It's the cruelty of it that is upsetting me. It sounds like they are exploiting people using a sick baby sob story. I imagine it's upsetting to you too, seeing your friend being sucked in. Especially given your history. That's part of what is triggering me.

I still hope it's just miscommunication but it sounds dodgy. I wonder if they are scamming money and whether the police should be notified.