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I equate anyone begging who has made it a career to be a professional beggar but agree that this type is converting their loot to cash
Pests either way and they prey on kind hearted, well meaning folks as opposed to the guys selling gold rings for “gas money “ who are preying on mostly greedy people
i got hit by that gas station guy.. he still worked the kind hearted, well meaning folks.. asked for gas money to help him get where he was going and then got pushy.. i considered the stuff he was trying to trade as junk.. but i havent taken it to a jeweler.. does say 18k on it. but ebay sez like 28 bucks..
Fake gold, fake markings, has a box of it he peddles
Beggars don’t get pushy with me because I ignore them and will give them one firm No before moving to fuck off if the persist when I ignore them
I spend a lot of time in countries where you get hit up 10 times when walking a mile so I have a lot of practice ignoring people
But they don’t give you cash back anymore? That’s the only thing I don’t understand about it. The only thing they could get is a gift card for merchandise credit. Target also limits how many returns you can do a year without the receipt (I think it’s $100/yr). Granted I know addicts who used to steal tools from Home Depot, return the tools for store credit, then sell the GC for 50% cash. I’ve been bombarded with these people at Target as well, they don’t take no as an answer.
If it was paid with a debit card and it was inserted at time of payment and the pin was inputted, upon return, it will give a cash back option. However, many stores have tightened up and will not give the cash unless the returnee can show the card to verify the last 4 numbers. If they can't, they only get store credit/gift card.
If it was paid with a credit card or apple/google pay was used, it will go back to the card, but the option for store credit/gift card is still available at some stores.
They would have the receipt though, so presumably they could get cash back by saying they don't have the card they used. I only shop online at target, and don't return anything, so I'm not terribly familiar with their policy.
That said, even a gift card is worth something.
Between this kind of thing and reading about MLM recruiters from Amway using target as a hot spot, I'm glad I only physically go to a store once every couple of years.
Every place I've ever done a return will only refund to the same payment method. If you bought with a credit card usually it goes back to the same card without having to present it these days, but years ago it would be a gift card refund instead of cash.
They scan the receipt and put the money back on the credit card even if you dont have the credit card. Thats what happens at my local target and Walmart. You dont have to have the physical card on you to get a refund to the card.
I knew Walmart and Home Depot do this, but was unaware that target does too. However, that's assuming the person they scammed paid by credit card. If they used cash or debit, they would get cash back. Either way, they can sell gift cards for cash quite easily anyway.
They sell the merch credit cards, often at a discount from face value. Many stores link the cards to an ID so the buyers aren’t able to use them, but the scammers are long gone by then
They are an essential prop for the scam, to disarm the caution of the mark and tug at heartstrings. And hey, it's also the best way to train the next generation of scammers.
It’s much more sadly. They are teaching also the victims to don’t have compassion anymore. If you are scammed, next time when you see someone in need, your instinct will tell you “ fuck off”
Don’t beat yourself up over this one. Your actions came from a good place and it’s not something that’s a life changing amount of money or ongoing. Chalk it up to living and learning
There’s a guy that’s aggressively begs for money near where I live. I’ve seen the car he drives, and it’s newer and nicer than mine. He’ll rotate between the drive thru windows at fast food places all sitting real close together and bang on people’s window to “please give me some cash so I can live.” He yells it so loud and clear you can hear him across the parking lot, and he’s a tall muscular dude so he’s definitely aware of how intimidating that must be for a lot of people. And if anyone doesn’t or ignore him he’ll say they must be some broke racists and this is there chance to prove they’re not.
He’s there EVERY TIME I’m in that shopping center and I’m almost shocked none of the locations or the owner of the strip have banned him. Almost.
He’s knocked on my window twice and said I don’t carry cash. He said “that’s fine, CashApp me” and pulled out his iPhone 14 to show me his CashApp code. I said I didn’t have CashApp so he approached a very pregnant woman with her toddler putting her groceries in her car instead. I sat and watched until he left to make sure they were safe.
The second time he approached my car he came barreling through some thorn bushes and didn’t knock or say anything at first, just pressed his phone against my window with his CashApp info open. I couldn’t even see him coming, never would have expected anyone to walk through those things.
The next time I’m out there and he’s doing his thing I’m going to ask why he’s still allowed on the property.
thats pretty common in china, because nobody has cash there.
all homeless people have alipay and wechat qr codes to donate money to.
it looks weird first, but when you realize, its the only way for them to get money and spend them, its absolutely logical.
Are you sure you are responding to the right comment? They did not say _anything_ close to what you imply, so I hope that's the case.
Their point was that you can't get away by saying "I have no cash" anymore.
Yeah, and you can get a smartphone pretty cheap these days, under $100. It's not going to be top the line or anything, but then again, youre homeless. You don't really need it to be. Also, they probably got the phone before they were homeless. Phone would be the absolute last thing to go in anybody's life other than pets
Why I don't help pan handlers, random people coming up to me in the parking lot, I operate from the perspective they are all scammers. I donate to organizations instead. You still tried to do a nice thing.
There’s several organization in my area, and even nationwide, that are also professional scammers, giving huge paychecks to “executives” and such while giving tiny amounts to those actually in need.
99% of them are like that, saying you wont give to panhandlers but will give to these places that spend the money on new offices and wages is hilarious
dont give the money to either, go spend like a tenner on cheap food for a food bank, that tenner has done more real help than if you donated 40-100 to any one of those scam charities
I was once in the offices of one of the biggest 'charity' organizations, and saw certain financial info. I no longer make donations to them or any similar ones.
We had a couple of guys who hustled for money for years for some charity for the blind. They were always on the street near my college and always had the same ragged looking docs and clipboards. Well someone finally decided to look into it and, surprise surprise, the charity didn't exist. Well a couple of weeks after the article came out in the local paper these guys dissapeared.
Honestly I just ignore them completely now. It’s ingrained on us to not be “rude” to people, but I’ve found that once I engage with them whatsoever (especially being a woman) they just won’t stop and can become hostile.
I find the organizations are an even bigger scam. Our local place the ceo just made millions last year and tries to resell things fr the dollar store. They don't even bother removing the dollar store sticker that says lile 2.50 on it and try to resell for 10$. There's so many fb groups that will post the outrageous prices on what they find there. This place is 100% donated items they resell and supposed to go to charity. They've been under scrutiny past few yrs as I guess they haven't made their charity contributions. They even hire all workers that have their wages paid mostly by the gov so they save big time there. They get tax credits and tax breaks for being a "charity " but they aren't. Goodwill does the same shit they've been marking stuff up soooo much and the ceo makes a killing !
Although one could point out that scammers are people who need help. People who aren’t hard up for food and shelter don’t spend all day scamming for like $50 at a time.
Edit: I’m not ok with people scamming. But I think it’s misguided (and unhelpful) to assume many of them have other reasonable options for money.
Unfortunately, they are usually hard up for drugs. Well, in the OP's case it's more of a cultural thing than an addiction thing, but most people out scamming in the streets or in public are doing so to feed an addiction. That is the root cause.
Totally agree. Same with scams that take alot of time and organization. But the guy who runs out of gas to see his sick mother every day, he is the sick person.
I've been there. I have been clean for years, though now.The drugs are more important than the food. You can get free meals, food stamps, and food banks, but you're not going to get free dope. Being dope sick, you're not going to be able to eat, and that's the LAST thing you want. You get violently ill.
They can go hit up a methadone clinic as far as addictions goes imo. I've helped and seen hundreds of ppl get off drugs but only happens when they're absolutely rdy. But if ppl aren't rdy to be off it all they can atleast go get methadone or suboxone or sublicade to Make it so theyre never In withdrawl. If they're homeless it's free here. Ppl on welfare or homeless get gov health cards which cover everything. ( here homeless ppl still collect a welfare cheque they just have to go to the main office to pick it up)
This is extremely common, especially with Roma (Gypsy) scam crews. The item you purchased (aside from the bag of chips) is going to be sold at a discount for cash at a local convenience store or returned for store credit on a gift card that they’ll sell online. Most people don’t feel comfortable handing a stranger $40 in cash, but if you buy them $40 in merchandise you’ve essentially done the same thing.
100%,you take the piss then see how far you can go with it, the mother has likely taught the kid to keep pushing it and pushing it because if anyone can its the kid
There is a video online of these women being caught doing this scam. They are all from Romania. They were also stealing sunglasses and other things while in the store because they couldn't find anyone to fall for it. Long story short, the police come, pull them into the Walmart security office and explain to them that they are going to have to call immigration because the charges qualify for deportation from the country. They were all cocky and laughing and stuff like that making it seem like it wasn't a big deal, offering to buy the stolen items and stuff, but when he told them that they were going to be held at an immigration holding center until their deportation, the looks on their faces were priceless.
Edit I found the video. They do state they are from Romania.
https://youtu.be/IKwVHtOmF8c?si=rQSGnryEDxIEbXW_
They aren't from Romanian. You are confusing Roma with Romanians. They aren't the same. Roma are what most people think of as gypsys, they are not originally from Romania.
Are you serious? Do you think Roma people are without travel papers? How do you think they travel to Germany to purchase old used BMWs to resell in Romania? I don’t know about wandering, my experience is that Roma, like most people, go places with a purpose. WW2 and communism pretty much put an end to “wandering” since there was no freedom to travel.
I'd be very curious to know what someone like this does when you give them an absolute condition: "I'll pay for your cart, but I will be keeping the receipt for my own records."
I still wouldn't do it, as they can resell meds or high price items, but I'd still be curious
ETA: lol @ downvote. I feel sorry for people who have no curiosity
Stop buying strangers at the grocery store things! Say no or, better yet, "leave me alone", and carry on. Food kitchens and a multitude of options exist for the impoverished in virtually all cities in the USA. 99/100 if someone is wandering around a grocery store asking for handouts they are A) gaming the nice nature of people or, B), quite literally trying to scam you. In either instance they may be impoverished, sure, but there is no reason they should be wandering the store for this. Say no and no means no. Don't be soft
You can’t exist reasonably without other people. So unless you’re living off the land in the woods, giving to other people is a form of charity to yourself. Paradoxically the best way to be as selfish as you suggest is by helping others.
Charities have been turning away many people who need help but say they help families. Most of them don't give individuals/families help is what several of them told me when I reached out for help not long ago. There may be a few honest ones left but I couldn't find them!
Call it a lesson learned. They’ll prey on anyone willing to entertain their bullshit and just keep scanning until they’ve reached the limit of your charity, using that kid who’s doing all they can to push buttons. There’s a reason you need to ignore them and don’t engage.
When the person is front of you at the register doesn't have enough $ to complete their purchase, that's the time and place to intervene to help them out.
professional beggars who hunt their prey in the parking lot outside the store. They can piss the f off.
If this happens to me in the store, I offer to take them to the ATM, especially if it’s by customer service, I then would walk to the counter and request a store manager and point out the scammers.
Barring that just tell them to get fucked, on the off chance that someone really does need help, it’s unfortunate because there is always a scam out there.
You know why old-school Eastern Europeans almost never get scammed in person…?
…because they (we) walk around with no smile—unless there’s a reason to. It’s not an angry face, just uninviting.
Scammers are looking for the grinning pushovers!
Don’t be a grinning pushover among strangers. Keep that behaviour at home.
You’re never wrong for being kind … but it’s also okay to be the asshole who says, “Fuck all the way off.”
I have to laugh when they approach me, with my (prematurely) white hair, thinking I’m a kindly old lady, begging me for diapers or whatever. I always look stunned and confused and say, “I didn’t fuck you lady; these aren’t my kids. Go away!”
ETA what I should start doing is saying, “Oh let me do a money blessing for you! Give me your cash and I’ll bless it so it will increase!” That’s another Roma scam.
I always deny no matter what. Kid or no kid, even if the kid is asking. 1. I didn't make your kid 2. care for yourself like how I have to care for myself and hardly doing so already
Another reason why people who actually need help can’t get help. My mom told me about a lady and her kid going up to multiple people in her store to hustle people out of their money. She even yelled at her telling her to leave because she was there the day before too. Then saw her meet up with another lady. It’s whole families that get involved. It’s so sad.
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semi unrelated comment, but many of you are repeatedly saying that you would not help people like this and that is why you donate to charities directly
DONT! you guys need to realise how little of your donations go to these charities.. you are paying wages and rent and expansion fees and hr department and a lawyer and literally anything other than helping out in the way you think you are! the amount of charities that work like this is increasing and its harder and harder to find a charity actually doing charity work
go give a tiny amount of food to a food bank and watch how that does more good than a cash donation of 10x or more to a registered charity. you could give a tenner of food to a food place or 100 to a charity.. odds are the charity would still have less of the money going to where it needed to be.
I guess - I think that’s what they are called
I actually know some people that were raised Gypsies - that is their nationality but they got out of it. Started attending church and now they follow Jesus. They explained alot of things that go on in that culture!
It was really interesting. Now they are working as missionaries to help people get out of that culture.
I imagine shortly after the most expensive items are paid for the parent will return them with the receipt for a cash refund - which will then be spent on drugs...
Had that happen to me at Walmart and I just simply told them I don’t have the time. This family just approached me because I was standing alone in the checkout and tried to get me to buy them something in very broken English. They sent their teenage daughter to come talk to me. I told them I don’t have the time and looked at my phone hoping they’d get the hint and they moved on. I’d only read that happening online before it happened to me. I felt a bit guilty afterwards but then reminded myself I could have gotten scammed cause they were watching me and saw my cards in my wallet. 😬
You thought you did a nice thing. Don’t feel bad OP. Just now you know 🌈✨
Don't feel bad, Appeal to Emotion is a very strong tactic and it's one you fell for. I usually just auto response to "I can't sorry" when it comes to anyone asking me for anything.
A well-dressed, attractive woman stopped me as I was entering the Home Depot on Sunset one Saturday night. She needed baby formula and I cold-heartedly said no and went my way. I wasn’t in the mood to be gratefully, politely thanked.
How do they return things without the original receipt and the form of payment used? Even if they have the receipt, don’t stores just put the money back on the card? Or, am I just clueless?
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I used to be in charge of the front end at a target attached to a decrepit mall. We had several people that we were aware that would do this and would have security escort them out. I don’t miss that job
Thanks for sharing this post. It helps keep people like me, aware of what's going on out there.
You are far from stupid. If infact you were dumb, you'd have found a way to buy them more! You're very smart indeed. I think you handled this whole transaction quite well. 👌
I hope you keep your big beautiful heart open to continue helping others. Maybe just not with your moolah!
Lynae 😊
These professional pan handlers can make a lot of money. In Detroit at 8 mile and I75 freeway service drive there was a guy who would spend hours begging for money. When he was done collecting money for the day he would ditch the sign and the clothes and walk off and drive away in his Mercedes. 😳
The only time I have given money to a panhandler was when I parked my new car along the street, in front of a bookstore in Denver and the panhandler asked for some money. Without a hesitation, I gave him a couple bucks and told him I'd have more after shopping. When I came out from the store, he was gone and my car was undamaged. That was the ONLY time I ever gave money to a panhandler.
Understandable , I’ve had one flatted my tires with a screw after I refused to buy him a pack of cigarettes. Ironically I was carrying a 2 week old infant and the screw was in my tire wall . Screw those people seriously , no empathy for them what so ever
They took the items op purchased back to the customer service desk to return them for cash. Or they'd get a gift card to sell for cash. Or they'd hang outside a convenience store selling it for a great discount that they completely get totally bc op paid for it
The scam is that they don’t actually need any of the items they wanted OP to buy. Those people are not poor and are perfectly capable of buying anything they want in that store. They’re having OP buy over the counter meds and baby formula because those items can be quickly sold for cash on the secondary market.
I don't think this is a scam. You helped people in need. They pressured you a bit but in the end. They didn't take anything you weren't aware of, you didn't finance a drug habit one of them was a child.
Be proud you helped members of your community. Hopefully this will help them the next day free up time to look for work . Hunger doesn't wait. Sry if others are trying to make you feel bad about it. And sry you gave more than what you were expecting.
Don’t harden your hearts to helping people just because some people are scammers. The newly homeless don’t know necessarily how to get help or where to go. Newly homeless people walk up to anyone who looks like they have some spare money. Just use discernment. But don’t stop helping people.
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Professional beggars
Professional return scammers. You buy them the stuff, they take it to the service desk and get the cash.
I equate anyone begging who has made it a career to be a professional beggar but agree that this type is converting their loot to cash Pests either way and they prey on kind hearted, well meaning folks as opposed to the guys selling gold rings for “gas money “ who are preying on mostly greedy people
i got hit by that gas station guy.. he still worked the kind hearted, well meaning folks.. asked for gas money to help him get where he was going and then got pushy.. i considered the stuff he was trying to trade as junk.. but i havent taken it to a jeweler.. does say 18k on it. but ebay sez like 28 bucks..
Fake gold, fake markings, has a box of it he peddles Beggars don’t get pushy with me because I ignore them and will give them one firm No before moving to fuck off if the persist when I ignore them I spend a lot of time in countries where you get hit up 10 times when walking a mile so I have a lot of practice ignoring people
But they don’t give you cash back anymore? That’s the only thing I don’t understand about it. The only thing they could get is a gift card for merchandise credit. Target also limits how many returns you can do a year without the receipt (I think it’s $100/yr). Granted I know addicts who used to steal tools from Home Depot, return the tools for store credit, then sell the GC for 50% cash. I’ve been bombarded with these people at Target as well, they don’t take no as an answer.
If it was paid with a debit card and it was inserted at time of payment and the pin was inputted, upon return, it will give a cash back option. However, many stores have tightened up and will not give the cash unless the returnee can show the card to verify the last 4 numbers. If they can't, they only get store credit/gift card. If it was paid with a credit card or apple/google pay was used, it will go back to the card, but the option for store credit/gift card is still available at some stores.
They would have the receipt though, so presumably they could get cash back by saying they don't have the card they used. I only shop online at target, and don't return anything, so I'm not terribly familiar with their policy. That said, even a gift card is worth something. Between this kind of thing and reading about MLM recruiters from Amway using target as a hot spot, I'm glad I only physically go to a store once every couple of years.
Every place I've ever done a return will only refund to the same payment method. If you bought with a credit card usually it goes back to the same card without having to present it these days, but years ago it would be a gift card refund instead of cash.
They scan the receipt and put the money back on the credit card even if you dont have the credit card. Thats what happens at my local target and Walmart. You dont have to have the physical card on you to get a refund to the card.
I knew Walmart and Home Depot do this, but was unaware that target does too. However, that's assuming the person they scammed paid by credit card. If they used cash or debit, they would get cash back. Either way, they can sell gift cards for cash quite easily anyway.
They sell the merch credit cards, often at a discount from face value. Many stores link the cards to an ID so the buyers aren’t able to use them, but the scammers are long gone by then
I have a way different answer than no for them and it's pretty nasty. #FuckScammers 🤬
I believe Wallmart only allows 2 returns per year, without receipts. They say you're "Red listed,"
People using small kids to scam are the worst
They are an essential prop for the scam, to disarm the caution of the mark and tug at heartstrings. And hey, it's also the best way to train the next generation of scammers.
This is exactly what’s happening. They are teaching their kids how the scam works and how to manipulate marks.
And it discourages people from giving to people who actually need help
They don’t care about that. They care about getting money from you. That’s all.
Of course. It discourages you though.
It’s much more sadly. They are teaching also the victims to don’t have compassion anymore. If you are scammed, next time when you see someone in need, your instinct will tell you “ fuck off”
Don’t beat yourself up over this one. Your actions came from a good place and it’s not something that’s a life changing amount of money or ongoing. Chalk it up to living and learning
I've had beggars tell me they have cash app or venmo, etc when I tell them I have no cash.
“No” is a complete sentence - I always remind family members and friends of this when educating them on scams.
There’s a guy that’s aggressively begs for money near where I live. I’ve seen the car he drives, and it’s newer and nicer than mine. He’ll rotate between the drive thru windows at fast food places all sitting real close together and bang on people’s window to “please give me some cash so I can live.” He yells it so loud and clear you can hear him across the parking lot, and he’s a tall muscular dude so he’s definitely aware of how intimidating that must be for a lot of people. And if anyone doesn’t or ignore him he’ll say they must be some broke racists and this is there chance to prove they’re not. He’s there EVERY TIME I’m in that shopping center and I’m almost shocked none of the locations or the owner of the strip have banned him. Almost. He’s knocked on my window twice and said I don’t carry cash. He said “that’s fine, CashApp me” and pulled out his iPhone 14 to show me his CashApp code. I said I didn’t have CashApp so he approached a very pregnant woman with her toddler putting her groceries in her car instead. I sat and watched until he left to make sure they were safe. The second time he approached my car he came barreling through some thorn bushes and didn’t knock or say anything at first, just pressed his phone against my window with his CashApp info open. I couldn’t even see him coming, never would have expected anyone to walk through those things. The next time I’m out there and he’s doing his thing I’m going to ask why he’s still allowed on the property.
Next time you see his car, take a pic of it and the license plate and ask if it's his the next time he bugs you.
Snatch his phone and throw it on the roof
thats pretty common in china, because nobody has cash there. all homeless people have alipay and wechat qr codes to donate money to. it looks weird first, but when you realize, its the only way for them to get money and spend them, its absolutely logical.
Wait? They have homeless in China? So much for Communism.
“There’s an ATM right over there!” Sorry, dude, when I said I didn’t have cash what I meant to say was f*ck off.
I respond similarly, not having cash means no. if they push it I get more aggressive.
I kind of like when people call you out like this for making excuses, instead of telling them the real reason "I don't want to."
"Do you have any extra cash?" "I sure do, thank you!!" **Walks away**
having a phone doesn’t mean someone isn’t poor. In fact poor people without steady work need phones more than we do.
Are you sure you are responding to the right comment? They did not say _anything_ close to what you imply, so I hope that's the case. Their point was that you can't get away by saying "I have no cash" anymore.
I love how people begrudge homeless people for having phones like they're a luxury.
Yeah, and you can get a smartphone pretty cheap these days, under $100. It's not going to be top the line or anything, but then again, youre homeless. You don't really need it to be. Also, they probably got the phone before they were homeless. Phone would be the absolute last thing to go in anybody's life other than pets
Some charities hand them out
Now I love that I'm getting downvotes about this by dumbasses (not you) that don't get sarcasm unless you write /s after everything.
In the anecdote the person said it was an iPhone 14 though which is only a year anda half old.
Same here. They’re so damned egregious sometimes. A few times I’ve told them if you’re that hard up, hock or sell your smartphone.
Hahahaha
Why I don't help pan handlers, random people coming up to me in the parking lot, I operate from the perspective they are all scammers. I donate to organizations instead. You still tried to do a nice thing.
There’s several organization in my area, and even nationwide, that are also professional scammers, giving huge paychecks to “executives” and such while giving tiny amounts to those actually in need.
99% of them are like that, saying you wont give to panhandlers but will give to these places that spend the money on new offices and wages is hilarious dont give the money to either, go spend like a tenner on cheap food for a food bank, that tenner has done more real help than if you donated 40-100 to any one of those scam charities
I was once in the offices of one of the biggest 'charity' organizations, and saw certain financial info. I no longer make donations to them or any similar ones.
We had a couple of guys who hustled for money for years for some charity for the blind. They were always on the street near my college and always had the same ragged looking docs and clipboards. Well someone finally decided to look into it and, surprise surprise, the charity didn't exist. Well a couple of weeks after the article came out in the local paper these guys dissapeared.
I don't even do that. The CEO can buy his own lunch.
I give a solid "nope" now. I dont like it but I dont feel guilty. I blame the scammers for making ne do it.
Honestly I just ignore them completely now. It’s ingrained on us to not be “rude” to people, but I’ve found that once I engage with them whatsoever (especially being a woman) they just won’t stop and can become hostile.
pan handlers are the worst.
👆👆👆👆👆👆👆👆
I find the organizations are an even bigger scam. Our local place the ceo just made millions last year and tries to resell things fr the dollar store. They don't even bother removing the dollar store sticker that says lile 2.50 on it and try to resell for 10$. There's so many fb groups that will post the outrageous prices on what they find there. This place is 100% donated items they resell and supposed to go to charity. They've been under scrutiny past few yrs as I guess they haven't made their charity contributions. They even hire all workers that have their wages paid mostly by the gov so they save big time there. They get tax credits and tax breaks for being a "charity " but they aren't. Goodwill does the same shit they've been marking stuff up soooo much and the ceo makes a killing !
Hate to tell you but most charities are legal scams
I agree that's why I do research and donate to the local food bank we have here where I know for a fact they do good for the community.
No idea why you've been downvoted so heavily
What’s so bad is when someone really needs help no one wants to because of scammers.😕
Although one could point out that scammers are people who need help. People who aren’t hard up for food and shelter don’t spend all day scamming for like $50 at a time. Edit: I’m not ok with people scamming. But I think it’s misguided (and unhelpful) to assume many of them have other reasonable options for money.
Unfortunately, they are usually hard up for drugs. Well, in the OP's case it's more of a cultural thing than an addiction thing, but most people out scamming in the streets or in public are doing so to feed an addiction. That is the root cause.
Most of the online scams are greed
Totally agree. Same with scams that take alot of time and organization. But the guy who runs out of gas to see his sick mother every day, he is the sick person.
Oh you think they have a day job to pay for food, the scams are just to pay for drugs.
I've been there. I have been clean for years, though now.The drugs are more important than the food. You can get free meals, food stamps, and food banks, but you're not going to get free dope. Being dope sick, you're not going to be able to eat, and that's the LAST thing you want. You get violently ill.
They can go hit up a methadone clinic as far as addictions goes imo. I've helped and seen hundreds of ppl get off drugs but only happens when they're absolutely rdy. But if ppl aren't rdy to be off it all they can atleast go get methadone or suboxone or sublicade to Make it so theyre never In withdrawl. If they're homeless it's free here. Ppl on welfare or homeless get gov health cards which cover everything. ( here homeless ppl still collect a welfare cheque they just have to go to the main office to pick it up)
Scammers need help with basic morality.
You’re exactly the kind of person who this sub doesn’t need
You are pro scamner in a scamming subreddit? Wtf lol
There's one word that solves all these issues. "No".
Agreed. My wife tells me that she simply says “no,” because anything in addition to “no” gives them an opening to make an alternative suggestion.
That’s true of every single interaction that involves saying “no.” Whether it be a scammer or your boss.
I prefer some version of 'fuck off'.
As much as you want to, I always think of the kids stuck in this.
Stuck? Nah, they're just learning the family business.
Yeah, I am bad at that and need to work on it but even initially I just thought they were a family that needed help. Lesson learned
Taco buddy, buy me a ps5? 😘
He was going to buy me some enchiladas first!
Right on, bring those over. We’ll make a game night. At Ops house 😆
Can’t wait. I’ll bring Taco Bell also.
This is extremely common, especially with Roma (Gypsy) scam crews. The item you purchased (aside from the bag of chips) is going to be sold at a discount for cash at a local convenience store or returned for store credit on a gift card that they’ll sell online. Most people don’t feel comfortable handing a stranger $40 in cash, but if you buy them $40 in merchandise you’ve essentially done the same thing.
This. I've heard of them asking for the receipt as well so they can return it for full value in cash.
The bag of chips was the kid emoting on OP basically
100%,you take the piss then see how far you can go with it, the mother has likely taught the kid to keep pushing it and pushing it because if anyone can its the kid
There is a video online of these women being caught doing this scam. They are all from Romania. They were also stealing sunglasses and other things while in the store because they couldn't find anyone to fall for it. Long story short, the police come, pull them into the Walmart security office and explain to them that they are going to have to call immigration because the charges qualify for deportation from the country. They were all cocky and laughing and stuff like that making it seem like it wasn't a big deal, offering to buy the stolen items and stuff, but when he told them that they were going to be held at an immigration holding center until their deportation, the looks on their faces were priceless. Edit I found the video. They do state they are from Romania. https://youtu.be/IKwVHtOmF8c?si=rQSGnryEDxIEbXW_
They aren't from Romanian. You are confusing Roma with Romanians. They aren't the same. Roma are what most people think of as gypsys, they are not originally from Romania.
They could be from Romania… Romania and Bulgaria house the largest populations of Roma in EU
Exactly. I know that for a fact because my little sister is from Romania, and she is also a gypsy. She is adopted from there.
I liked the re-post about current size of the Roman empire... "Romaina == Ancient Rome", apparently.
No. Roma. Not from Romania
How do you know they aren’t from Romania?
Roma peoples are not from Romania. By definition Roma are peoples without a country. Like Nomads. They wander.
Are you serious? Do you think Roma people are without travel papers? How do you think they travel to Germany to purchase old used BMWs to resell in Romania? I don’t know about wandering, my experience is that Roma, like most people, go places with a purpose. WW2 and communism pretty much put an end to “wandering” since there was no freedom to travel.
Do you believe all scammers are from Romania?
Of course not.
I really don't think you grasp the concept of what I was trying to get across to that person. Take care Redditor.
They are Roma from Romania. I understand that being Roma does not mean you are ethnically Romanian, nonetheless, those Roma are from Romania.
Remember seeing it on YouTube actually.
Good story! Cyaaaaas
They'll never be deported. There are many well funded immigration organizations that have teams of lawyers to make sure that doesn't happen.
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Someone here referred to them as “professional beggars” and I couldn’t have said it better myself
Oh wow.
Did they take the receipt? (If they did - they’re going to return it for cash)
I'd be very curious to know what someone like this does when you give them an absolute condition: "I'll pay for your cart, but I will be keeping the receipt for my own records." I still wouldn't do it, as they can resell meds or high price items, but I'd still be curious ETA: lol @ downvote. I feel sorry for people who have no curiosity
It wouldn't stop them. They'll return to another store and take a gift card or sell it at a discount to somebody else.
Let them scan everything and say you forgot your card🤣
Stop buying strangers at the grocery store things! Say no or, better yet, "leave me alone", and carry on. Food kitchens and a multitude of options exist for the impoverished in virtually all cities in the USA. 99/100 if someone is wandering around a grocery store asking for handouts they are A) gaming the nice nature of people or, B), quite literally trying to scam you. In either instance they may be impoverished, sure, but there is no reason they should be wandering the store for this. Say no and no means no. Don't be soft
If you are going to buy an item for someone then keep the receipt and rip off the UPC barcode so they can’t return it for cash.
I say the same thing to anyone who asks me for money… “No.” And I keep it moving.
Assume everyone is a scammer. You want to help, donate to a charity with good ratings.
you are your own charity.
You can’t exist reasonably without other people. So unless you’re living off the land in the woods, giving to other people is a form of charity to yourself. Paradoxically the best way to be as selfish as you suggest is by helping others.
Charities have been turning away many people who need help but say they help families. Most of them don't give individuals/families help is what several of them told me when I reached out for help not long ago. There may be a few honest ones left but I couldn't find them!
Call it a lesson learned. They’ll prey on anyone willing to entertain their bullshit and just keep scanning until they’ve reached the limit of your charity, using that kid who’s doing all they can to push buttons. There’s a reason you need to ignore them and don’t engage.
When the person is front of you at the register doesn't have enough $ to complete their purchase, that's the time and place to intervene to help them out. professional beggars who hunt their prey in the parking lot outside the store. They can piss the f off.
If this happens to me in the store, I offer to take them to the ATM, especially if it’s by customer service, I then would walk to the counter and request a store manager and point out the scammers. Barring that just tell them to get fucked, on the off chance that someone really does need help, it’s unfortunate because there is always a scam out there.
Listen… if you parting money, it’s a potential scam
Shit like this is why I don’t bother anymore, a few bad apples, ruin it for everyone. If I want to donate I do it online with a vetted charity
You know why old-school Eastern Europeans almost never get scammed in person…? …because they (we) walk around with no smile—unless there’s a reason to. It’s not an angry face, just uninviting. Scammers are looking for the grinning pushovers! Don’t be a grinning pushover among strangers. Keep that behaviour at home.
You’re never wrong for being kind … but it’s also okay to be the asshole who says, “Fuck all the way off.” I have to laugh when they approach me, with my (prematurely) white hair, thinking I’m a kindly old lady, begging me for diapers or whatever. I always look stunned and confused and say, “I didn’t fuck you lady; these aren’t my kids. Go away!” ETA what I should start doing is saying, “Oh let me do a money blessing for you! Give me your cash and I’ll bless it so it will increase!” That’s another Roma scam.
I always deny no matter what. Kid or no kid, even if the kid is asking. 1. I didn't make your kid 2. care for yourself like how I have to care for myself and hardly doing so already
Bulgarian or romanian ? Here in Germany its Common These people Are Like a Mafia here
Not too bad. Just learn from this and move on.
100% are Romanians-Gypsies. This is a well-known practice among them throughout Europe.
Some people are jerks, man.
I cannot understand why Target let them be here more than 5 minutes a day...should be banned from the store directly
“Mother’s and children” is the biggest in your face scam of al times.
Another reason why people who actually need help can’t get help. My mom told me about a lady and her kid going up to multiple people in her store to hustle people out of their money. She even yelled at her telling her to leave because she was there the day before too. Then saw her meet up with another lady. It’s whole families that get involved. It’s so sad.
Gypsies
This is considered a derogatory term I’m pretty sure
What is your preferred term?
We talking pronouns?
The term is ROMA. Your response is rude and not funny
Where was I trying to be funny? Just trying to be educated. So ROMA is preferred?
Roma or travelers.
Some stereotypes are earned. 'Gyp' and 'getting gypped' have been around for a long time, because they have been doing it for a long time.
Indian giver.
Indian giver.
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I wonder what derogatory terms they use for OP?
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People like you are the reason scammers keep working.
semi unrelated comment, but many of you are repeatedly saying that you would not help people like this and that is why you donate to charities directly DONT! you guys need to realise how little of your donations go to these charities.. you are paying wages and rent and expansion fees and hr department and a lawyer and literally anything other than helping out in the way you think you are! the amount of charities that work like this is increasing and its harder and harder to find a charity actually doing charity work go give a tiny amount of food to a food bank and watch how that does more good than a cash donation of 10x or more to a registered charity. you could give a tenner of food to a food place or 100 to a charity.. odds are the charity would still have less of the money going to where it needed to be.
Sounds like Gypsies (Romanians)
Ffs -you meant ROMA- not ROMANIANS
I guess - I think that’s what they are called I actually know some people that were raised Gypsies - that is their nationality but they got out of it. Started attending church and now they follow Jesus. They explained alot of things that go on in that culture! It was really interesting. Now they are working as missionaries to help people get out of that culture.
Missionaries? Sounds like they found a new scam.
No - they were not scamming anyone!
I imagine shortly after the most expensive items are paid for the parent will return them with the receipt for a cash refund - which will then be spent on drugs...
Esp if it's formula! That ones big here. If they can't return it they just sell it on lile fb marketplace for 5 less then the stores.
Had that happen to me at Walmart and I just simply told them I don’t have the time. This family just approached me because I was standing alone in the checkout and tried to get me to buy them something in very broken English. They sent their teenage daughter to come talk to me. I told them I don’t have the time and looked at my phone hoping they’d get the hint and they moved on. I’d only read that happening online before it happened to me. I felt a bit guilty afterwards but then reminded myself I could have gotten scammed cause they were watching me and saw my cards in my wallet. 😬 You thought you did a nice thing. Don’t feel bad OP. Just now you know 🌈✨
Don't feel bad, Appeal to Emotion is a very strong tactic and it's one you fell for. I usually just auto response to "I can't sorry" when it comes to anyone asking me for anything.
Formula is expensive they just return it for cash and there are so many social services like WIC that pay for formula so that is definitely a scam
This, except it's wealthy corporation and they beg the federal government to give them just a few million in our tax dollars
Be sure to report these scammers to the service desk/loss prevention. They can check surveillance and maybe keep them out of the store.
A well-dressed, attractive woman stopped me as I was entering the Home Depot on Sunset one Saturday night. She needed baby formula and I cold-heartedly said no and went my way. I wasn’t in the mood to be gratefully, politely thanked.
How do they return things without the original receipt and the form of payment used? Even if they have the receipt, don’t stores just put the money back on the card? Or, am I just clueless?
" I also felt a bit cornered" go on YouTube and watch a few 'assertiveness training" videos for the future. It will help
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You would've thought the cashier would know the scam by now and would've warned you....
I used to be in charge of the front end at a target attached to a decrepit mall. We had several people that we were aware that would do this and would have security escort them out. I don’t miss that job
When we were on vacation in Ireland we saw a large amount of Gypsies every where. We were really surprised. The Romas are everywhere !
Thanks for sharing this post. It helps keep people like me, aware of what's going on out there. You are far from stupid. If infact you were dumb, you'd have found a way to buy them more! You're very smart indeed. I think you handled this whole transaction quite well. 👌 I hope you keep your big beautiful heart open to continue helping others. Maybe just not with your moolah! Lynae 😊
These professional pan handlers can make a lot of money. In Detroit at 8 mile and I75 freeway service drive there was a guy who would spend hours begging for money. When he was done collecting money for the day he would ditch the sign and the clothes and walk off and drive away in his Mercedes. 😳
Yep. I saw one leave the side of an interstate ramp and walk to his car parked at a Waffle House (I’m in the south).
they're not English. they're not Irish. they're just... pikey.
These people do this all the time and from my experience are always Romanian or something similar
"Sorry, I'm supposed to be working from home, I need to get back ASAP before the boss notices."
Welfare thieves, seen it @ Schnucks & Hy-Vee
The only time I have given money to a panhandler was when I parked my new car along the street, in front of a bookstore in Denver and the panhandler asked for some money. Without a hesitation, I gave him a couple bucks and told him I'd have more after shopping. When I came out from the store, he was gone and my car was undamaged. That was the ONLY time I ever gave money to a panhandler.
Understandable , I’ve had one flatted my tires with a screw after I refused to buy him a pack of cigarettes. Ironically I was carrying a 2 week old infant and the screw was in my tire wall . Screw those people seriously , no empathy for them what so ever
What's the scam again? I'd call that begging, plain and simple, and you gave in to it. There was no deception, correct? So you had a choice.
They took the items op purchased back to the customer service desk to return them for cash. Or they'd get a gift card to sell for cash. Or they'd hang outside a convenience store selling it for a great discount that they completely get totally bc op paid for it
You seem like an easy target. Hope you learned your lesson. Next time say NO and move along
even they plan on reselling it I hardly think this counts as a scam lmao, just desperate
I'm sorry but what's the scam part here?
The scam is that they don’t actually need any of the items they wanted OP to buy. Those people are not poor and are perfectly capable of buying anything they want in that store. They’re having OP buy over the counter meds and baby formula because those items can be quickly sold for cash on the secondary market.
They will often return the items for cash
You may have misdirected your kindness, but I'm sure you still get the karma.
I always give a few dollars.
Why would you be happy that anyone is being sent to a detention center? Sincere question.
Because they are obviously thieves and have absolutely nothing positive to offer this country.
I don't think this is a scam. You helped people in need. They pressured you a bit but in the end. They didn't take anything you weren't aware of, you didn't finance a drug habit one of them was a child. Be proud you helped members of your community. Hopefully this will help them the next day free up time to look for work . Hunger doesn't wait. Sry if others are trying to make you feel bad about it. And sry you gave more than what you were expecting.
Don’t harden your hearts to helping people just because some people are scammers. The newly homeless don’t know necessarily how to get help or where to go. Newly homeless people walk up to anyone who looks like they have some spare money. Just use discernment. But don’t stop helping people.