Jothar – “How do you investigate someone on the spot and know if his son really is in the icu or he just married off 4 daughters?”
Either you hear it from the Rav or if the collector comes to home, this is the perfect time to use your social and logical thinking skills. You can ask a few questions in a concerned nice way and see if the pieces fall into place. Try asking personal questions especially name and address, don’t forget they have yours. You are in essence both the Vaad investigator and the comforter at once. If you are satisfied that the need is legitimate, be generous with your gift.