Is starting something like this even possible?

United States
August 28, 2009 12:27am CST
I was just brainstorming today, and haven't got a clue how to start this, or even the legalities. But, I'm going through a repossession, and I owe $12500, but they said today that if I could sell the car for $6800, then they would write off the rest. So, that's a really good deal, I would love to keep the car, but can't afford to. So, here's what I was thinking: There are those chain letters going around, give 5 people 5 dollars, and put your name at the top of the list, then send it out. I know those are generally illegal, but what if I made a blog and had people donate $5 each to 5 people to get them out of repossession. Then they put their name on the list. And when we get to their name, then the money goes directly to their paypal account. But, only the amount that needs to cover the repossession. So, this is how it would go: My name: $6800- donate $5 (with a donate button from paypal) Other name: $8000- donate $5 (counter to show the people that have donated?) Other name: $12000- donate $5 Other name: $9000- donate $5 Other name: $7500- donate $5 after 1 week (or 1 day?) turn in an earnings report from paypal, and move any names off the list that need moving, and add more. So, those 5 people have only spent $25, and they get to keep their car. For instance, for me, that would only be 1360 people, and in turn, those people would would be on the list. Even if those 1360 were the only one's I could find (wouldn't that be great) then that would be 1360 people getting out of repossession. Like I said, I don't know how feasible that is, or even if it would work, but does anyone have any ideas about it? Please let me know. Thanks
4 responses
@jane239 (521)
28 Aug 09
Something like that is just a chain letter in another form. There's always been chain letters about asking people to send £1 or sometimes £5 to everyone listed on the letter and to send out 200 copies or whatever. Things like that are considered scams by most and they are actually illegal.
@jane239 (521)
28 Aug 09
It's not a bad idea but like you say it's just the legalities that you don't want to get caught up in. Some people do just put a pay pal donate on their website and let people make small donations should they wish to.
• United States
28 Aug 09
Yeah, it's the legalities I would worry about. I don't want to do anything illegal, just had an idea.
@browneyed (2522)
• United Kingdom
28 Aug 09
Hi, First of all, if you do manage to get the $6800, make sure that you get it in writing that they're gonna write off the rest (get a lawyer to look at it too). Your idea is a good one, but it's not particularly new and I think it would put people off as they deem it to be a scam or they just wouldn't be inspired to cough up $5. I think it's possible to raise that much money and possibly more, but you're gonna have to think about something really new and really creative where parting with money becomes less of an issue because what you're presenting to people is super awe-inspiring. There's a site I came across. IJustWantYourMoney.com. Several people ask for money online, but this one's got a twist to it. And it's smile-inducing. Maybe you're already onto a good idea - now think about how you can make it fun/unique/put a twist to it. Alternatively, sell the car. Seems like the easier option to me. The sky won't fall if you do. Good luck whatever you decide to do.
• United States
28 Aug 09
Thanks for your response. I agree, I'll be trying to sell the car regardless. It was just an idea. And you're right, I would be hardpressed to convince people that it's not a scam. I'll have to check out that website, it sounds fun.
@jazzsue58 (2666)
28 Aug 09
I can't see many takers for this one. Sad to say, too many people would see it as a scam, and avoid it like the plague. It's very hard to get people to part with their cash on the internet, even if it's to their own mutual advantage - yet they'll happily play Bingo and scratch cards for hours. Odd, that.
@gerl2723 (68)
• Ireland
28 Aug 09
huh...dont you think whoever should be responsible of paying their own debt?
• United States
28 Aug 09
Absolutely, I think people should take responsibility for their debt. I'll owe mine if it gets repoed. But if there is a way that we can help each other out, then why not. $25 usually won't break the bank, and there would be a chance for them to get out of repo too. I'm not asking for the $12500 I owe, just the $6800 they'll take for it. And maybe everyone should verify that before they start. It wouldn't be fair to have people help pay off a car they just want paid off faster. But people sometimes get in situations they can't get out of. Me and my husband got pregnant right after he lost his job, and I can't work right now. I just don't see a reason why people can't help each other out.