For the rest of us who are still puzzled at why this merits cheering or even any attention for that matter, this case and the response generated from the community - almost at will and on demand - illustrates the power of social proof.

One might even say, ill-congealed social proof.

At any rate, with little more than a website (incidentally hawking domain names to the tune of $100,000 a pop) and a plea (albeit a sizable karma locker to go with it), you've just witnessed how a feat of this order, spanning continents, could be nicely dusted up.

Before I further explore the sheer naivete of the intentions of HNers involved in this effort, I just want to note that my motives are nothing but pure. I have very little interest in the actual veracity of what is claimed so far. Just the array of potential outcomes(good or bad)that can spring in these scenarios. All other facts kept constant, there is nothing claimed so far that could obviate even some chances of foul play.

Without revealing a single identifying detail pertaining to the case, this Jacques Mattheij has convinced you that you should dutifully aid him in -- for all intents and purposes -- this illusory junket.

He has even name dropped PG in there some where although PG hasn't chimed in yet. [ I'm assuming that none of you have checked with PG to corroborate what's been claimed here with the exception of those chosen few who claim to be in the know including this 'btilly' and 'swombat' fellows. ]

Here:

  We all at HN, have no idea what the case is.

  No, you are wrong in that. There are a few HN'ers that 
  know the real identity and some of the details behind this
  (pg for one). And I'm pretty sure they'd agree that
  keeping her identity a secret is of paramount importance
  with respect to her safety.

How PG would vouch for a person without coming into direct familiarity with the facts himself, is an entirely different batch of cans we needn't open here.

The only consolation here is that this person (or others involved in this case) haven't sought any coin, just some yellow-page help. This might only be a consolation if you value your coin more than having your trust violated.

From the looks of it, nothing more will come of this.

We live in an age of elaborate human-powered ornithopter hoaxes [0], hipster grifters[1] and name-dropping hucksters[2] all plying their trades and advancing their conquests, largely online.

The old adage is increasingly relevant: "Look Around the Poker Table; If You Can’t See the Sucker, You’re It."

Be keen, not just singly but in herds as well.

At least don't be derisive of those who want to use their dose of circumspection. HN has been increasingly getting a lot less accommodating of the anti-herd view, even when that view is rationally argued.

[0] http://gizmodo.com/5894904/man-flies-like-a-bird-flapping-hi...

[1] http://gawker.com/5212970/meet-kari-ferrell-criminally-hipst...

[2] http://betabeat.com/2012/08/shirley-hornstein-shirls-credit-...