That deal sounds really stupid. I'm surprised it works. They want to buy something and you PAY? What a Bad Start! HA HA!!!!
Why should you do anything? They don't have the time or money so it is up to you to "Help"? They have to pay their "friend" but can't, so you should! They don't have the time, or means but their needy friend does...for a fee? HA HA
Don't ever trust anybody. Always substitute "Aquaintence" or "Associate" for "Friend", it is a better definition. Heck, one is lucky if their wife is a "Friend"! This is basic common sense, but there is a real lack of that going around these days it seems. The fact that this scam works is a credit to P.T. Barnum!