If there is evidence that the intent is malicious, then the new member will get tagged. This happened to me a few days ago with someone giving me 50 merit points and insinuating that I might have bought it from them. They have subsequently received a negative rating from me.
I am not talking of members like you. Talking of new members up to Member rank or so. I am sure there accounts are also precious for them. What evidence can they give ?
Evidence of what? For someone to get neg. rated for the mentioned reason, the following is required:
1) Someone to abuse it, e.g. sending merit to your enemy.
2) Someone to notice and report it.
3) Someone(s) to evaluate it.
4) Someone to act upon it.
Somewhere down the line, somebody is either going to notice: a) That the member sending the merit points is dishonest. b) That the report (evidence) isn't sufficient for a tag.