I agree with @disorganisedsecretsquirrel
People here have heard so much about third world country scams, they've come to think that everyone in a poor country is out to scam, when in fact they are just trying to survive. I know lots of people in India with low income, struggling with work even before the pandemic, rickshaw drivers, gardeners, maids, tailors, etc, most of whom were dependent on the many Western tourists that visit their town, most of whom are extraordinarily lovely, friendly, polite people just doing their jobs. The first thing I though of when I heard of the draconian covid restrictions in India is, what are they going to do?
Not one of them has asked me for help, though most have my email address; the man I mentioned earlier, he actually told my son of his situation, not me, and my son asked me to help, as I am better off than he is.
These people are ALL struggling. They don't have to write me for me to know that. They have families to support.
I have also donated to an Indian charity that feeds the poor daily, and I know that there are many charities doing this. I belong to a FB group that reports on this. But to tell you the truth, I'd rather send the same amount to a friend directly. How would you like to line up on the street with a bowl, to get your daily meal?
I don't think anyone is starving there, as food IS being given out on a daily basis. But I prefer the help to be personal, so I gave directly.
I understand that if you don't have a friend in a poor country you might be suspicious. But dismissing any call for help as a scam just doesn't do it for me. Nobody is thriving in those countries; surely a scam is a get rich quick scheme by conmen, not ordinary people who just want to live their lives and don't have government help. They are not scheming. They are not asking you to marry them.
Giving £50 was not a big deal for me, soon forgotten. I know it was a big deal for my friend, and that's what counted.