This is a very common scam. Just say no and walk away. If they harass or follow you call the police.

I wish I had written down his license plate number. Unfortunately, didn't think to do it at the time it happened.

This is a common sight in FL which, because of its climate, has become a haven for the homeless and scammers.

In same parking lot, near party store, my friend and I were approached by a young lady, about 30 and she said she was giving out free samples. She handed us a bag that contained cosmetics. We said thank you and then she said that there were some samples in the bag, but the rest of the contents cost $20. We handed them back to her. We said something to employees at Party Store and they said "oh, she's back.".......
No harm, but annoying. This was last week on April 4.

I had a guy stop me and say " sir,I haven't tasted food in two days." I told him don't worry it still tastes the same.

I wouldn't call this a scam. it's just plain old pan-handling otherwise known as begging.

We just had it happen last night in Sweetbays parking lot. The guy needed just $ 1.20 more to buy milk for his kids. He got paid today - when hubby said no, he walked away and got into a car and left. You feel so guilty not helping someone. I told him he should have told the guy he'd go back into the store with him and pay the $ 1.20.

Yes, it is begging. It is not a scam of any sort. We all have lived long enough to have seen this before coming to The Villages. Do not forget that we in The Villages are in a bubble of prosperity with lots of poverty around us in the surrounding towns.

You can either give to each person individually, to a shelter or food pantry, to your church, or to nothing. It is all up to each one individually.

Perfectly stated. Thanks Buggy. Beggars will go to where people are in a hurry. The true needy will find a food pantry or a shelter.

OHHHH That's an excellent reply. I liked that one.

I had one of these up there a while back. I told the person he was in luck because the Sumter Police Dept had a fund to help people in situations like his. I volunteered to call them but he wasn't interested. I wonder why?

Scammer at it again
 

Approached last night, 4/18@ about 7:00 p.m., told him I heard the story before and he looked shocked. Yep, he was wearing the same veterans hat, had a story, was 65ish and could not get away fast enough. I was not able to get the plate #.
The incident took place in the Fuji Restaurant parking lot on 441.

Or do as you do and volunteer. I know you go somewhere and serve hungry people. There are so many quiet, selfless givers here in The Villages. Thank God for them.

Yeah, I felt bad too, and gave a guy$10 to buy food for his kids at McDonalds. He got in the car and left, never went to the McDonalds. I felt like a fool, but potentially it could have been real, in which case I would have felt bad. I promised myself that in the future, I would offer to walk over to the McD's and purchase the food for him.