We are smack dab in the middle of the first recession of the Web 2.0 era, which means that we’re bound to see some innovative uses of technology by the desperate and down-and-out. When every homeless person can log on at the local public library (and many even have laptops) it’s no surprise that panhandling has gone virtual.

It’s a phenomenon that is commonly known as cyber begging, and it’s found on message boards, chat rooms, listservs and other areas on the Internet where strangers come together yet have some sense of community. Take for example the the Money forum on Craigslist, which is now filled with pleas for loans our outright alms for the personally poor.  Here’s a recent post that I saw:

Many of these pleas are undoubtedly shysters, just like many of the so-called “homeless vets” you see in the subway never so much as wore a camouflage t-shirt. But unlike other dot-cons, they aren’t offering anything in return.

These types of messages are apparently a big deal. Internet begging even has its own Wikipedia page. National Public Radio has done a story on cyber begging and there’s even at least one website devoted to helping people make their pitches for cash. If you want to be amused or depressed, check out CyberBeggars.com. The site bills itself as “a FREE place for people in dire need or urgent financial situations to ask for help from the helping hands of others that are willing to donate to people in unfortunate situations.”

So what do you think? Isn’t being an indentured servant with cruel masters (e.g. American Express, Citibank) worth a few shekels from kind strangers willing to help buy your financial freedom? I won’t ever know. But if there’s anyone out there who has given out their personal information to complete strangers online while begging for donations to put food on the table or make rent, I’d love to hear about it. Even more so if it’s ever been successful.