now, addressed to Canada for this purpose. I just haven't gotten to the Post Office to mail it (I know, shame on me for waiting so long).

1 - the fact that one person can ruin the spirit of PIFs and generosity for others. It sounds like many in this thread are willing to continue being generous in one fashion or another despite this, but imagine if this was your first "random act of kindness" and it turned out to be a sham?

2 - I'm waiting to pass judgement until I hear another side of the story. That's only fair. But the Ismail card that he was asking for help identifying is a huge red flag - thanks to JC for bringing that to light. In addition, the notice posted says that Jeff would be willing to return all cards sent; another red flag to me, because who in their right mind would willingly say "sure, I'll take these back from the 11 year old autistic kid who was thrilled to receive them and mail them back to people"?

3 - this one bothers me the most. Obviously there are issues here. Jeff, this is a forum thread and a public opportunity to tell your side of the story to those who want to hear it. Yes, there will be some anger. But many have stated that they want to hear what you have to say about this whole issue. The notice said we can contact Jeff for more information, but public acknowledgement and explaination goes a long way with many on this site. Jeff has logged in as recently as yesterday, so he is still around. I urge you to make a statement in this thread to the membership as a whole, as unappealing as that may sound.

Hopefully we are all wrong about this mess, but I have a feeling we may all be disappointed in the end. Here's to hoping no one loses the generous nature that is so prevalent on this site.

I'm also marking Grand Valley, Ontario, on my watch list for new IDs that may pop up.

And, Jason, you bring up some excellent points.

PIFfing, though, should remain unaffected if it's done in the original spirit it was intended, and that was we determine who we wish to bless with cards regardless of any return. 

I forgot to add thank you to the members who took the time to uncover this