Would you have given this guy any money?

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Pale Rider

Legendary Member
Trudging along the High Street today I was approached by a man who wanted money.

He asked for £1.80 to get to a town about five miles away - presumably he was after the bus fare.

He was middle aged, reasonably smart, and spoke with a local accent.

No sign of intoxication or drug abuse.

I thought about asking for a story, but decided it was either a 'yes' or 'no' situation.

Decision swiftly made, I gave him £2 - I had no smaller change.

He took the money, made a remark about there not being many decent people about, and walked off.

No mention of repayment.

I am cynical, and fully accept he may have been collecting money to buy some cans, cigarettes or for any other purpose.

But he appeared genuine.

What would you have done?
 

perplexed

Guru
Location
Sheffield
He'd have got nothing from me I'm afraid.

We have a couple of well known regulars to the courts in Sheffield who do this all the time. Smart dress, very plausible.
 

Beebo

Firm and Fruity
Location
Hexleybeef
The give away for me is him not offering any way to pay you back.
If i was in his shoes i would be bending over backwards to offer the money back, i'd give them a mobile number, anything to make sure the favour is returned.
 

dst87

Well-Known Member
Location
Falkirk, UK
He'd have got nothing from me. Mainly because I tend not to cary any cash on me (it's at least rare), but also because I'm very skeptical.

Then again I can imagine myself losing my wallet and phone - train tickets gone, credit/debit cards gone, no means of contact. I wonder what I'd do in that situation! Perhaps a bit of inexpensive charity is worthwhile.
 
OP
OP
Pale Rider

Pale Rider

Legendary Member
I was on my way to my local bike shop.

Telling the tale in there, the manager said they have had several similar requests over the years which they decline.

The exception is regular customers, a couple of which they have lent a few quid to.

Bikes and banking - that's what I call service.
 

Hyslop

Veteran
Location
Carlisle
Isn't a Scottish tenner worth 20p in proper money?
I always thought so,I wasnt aware change was expected:smile:.Down the years,Cumbria has generally fostered the idea and,at the end of the year,divvied up the proceeds and had a big party.Ibelieve Dumfriesshire wisely also employs a "give us your soon to be worthless money-heres a lollipop in exchange"policy.:whistle:
 
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