The wave of transformation into the virtual world has affected all walks of life such that many crimes and negative phenomena have shifted from our real world to the World Wide Web including the phenomenon of begging, which spread remarkably on social media, reports Al-Qabas daily.

Although the phenomenon of electronic or virtual begging is not new, it has increased during the month of Ramadan, similar to the actual begging.

Similar to the way beggars knock on the doors of homes and wait in front of mosques in residential areas and others, there are beggars spread on communication sites who send many pre-prepared messages to account holders on Twitter and others. However, it is strange that some of these beggars manage to get the phone numbers of others and send them WhatsApp requests for donations or payments for the treatment of sick or afflicted people, and attach these messages with medical documents and forged papers.

They usually search for ways to prey on people’s sympathy, taking advantage of this atmosphere of faith and spirituality, and the desire to do good.

The phenomenon of e-begging has started spreading in a number of social media sites particularly Twitter and Instagram.

According to informed sources, it has become more like an organized trade where the beggar sends private messages to a number of users, asking them for material or in-kind assistance, and explaining his condition. Some of them even attach pictures to prove their poor financial condition.

Social media allows beggars to reach the largest number of users, thereby increasing their chance of obtaining what they want.

Most of the cases are scams against people, as these messages do not contain any accurate personal or other information.

The sources affirmed that the phenomenon of virtual begging is convenient for beggars, as it is a way through which the beggar hides using a fake account. Such a concealment relieves him of any social embarrassment he may feel in the case of actual begging, and also may keep him somewhat away from legal prosecution unless a complaint is filed against him.

They explained that the second and important feature is that virtual begging crosses borders and continents, as residents of different countries may use begging messages on people in other countries. Also, virtual begging gives the beggar a greater opportunity to explain his condition and write whatever he wants to write to tickle the feelings of the message recipient.

The phenomenon of electronic begging exists throughout the year, but it is prevalent during the month of Ramadan. It usually involves the beggar explaining his need to prepare for the holy month.