Case File

Did Woman Scam Money from Online Friends?

FULL VIDEO AT THE END OF THE POST

The Libel Lawsuit

Miss Ryan Humber sued Mr. Frank for libel.

Miss Humber claimed Mr. Frank called her a "scam artist."

She also alleged Mr. Frank told people not to give her money.

This, she stated, damaged her reputation.

Mr. Frank admitted to making these statements.

He maintained that his statements were true.

The case centered on Miss Humber's requests for money from online "gifting groups."

These requests were for various needs.

They included contact lenses and veterinary care for her dog.

Plaintiff's Employment History

Judge Judy asked Miss Ryan Humber about her work.

Miss Humber stated she is a civil servant.

Prior to that, she was unemployed for a couple of months.

Before her unemployment, she worked at Whole Foods Market.

She was last employed on January 1st of the current year.

Her employer was People Incorporated.

People Incorporated is a human services organization.

Miss Humber worked there for almost two years.

She was terminated after being assaulted by a client.

Understanding "Gifting Groups"

Judge Judy questioned the nature of the "gifting group."

Mr. Frank described it as a Facebook group.

He explained that during holidays, many such groups exist.

People post requests for items like presents for children.

He clarified it is not an official charity.

Judge Judy called it a "Petri dish for scammers."

She noted that sometimes people have good intentions.

She used the expression "Baby needs a new pair of shoes."

Judge Judy found the concept a "recipe for disaster."

She asked if members of the group knew each other.

Mr. Frank said some members were known.

He added that they vet people requesting items.

Initial Request for Contact Lenses

Mr. Frank presented evidence of Miss Humber's posts.

He showed a post where she complained about an eyeglass company.

Judge Judy noted this post did not directly ask for money.

Miss Humber confirmed there was no direct request for money.

However, someone saw the post.

A stranger offered to pay for glasses.

This person asked for Miss Humber's PayPal information.

The stranger sent Miss Humber $60 for contact lenses.

Miss Humber confirmed she received $60 from a stranger.

She stated she received no other money for contacts from these people.

Dog's Medical Emergency

Miss Humber's dog experienced trouble walking.

His back leg was giving him some trouble.

Mr. Frank had a post from Miss Humber about her dog's injury.

Judge Judy asked if Miss Humber lived with her boyfriend.

She questioned why the dog's owner couldn't care for it.

Mr. Frank mentioned other posts about the dog being attacked by neighbors.

He showed a post where Miss Humber asked for money for her dog.

Miss Humber confirmed her dog hurt his back.

She stated she needed between $1,600 and $1,700 for the dog.

GoFundMe and Vet Bills

Miss Humber started a GoFundMe page for the dog's surgery.

The GoFundMe page was still active.

It had raised a total of $110.

Miss Humber presented vet bills.

She showed a bill for emergency treatment when the dog was attacked.

Judge Judy asked to see the vet bill.

The bill was for $300.

Miss Humber stated someone offered to help.

This person paid the vet directly.

The amount paid directly to the vet was $300.

Miss Humber clarified that this $300 was her balance.

She then stated another person paid $500 directly to the vet.

Defendant's Accusations and Online Posts

Mr. Frank admitted to calling Miss Humber a "scam artist."

He also admitted to telling people not to give her money.

He believed his statements were true.

Mr. Frank posted Miss Humber's work information online.

He suggested people contact her employer.

Miss Humber presented a screenshot of this post.

She claimed this was a threat.

Judge Judy disagreed, stating it was not a threat.

Judge Judy's Assessment of the Plaintiff

Judge Judy expressed skepticism about the "gifting group."

She questioned why adults would ask strangers for money for basic needs.

She specifically mentioned contact lenses.

Judge Judy stated that working adults should save for such expenses.

She found it uncomfortable that Miss Humber and her boyfriend had many emergencies.

These included eyeglasses, contact lenses, and the dog's medical needs.

Judge Judy asked if Miss Humber had asked for money at any other time.

Miss Humber denied this, stating it was not true.

Mr. Frank mentioned that Miss Humber mainly solicited money for her dog.

He noted this was not proven.

Plaintiff's Disability Claim Clarification

Judge Judy asked Miss Humber about her unemployment.

Miss Humber stated she was unemployed because her disability had not come through.

Judge Judy asked why she thought she should receive disability.

Miss Humber clarified it was not a disability claim.

It was an employment case for wrongful termination.

She had a claim against her former company.

She had previously told Judge Judy she applied for disability.

She also stated she had several lawyers.

Judge Judy's Verdict

Judge Judy stated she was not interested in either party.

She ruled that Mr. Frank was allowed to call Miss Humber a "scam artist."

She explained that this was Mr. Frank's opinion.

Judge Judy added, "I'm not sure I disagree with her."

She also stated, "I'm not sure she's kosher either."

The lawsuit was dismissed.

Final Outcome

The judge dismissed Miss Humber's lawsuit for libel.

She affirmed Mr. Frank's right to express his opinion.

Judge Judy advised the public to be cautious.

She warned people to ensure legitimacy before giving money.

Miss Humber maintained she was not a scam artist.

She also stated her fiancé was not a scam artist.

Sponsored