Would the community be better off if they were made aware that a member claimed to be off doing charity work (for roughly 6 plus months) when they were actually not? Does that not take away from those that truly do good work?
It's like saying an online community is different from a face to face community when it comes to a pathological liar amongst them. It's not unheard of for a 'harmless' lie to eventually lead to harmful ones (perhaps more-so online). Lets take your example:
A player comes back to the game after six months. Other players recognize him and ask what he's been up to.
"I've been helping the earthquake victims of Blandistan."
"Wow, dude! You're a good soul!"
"Shucks, weren't nuthin'."
A couple of weeks later someone asks him about his volunteer work and if he'll be going back.
"Well, I'm still involved. I've still got contacts and we're trying to round up more supplies. I don't have the personal funds to go back just yet."
"Oh, I wish I could go. Work and family prevents me. Is there a source where I could donate so you can go back?"
Oddly enough, a week later there is. A website where you can donate to send whats-his-face back to Blandistan.
When it blows up and is revealed for what it is, you bet it harmed legit charities. First, the money given can't be 're-given.' Secondly, it undermines anything legitimate.
Now, lies don't
always lead to such. But lies, themselves, are insulting once the truth is out. And a really
bad lie? Well, may everyone be sharp enough to see it for what it is.
Nobody should be given a free pass on lies, stupid or otherwise. And any such lie is doubly stupid amongst a group of intelligent skeptics.
So if you're attempting to defend liars in the community, that's being a 'Devil's Advocate' that's not worth your time (or ours).
