There's also this:
The following comes directly from this website:
http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Munchausen ... ptoms.aspx
A relatively new condition has been labelled Munchausen's by internet. This is where a person joins an internet support group for people with a serious health condition, such as cystic fibrosis or leukaemia, and then claims to have the illness themselves.
While these actions may only be confined to the internet, they can have an incredibly destructive effect on support groups and online communities. People with genuine health conditions have reported feelings of betrayal and anger upon discovering that they have been lied to.
One expert on Munchausen’s by internet has compiled a list of warning signs that indicate that someone may be affected by the condition:
•Their posts and messages seem to contain large chunks of information that appear to have been directly copied from health websites, such as NHS Choices.
•They report experiencing symptoms that appear to be much more severe than most people would experience, such as having a constant blinding headache in a support group for people with migraines.
•They claim to have near-fatal bouts of illness followed by a miraculous recovery.
•They make fantastic claims which they later contradict or which others disprove at a later date. For example, they may claim to be attending a certain hospital that does not actually exist.
•They claim to have continual dramatic events in their life, such as loved ones dying or being the victim of a violent crime, particularly when other group members have become a focus of attention.
•They feign an attitude of unconcern when they talk about serious problems, probably to attract attention and sympathy.
•Other ‘people’ claim to post on their behalf, such as a parent or partner, but they use exactly the same pattern of writing.
These people are not always in supportive groups... but can be found anywhere. Be aware.
Topic: would like a fakes, flakes and frauds section (Read 3950 times)