“You Know That Was A Scam Right?” People Share Different Ways They Get ‘Scammed’ In Stores
If you take a good look around, you’ll find something to smile about. But we have something that’ll make you grin like an idiot. Tumblr users have started a thread, sharing random acts of kindness they were part of, and oh my fireworks will they make you step into 2019 with the right attitude. The stories below prove that if you choose trust instead of scepticism, good things happen. Most of them are about helping someone who’s a couple of bucks short at the store, but if you can buy them happiness, why wouldn’t you? (Facebook cover image: Jason Cartwright)
Others had a lot to say on the topic as well
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Share on FacebookThese young teenagers, four of them, three got a train ticket and the fourth was short. While they were standing there in front of the machine wondering what to do, other people that were waiting just walked past and shook their head because they wanted to use the machine and went to the other one. No way was I letting this kid walk home or chance a 200 dollar fine for the sake of a few bucks. I walked up, tapped her on the shoulder and gave her the money and walked off. As I was walking, I heard a chorus of teenage voices shout WE LOVE YOU! That was all the thanks and appreciation needed. My day was good after that.
I'm not going to lie, I was trying to buy time once. My rent check takes a few days to go though and I didn't have a dime left other then that, but , I knew I was getting paid the next day. So I went to get groceries for us and when I went to pay my card was declined....I thought the first time in months it went through quicker than 7 days UGHHH !! I've never been in that situation before and my face got red and I started to get dizzy and sweaty and apologized profusely as the cashier gave me the look of annoyance and disgust. Line was piling up. I said I'm really sorry I have to let this go and can't pay.....The woman behind me said " good, finally get out of here!" Yes, literally yelling it. I heard snickers as I walked away...I was mortified! A few weeks later a guy in front of me had his card declined, I offered to pay for it, smiled and said " please just help the next person you see in your shoes" promised me he would after thanking me a million times. BE KIND!!!!!!
Okay what f'ing grocery store is that rude
Load More Replies...A scam? Is that how we perceive people in need now? I've been there, recently. Having your card declined when you've got hungry mouths at home, is both frightening and humiliating. Even though I had no one help in my situation, Thank God for those that do.
There really are scammers out there, and these are the people ruining it for everyone that really is in need, because they raise distrust and resentment in people. I once worked at a mid range Italian restaurant, and a lady called up and placed an order with my boss for a bunch of lasagna and chicken fingers. When my boss gave her the total, she started a weeping complaint to him about how she can't afford that and she has two kids at home that she can't afford to feed, blah blah (if the story is true, she has no business calling our store and ordering $16 lasagnes). My manager gives in and tells her he will slip her some extra chicken fingers and find an extra couple pieces of lasagne and cover it with extra sauce. So the lady shows up in a brand new $75,000+ Cadillac SUV, and my manager wants to hand over the order himself to show his face. She doesn't get out of the car, and doesn't even end her cell phone conversation or make eye contact to take the food.
Load More Replies...Last year I had to travel to another city, a 5 hour bus ride. I'm disabled, but not noticeably to people who don't know me. I was exhausted. It was about 35degrees C which is a lot. I got off the bus and there was a big political rally, the streets packed, you could hardly move. I hadn't eaten all day. So the first thing I did after this 5 hour journey was try and find a shop to get something to eat and some water. It was a cafe. Massive queue. I was leaning on the side to stand up, dripping in sweat and probably bright red, thought I was going to pass out. Got to the till and my card got declined for ice water and a biscuit. The woman behind the till Wouldn't even let me have tap water for free. The gentleman in the queue behind me not only payed for my water and biscuit but also got me a fizzy drink with sugar and a piece of cake, and helped me to a table to sit down. I was not scamming him. I cried with relief. I will never forget it, and I pay it forward every opportunity I get
It’s illegal for a cafe or bar to refuse to give tap water.
Load More Replies...You want to know what the real problem is? Right? We have the resources, worldwide, to end poverty, and end suffering, in first world, and third world countries. But, all the money is distributed unequally. So, taxes we pay go to fund the governing bodies and their expensive holidays, while the poor suffer, and suffer. And jobs aren't easy to come by, most people who WANT to work, actually WANT to work. There is so much f****d up in this world.
Agreed. It's beyond belief, to be honest, so you just have to look at the smaller picture to make sense of life and keep hope alive. Because, honestly, the human race and our cultural/societal systems are broken.
Load More Replies...I spent my last $30 paying for a friends petrol once because she said she had no money. She had a new baby and a toddler and needed a working car. When we got back to her place she said she had to duck down to the shops, she cane back with a packet of cigarettes.. she hadn't smoked since falling pregnant and even then wasn't a full time smoker.. apparently she just 'felt like a smoke'. I was scammed and so pissed off. TL:DR Don't lie to me about having no money for petrol then go buy cigarettes.
Man, I'm sorry that happened to you, I hope it hasn't spoiled your faith in humanity or made you bitter. No mater what she did, your actions were good, generous and kind hearted.
Load More Replies...I would rather give a scammer some money than deny someone who really needed it on the possibility that it's a scam.
Yeah that like arresting the whole town because one is a criminal, the majority are truly in need but a few bad apples can ruin it for everybody!
Load More Replies...I had a similar thing at the vet - I had a huge bill for my gatto and lacked around 10 bucks. A nice girl paid it for me seeing that I struggled hard - my cat is everything to me and I rather not eat than see him or her being sick. Couldn't thank her enough. Fast forward I paid a similar amount for an elder guy and his doggo. Felt double good. If more people were nicer and understanding, we'd live in a way better place.
Once gave my hat, scarf and mittens to some lady at a bus stop because it was 10 pm on an abnormally cold (even for Canada) night and I was heading to work - I wouldn't need them and she was so cold (no coat even) it was painful to watch. Just handed them to her as my bus arrived and walked away. The next day, went to Walmart and was short about $50, so I took out the laundry detergent and other cleaning supplies, paid the cashier and headed to McDonalds for a coffee. Before I reached McDonalds, someone tapped me on the shoulder and when I turned around, she handed me a bag with all the stuff I had taken out of my basket at the cash. She said Merry Christmas and walked away
My dad always said to help anyone you can. If they are scamming you, shame on them (Karma will get them) but if you have the ability to help and don't shame on you! I have remembered that all my life and help anyone, any time I can. Since my dad has passed away, I also save the money that I would spend on him for Fathers' Day, Birthday, Christmas and more that I would spend on him randomly and spend it on helping people as a way to let my dad's legacy live on. I have had many people break down in tears of appreciation for the help I have given.
Clearly your dad had a sound set of morals and values. He not only passed those invaluable traits on to you, but you learned them & you live by them by actually putting them to use. It used to be, in the not too distant past, that nearly everyone abided by those standards. I find it incredibly frustrating, and a bit heartbreaking, that people have become so self-absorbed. How sad is it that we now have to commend someone for doing the right, and proper, actions by one another? I have to tell you that I got misty-eyed when I read your comment. You have devised a plan to honor your father in the most beautiful manner. I believe that wherever he is, he is beaming with pride for you. Not only does your love for him shine brilliantly, you have enough respect in your heart for your fellow people. You haven't let the one's who don't have a conscience cloud your hope that people have inherently good hearts. Thank you for sharing your story of honor and integrity.
Load More Replies...I guess this shows how the scammers have affected the way people think. Thinking: "This is a person in need and I can help." has turned into: "This is a person that tries to scam me for a few dollars and I'm not having it." Let 2019 be a turning point. I wish you all a marvellous 2019.
we have a lot of homeless vets downtown. bought one lunch from the mall food court because the mall owner had kicked out mcdonalds (the only place that gave vets free coffee), and people were running from him when he asked for their leftovers. i don't feel scammed at all. i fed someone hungry like my italian family has always told us to. mission accomplished.
I love doing this. Right before my husband and I left home to escape hurricane Florence, we went to the nearby McDonald's for breakfast before heading out of town. The drive thru was open but the main restaurant was locked up as they prepared for the coming hurricane. I saw a man that regulars the bus nearby and asked him what he wanted. "I just need a chicken biscuit and a small Sprite." I got him two chicken biscuits and a large Sprite. When I handed him his order...he asked what he owed me. I told him to keep the money and to find a secure place to stay and be safe. I said "I see you at that bus stop almost everyday. If I didn't see you there after the hurricane, that would break my heart." He said thank you and hopped the bus. After we returned home post-hurricane, every time I pass the bus stop, he's there waving at me!
Load More Replies...The saddest thing is that we freak out over helping poor people, but don't blink at corporate welfare. A real shame.
I guess the thinking is that since their are rich a deserve it more. Poverty seems to be seen as a moral failing.
Load More Replies...There's a homeless encampment close to my local Vons. Recently I stopped in to get a bag of cat food. A guy was pricing small bags of dog food. He ended up in line right in front of me. He didn't have enough change. He put the bag down and left the store. He was standing out front when I came out. I told him I'd buy his dog food. He beamed and scurried back in the store. I waited at the register. To my surprise and without my permission, he came back with a giant bag of dog food. It was going to be more expensive than what I'd spent on my own pet. I started to rankle and then I thought, what the heck and paid for it. He was so happy, thanked me repeatedly and dashed out of the store. As I approached my car I saw him on the side of the store untying his dog from the place it had been leashed. As he and the dog headed out toward the encampment I heard him proclaim, "Look, girl, you'll be able to eat for a whole month!" Scam or no I was just happy to help.
He may not have had the social graces to ask you if he could get the big bag, but given that he had the dog, I would say that it wasn't a scam at all. Thank you for having the integrity, respect and heart to do the right thing by a fellow human...and his dog.
Load More Replies...Once a homeless man in Washington DC was playing some sort of instrument (I don't know what it is, sorry) A man walked up and put a dollar in the homeless man's hat and took money out at the same time. He probably assumed I didn't notice. So I, (rather stupidly) chased him down the street yelling at him to give the money back. He gave the money back to the homeless man and I was thanked.
This is appalling. Well done you !!! Sometimes it is an action that helps so much. It doesn't have to be money to help someone, just a recognition of fairness.
Load More Replies...Three weeks ago, right before xmas, my mom & I were in the drive-thru at McD's. When we got to the 1st window to pay, the employee told us the car in front of us paid for our order. It was the 1st time someone ever 'paid-it-forward' for either of us. Our order was only something like $3.88 because I only ordered a $1 drink, and mom had a biscuit. So we decided to pay it forward for the person behind us-- we were so tickled at finally having experienced the pay-it-forward feeling & being able to do the same for someone else. We joked, "But what if the car behind us has like 2 adults & 5 kids?! LOL!!" But we didn't care, we did it anyways, & it turns out, their order was only $3.78, 10 cents less than what ours was! We were shocked and thrilled, and surprised at how low it was. We pulled off to leave and finally saw the person in the car behind us was just 1 person, not 7, haha, & they caught up to us and thanked us; it was his 1st p-i-f experience too. Happy New Year!
I paid for a a couple of hotdogs for a man in front of a quick stop place. He had asked me for a dime. The cashier said he'd scanned me. I said so what. God will straighten it out some day. As I left the man was crouched by the door stuffing his face with a dog. I handed him napkins on my way by. I heard a few days later that man had frozen to death in a unheated trailer home behind the store. :'(
At least he had some food and some kindness in his last days. Perhaps the only kindness in a long time.
Load More Replies...Once, I was in an ATM bank lobby waiting the rain to stop... it was pouring, but seriously, it was raining HARD, so much that I didn't wanted to go out with that rain and high winds... so, a taxi stops in front of the bank and a girl comes down and into the lobby, she tries to take cash out of the ATM and the power goes down before she could finish her transaction... I could see that she was desperate and she was going back and forth from the taxi to the ATM waiting for the power to come back... I'm a technician and I know how the ATM's work so I told her that even if the power came back, she wouldn't be able to retrieve her card and she started to freak out because she didn't have money to pay the taxi... so I said to her that I would give her the money and she could come back the next day to pay me back... at first, she didn't even wanted to hear it, she said "what if I don't come back?"...
...to which I replied "If you come back tomorrow, I will have my money back, if you don't, I will be someone who helped someone in need and you will be someone who took advantage of me, either way, I'm good"... so, she took the money with the promise she will be back the next day first thing in the morning, but the next morning I was late and by the time I arrived she already had been ther and left me an envelope with twice the money I gave her and her phone number... so I called her and ge went out for pizzas that night... she was super cool...
Load More Replies...I sent money to a girl in the US who said she was desperate and had no food. I get a disability pension so could only send like $40 AUD. I was talking on a chat group later on and someone in the US said I'm really gullible. I'd rather be me and believe in people rather than always seeing things as a scam. I have days where I can't buy food until my next pension but I would never ask for help because people are too mean. I'd rather avoid being accused of lying and just go hungry.... It's a sad world sometimes but I hope people keep doing good.
I was at a local tire shop when I overheard a conversation between the owner and an elderly gentleman. He needed four tires but could only come up with enough money for three. I quietly went over after the gentleman had sat down to wait and told the owner to put the fourth tire on my bill and to say nothing. My thought was that I only hope someone repays the favor if my own family members were to be in the same situation.
I would rather be scammed than refuse to help someone in need. I believe in people first and foremost..
It is so embarrassing to have your card declined at the grocery store. I have both purchased food and gas for people as well as had other people gift things to me when I was in need. So what if this is a scam? Clearly the person needs food or else they wouldn’t be doing this. And if it’s not a scam, you just help somebody out of a very embarrassing situation.
I have worked on a grocery store checkout in the past and have felt so sorry for those who's cards were declined - obviously nothing I could do about it. Never had a situation where someone in front of me in the queue had the same problem or didnt have enough cash. I like to think that if I could afford it I would help out someone obviously in real need of the items - just a bit of basic food/ baby stuff etc. I wouldnt pay for a whole trolley laden with stuff more expensive than I would buy for myself. If the woman in front of me couldnt pay for her £20 moisturiser I wouldnt do it. £20 of food however...
Load More Replies...Reading through the comments below had me fighting off the DOCN's (Damned Onion Chopping Ninjas) but it reminded me of an old anti-death penalty/pro-justice slogan: "Better that 100 guilty men get set free than a single innocent man be put to death." Likewise, it's better that we sometimes get scammed than someone who truly needs it goes hungry.
I was at the pharmacy and there was a woman, probably in her eighties in front of me. The pharmacist was trying to help her figure out which medication she could do without because she couldn't afford all of them. The woman made her choice and went sat down to wait for her prescription to be filled. I looked at my, then, husband and asked if I should help her. He frowned a little and shook his head. When I got to the pharmacist I asked how much the woman needed for the rest of her medication. the Pharmacist said about 14 dollars. I paid for three months worth for the woman and the pharmacist started crying. Then I started crying, I looked at my husband and he seemed annoyed.
Happy he's your "my, then, husband" , well done, all of it!
Load More Replies...I know no one may ever see this post becuase it will end up at the bottom of a long list of wonderful comments....but it is discussions like this that make me love this site. With all the hate on the Internet, it’s so nice to see empathy and caring.
People should help each other more often. Would make for a better world.
Oh course they are scammers out there. But use your own judgment. You are the one that decides to help that person or not and shouldnt be "told off" or mocked which ever decision you make. I always gave the same homeless guy i saw every weekend, a few quid. He would go right into a local pub. My friends would laugh as if i had been "scammed". But i knew from the bar staff that he would buy a drink and sit in the corner of the pub as a paying customer and he would be warm, talk to others and feel "normal" for a while. He would stretch out his drink for as long as he could, sometimes 2 hours nursing a pint. If my few pounds got this guy some little pleasure out of life before he had to face a cold night in a doorway, then he is more than welcome to it. i always just wish i could have done more for him.
I've almost always been on the receiving end of generosity, for which I am very thankful. Raising a family of 6 with a disabled husband on about $22,000USD/year is very hard. This past summer I was very happy to be able to buy $5 of gas for a couple who seemed stranded in the parking lot. It only amounted to about a gallon and a half, but at least it was something. :)
In one week before Christmas, I paid for two young girls at a Dollar Tree store on two separate visits whose cards were being refused. One was a paltry three dollars and the other was for thirteen dollars. At a grocery store, I watched while a woman looking at a piece of meat, pulled out her cash and decided she didn't have enough money for the meat. I gave her twenty dollars to buy the meat. She declined over and over again until I forced her to take the money saying she would screw up my holiday spirit if she turned me down. She was deeply grateful. If any of these were scams, makes no difference to me. I thoroughly enjoyed the action.
Thanks for this! I always am so torn on what I'm supposed to do when I see someone who seems to need help. I know I've been scammed by some but I also know I've helped others. I forgot my wallet once and stopped at my bank branch to see if I could withdraw $10 for lunch just using my work ID. I pretty much knew they couldn't do the transaction, the lady behind me offered to give me $10. I was very grateful but declined a day without lunch was not a big deal but she made me smile
My personal take on this subject is this: Even if it's a scam, maybe the person will come around, and then help people in need later to redeem themselves because they actually see that there's still good within people's hearts!
I've seen the folks on the street who ask for money "for food" and most of the time the money is used for booze or drugs but I came upon a woman in the parking lot of a shopping area with a diner I was going to who asked me for money for food and I asked her if I could just by some for her. She immediately said yes and the look in her eyes was one of relief. She didn't want to go inside so I bought something for her and myself and brought it out to her. i asked her if I could join her. She didn't mind. The way she dug into that food made me think she probably had not eaten for a couple of days. We talked some while we ate and the story she told me broke my heart. She had some real tough turns that had basically pulled the rug out from under her. If she was bullshitting me, so be it, but I couldn't just walk past her that day.
I was in an antique centre in Lewes, East Sussex and a guy came in asking for work as he had no money. They told him that the boss wasn't in and they couldn't help in. I scooted out after him (I'm in an electric wheelchair) and gave him £10 - he could have been begging - or thieving - but he wasn't he was asking for work.
My point of view in this matter is: would you rather have the feeling that u have been scammed for $20 or have the feeling u could help someone in need but didn't.
Meh, if an act of kindness costs me a few dollars and ends up being a scam, so what? The scammer is the one that has to live with himself or herself.
I give to the homeless, if they spend it on smokes or booze so what. that's what i was going to spend it on.
Years ago, before overhead readers could read the "Good2Go" sticker in your windshield, I had a friend who ALWAYS paid for himself AND the car behind him at the toll booth. I don't know why he did but you never know what kind of day the person behind you is having.
It happened to me - I was helped when I had no money. Now I pay it forward whenever I can.
Once when my mother and I were out for a night walk with a dog, a woman came up to us and asked my mother for some money. She said that she had two children, one of which was only a few weeks old and didn't have any money. We didn't have anything on us at the time, so we told her sorry and we left. As we were walking away we reconsidered and ran back to her. My mother said that we could take her in our car and buy her some food before dropping her off at home. In the car, she told a sad story about how hard her life was. It was a very sad story and she looked as if she had been taking drugs at some point. We don't know if what she told us was true or not and suspected it was a scam. But we bought her a loaf of bread, milk, cans of soup and some other things. If it wasn't a scam, she and her kids got the food they needed. If it was just cheating us out of money, it was only around $20 and she would have food for a few days.
I had a young girl in front of me at the dollar store trying to buy some feminine pads. She only had ten bucks. The cashier rung it up and said $3.21. The girl looked at the ten for a moment confused. I asked if everything is ok. She said she was trying to figure out if she bought these if she'd have enough for gas to get home (3 hours away). I said "Buy the pads and meet me at the gas station across the parking lot." She had a little Honda. I filled her tank and gave her a few bucks to get something to eat on the way. She wanted me to give her my address so her boyfriend could send the money back to me when he got paid. I said "forget it..just help someone else someday when you see them in the same situation." I'm always willing to help when I can.
There's a chap begging outside our local Lidl, young chap, looks like he may have made some poor life choices but...he is always incredibly polite, cheerful and doesn't actually ask for stuff... and that's why I buy stuff for him - even if he is scamming he is so professional about it that I think he's earnt it.
Don't want to be the guy sitting there judging whether or not someone is lying... I'd rather be the guy who heard that someone needs help and stepped up.
I have often pitched in a few bucks here and there for people who were short but one time I was behind a woman who's card would not work, she looked down on her luck and told the casher she needed it for her kids waiting at home.I was about to pay the $20 but noticed she had candy, a magazine,chips, pop and baby cereal. I offered to pay for the cereal and she got pissed off and walked out of the store lighting a cig on the way. oh well, I tried.
If only more people were like this. The world is a terrible, terrible place, but please don't let it turn you so cynical that you think someone not being able to pay for groceries is always a scam.
My husband will always go out of his way to help someone, from buying lunch or groceries or whatever. This one time we were actually scammed. This lady posted on FB that she didn't have enough money for diapers or wipes for her baby since she didn't get paid yet and was asking for donations. So he convinced me to go with him to Walmart at 10 pm to buy this lady some diapers and wipes for her kid. I was very skeptical that this was real. She meets us there along with her husband I guess and we hand off the items we bought. ($50 worth) They didn't smile or anything and just said thanks and left. Afterwards I asked him how he felt about being duped and he goes " Well I'm sad that they would go so far but if there really was a kid in need then I'm happy to be of some help."
When I was in Istanbul, I always kept spare change loose in my pocket for the beggars. (My actual wallet was kept in a travel pouch under my clothing, or in a pocket closed with a safety pin, because of pickpockets.) I routinely gave the equivalent of US $.50, which could buy a lot in Istanbul in 1993. Some of the locals berated me, saying I was falling victim to scammers. I said that on the Day of Judgment, I would rather be laughed at for being a fool than punished for ignoring a person in need.
I was in a pharmacy awaiting my prescription and saw a man at the counter pulling out his Medicare and medical card which did not pay for the medication he needed to purchase. Walking to the counter, I ask what the medication was for he told me he had throat cancer in a raspy voice and needed the antibiotics for an infection. Told him Merry Christmas and swiped my debit card to pay the 25 dollars, he gave me his name phone address and thanked my ten times. God fixed my account as I had forgotten there was a bill due, and no overdraft fee was put on my account. I will still feed anyone that is hungry while eating but will not give money.
Been on both sides too, and it never hurts to help. Like the man says about his grandpa, choosing not to help if you can says something about your character. There have have been times when I haven't helped someone and those still torture me.
I've given out bus tickets several times to people who didn't have the fare. The fare is only $1.85. I know there are people who would pull a scam, asking several people for cash for the bus, then spend the money on liquor. That's why I only give out tickets. I don't have much to give, but I try to do what I can.
I went to buy produce at a store (Grower's Direct) and I didn't have an cash on me. This was my first time going to this store so I was unaware they had a policy of not accepting credit cards below a $5 charge. I only needed a few onions and some avocados which happened to be below the $5 store policy for accepting credit cards. The person behind me offered to pick it up, but I was so flustered and wanted to get out of there fast, I just said no thank you. I'll just get this somewhere else that accepts credit cards. Thank you anyways. Very embarrassing.
I think these days it's hard to tell if a person is really in need, with all that is happening with the scams. I used to feel pity for the people who stand at the traffic lights begging for money. I then heard a conversation between a person who begs for a money and his friend. It went like "why would I bother looking for job when I can just stand here and wait for people to give me money and I make more than some of them in a day"? I was shocked. I heard a second person who also begged for money talking to a long lost relative who was asking him why he doesn't go home instead of begging for money. He said "why would I go home where I will have to work and help around the home? I make money, I eat and I drink. I am happy here I am not going home".
Another one I was leaving a grocery store when an older woman approached me asking for money for a taxi because someone mugged her and she wanted to go home. I gave her the money and felt good that I could be of help. When I was telling a friend he said he knows the woman. She changes positions but always has the same story about needing money for taxi. I have quite a list of people that tried to scam for money. I am a very kind and caring person who hates it when another person is in a bad situation. I always tried to help and it was something coming from the heart, not expecting anything in return. But because of what I experienced and what I heard, I constantly battle with my mind and heart about helping just about anyone. It is bad. I think I should help people though because sometimes you can't tell if a person is really in need. I will try to help where I can, if I so happen to encounter a scammer, that will be between them and God. I will not be bothered or affected by it.
Load More Replies...I LOVED what the grandfather said to his grandchild about that says "something about HIS character, what I choose yo do says a lot about MINE." '
Well if you are always looking for scammers, you will certainly find them. So be it. I dont give money, but I do find a way to help people by being a little bit nosy and a bit fast on the draw when it comes to that kind of thing. If someone with 25 bucks worth of bread, milk, and deodorant then fine, I will be the fool here. But if there is even a slight chance some hungry person will get what they need that day...I will take it.
If you choose to help others with what extra you have, then that is your choice and good on you. We don't help out others and ask where our "help" is going toward. We either choose to do so or we do not
i think it's the idea of thinking that everything is a scam and everyone is out to get you is how we got into the place this world is today. no one trusts anyone and no one wants to help anyone. as long as they get theirs, they don't care. it's a shame. it's not how i was raised.
it's nice to see that some people are not quite so jaded that they still have enough compassion to help someone in need. my feeling is the same as most of the commenters in the post--take the chance; what they choose to actually do with the money/items given is on them. i've done something from the heart, with no strings attached, no expectations of a 'return' on my investment. sometimes, people just need a hand to help them get back to where they need to be. and the pay-it-forward is always nice as well
I wish i had an opportunity like this to help someone in the checkout lane or somwehere
"Just do nice things for people sometimes" really hit me with feelings! There are scams yes there may be a lot of them... but we won't know when some people really need our help even with the smallest things and they will always be thankful for the help that we didn't hesitate to offer. People's intentions, whether it's good or bad, will always be rewarded accordingly.
One time I was leaving the grocery store and I saw this young looking girl going up to people and asking for money. Well she eventually comes up to my car and I roll down my window, she tells me her and her family need money to pay for groceries. (I found it weird she was by herself) but I gave her $20 cash. She then asked for more money. That's when I felt duped.
I helped a guy out once who was at the train station asking for help to get home, he seemed really genuine and said he was just short. I felt good about helping him.. until I saw him again a few days later selling the same story to someone else. :/ It's sad that there are people who will take advantage of the kindness of others.. so much so that we hesitate to help just in case we're avtually being taken advantage of. :/
WE have a guy in our town called Karl (real or not I don't know) always dressed nicely in a suit jacket etc... claims to have run out of gas and need a few bucks to get back home to the next semi-large town.... yep it's his running shtick... usually gets the out of towners and college students though....
Load More Replies...That's very sound advice. People simply need to evaluate the situation & listen to their intuition. Most of the time, if they do those two things, everything will be okay.
Load More Replies...In my own experience of donating to beggars, most were scams. I gave an actual ticket to a person asking for money to buy one and they immediately tried to sell it to someone nearby. I had someone ask for twenty dollars for a bus ticket to their hometown and then follow up by skiing me to buy them dinner, but that made their story fall apart because they were out of time if they wanted to take the bus that they mentioned at the beginning of their story. I have money to women with a "broken arm" looking for a room to stay the night in, but I ran into her a year later with the exact same story and same cast; when I called her out on it she vehemently denied having ever met me. I still give money to people but I'm more thorough in checking their stories first.
One day I walked into my local Meijers and I was getting groceries for the week for my family, and I had 40$. Well my math was off and I had $56 worth of groceries. When I had asked the cashier to just go ahead and take a few things off, she shook her head and applied $17 worth of discounts and coupons on and it took it to under $40! I started crying and thanked her. She was amazing! All she said was "Merry Christmas sweetheart." and sent me on my way. Anytime I have a chance I help. Back when I was serving, I had seen this guy walking around for a long time with his dog. One day I had made a LOT of tips, more than I needed, and I saw him trying to apply for a job at a steakhouse, the dog tied outside. She was a good dog, and I live in a not so great city so I stuck around and just watched to make sure nobody took off with her. When the guy finally came out, I walked up and handed him $40 for dog food and a meal for himself (face it, dog food is NOT cheap). He started crying
A couple of Christmas's ago I was at the store with my son (he was 7 or 8 at the time) and we were checking out and he wanted to know if we could go out to dinner and I told him not tonight as we were almost out of weekly money (we budget $200 a week for groceries and eating out). We are fairly well off and can certainly eat out more if we choose but we try not to break the bank as my husband and I were both raised in families without a lot of money. We were waiting to checkout when the lady in front of us pressed some money in my hand said Merry Christmas and quickly walked away.... She gave me $50... Obviously I payed it forward as soon as I was able to.
As a young single mother, I was in a downtown office of the department of motor vehicles. While waiting in line, I struck up a conversation with a total stranger. I did not mention that I was barely making ends meet, we didn't discuss finances at all. Out of the blue, is, "I've got too much money in my pocket! I want to share some of this with you." He gave me $40, which was a lot of money to me at the time. This was about 45 years after people had to berated me for giving spare change to beggars in Istanbul.
*4 or 5 years. Voice-to-text shows the correct words as I speak, then changes it as I continue.
Load More Replies...My college has a "no questions asked" store where students can get non-perishable food items and toiletries and stuff for free. There was a problem at work and I didn't get my paycheck so I literally had like $2 in my bank account. Because of this store and the people who donate to it, I could actually eat during exam week and get some toothpaste. I'm planning on donating items to the them the next chance I get.
Kindness and caring can be a good “ disease” to pass on! Better than being so jaded you are afraid of helping anyone.
Help niceness and kindness, can be contagious and one “ disease” you want people to catch and pass on!
It is really difficult to know who is a scammer. I used to give some coins for the people at the bus stops because they needed 'money to go home'. But too many times I noticed that those same people payed the bus ticked with a banknote or a travel card. Or they just walked to the nearest bar to buy beer.
I work at a vet clinic. We had a long time client whose dog was very sick and needed to be hospitalized. When they came to pick him up they tried to use their Care Credit card but it kept declining since we know the people well we were fine with doing a payment plan and trusting them to pay. When the receptionist came back to clear it with the doctor the next family in line quietly stepped up to our other receptionist paid their own bill and then the other families $500 bill then just walked out without anything but a quick smile to the family. We were all floored at the generousity. The original family came back a few days later and donated some money to our fund to help out financially strapped owners. It was an amazing thing to see.
My dad and sister are both the kind of people to dig into the car or their bags for cash to give to someone they see on the street. My sister phrased it best by saying "I'd rather give it to someone who doesn't need it than not give help to someone who does need it".
I was once in a huge waiting line at the store. It took about 50mins of listening of a bored man complaining about no other ash register being staffed. 'you stupid one ring and half the people are done'. Problem is there was some buns to gather from the oven, spilled yog in the diary line, and some boxes of items dropped in the middle of unpacking. So anyone could deduct all workers were unable to sit down. U derstaffed market etc. When I got to the happy end of my line, I looked at that dude who was at least twice older than me. People were getting annoyed at him, then started taking it out on cashier, and she did ring couple times even but there was nobody to respond. I politely STARED the man down while packing my shopping bags. He addressed it ' what are you looking at' I responded 'at an immature bored prick'. People laughed really hard and the cashier always smiles at me and says thank you angel when I show up.
We had are card eclined at walmart, not for food or anything but on black friday. we had never spent that much in one bill, especially there. so my mom has seen her friend, and asked for her to pay it. She said yes immediatly, and by the time she got back we thanked her so much for trying, but we had got the texts and stuff from the bank and got the stuff checked out. The lady at the cashier was the best though! If i remembered her name, i would tell she was so kind, when it declined twice in a row, she told us about black friday scams and maybe why it didn't work and did another customer while we sorted things out. after that, she asked the next customer to wait and let us finish or shopping. Im so grateful cause i got really worried cause i've never seen a card get denied and thought maybe we were broke, or someone got our creditcard info and used up a lot of money.
No random person ever came up and helped me when I have had financial problems like this. Maybe it's because I don't have kids.
I am a firm believer that if you help someone regardless if they are scamming you, you are doing what God calls all of us to do. If they scam me shame on them if I ignore helping someone shame on me. I usually will not give them money but I will buy them food or other things.
Helping someone in need is never wrong. But.....unfortunately , we now have an entire "industry" of fake homeless & fake panhandlers. This is a true story. We have a woman who is always begging outside our local mall. She always has her daughter, who is around 7 or 8, with her. 7 days a week, meaning this kid never goes to school. She sometimes has a baby as well. At precisely 5pm, she walks to a shiny gold Lexus and drives away. One of the ladies that works at Bevmo decided to follow her one day.....to a large two story house (at least a million dollar home,as that's the going rate). In the driveway was Cadillac Escalade. I don't know if this part is true, but apparently her husband forces her to panhandle. We also have this old guy in a wheelchair. . He sits in front of Safeway in that wheelchair, holding a sign that says he's a disabled homeless vet. He's not disabled, homeless or a vet.
If I get one of those computer scams, nothing will happen. "Fix your computer for 400 dollars" I'm like: I can buy a new one. I have like nothing on my hard disk. Plus I got malwarebytes
How many people clicked the link thinking they would learn some tricks on how not to get scammed and got a different life lesson instead? Wonderful post!
These young teenagers, four of them, three got a train ticket and the fourth was short. While they were standing there in front of the machine wondering what to do, other people that were waiting just walked past and shook their head because they wanted to use the machine and went to the other one. No way was I letting this kid walk home or chance a 200 dollar fine for the sake of a few bucks. I walked up, tapped her on the shoulder and gave her the money and walked off. As I was walking, I heard a chorus of teenage voices shout WE LOVE YOU! That was all the thanks and appreciation needed. My day was good after that.
I'm not going to lie, I was trying to buy time once. My rent check takes a few days to go though and I didn't have a dime left other then that, but , I knew I was getting paid the next day. So I went to get groceries for us and when I went to pay my card was declined....I thought the first time in months it went through quicker than 7 days UGHHH !! I've never been in that situation before and my face got red and I started to get dizzy and sweaty and apologized profusely as the cashier gave me the look of annoyance and disgust. Line was piling up. I said I'm really sorry I have to let this go and can't pay.....The woman behind me said " good, finally get out of here!" Yes, literally yelling it. I heard snickers as I walked away...I was mortified! A few weeks later a guy in front of me had his card declined, I offered to pay for it, smiled and said " please just help the next person you see in your shoes" promised me he would after thanking me a million times. BE KIND!!!!!!
Okay what f'ing grocery store is that rude
Load More Replies...A scam? Is that how we perceive people in need now? I've been there, recently. Having your card declined when you've got hungry mouths at home, is both frightening and humiliating. Even though I had no one help in my situation, Thank God for those that do.
There really are scammers out there, and these are the people ruining it for everyone that really is in need, because they raise distrust and resentment in people. I once worked at a mid range Italian restaurant, and a lady called up and placed an order with my boss for a bunch of lasagna and chicken fingers. When my boss gave her the total, she started a weeping complaint to him about how she can't afford that and she has two kids at home that she can't afford to feed, blah blah (if the story is true, she has no business calling our store and ordering $16 lasagnes). My manager gives in and tells her he will slip her some extra chicken fingers and find an extra couple pieces of lasagne and cover it with extra sauce. So the lady shows up in a brand new $75,000+ Cadillac SUV, and my manager wants to hand over the order himself to show his face. She doesn't get out of the car, and doesn't even end her cell phone conversation or make eye contact to take the food.
Load More Replies...Last year I had to travel to another city, a 5 hour bus ride. I'm disabled, but not noticeably to people who don't know me. I was exhausted. It was about 35degrees C which is a lot. I got off the bus and there was a big political rally, the streets packed, you could hardly move. I hadn't eaten all day. So the first thing I did after this 5 hour journey was try and find a shop to get something to eat and some water. It was a cafe. Massive queue. I was leaning on the side to stand up, dripping in sweat and probably bright red, thought I was going to pass out. Got to the till and my card got declined for ice water and a biscuit. The woman behind the till Wouldn't even let me have tap water for free. The gentleman in the queue behind me not only payed for my water and biscuit but also got me a fizzy drink with sugar and a piece of cake, and helped me to a table to sit down. I was not scamming him. I cried with relief. I will never forget it, and I pay it forward every opportunity I get
It’s illegal for a cafe or bar to refuse to give tap water.
Load More Replies...You want to know what the real problem is? Right? We have the resources, worldwide, to end poverty, and end suffering, in first world, and third world countries. But, all the money is distributed unequally. So, taxes we pay go to fund the governing bodies and their expensive holidays, while the poor suffer, and suffer. And jobs aren't easy to come by, most people who WANT to work, actually WANT to work. There is so much f****d up in this world.
Agreed. It's beyond belief, to be honest, so you just have to look at the smaller picture to make sense of life and keep hope alive. Because, honestly, the human race and our cultural/societal systems are broken.
Load More Replies...I spent my last $30 paying for a friends petrol once because she said she had no money. She had a new baby and a toddler and needed a working car. When we got back to her place she said she had to duck down to the shops, she cane back with a packet of cigarettes.. she hadn't smoked since falling pregnant and even then wasn't a full time smoker.. apparently she just 'felt like a smoke'. I was scammed and so pissed off. TL:DR Don't lie to me about having no money for petrol then go buy cigarettes.
Man, I'm sorry that happened to you, I hope it hasn't spoiled your faith in humanity or made you bitter. No mater what she did, your actions were good, generous and kind hearted.
Load More Replies...I would rather give a scammer some money than deny someone who really needed it on the possibility that it's a scam.
Yeah that like arresting the whole town because one is a criminal, the majority are truly in need but a few bad apples can ruin it for everybody!
Load More Replies...I had a similar thing at the vet - I had a huge bill for my gatto and lacked around 10 bucks. A nice girl paid it for me seeing that I struggled hard - my cat is everything to me and I rather not eat than see him or her being sick. Couldn't thank her enough. Fast forward I paid a similar amount for an elder guy and his doggo. Felt double good. If more people were nicer and understanding, we'd live in a way better place.
Once gave my hat, scarf and mittens to some lady at a bus stop because it was 10 pm on an abnormally cold (even for Canada) night and I was heading to work - I wouldn't need them and she was so cold (no coat even) it was painful to watch. Just handed them to her as my bus arrived and walked away. The next day, went to Walmart and was short about $50, so I took out the laundry detergent and other cleaning supplies, paid the cashier and headed to McDonalds for a coffee. Before I reached McDonalds, someone tapped me on the shoulder and when I turned around, she handed me a bag with all the stuff I had taken out of my basket at the cash. She said Merry Christmas and walked away
My dad always said to help anyone you can. If they are scamming you, shame on them (Karma will get them) but if you have the ability to help and don't shame on you! I have remembered that all my life and help anyone, any time I can. Since my dad has passed away, I also save the money that I would spend on him for Fathers' Day, Birthday, Christmas and more that I would spend on him randomly and spend it on helping people as a way to let my dad's legacy live on. I have had many people break down in tears of appreciation for the help I have given.
Clearly your dad had a sound set of morals and values. He not only passed those invaluable traits on to you, but you learned them & you live by them by actually putting them to use. It used to be, in the not too distant past, that nearly everyone abided by those standards. I find it incredibly frustrating, and a bit heartbreaking, that people have become so self-absorbed. How sad is it that we now have to commend someone for doing the right, and proper, actions by one another? I have to tell you that I got misty-eyed when I read your comment. You have devised a plan to honor your father in the most beautiful manner. I believe that wherever he is, he is beaming with pride for you. Not only does your love for him shine brilliantly, you have enough respect in your heart for your fellow people. You haven't let the one's who don't have a conscience cloud your hope that people have inherently good hearts. Thank you for sharing your story of honor and integrity.
Load More Replies...I guess this shows how the scammers have affected the way people think. Thinking: "This is a person in need and I can help." has turned into: "This is a person that tries to scam me for a few dollars and I'm not having it." Let 2019 be a turning point. I wish you all a marvellous 2019.
we have a lot of homeless vets downtown. bought one lunch from the mall food court because the mall owner had kicked out mcdonalds (the only place that gave vets free coffee), and people were running from him when he asked for their leftovers. i don't feel scammed at all. i fed someone hungry like my italian family has always told us to. mission accomplished.
I love doing this. Right before my husband and I left home to escape hurricane Florence, we went to the nearby McDonald's for breakfast before heading out of town. The drive thru was open but the main restaurant was locked up as they prepared for the coming hurricane. I saw a man that regulars the bus nearby and asked him what he wanted. "I just need a chicken biscuit and a small Sprite." I got him two chicken biscuits and a large Sprite. When I handed him his order...he asked what he owed me. I told him to keep the money and to find a secure place to stay and be safe. I said "I see you at that bus stop almost everyday. If I didn't see you there after the hurricane, that would break my heart." He said thank you and hopped the bus. After we returned home post-hurricane, every time I pass the bus stop, he's there waving at me!
Load More Replies...The saddest thing is that we freak out over helping poor people, but don't blink at corporate welfare. A real shame.
I guess the thinking is that since their are rich a deserve it more. Poverty seems to be seen as a moral failing.
Load More Replies...There's a homeless encampment close to my local Vons. Recently I stopped in to get a bag of cat food. A guy was pricing small bags of dog food. He ended up in line right in front of me. He didn't have enough change. He put the bag down and left the store. He was standing out front when I came out. I told him I'd buy his dog food. He beamed and scurried back in the store. I waited at the register. To my surprise and without my permission, he came back with a giant bag of dog food. It was going to be more expensive than what I'd spent on my own pet. I started to rankle and then I thought, what the heck and paid for it. He was so happy, thanked me repeatedly and dashed out of the store. As I approached my car I saw him on the side of the store untying his dog from the place it had been leashed. As he and the dog headed out toward the encampment I heard him proclaim, "Look, girl, you'll be able to eat for a whole month!" Scam or no I was just happy to help.
He may not have had the social graces to ask you if he could get the big bag, but given that he had the dog, I would say that it wasn't a scam at all. Thank you for having the integrity, respect and heart to do the right thing by a fellow human...and his dog.
Load More Replies...Once a homeless man in Washington DC was playing some sort of instrument (I don't know what it is, sorry) A man walked up and put a dollar in the homeless man's hat and took money out at the same time. He probably assumed I didn't notice. So I, (rather stupidly) chased him down the street yelling at him to give the money back. He gave the money back to the homeless man and I was thanked.
This is appalling. Well done you !!! Sometimes it is an action that helps so much. It doesn't have to be money to help someone, just a recognition of fairness.
Load More Replies...Three weeks ago, right before xmas, my mom & I were in the drive-thru at McD's. When we got to the 1st window to pay, the employee told us the car in front of us paid for our order. It was the 1st time someone ever 'paid-it-forward' for either of us. Our order was only something like $3.88 because I only ordered a $1 drink, and mom had a biscuit. So we decided to pay it forward for the person behind us-- we were so tickled at finally having experienced the pay-it-forward feeling & being able to do the same for someone else. We joked, "But what if the car behind us has like 2 adults & 5 kids?! LOL!!" But we didn't care, we did it anyways, & it turns out, their order was only $3.78, 10 cents less than what ours was! We were shocked and thrilled, and surprised at how low it was. We pulled off to leave and finally saw the person in the car behind us was just 1 person, not 7, haha, & they caught up to us and thanked us; it was his 1st p-i-f experience too. Happy New Year!
I paid for a a couple of hotdogs for a man in front of a quick stop place. He had asked me for a dime. The cashier said he'd scanned me. I said so what. God will straighten it out some day. As I left the man was crouched by the door stuffing his face with a dog. I handed him napkins on my way by. I heard a few days later that man had frozen to death in a unheated trailer home behind the store. :'(
At least he had some food and some kindness in his last days. Perhaps the only kindness in a long time.
Load More Replies...Once, I was in an ATM bank lobby waiting the rain to stop... it was pouring, but seriously, it was raining HARD, so much that I didn't wanted to go out with that rain and high winds... so, a taxi stops in front of the bank and a girl comes down and into the lobby, she tries to take cash out of the ATM and the power goes down before she could finish her transaction... I could see that she was desperate and she was going back and forth from the taxi to the ATM waiting for the power to come back... I'm a technician and I know how the ATM's work so I told her that even if the power came back, she wouldn't be able to retrieve her card and she started to freak out because she didn't have money to pay the taxi... so I said to her that I would give her the money and she could come back the next day to pay me back... at first, she didn't even wanted to hear it, she said "what if I don't come back?"...
...to which I replied "If you come back tomorrow, I will have my money back, if you don't, I will be someone who helped someone in need and you will be someone who took advantage of me, either way, I'm good"... so, she took the money with the promise she will be back the next day first thing in the morning, but the next morning I was late and by the time I arrived she already had been ther and left me an envelope with twice the money I gave her and her phone number... so I called her and ge went out for pizzas that night... she was super cool...
Load More Replies...I sent money to a girl in the US who said she was desperate and had no food. I get a disability pension so could only send like $40 AUD. I was talking on a chat group later on and someone in the US said I'm really gullible. I'd rather be me and believe in people rather than always seeing things as a scam. I have days where I can't buy food until my next pension but I would never ask for help because people are too mean. I'd rather avoid being accused of lying and just go hungry.... It's a sad world sometimes but I hope people keep doing good.
I was at a local tire shop when I overheard a conversation between the owner and an elderly gentleman. He needed four tires but could only come up with enough money for three. I quietly went over after the gentleman had sat down to wait and told the owner to put the fourth tire on my bill and to say nothing. My thought was that I only hope someone repays the favor if my own family members were to be in the same situation.
I would rather be scammed than refuse to help someone in need. I believe in people first and foremost..
It is so embarrassing to have your card declined at the grocery store. I have both purchased food and gas for people as well as had other people gift things to me when I was in need. So what if this is a scam? Clearly the person needs food or else they wouldn’t be doing this. And if it’s not a scam, you just help somebody out of a very embarrassing situation.
I have worked on a grocery store checkout in the past and have felt so sorry for those who's cards were declined - obviously nothing I could do about it. Never had a situation where someone in front of me in the queue had the same problem or didnt have enough cash. I like to think that if I could afford it I would help out someone obviously in real need of the items - just a bit of basic food/ baby stuff etc. I wouldnt pay for a whole trolley laden with stuff more expensive than I would buy for myself. If the woman in front of me couldnt pay for her £20 moisturiser I wouldnt do it. £20 of food however...
Load More Replies...Reading through the comments below had me fighting off the DOCN's (Damned Onion Chopping Ninjas) but it reminded me of an old anti-death penalty/pro-justice slogan: "Better that 100 guilty men get set free than a single innocent man be put to death." Likewise, it's better that we sometimes get scammed than someone who truly needs it goes hungry.
I was at the pharmacy and there was a woman, probably in her eighties in front of me. The pharmacist was trying to help her figure out which medication she could do without because she couldn't afford all of them. The woman made her choice and went sat down to wait for her prescription to be filled. I looked at my, then, husband and asked if I should help her. He frowned a little and shook his head. When I got to the pharmacist I asked how much the woman needed for the rest of her medication. the Pharmacist said about 14 dollars. I paid for three months worth for the woman and the pharmacist started crying. Then I started crying, I looked at my husband and he seemed annoyed.
Happy he's your "my, then, husband" , well done, all of it!
Load More Replies...I know no one may ever see this post becuase it will end up at the bottom of a long list of wonderful comments....but it is discussions like this that make me love this site. With all the hate on the Internet, it’s so nice to see empathy and caring.
People should help each other more often. Would make for a better world.
Oh course they are scammers out there. But use your own judgment. You are the one that decides to help that person or not and shouldnt be "told off" or mocked which ever decision you make. I always gave the same homeless guy i saw every weekend, a few quid. He would go right into a local pub. My friends would laugh as if i had been "scammed". But i knew from the bar staff that he would buy a drink and sit in the corner of the pub as a paying customer and he would be warm, talk to others and feel "normal" for a while. He would stretch out his drink for as long as he could, sometimes 2 hours nursing a pint. If my few pounds got this guy some little pleasure out of life before he had to face a cold night in a doorway, then he is more than welcome to it. i always just wish i could have done more for him.
I've almost always been on the receiving end of generosity, for which I am very thankful. Raising a family of 6 with a disabled husband on about $22,000USD/year is very hard. This past summer I was very happy to be able to buy $5 of gas for a couple who seemed stranded in the parking lot. It only amounted to about a gallon and a half, but at least it was something. :)
In one week before Christmas, I paid for two young girls at a Dollar Tree store on two separate visits whose cards were being refused. One was a paltry three dollars and the other was for thirteen dollars. At a grocery store, I watched while a woman looking at a piece of meat, pulled out her cash and decided she didn't have enough money for the meat. I gave her twenty dollars to buy the meat. She declined over and over again until I forced her to take the money saying she would screw up my holiday spirit if she turned me down. She was deeply grateful. If any of these were scams, makes no difference to me. I thoroughly enjoyed the action.
Thanks for this! I always am so torn on what I'm supposed to do when I see someone who seems to need help. I know I've been scammed by some but I also know I've helped others. I forgot my wallet once and stopped at my bank branch to see if I could withdraw $10 for lunch just using my work ID. I pretty much knew they couldn't do the transaction, the lady behind me offered to give me $10. I was very grateful but declined a day without lunch was not a big deal but she made me smile
My personal take on this subject is this: Even if it's a scam, maybe the person will come around, and then help people in need later to redeem themselves because they actually see that there's still good within people's hearts!
I've seen the folks on the street who ask for money "for food" and most of the time the money is used for booze or drugs but I came upon a woman in the parking lot of a shopping area with a diner I was going to who asked me for money for food and I asked her if I could just by some for her. She immediately said yes and the look in her eyes was one of relief. She didn't want to go inside so I bought something for her and myself and brought it out to her. i asked her if I could join her. She didn't mind. The way she dug into that food made me think she probably had not eaten for a couple of days. We talked some while we ate and the story she told me broke my heart. She had some real tough turns that had basically pulled the rug out from under her. If she was bullshitting me, so be it, but I couldn't just walk past her that day.
I was in an antique centre in Lewes, East Sussex and a guy came in asking for work as he had no money. They told him that the boss wasn't in and they couldn't help in. I scooted out after him (I'm in an electric wheelchair) and gave him £10 - he could have been begging - or thieving - but he wasn't he was asking for work.
My point of view in this matter is: would you rather have the feeling that u have been scammed for $20 or have the feeling u could help someone in need but didn't.
Meh, if an act of kindness costs me a few dollars and ends up being a scam, so what? The scammer is the one that has to live with himself or herself.
I give to the homeless, if they spend it on smokes or booze so what. that's what i was going to spend it on.
Years ago, before overhead readers could read the "Good2Go" sticker in your windshield, I had a friend who ALWAYS paid for himself AND the car behind him at the toll booth. I don't know why he did but you never know what kind of day the person behind you is having.
It happened to me - I was helped when I had no money. Now I pay it forward whenever I can.
Once when my mother and I were out for a night walk with a dog, a woman came up to us and asked my mother for some money. She said that she had two children, one of which was only a few weeks old and didn't have any money. We didn't have anything on us at the time, so we told her sorry and we left. As we were walking away we reconsidered and ran back to her. My mother said that we could take her in our car and buy her some food before dropping her off at home. In the car, she told a sad story about how hard her life was. It was a very sad story and she looked as if she had been taking drugs at some point. We don't know if what she told us was true or not and suspected it was a scam. But we bought her a loaf of bread, milk, cans of soup and some other things. If it wasn't a scam, she and her kids got the food they needed. If it was just cheating us out of money, it was only around $20 and she would have food for a few days.
I had a young girl in front of me at the dollar store trying to buy some feminine pads. She only had ten bucks. The cashier rung it up and said $3.21. The girl looked at the ten for a moment confused. I asked if everything is ok. She said she was trying to figure out if she bought these if she'd have enough for gas to get home (3 hours away). I said "Buy the pads and meet me at the gas station across the parking lot." She had a little Honda. I filled her tank and gave her a few bucks to get something to eat on the way. She wanted me to give her my address so her boyfriend could send the money back to me when he got paid. I said "forget it..just help someone else someday when you see them in the same situation." I'm always willing to help when I can.
There's a chap begging outside our local Lidl, young chap, looks like he may have made some poor life choices but...he is always incredibly polite, cheerful and doesn't actually ask for stuff... and that's why I buy stuff for him - even if he is scamming he is so professional about it that I think he's earnt it.
Don't want to be the guy sitting there judging whether or not someone is lying... I'd rather be the guy who heard that someone needs help and stepped up.
I have often pitched in a few bucks here and there for people who were short but one time I was behind a woman who's card would not work, she looked down on her luck and told the casher she needed it for her kids waiting at home.I was about to pay the $20 but noticed she had candy, a magazine,chips, pop and baby cereal. I offered to pay for the cereal and she got pissed off and walked out of the store lighting a cig on the way. oh well, I tried.
If only more people were like this. The world is a terrible, terrible place, but please don't let it turn you so cynical that you think someone not being able to pay for groceries is always a scam.
My husband will always go out of his way to help someone, from buying lunch or groceries or whatever. This one time we were actually scammed. This lady posted on FB that she didn't have enough money for diapers or wipes for her baby since she didn't get paid yet and was asking for donations. So he convinced me to go with him to Walmart at 10 pm to buy this lady some diapers and wipes for her kid. I was very skeptical that this was real. She meets us there along with her husband I guess and we hand off the items we bought. ($50 worth) They didn't smile or anything and just said thanks and left. Afterwards I asked him how he felt about being duped and he goes " Well I'm sad that they would go so far but if there really was a kid in need then I'm happy to be of some help."
When I was in Istanbul, I always kept spare change loose in my pocket for the beggars. (My actual wallet was kept in a travel pouch under my clothing, or in a pocket closed with a safety pin, because of pickpockets.) I routinely gave the equivalent of US $.50, which could buy a lot in Istanbul in 1993. Some of the locals berated me, saying I was falling victim to scammers. I said that on the Day of Judgment, I would rather be laughed at for being a fool than punished for ignoring a person in need.
I was in a pharmacy awaiting my prescription and saw a man at the counter pulling out his Medicare and medical card which did not pay for the medication he needed to purchase. Walking to the counter, I ask what the medication was for he told me he had throat cancer in a raspy voice and needed the antibiotics for an infection. Told him Merry Christmas and swiped my debit card to pay the 25 dollars, he gave me his name phone address and thanked my ten times. God fixed my account as I had forgotten there was a bill due, and no overdraft fee was put on my account. I will still feed anyone that is hungry while eating but will not give money.
Been on both sides too, and it never hurts to help. Like the man says about his grandpa, choosing not to help if you can says something about your character. There have have been times when I haven't helped someone and those still torture me.
I've given out bus tickets several times to people who didn't have the fare. The fare is only $1.85. I know there are people who would pull a scam, asking several people for cash for the bus, then spend the money on liquor. That's why I only give out tickets. I don't have much to give, but I try to do what I can.
I went to buy produce at a store (Grower's Direct) and I didn't have an cash on me. This was my first time going to this store so I was unaware they had a policy of not accepting credit cards below a $5 charge. I only needed a few onions and some avocados which happened to be below the $5 store policy for accepting credit cards. The person behind me offered to pick it up, but I was so flustered and wanted to get out of there fast, I just said no thank you. I'll just get this somewhere else that accepts credit cards. Thank you anyways. Very embarrassing.
I think these days it's hard to tell if a person is really in need, with all that is happening with the scams. I used to feel pity for the people who stand at the traffic lights begging for money. I then heard a conversation between a person who begs for a money and his friend. It went like "why would I bother looking for job when I can just stand here and wait for people to give me money and I make more than some of them in a day"? I was shocked. I heard a second person who also begged for money talking to a long lost relative who was asking him why he doesn't go home instead of begging for money. He said "why would I go home where I will have to work and help around the home? I make money, I eat and I drink. I am happy here I am not going home".
Another one I was leaving a grocery store when an older woman approached me asking for money for a taxi because someone mugged her and she wanted to go home. I gave her the money and felt good that I could be of help. When I was telling a friend he said he knows the woman. She changes positions but always has the same story about needing money for taxi. I have quite a list of people that tried to scam for money. I am a very kind and caring person who hates it when another person is in a bad situation. I always tried to help and it was something coming from the heart, not expecting anything in return. But because of what I experienced and what I heard, I constantly battle with my mind and heart about helping just about anyone. It is bad. I think I should help people though because sometimes you can't tell if a person is really in need. I will try to help where I can, if I so happen to encounter a scammer, that will be between them and God. I will not be bothered or affected by it.
Load More Replies...I LOVED what the grandfather said to his grandchild about that says "something about HIS character, what I choose yo do says a lot about MINE." '
Well if you are always looking for scammers, you will certainly find them. So be it. I dont give money, but I do find a way to help people by being a little bit nosy and a bit fast on the draw when it comes to that kind of thing. If someone with 25 bucks worth of bread, milk, and deodorant then fine, I will be the fool here. But if there is even a slight chance some hungry person will get what they need that day...I will take it.
If you choose to help others with what extra you have, then that is your choice and good on you. We don't help out others and ask where our "help" is going toward. We either choose to do so or we do not
i think it's the idea of thinking that everything is a scam and everyone is out to get you is how we got into the place this world is today. no one trusts anyone and no one wants to help anyone. as long as they get theirs, they don't care. it's a shame. it's not how i was raised.
it's nice to see that some people are not quite so jaded that they still have enough compassion to help someone in need. my feeling is the same as most of the commenters in the post--take the chance; what they choose to actually do with the money/items given is on them. i've done something from the heart, with no strings attached, no expectations of a 'return' on my investment. sometimes, people just need a hand to help them get back to where they need to be. and the pay-it-forward is always nice as well
I wish i had an opportunity like this to help someone in the checkout lane or somwehere
"Just do nice things for people sometimes" really hit me with feelings! There are scams yes there may be a lot of them... but we won't know when some people really need our help even with the smallest things and they will always be thankful for the help that we didn't hesitate to offer. People's intentions, whether it's good or bad, will always be rewarded accordingly.
One time I was leaving the grocery store and I saw this young looking girl going up to people and asking for money. Well she eventually comes up to my car and I roll down my window, she tells me her and her family need money to pay for groceries. (I found it weird she was by herself) but I gave her $20 cash. She then asked for more money. That's when I felt duped.
I helped a guy out once who was at the train station asking for help to get home, he seemed really genuine and said he was just short. I felt good about helping him.. until I saw him again a few days later selling the same story to someone else. :/ It's sad that there are people who will take advantage of the kindness of others.. so much so that we hesitate to help just in case we're avtually being taken advantage of. :/
WE have a guy in our town called Karl (real or not I don't know) always dressed nicely in a suit jacket etc... claims to have run out of gas and need a few bucks to get back home to the next semi-large town.... yep it's his running shtick... usually gets the out of towners and college students though....
Load More Replies...That's very sound advice. People simply need to evaluate the situation & listen to their intuition. Most of the time, if they do those two things, everything will be okay.
Load More Replies...In my own experience of donating to beggars, most were scams. I gave an actual ticket to a person asking for money to buy one and they immediately tried to sell it to someone nearby. I had someone ask for twenty dollars for a bus ticket to their hometown and then follow up by skiing me to buy them dinner, but that made their story fall apart because they were out of time if they wanted to take the bus that they mentioned at the beginning of their story. I have money to women with a "broken arm" looking for a room to stay the night in, but I ran into her a year later with the exact same story and same cast; when I called her out on it she vehemently denied having ever met me. I still give money to people but I'm more thorough in checking their stories first.
One day I walked into my local Meijers and I was getting groceries for the week for my family, and I had 40$. Well my math was off and I had $56 worth of groceries. When I had asked the cashier to just go ahead and take a few things off, she shook her head and applied $17 worth of discounts and coupons on and it took it to under $40! I started crying and thanked her. She was amazing! All she said was "Merry Christmas sweetheart." and sent me on my way. Anytime I have a chance I help. Back when I was serving, I had seen this guy walking around for a long time with his dog. One day I had made a LOT of tips, more than I needed, and I saw him trying to apply for a job at a steakhouse, the dog tied outside. She was a good dog, and I live in a not so great city so I stuck around and just watched to make sure nobody took off with her. When the guy finally came out, I walked up and handed him $40 for dog food and a meal for himself (face it, dog food is NOT cheap). He started crying
A couple of Christmas's ago I was at the store with my son (he was 7 or 8 at the time) and we were checking out and he wanted to know if we could go out to dinner and I told him not tonight as we were almost out of weekly money (we budget $200 a week for groceries and eating out). We are fairly well off and can certainly eat out more if we choose but we try not to break the bank as my husband and I were both raised in families without a lot of money. We were waiting to checkout when the lady in front of us pressed some money in my hand said Merry Christmas and quickly walked away.... She gave me $50... Obviously I payed it forward as soon as I was able to.
As a young single mother, I was in a downtown office of the department of motor vehicles. While waiting in line, I struck up a conversation with a total stranger. I did not mention that I was barely making ends meet, we didn't discuss finances at all. Out of the blue, is, "I've got too much money in my pocket! I want to share some of this with you." He gave me $40, which was a lot of money to me at the time. This was about 45 years after people had to berated me for giving spare change to beggars in Istanbul.
*4 or 5 years. Voice-to-text shows the correct words as I speak, then changes it as I continue.
Load More Replies...My college has a "no questions asked" store where students can get non-perishable food items and toiletries and stuff for free. There was a problem at work and I didn't get my paycheck so I literally had like $2 in my bank account. Because of this store and the people who donate to it, I could actually eat during exam week and get some toothpaste. I'm planning on donating items to the them the next chance I get.
Kindness and caring can be a good “ disease” to pass on! Better than being so jaded you are afraid of helping anyone.
Help niceness and kindness, can be contagious and one “ disease” you want people to catch and pass on!
It is really difficult to know who is a scammer. I used to give some coins for the people at the bus stops because they needed 'money to go home'. But too many times I noticed that those same people payed the bus ticked with a banknote or a travel card. Or they just walked to the nearest bar to buy beer.
I work at a vet clinic. We had a long time client whose dog was very sick and needed to be hospitalized. When they came to pick him up they tried to use their Care Credit card but it kept declining since we know the people well we were fine with doing a payment plan and trusting them to pay. When the receptionist came back to clear it with the doctor the next family in line quietly stepped up to our other receptionist paid their own bill and then the other families $500 bill then just walked out without anything but a quick smile to the family. We were all floored at the generousity. The original family came back a few days later and donated some money to our fund to help out financially strapped owners. It was an amazing thing to see.
My dad and sister are both the kind of people to dig into the car or their bags for cash to give to someone they see on the street. My sister phrased it best by saying "I'd rather give it to someone who doesn't need it than not give help to someone who does need it".
I was once in a huge waiting line at the store. It took about 50mins of listening of a bored man complaining about no other ash register being staffed. 'you stupid one ring and half the people are done'. Problem is there was some buns to gather from the oven, spilled yog in the diary line, and some boxes of items dropped in the middle of unpacking. So anyone could deduct all workers were unable to sit down. U derstaffed market etc. When I got to the happy end of my line, I looked at that dude who was at least twice older than me. People were getting annoyed at him, then started taking it out on cashier, and she did ring couple times even but there was nobody to respond. I politely STARED the man down while packing my shopping bags. He addressed it ' what are you looking at' I responded 'at an immature bored prick'. People laughed really hard and the cashier always smiles at me and says thank you angel when I show up.
We had are card eclined at walmart, not for food or anything but on black friday. we had never spent that much in one bill, especially there. so my mom has seen her friend, and asked for her to pay it. She said yes immediatly, and by the time she got back we thanked her so much for trying, but we had got the texts and stuff from the bank and got the stuff checked out. The lady at the cashier was the best though! If i remembered her name, i would tell she was so kind, when it declined twice in a row, she told us about black friday scams and maybe why it didn't work and did another customer while we sorted things out. after that, she asked the next customer to wait and let us finish or shopping. Im so grateful cause i got really worried cause i've never seen a card get denied and thought maybe we were broke, or someone got our creditcard info and used up a lot of money.
No random person ever came up and helped me when I have had financial problems like this. Maybe it's because I don't have kids.
I am a firm believer that if you help someone regardless if they are scamming you, you are doing what God calls all of us to do. If they scam me shame on them if I ignore helping someone shame on me. I usually will not give them money but I will buy them food or other things.
Helping someone in need is never wrong. But.....unfortunately , we now have an entire "industry" of fake homeless & fake panhandlers. This is a true story. We have a woman who is always begging outside our local mall. She always has her daughter, who is around 7 or 8, with her. 7 days a week, meaning this kid never goes to school. She sometimes has a baby as well. At precisely 5pm, she walks to a shiny gold Lexus and drives away. One of the ladies that works at Bevmo decided to follow her one day.....to a large two story house (at least a million dollar home,as that's the going rate). In the driveway was Cadillac Escalade. I don't know if this part is true, but apparently her husband forces her to panhandle. We also have this old guy in a wheelchair. . He sits in front of Safeway in that wheelchair, holding a sign that says he's a disabled homeless vet. He's not disabled, homeless or a vet.
If I get one of those computer scams, nothing will happen. "Fix your computer for 400 dollars" I'm like: I can buy a new one. I have like nothing on my hard disk. Plus I got malwarebytes
How many people clicked the link thinking they would learn some tricks on how not to get scammed and got a different life lesson instead? Wonderful post!
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