I love the internet. It democratizes information, allows for the easy spread of ideas, and, y’know, provides me with a job.
That said, for every positive there’s a negative. The resource that allows for the easy spread of ideas also leaves us vulnerable to having our information lifted if it’s not stored securely online.
We’ve told you before about digital kidnapping, where people create fantasy lives from the photos of others ripped from social media. This same trend took an even more nefarious turn in the case of one little girl in Florida, further highlighting the dangers of social media.
Little Sofia Anderson is a 2-year-old girl battling Stage 4 Neuroblastoma, a rare brain cancer. Her parents have been working hard to raise awareness and support for the disease, using the hashtag #SofiaStrong on social media.
The gambit was successful, allowing Sofia’s parents to raise money for her treatment. In fact, it was so successful that someone in Germany tried to duplicate their results.
The only difference? The copycat isn’t the parent of a sick toddler, just an opportunist trying to capitalize on the trending story. The anonymous culprit started a Facebook page, duplicating Sofia’s story and pictures, but changing her name to ‘Marlena.’
Sofia’s supporters are understandably furious, and are fighting back by spreading the word about the fake site. They are also setting up independent fundraisers to continue supporting Sofia’s medical bills.
If you are infuriated by this blatant identity theft, please SHARE with your friends to help raise awareness about this heartless case of fraud!
