MONEY MORAL DILEMMA. Would you give a stranger £3?

terryw

I call these people "Destroyers"!

'Cos they're always looking for a sub.

Sorry, couldn't resist that one. (hangs his head in shame)

terryw

gelato_cat

Some woman on the street once asked me if she could borrow my mobile! I said no, and told her to use the payphone 20 metres away. I wonder if she actually thought I'd hand my phone over!

Back to the OP, I wouldn't give her any money, I've obviously watched too much of The Real Hustle. Tonight I was in town and some guy asked me for 60p for the bus, I said no. Apart from anything else I don't really want to give anyone the opportunity to snatch my purse.

Suze

GonzoAston wrote: »

I was once asked if I had £2 so they could use the phone.

PrinceGaz

No. It doesn't matter whether they're male or female, smartly dressed or not, the transport scam is just that-- a means to extract money. Rail station, bus station, or very often bus stop, it is tried, but I doubt any of those who get money actually get on a bus or train. The needing to get somewhere is just an excuse to get money.

If you do believe the person you are speaking to is genuine, then buy the ticket they need for them, and the person you bought it for should be very grateful as you've just given them everything they asked for, and you can walk away knowing they now have the means to get home (legally).

reallyjustme

no no and no. the train will give you a free ticket to pay later if necessary of if you report the crime/loss the police will help!

tombliboo

I once gave someone £2 in much the same way in Oxford, I've always regretted it thinking how the likelihood is he's earning a fortune every day!

Paxo123

Just because they are smartly dressed doesn't make them any less likely to be trying it on. So no from me.

As has been said this is a well known MO for conning people. And I have seen people get away with it because they asked for an address "to send the money back to you". Like I am going to give my address....so if they are ever caught.....they just say "well I offered to send the money back but they wouldn't give me their address". (CPS decision on that one with a well known offender - over 40 complaints made)

Other one is waiting near a petrol station with a petrol can "I've run out of fuel and can you lend me £5 so I can buy some petrol - will send you the money back as soon as I get home". (Saw this one on a crime report - a bloke beleived him gave him £50....!!!).

Watch out also for the "I've been mugged and they took my bag.....and I am pregnant (obviously only works if the person is female)....need some money to get the taxi home....it's only a £3" or whatever...

PlutoinCapricorn

This is a very common scam: it has happened to me many times in central London. Well dressed people will have friends that they can text for help, or offices to go to. I would never give money to a stranger. Anyone who has lost their wallet should go to the nearest police station, to report the loss, and then might then be able to help with a call.

rag_doll

No, I wouldn't give the £3, I wouldn't ignore her as I think this is rude & unnecessary, I'd just say, "no, sorry."
Being cynical can also be described as being pessimistic, I'd like to think I'm realistic! I'm not a Daily Mail reader! I give to legitimate charities & buy 'The Big Issue.' Nobody likes being part of someone's scam.

gotes

penniek wrote: »

Probably yes - but is it possible to go anywhere on a train for £3? But what else could she do? If the station was near enough I suppose I might go and buy her a ticket!

Where I live a £3 ticket will get you to somewhere over 5 miles away, and there's no walking route...
OK, it's probably more like £3.80 now, but close enough!

I did reluctantly give someone 20p about ten years ago for a bus fare, she was not well dressed and looked homeless, I would probably not do the same now.

Huntsman_2

Makes me feel bad to admit it but I would probably say no, for the sheer fact if I was in that situation I would find another way to get home rather than approach a total stranger for cash.