To not give someone 20p

[TrulyMadlyBeefly]

I have just been stopped the the street and asked for 20p. My auto response is always sorry, no. Get asked a lot.

It just seemed an odd amount to ask for. It's also an area notorious for moped crime and I'm wondering if it was a ploy to get my purse out and snatch it.

Am I overthinking this

[MeadowHay]

Also, I've given spare change tons of times and never had my wallet snatched ! Although this has always been with other people around, and I've never been alone when I've gave money on a night. Also never heard of any moped crime round here I guess.

Another thing I've done a few times is buy people hot drinks or ask if they want anything from the shop/Subway/Greggs etc if I'm going in, ime people usually take me up on the offer, particularly over the colder months, they tend to want a hot milky drink with loads of sugar. Poor things. I get so upset, it's awful in Liverpool now, total blight on our city.

[Twiggy71]

Several years ago my ds who was about 13 at the time had went into the local town after school.
A guy came up to him and asked him the time so never thinking he brought out his phone to look and low and behold the git ran off with his phone.
He was gutted at the time and it was a pretty much a new phone he'd gotten for xmas. It got reported to the police but nothing was ever done.

[dontalltalkatonce]

I never have cash on me unless I'm going somewhere specifically that requires it so it would be a no from me. YANBU.

[TrulyMadlyBeefly]

As far as I am aware, homeless charities say don't give money directly, rather give to the charities.

No pay for loos around, and parking is pay by phone.

I guess I'm just used to the people on the tube regularly asking for money to get into a hostel that night, or trying to sell tissues. Most of the homeless on the street don't ask. This just took me by surprise and the knee jerk reaction was no.

[Zzzz19]

The problem nowadays is you can’t tell those who are in need from those who are just exploiting people. I read once about a bloke who was making £700 a week plus from begging.

[Majorcollywobble]

The only person in the town where I live now - who asks for 20p after accosting you has made a career out of it . I know for a fact he works the smaller town where I used to live - 8 miles away - and comes into the larger town in the afternoons . It’s a working day to him . At the end of it he goes home where he lives with his mother . And before I’m shot down in flames he’s quite normal and it’s true . When he sees me he stays quiet as he knows I could blow his cover . Not that I would .
The actual homeless people in the summer in the bigger town who would be near the bus station would just sit with a cup - I’d give them a pound or so and ask how they were . They all now have either got their own places to live through some good projects we have here or at least are in homeless shelters . One young woman who was in a bad way was touchingly thrilled to be given a fiver . She’s got her own flat now and over the moon to have her dog back . In my book it’s the lowest of the low to pretend to be on the streets . I’d never take out my purse .

[Lovemusic33]

I think they ask for 20p because people are likely to give it to them or give them more if they say only have £1 coin, asking 100+ people in a day for 20p and receiving up to £1 each time gives them enough to buy a meal or a bottle of vodka.

[dadshere]

It is a ploy. Once you agree to giving them 20p (a paltry sum), they have broken the hardest barrier. Now, they know that you are open to giving money to beggers in the street. Next, many people will at this point be more likely to hand over a pound (or more) rather than the 20p asked for. Once you have demonstrated your willingness to be a mug, the sob story starts. Don't give to beggers, give to registered charities.

[Nessaofbarry]

I only would if I was in a pay and display car park and someone couldn’t find the change

[OvalCanvas]

I never hand money over to people on the street. A relative of mine has worked supporting the homeless for years in various parts of our city , and she says that 9/10 people begging have a room in a life house. They are begging for drug money.

Donating to local charities that provide severe weather beds would be a far wiser use of your money.

[Brahumbug]

Weirdest one was in Leeds when I was asked for 90p, of course i had to ask why 90p.

[Justaboy]

Remember that girl some years ago needed just 20 p for a bus fare as the bus driver turfed her off the bus.

She had to walk home quite some way.

On the way she was attacked raped and left for dead:(

[goingtotown]

MIL had her purse snatched from her hand when she was about to give money to what she thought was a homeless girl.
The police advised her never stop to interact, especially if someone asks for the time or directions.

[x2boys]

There's a man near me who always asks for very precise odd amounts like ,23pence of 39 pence etc I think he's an alcoholic though so I assume he's trying to get enough for a can of beer

[LucaFritz]

If i had odd change in my pocket id just hand that over but i wouldn't take out a purse in front of them as they'd likely snatch it but at the same time if they wanted to mug you they'd just take your purse anyway without you taking it out just say no and walk on

[Oysterbabe]

"have you got 20p for the bus" is a very common line.

[Whattodoabout]

They usually ask for small amounts because people are more likely to give them it. If you approached someone and asked for a tenner they’d be far less inclined than 20p.

Could also be a lure to get your purse, asking for the time has been a well known lure to steal people’s phones.

[Thecurtainsofdestiny]

I agree it seems better to give to the charities, or give food or drink.

Though one time I did the latter and the woman came into the bakery with me to choose what she wanted, and proceeded to shoplift from there.

The embarrassment

[maccaroni]

In our town you can buy Salvation Army breakfast vouchers at a local bookshop. I keep a couple in my pocket and offer that instead. Most people are pretty pleased to receive one.

[UtuNorantiPralatongsThirdEye]

I always give them money, gave one £2.50 the other day
Poor love had a dodgy leg you could tell wasn't put on, the pain etched in her face. She had been given a hostel in the next town but was short of bus money to get there. Said she'd slept in our park, very close to town where we were. All seemed plausible

That's a well known scam. They're usually addicts and are so desperate for money and prescription pain medicine that they deliberately injure their bodies (usually the legs) and/or stop wounds from healing.

[MiniEggAddiction]

I used to always just give it (and usually ended up giving ore like a pound) without thinking but more often that not in hindsight it's a con. There used to be a guy who was always telling a story about his mother being in hospital with a broken leg and he didn't have the cash to visit her. Poor woman must have broken her leg every day for a year. I now say "no sorry have not money on me". Then give the change I would have given to a homeless charity.

[Norma27]

I always say no if stopped and asked.
Today an old man looked like he was struggling to pay for his shopping. I got my purse out to pay the last bit for him but he managed to pay first.
I always think it is a scam when asked. Where I live is notorious for it.

[Notquiteagandt]

Always 20p fpr the bus around here (merseyside) makes me laugh. As I think wheres the bus going 1986 on a kids fare 😂 when was the last time the bus was 20p

[Drabarni]

Utu

I'm so glad I gave her the money now, what a state to be in. I often wonder what awful life experiences these people must have. I'm skint, low income but give when I can.


My dd is the same, boards in central Manchester. She's involved with so much work for the homeless.

[SheOfManyNames]

"Sorry I don't carry cash"
It's rife in our town. Same bloke has stood outside the station for years asking for £1 to make up an emergency fare. At first he got loads of money, people are wise to him now.