Being conned whilst shopping

I would never give to a random request like this, by complete strangers.

Whilst the initial reaction is to support those raising money for charities - I now don't hand out cash. If approached by someone to sign up for a charity I never do so on the spot, I ask for leaflets to take away so I can consider whether to support or not.

I never used to be like this but with so many scams and fraudsters around I'm afraid I have become suspicious of anyone asking me for money

Same as VioletSky. Who are we to judge ?

I'm fairly sure that I've been conned a few times by older kids knocking on the door with those 'school sponsorship' forms for charity. Anyone could print them. Now, I wouldn't give money in advance, just ask them to come back when they've completed the challenge - I bet they don't.

There is a lady who hangs around fast food places in town. She always has a food voucher and asks for enough for the meal. She never buys the meal.

I often give her the money anyway. She obviously needs it for something.

Maybe she spends it on alcohol or drugs but her life does not look happy and I don't begrudge her what ever happiness she is capable of finding at this stage in her life.

Just give and don't worry where it goes.

You just don't know what someone else is dealing with in life

Don’t beat yourself up. These vultures prey on peoples good nature.
If you had thought, you should have taken a photo and put it on your local FB.

i wouldn't have even spoken to them.
i'm afraid they saw you coming, literally.
never mind, but check your wallet etc as pickpockets often operate like that too, by distraction, flourishing papers, maps etc.
don't let anyone stand too close to you and develop what is called a RBF over on MN.
has its uses.

Ah well, in their minds they needed the money. The kid was probably not from a good family being not in school so maybe the money bought him a meal. I wouldn’t regret it, just feel sorry for them that they had to resort to this.