[claricecolin]

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

[bestmickey]

Originally Posted by Bogie Shooter

Call the police? Call the sheriff?
Giving them $ is not solving the problem.

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

[dbussone]

Originally Posted by Ron1Z

We had the same thing a few years ago visiting the villages, wife gave him ten bucks to get rid of him. We do not have that kind of thing where we live. We were also shocked to see the people with the signs saying "have not eaten in two days".

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

[salpal]

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.

[gatherer47]

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.

[jblum315]

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

[KathieI]

This used to happen daily in supermarket shopping lots in Los Angeles (another warm climate perfect for homeless and panhandlers). They'd walk up to me and ask for a dollar for something or other and I'd say, sure, help me unload the groceries into my trunk and I'll give you a dollar.... They'd walk away grumbling, lol.

[Marlo]

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.

[buggyone]

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.

[Golfingnut]

Originally Posted by buggyone

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.

[NIPAS K-9]

Originally Posted by gatherer47

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.

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

[kellyjam]

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?

[Whatever]

Originally Posted by kellyjam

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?

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.

[graciegirl]

Originally Posted by buggyone

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.

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.

[Lovey2]

Originally Posted by Marlo

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.

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.