Ex’s friend asking me for money

[Shyfrog]

A friend of my ex who I am not on speaking terms with has reached out and is asking me for money because they need to pay for transport to college so they can get a degree and move out eventually. I don’t know them but I don’t find it completely impossible that they have no one they can ask for money from. They live with their grandma who has dementia and their family members won’t give them any money because they’re not on good terms. I am on benefits and have a little bit of money for giving gifts for birthdays and Christmas to anyone close to me. My judgement isn’t that great. What questions can I ask to work out if they’re genuine

Ok I will just ignore his messages now I think you’re right

Absolutely don't give then money. Ignore the message.

Block the number.

This person isn't even a friend of yours, it's a friend of your ex-partner. I'm going to hazard a guess, that you don't know this person particularly well and aren't close? The answer is to reply back....sorry, I'm on a low income myself, so I am not in a position to lend you money...then block them. Do not under any circumstances lend this person money. You will never see a penny of it again, and this person will keep tapping you up for more!

DO NOT GIVE THEM ANY MONEY.

You need to protect yourself from these people targeting you.

Don't engage or give them an opportunity to manipulate you.

you must block him. i have a friend who is so willing to help people it’s been at her own detriment. She’s now in serious financial trouble.

Why the hell would you even consider this?
Someone who is a friend of your ex who you don't even know and you would give them your hard earned cash??
This is really not a thing that most people would do
Donate to a charity if you want to do something to help people.
Ignore, block, work on your boundaries
No is a full sentence

They have probably contacted lots of friends of friends. Or it's a scam that hasn't even come from them. You have no spare money for someone you have no connection with. Look after yourself.

Whether they are genuine or not, you are not in a position to be giving loans or monetary gifts.
They know you lack judgement and they are trying it on.
Just explain you haven't sufficient funds to help out.

Don't ignore him, block him. You don't even know him!

No is all you need to say.

For the future OP- anyone who asks for money - your default should be no.

if you do decide to help out a future partner or friend, never given a second “loan” when the first hasn’t been full repaid.

You should treat this person with the respect and consideration they have shown you and simply text back the word 'No', then block the number.