Street Scams – When Kindness Gets You Scammed: Scambusters #1,197
You’ve seen people on busy street corners and in parking lots holding signs and asking for money for gas or claiming they have a family emergency. Some of these individuals are truly in need, but others are a part of scams that take advantage of kindhearted people.
Compassion or Con? The Hidden World of Fake Beggar Scams
Seeing someone on the street asking for money can be tough. You might want to help, but not everyone who asks for help really needs it. There are scams involving homeless people and beggars that take advantage of people's kindness. These scams can make it harder for those who are truly homeless to get the help they need.
This post will give you an overview of common scams involving homeless people and beggars. You will learn about the tricks scammers use, how to spot warning signs, and the best ways to help safely. By understanding these issues, you can make smart choices and ensure your support goes to those who really need it.
Common Fake Homeless and Beggar Scams
Scammers use different tricks to take advantage of people's kindness. They often make up detailed stories or use fake items to seem more believable. To protect yourself and to help real causes, you need to recognize these tactics.
Some of the most prevalent scams include:
- The "Talented" Performer – A person plays a musical instrument badly or makes poor art, saying they need money for lessons or supplies. In truth, they often do not want to improve and use their performance to ask for money.
- The Fake Veteran – Scammers often wear military-style clothes or hold signs saying they are veterans in need. They take advantage of the public's respect for service members to get sympathy and money.
- The "Lost" or "Stranded" Traveler – This scam involves someone pretending their wallet was stolen or that they missed their bus and need money for a ticket home. They often approach people at bus or train stations.
- The Sob Story Sign – Many scammers use signs that tell fake, upsetting stories about sick children, dead family members, or losing a job. These stories aim to make people feel very sorry for them.
High-Traffic Scammer Locations
Scammers often set up in busy areas to make more money. Be especially careful in these places:
- Busy street corners and intersections
- Outside grocery stores and shopping malls
- Gas station entrances and exits
- Public transportation hubs like train and bus stations
- Popular tourist attractions and entertainment districts
Deceptive Tactics Used by Fake Homeless Scammers
Scammers use tricks to make their stories believable. They might wear dirty or torn clothes to look poor, or they might use props like crutches or empty strollers to make their story more convincing. Some scammers work in groups, sharing locations and methods to make more money.
A key difference to understand between homelessness and begging — not all homeless people beg, and not all beggars are homeless. Homelessness means a person does not have a stable and suitable place to live. Begging, or panhandling, is when someone asks for money or food. While a homeless person may beg because they need help, a professional beggar might have a home and use begging as their main way to earn money.
How the Public Unknowingly Helps Scammers
Giving cash directly to someone on the street can unintentionally support scams. Many people who ask for money use it for harmful things, like drugs or alcohol. When you give directly, you might help make begging a profitable business, encouraging more scammers to take advantage of people's kindness.
Scammers often have a list of compelling reasons for needing money, such as:
- "I need money to feed my children."
- "I need to buy a bus ticket to see a sick relative."
- "I lost my job and need money for rent to avoid eviction."
- "I need to pay for essential medication."
How to Spot if Someone Is a Fake Homeless Scammer
It can be hard to tell the difference between a real request for help and a scam, but there are warning signs to look out for.
- If someone reacts poorly to non-cash offers, it is a significant sign.
- If you offer them food, water, or a gift card to a restaurant, and they get angry or refuse it and ask for cash instead, it may mean they do not truly need help.
- They might say they have food allergies or special dietary needs, but constantly refusing all non-cash help is suspicious.
Other warning signs include:
- Seeing the same person with the same sign day after day, for weeks or months.
- Observing them at the end of their "shift," getting into a nice car or changing into clean clothes.
- Noticing they have a new, expensive-looking phone or other items that don't align with their story of destitution.
Real-Life Cases of Fake Beggar Scams
Many people have been caught pretending to be homeless. One well-known case involved a woman in Virginia. She was seen begging at an intersection for weeks. A concerned person followed her and filmed her getting into a new car and driving away. When the news reported the story, it turned out she actually had a nice home and was making a lot of money from panhandling. She was later charged with fraud.
Another example, though fictitious, is a good example of how scammers operate.
Late one afternoon, a man named Tyler stood in a grocery store parking lot holding a cardboard sign that read: “Stranded. Need gas to get home to my kids. God bless.”
He approached drivers one by one, explaining that his car had run out of gas on the freeway and that he just needed a few dollars to get home. His story was detailed—he even had a small gas can and pointed toward a nearby sedan.
Feeling sympathetic, many shoppers handed over small bills. Some offered to buy him gas directly, but Tyler always had a quick excuse: his wife was waiting in the car, the kids were scared, or the car was too far to push.
A few hours later, an employee noticed Tyler counting a thick wad of cash behind the store and driving away in a different car—a newer model parked several aisles over. The “stranded father” was, in fact, making hundreds of dollars a day repeating this same routine across town, moving locations before anyone grew suspicious.
People often notice unusual behavior in these individuals and report it. If someone finds something strange in their stories or sees them driving away in a modern vehicle, they usually inform local authorities or news outlets.
Is Begging Legal? Is it Safe?
Is it a crime to ask for money? The laws differ by state and city. In many places, simply sitting with a sign and asking for help is legal. However, aggressive begging, like following or bothering people, is not allowed.
Giving money on a street corner can be dangerous. Stopping your car to hand out money can create risks for you, the person asking for help, and other drivers. It’s safer to avoid direct interactions in busy traffic areas.
If someone has scammed you, you should report it to your local police. This is especially important if the person was aggressive or if you think they are part of a bigger scam operation.
Better Ways to Offer Help for the Homeless
If you feel a person is genuinely in need but are hesitant to give cash, there are other ways to help. You can offer:
- Bottled water or a sports drink
- Ready-to-eat, shelf-stable food items such as granola bars
- A gift card to a nearby fast-food restaurant or grocery store
- A pair of new socks, which are one of the most requested items in homeless shelters
What Resources Are There to Help?
The best way to help the homeless is to support organizations that assist them. These groups provide food, shelter, counseling, and job training. They tackle the main causes of homelessness. Consider donating to or volunteering with them:
- Local homeless shelters
- Food banks and soup kitchens
- Charitable organizations like Habitat for Humanity, Volunteers of America, or The Salvation Army.
Conclusion
Helping people in need is a good thing, but it's important to do it safely and effectively. Giving cash directly to people on the street can lead to scams and might not help those who really need it. Instead, support established charities and provide non-cash assistance. This way, your kindness can have a positive and lasting effect.
Remember, Stay Alert and Stay Informed!