AIBU to lose my sh*t at these cheeky f*ckers?

[StitchInLime]

So we decided to give some toys away for free to a woman who posted on local Facebook page saying she is struggling with money as a single mum of twins (boy and girl) and was worried about their upcoming 7th birthdays. She was delighted, said they’d make ideal presents and was super grateful. My only stipulation was she comes to collect them herself.

So last night she turned up… with another couple. Fine, they have a van so makes sense (quite bulky toys: Barbie dollhouse, Avengers plane etc). But then the other woman in the couple starts asking me if I’m giving any other toys away for free, or even kids clothes, as their kids could do with some stuff too. I was a bit 😒 but just sort of smiled and said no. But then (and honestly can’t even believe this happened as I type this) the (quite big) dude actually walks through into the play area we’ve set up in conservatory and starts going through the other toys. Toys we’re keeping! When I asked what he was doing, he said he was just seeing what other toys they could take, like I hadn’t just made it clear only the stuff in the hallway was to be taken.

So obviously lost my shit a bit and told him we weren’t Toy R Us and he was like ‘alright, calm down love’ while his wife / GF gave me a right look and I swear I heard her say ‘stupid bitch’ under her breath. The original woman we were helping did look super embarrassed, to be fair to her.

They stormed past me and start loading the toys up, giving me filthy looks as they did and I just wanted them out of the house as honestly felt a little threatened by then and hubby was at footie (kids were playing upstairs thankfully). But then they realised they can’t fit the mega dollhouse in so ask to come back the next day. I say not possible as I’m out, and the dude said ‘well that’s the only time we can do it’ and that was it, I was done with these CFs so I just said ‘dollhouse withdrawn from offer then’ and closed the door on them. They actually knocked a few times then eventually left.

But now I’m feeling all sorts of guilt. I did email the woman to explain how I felt about it all, but if she has other people who can help her get the dollhouse then she can still have it but she has left me on read. AIBU for withdrawing the dollhouse? She did get an Avengers plane and easel plus some other bits for free. I just couldn’t deal with the idea of those CF turning up again!

Make sure you are fully on it with home security. You may well be burgled in a few weeks. In future door step collecting only.

What a horrible experience OP, I felt anxious just reading that! What an unbelievable arsehole the guy was. Glad you shut the door in their face.

It's so sad that things like this happen when all you were doing is being a decent human being.

Some selfish buggers just take advantage of other's kindness and lack capacity to consider others.

I agree with others, be wary about home security.

The whole gang of them conned you (and other mugs) into giving away toys they intend to sell.

Nah this can’t be true can it? I’m fucking gobsmacked if so. That’s not just good old fashioned cheeky fuckery. That’s trespassing and intimidation chucked in for good measure. Neither one of them would be getting anything from me except an order to get the fuck out of my house pronto before I phoned the police!

I never give anything away for free nor do I do private sales. It’s just not worth it. I always do a charity intermediary. At least that way it avoids hassle and profiteering.

That sounds really horrible OP, I hope you’re OK.

''No good deed goes unrewarded''.

Omg DO NOT feel guilty!! Rude Cfs!! In future...charity shop or local preschool!!!

Fucking hell
What a way to behave in someones elses home

Sounds like theives casing you.

I had someone come by who claimed the landlord sent him to get scrap metal from the shed, I told him I couldn't let him in without speaking to the landlord then he barged in like you discribed and started going through the shed.

I phoned the landlord who rushed round and kicked them out (he had not sent anyone).

Well they must have waited until I went out and came back and robbed us. They Took our brand new dishwasher that was still boxed in the conservatory waiting to be plumbed in, plus the landloads fridge and some hoover stuff and some toys.

We still dont have a dishwasher now 12 years later as it had been a housewarming gift and we cant afford to replace it when really its a luxuary item.

I think you had a bit of a lucky escape tbh

Be more wary in the future

Cheeky bastards! I give stuff away a lot via freecycle but either leave stuff on the doorstep for contactless pick up, or get them to wait there whilst I fetch it for them

Id be on the alert in next few weeks and make sure you’re double checking you’ve locked up, removed valuables from sight etc. I’d be concerned they’d try and chance their arm and come back

If stay home today of possible. They sound like they might chance it.

I've experienced similar. Bloody cheek!

So sorry to read this. I was selling my house at auction, and in a rented cottage nearby. I had several weeks to move out of my house, and offered my garden wooden sleepers to one of the cottage owners, I left the gates unlocked and invited them to go up and see them. I couldn't believe it when they came back and said they didn't want the sleepers, but would like my garden ornaments! I wasn't offering those, what is wrong with people.

I think your comment of “dolls house withdrawn” was the perfect response. They are definitely CF’s. All of them.

Thanks for everyone’s replies. Some updates…

The ‘twin mum’ eventually replied and said she was utterly mortified. Her sister’s friend had offered help collect as boyf had van and she’d never met the dude. she apologised profusely and said she can return the toys if I wish. I wrote back saying it was fine and at least she now knows to steer clear of the couple. I honestly think she was genuine but the couple were twats.

Mutual friend also got back to me. When I say ‘friend’ I mean we went to baby playgroup together years back and clicked but haven’t seen each other much since kids have got older. She backed up what ‘twin mum’ said but also said the woman part of ‘van couple’ is known for being dodgy and always trying to sponge off people. The boyfriend is a new addition and she’s trying to discreetly check he's background but as far as she knows, the van woman is just a CF and doesn’t veer into the criminal.

Hubby is in tonight so don’t fear (love how you were all concerned, thank you!) and we’re going to be more aware. I’m not going to report anything to police as didn’t quite veer into criminal activity.

And I’m never going to give stuff away for free on Facebook again! Sad as twin mum was genuine (I really think she was) but was let down by these CFs. Next time, charity shop!

I doubt these ‘twins’ exist. They sound like scammers. Awful, can’t believe what happened. You have NO need to feel guilty.

its best to have the stuff outside and ready to go, then these people don't come in your home.

No good deed goes unpunished

Wow! Cheeky fuckers!
I don't use Facebook or even any of the selling sites. I gather up loads of stuff throughout the year and every single last bit of the unwanted stuff goes into a charity skip (clothes/shoes) or I arrange a local charity shop to come and collect.
They are so grateful of good quality stuff.
Do you have a doorbell camera at all? It would be great to name and shame them on your page 😈

It sounds as if the twin mum was genuine from what you've said, OP.
I think maybe the male CFer, was just that, a CFer, as surely a real scammer [almost said 'genuine' ha ha] would be a lot more subtle .

No all them. Sorry you had to deal with that x

No good deed goes unpunished OP!.

You poor thing, OP. I feel they’ve absolutely duped you and the cheek of that oaf to go rummaging through your conservatory!! Do not ever let them back in - in future meet everyone on the doorstep. It was a kind thing you did and your kindness has been abused x

I do think its an FYI to us all that if strangers are picking up items have them outside or in the garage.