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AIBU?

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Original poster

To feel a bit harassed by charity worker

343 replies

Hardknocks · 29/10/2024 18:40

Was on my way back from a meeting in London this evening, had to stop at the ticket machine to get my ticket a charity person came over to ask for a donation - I said I couldn’t afford it (I couldn’t), but I usually do give something. However this guy was so pushy, putting leaflets in my face, telling me he lost his brother to knife crime etc etc. He put £25 into his card reader and just kept saying ‘just tap your phone, tap your phone’. I politely asked him to move so that I could get past and through the train barrier but he said not until I tap.. so feeling completely intimidated I did.

I feel stupid, I couldn’t afford £25. I don’t begrudge giving to charity at all and I do where I can. AIBU to feel a bit upset about the whole thing.

OP posts:
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Original poster
Hardknocks · 29/10/2024 18:50

Thank you everyone for your kind words! I have checked my bank and it’s a legit payment - Uplifterz CIC is the charity. I will be reporting him!

OP posts:
HalloweenHaribo · 29/10/2024 18:50

YABU to ask if you're being unreasonable.

Make a report to the transport police and contact your card company immediately, incase he's cloned it.

ChaToilLeam · 29/10/2024 18:49

EmpressaurusDelleGatte · 29/10/2024 18:47

Definitely report it. And if it happens to you again, shout. Make a fuss. Let people around know that this git is trying to extort money from you.

Yes, if you ever have this situation again, get loud - it will attract attention - scammers often melt away, they don’t want to be noticed by the authorities.

UptheGary · 29/10/2024 18:48

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MumOfOneAllAlone · 29/10/2024 18:47

I would absolutely report him!!!

These people are so pushy and they see women as an easy target (assuming you're a woman)

I had one of them when I had to lease a hire car. I said, I'm a single mum and can't afford the add on insurance but he was really pressuring me

No respect

Sorry op, if you have a credit card, maybe contact them, as a pp said xx

EmpressaurusDelleGatte · 29/10/2024 18:47

Definitely report it. And if it happens to you again, shout. Make a fuss. Let people around know that this git is trying to extort money from you.

SDTGisAnEvilWolefGenius · 29/10/2024 18:47

I am so sorry this happened to you, @Hardknocks - I would complain to the railway station too - hopefully they will be appalled to hear about anyone acting so aggressively - even under the guise of charity collection - and will get their staff to keep an eye out for him.

It might sound like an over reaction, but I would suggest calling the police too - this individual obtained money by menaces - he made you pay so he would let you past - and that is an offence, I am sure.

Finally, you should contact your bank and put a stop on the payment, if you can - or contact the charity and insist on a refund.

alienpilotingaboeing · 29/10/2024 18:46

@Hardknocks was it Inside Success Union? Teenagers in high-vis jackets banging on about knife crime? Massive scam - report to TFL, they shouldn't be letting them onto the concourse.

ChaToilLeam · 29/10/2024 18:46

Report it - if he is a scammer he may also have your card details now so best contact your bank.

Needmorelego · 29/10/2024 18:45

Report it anyway.

Needmorelego · 29/10/2024 18:45

If you can't remember which charity it was contact the station management telling them where and a what time it happened - it could be on CCTV.

Oneearringlost · 29/10/2024 18:44

A Chugger. Horrible

MaterCogitaVera · 29/10/2024 18:44

Can you remember which charity it was for? If so, I’d make a complaint. If not, might be worth reporting it via a non-emergency number. Refusing to allow you to pass until you paid is absolutely illegal. He essentially coerced you into giving the money.

Original poster
Hardknocks · 29/10/2024 18:44

As far as I know he was genuine, he was wearing the charity jacket and he had the usual book. As I finally got through the ticket barrier I could see him doing it to someone else - I’ll definitely report it.

OP posts:
Needmorelego · 29/10/2024 18:43

Do you remember which charity?
Contact them and complain.
Also complain to the station management.
They should never be that pushy.
Next time....
A firm "no" and walk away.

MaggieBsBoat · 29/10/2024 18:43

Good grief. Was it your credit card? Try and claim it back and report him to the charity.

TTPDTS · 29/10/2024 18:42

That's terrible!

Personally I'd get in touch with the charity.

Are you sure he was legit as well - this sounds like such a horrible pressured situation I can't imagine a genuine charity person collecting would be blocking your way and forcing you to donate such a large amount!

BlunderMifflin · 29/10/2024 18:42

Obviously you need to report him to the charity saying when and where this happened. I suspect he may have been a scammer though unfortunately