Fake beggar earns £23,000 a year

drc

Yes, but people knew years ago that most street beggars either weren't really beggars or that if you gave them money it would just go on drugs.

I remember buying "beggars" food several times only to be met with a very rude "haven't you got any money" rather than a thank you. I won't give to beggars on the street anymore and haven't in years. If I want to give to charity I will do it through the proper channels. I also don't give to chuggers as so much of the money doesn't go to the actual charities.

If people are stupid enough to give money to street beggars or Romanian gypsies with baby in hand, then they kind of deserve to lose their money.

sheilakellas

This really makes me angry, me and my hubby often give to beggars as they are not always out on the street through their own fault, but to give to someone who has a place to stay and money to be able to fed themselves it just makes me sick, just think about the people who actually need this money and through this idiot, the amount of people who will now think twice before giving money to beggars now!

Heyman_2

Generali wrote: »

I have never really understood why people get so cross about beggars.

For me it's because it's scam. The way things work for me is that, as a law-abiding adult, you either try to find work or start up your own business. If you can't do either, then the state provides some basic support for you whilst you try and get yourself sorted out.

Begging is simply polite (according to people here anyway) thieving. It's saying 'excuse me, would you mind if I took some of your money?'. I get cross about it because it goes on so frequently and people condone it when it's basically criminal.

Generali

sheilakellas wrote: »

This really makes me angry, me and my hubby often give to beggars as they are not always out on the street through their own fault, but to give to someone who has a place to stay and money to be able to fed themselves it just makes me sick, just think about the people who actually need this money and through this idiot, the amount of people who will now think twice before giving money to beggars now!

Which beggars genuinely need the money in the UK? There is a welfare state paying for housing, health, education and providing a small amount for other basics. Most beggars are there because they have other problems, for example this claims 80% of beggars have a drink or drug problem.

So if you're addicted to drink or drugs, do you need the money? If you have the addiction I bet it feels an awful lot like you do and in some ways they are right - an alcoholic suddenly quitting alcohol risks death for example.

bendix

Heyman wrote: »

For me it's because it's scam. The way things work for me is that, as a law-abiding adult, you either try to find work or start up your own business. If you can't do either, then the state provides some basic support for you whilst you try and get yourself sorted out.

Begging is simply polite (according to people here anyway) thieving. It's saying 'excuse me, would you mind if I took some of your money?'. I get cross about it because it goes on so frequently and people condone it when it's basically criminal.

Why is it a scam? And how is it thieving, if people choose to give money?

Are they being held to ransom at the end of a gun?

Your logic is very weak.

The_White_Horse

the best solution is to round them all up and shoot them.

use their body parts to help decent people awaiting transplants - if their body parts are usable.

they have no purpose in life, let them have purpose in death. along with convicted killers and rapists.

robin_banks

Generali wrote: »

Which beggars genuinely need the money in the UK? There is a welfare state paying for housing, health, education and providing a small amount for other basics. Most beggars are there because they have other problems, for example this claims 80% of beggars have a drink or drug problem.

So if you're addicted to drink or drugs, do you need the money? If you have the addiction I bet it feels an awful lot like you do and in some ways they are right - an alcoholic suddenly quitting alcohol risks death for example.

I'd suspect it's higher than 80% tbh.

Plenty of beggars in the area around Camden Town tube, plenty of dealers as well.

I'd imagine they beg so as not to be on the receiving end of some 'credit contol'.

Heyman_2

bendix wrote: »

Why is it a scam? And how is it thieving, if people choose to give money?

Are they being held to ransom at the end of a gun?

Your logic is very weak.

Because they present themselves as something they are not - it's always asking for money, not food or drink. As Generali touches on, I fail to see how, in this country with it's welfare system, that the majority of beggars need to do what they do.

I would question your own logic as you appear to be operating from the position that all beggars are polite - some are, some are not. Also, if as the article Gen quotes, 80% have drink or drugs problems then why would you condone people giving money directly to excacerbate drink and drugs issues?

PasturesNew

Loopgames wrote: »

Oh for goodness sakes - I am more shocked at the idea of someone being expected to live on £4k per year. No wonder he went out and begged.

That's £4k after rent/council tax paid... and no commuting. Which is more than many people end up with from their salary after they've paid their basic rent, council tax and costs to get to work.

aliasojo

Heyman wrote: »

Give me a break - he was polite so that makes it ok?

Entrerprenureal?

So you'd be comfortable with people lining the streets begging for money if they said 'please' and 'thank you'? Knocking on your door asking for money as long as they said 'excuse me'? I'm sure you'd give every single one of them a pat on the back. :T

:rotfl:

Ah sorry, I didn't realise it was 'all think the same' day today. You should have warned me, I could have just repeated your own thoughts if that would have been better?

I also didn't realise we were talking extremes here either, sorry, I thought we were discussion the bloke in the OP. My bad.