They could also sue grandma for slander if they wanted to.
But most likely won't because of the child.
Yes, but it would be very hard to win because they would have to be able to show actual damages that directly resulted from the lie. And that's tough. It's also why defamation suits are kind of rare.
I don't care if the family keeps the money, or what they do with it. Good for them for taking advantage of people who believe everything they read, and overreact over the latest viral outrage.
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Whoa. I can't imagine in what world, or via what personal philosophy, should criminals be applauded, praised and given credit for attempting and/or actually defrauding people, for potentially defaming a business where people work, causing innocent employees to face backlash, and for using an innocent, little child, who is named and identified, her name forever on the internet, to be used as a pawn in the scheme to defraud people with big hearts.
Sorry, but I feel that's rather sick.
personally I think Gramma ''misunderstood or mis-heard'' if there was such a "you're scaring people" it was probably directed at her
Seeing as the store she claimed she was in has been closed for years, I don' think she "mis-heard" anything!!
I was really gullible on this one when the story first broke. I swallowed it hook, line, and sinker! I hated to think this little girl was treated the way it was reported. I was so outraged.
This poor, injured child deserves so much better than these grandparents behavior. I hope she is healing and doing well.
You know, I think it can be quite natural to accept a story like this at face value, especially when skimming the news quickly, or depending on how the article is written, since we expect news sources to fact check and it's hard to believe (especially for super, super honest people), that anyone would make such a horrible thing like this up.
There must be some good lessons for all of us in this though - trust your gut if you've paid close attention to what's happening, be super, super careful about money given online and, contributing to well known and reputable charities is often the best way to help people.