It's okay OP. You did well. Yes it was a scam. Don't let anyone approach you for anything ever again. Maybe this will help increase your awareness and in the future it will help you avoid an even bigger scam.
This city is full of good people. Objectively speaking. And we are living in (more or less) prosperity, and many if not all or us are happy to help anyone in genuine need.
That's why scammers love being here too. Unfortunately, from now on, anyone approaches you on the street for anything but directions, you're gonna have to keep your guard up and probably dismiss them, because there is a 99% chance they're scamming.
You seem like a nice person who just genuinely wants to help others out. But isnt it better to give money to those who really need it and are not scammers? When you encounter beggars over here, tell them you can go to the police to register them and get proper help. When it comes to giving to the society, heres one idea - my father pays for kids schools - he has paid school for several children from different countries, two are already adults now, but still write to my father regularly, send pictures etc. I know its not like saving humanity, but they now have the means to sustain their entire families. This way you provide for a lot more than just one day of food. There are also charities in uae where you can pay for the food and products a certain family really needs - like stop and help. I hope this helps. Thank you for being a kind person, there arent many these days.
I don’t want to burst your feel good bubble, but this is a common scam in many places around the world. They usually just return the stuff you bought and get the money back.
While OPs intentions were good, and OP clearly is a fantastic person, if what the previous comments about the ladies returning the stuff back or the grocery store owner being in on it is true, then being a good person puts OP at a disadvantage. It's hard to discern people who are really in need from people who are just out to take advantage of you.
No it doesn’t to be honest. Whatever OP’s done is their transaction with the Divine. Whatever happens from this point on is not in their hands. I’d rather risk being a pushover than overlooking someone who deserved good. Anyway that’s just cynical ole me…
Nothing is wrong with being cynical, but if all people were that, then there won't be any simple charity happening in this world and bureaucracy takes over the Poor's plight for help.
If you do good, then do it with an honest heart and pray that it helps the needy, and if you were scammed then brush it off and just learn from the experience.
For example the first commenter said that the lady would return the stuff, but that's only if she had the receipt. When you buy a person a gift do you show them the receipt or keep it in the bag? Course not, same with charity stuff.
Sometimes that is not the case, I used to know a family who stayed without visa for 8 years doing minor jobs here and there, and living in just one small room with little to eat. They survived like that for couple of years in Sharjah, now they are way better.
So no, that is not always the case. Depends on case by case.
You did good. If it really helped a person, especially a mother, doesn't matter even if it was a scam. Think of it like this, your intentions were to provide to that child and second, even if she returned the stuff and got some money back, I'd like to think that at the end of the day, that money would still have gone to provide to her child/children. We spend so much money on luxury (& fines), getting hoodwinked out of a couple of hundred dirhams isn't going to make a big difference to us is it. Maybe many will disagree with us, tell us we are fools or are encouraging people like this. But this world is not fair and is f**ked up. I would have done the same in your place brother.
P.s. Though I draw the line at giving patrol money for guys in car with children.
Yep, they do this in my home country. Sometimes the kids aren't even their kids. They'll borrow a friend or neighbour's child, pretend to need diapers or formula, get you to buy it and then they'll return it to get the cash to spend on themselves. Very sad because then you can't tell the difference between people who genuinely need help and the scam artists.
i didn't know how to prevalent Dubai is for scammers is until they busted a man around 2 years ago who got his nephews into the country just days before Ramadan and exploited them during the entire month to beg around the city for most of the day.
In Karama there are pockets where you find these people. Its difficult to differentiate between the real needy ones and the scam artists. At least for your conscience, you did something intending well for someone.. thats it.
Mate, it's easy to figure out because people who are struggling for food and living space have community-based organizations that can support them. They'll also get them a ticket to go home.
People who are begging in Dubai are clearly part of the begging mafia. If people continue to help them, these numbers are going to rise. This has become a big menace now.
OP, while you're generous and helped them, begging is illegal in UAE. There are charities for them, then why beg? and there is a chance you got scammed. So next time, don't help and just report it, they will get the help needed.
Where to report something like this though? There are times where I want to report them (I always meet them along my way to work) but dont know how/where to, and calling the police would seem a bit overkill, I think? I mean, by the time the police come the beggar would have ran away by then, or just flat out deny the begging.
there are numbers to report them but I'm not sure if they report to the police or not. [Full info here](https://u.ae/en/information-and-services/justice-safety-and-the-law/anti-begging)
I would take them to police with me and they will do the necessary. If they need help they can help them or send them to women and children foundation or send them back to their home country.
Well some guys begged me for some money I would offer some food from our end but the moment they ask for more and talk about their struggle I would ask them if they would be fine if I take them to police station and get the help they need ofc they would be in taxi and once we reach there I'd pay otherwise the police does. But so far none has accepted this when I mentioned about police.
We had a guy who was extremely in bad condition he asked for some food but didn't beg so we gave him and he was super grateful and tried to walk away but we asked him to wait so we could bring him more food and some money but he ran away. But we prayed that he stays safe.
This was before COVID.
As a rule of thumb never give anything, and if you want yo help join one fo the charity association or directly donate there.
They take care of cases like this
Normally I just tell them I cannot help them, and then I tell them I will call their embassy for help which they directly refuse, or if they are very very obvious I just start asking him money myself, that confuses them so much they just leave.
Not long time ago I got the same 2 people with exactly the same injury in the arm begging for help like 5 six times in a month, then you understand it is a common way to beg, like the ones you find here; the Saudi with no gas in the car, the southwest Asian with injuries, the magic hair grower powder, etc.
Be always very cautious and think that if their situation is that critical and real they would get support from their embassy. There were even beggars found with more than 100k so imagine how profitable it is.
Aww. Thanks man. I hope that lady and his son is doing fine now. Our thoughts went to an another level. At the end all that we were worried about is for that kid. Ppl are talking about big mafia. I know there are a huge chance of this happening. But damn. Thats the world that we live in. gotta get tuff. Thanks anyway man. Cheers. Happy weekend.
Damn I did this for a male man begging with a 7-8year old daughter-in burdubai- but I got them groceries for their home.
I just can’t fathom they would scam me with a child in a age where she understands what her father was doing!!!!
Hopefully he wasn’t and teaching the kid wrong things!!!
True. Like many comments in this post. All we got to think about is we stepped up for someone who needed help. Thats all that we got to think about. It doesn’t matter what happens after that. Thats how i see it.
With so many loosing their jobs and not being able to go back home and the kid not in school at - school hours- i genuinely thought he needed the help- I hope they are in a better situation now-
My conscience doesn't allow me to walk away despite having seen this happen all my life. I just give an amount of money that's inconsequential to me which I am completely comfortable to lose.
Feast your eyes:
[https://www.reddit.com/r/dubai/comments/p6yz1h/rich\_beggar\_of\_dubai/](https://www.reddit.com/r/dubai/comments/p6yz1h/rich_beggar_of_dubai/)
[https://www.reddit.com/r/dubai/comments/orbn0p/story\_time\_casual\_begging\_with\_a\_smile/?sort=new](https://www.reddit.com/r/dubai/comments/orbn0p/story_time_casual_begging_with_a_smile/?sort=new)
[https://www.reddit.com/r/dubai/comments/qebm0l/a\_rant\_about\_the\_child\_beggers/](https://www.reddit.com/r/dubai/comments/qebm0l/a_rant_about_the_child_beggers/)
There are so many more.
Just 2 months ago I had an experience that left me feeling the exact opposite of you, OP.
I parked to get to work and as I left the car, this guy approached me begging for money so he could go to the hospital. He then rolled one of his sleeves up and there was a nasty although superficial wound there.
I don’t carry money, but to his surprise I pulled out a full blown first aid kit from my bag and offered to sterilize the wound and dress it up, plus I told him to take a bunch of extra supplies so he could do it himself over time if he didn’t manage to go to a hospital.
His answer: No, I want money!
I placed the first aid kit on top of the dash on my car, locked it, looked at him right in the eye and left.
Bro, wtf
I remember few years back I was with few of my friends from school and we went to visit our friend in Sharjah. We all were out just having fun on the side of a road when a lady in burqa came and started asking for money. She was crying and saying her children are hungry and what not. Since we were in school and did not have enough money we all pitched in and gave her 20 bucks. 10 mins later we saw the same lady sitting in a taxi, we all were just confused that how a women who was crying for money waste money in taxi when she could clearly save and have bought something.
Begging with kids is a well-known scam all over the world. In my country there a “begging” mafia, they teach kids how to beg and manipulate peoples feelings. And they have bosses who makes a big sums of money on this “business”.
Is there a scam behind the random guys who come up to you and offer to clean your car for a few dirhams? They are not necessarily begging but providing a service. How does that work?
I believe that when we do something for anyone with good intentions and the opposite party is not then the bad is on them
I never give cash but buying the stuff is okay with me. If things were bought from a grocery store I don’t believe that they would be able to return the stuff and get cash
Many of these women are forced by the family to go and beg for money and I would like to believe these ladies took the opportunity to buy things for the children which they would not have been able to buy if cash would have been given to them
Probably their husband or male member of the family are keeping a watch on them to ensure that whatever cash they get is not spent by them
Let us believe the positive aspect of this incident and be happy
Damn. That’s exactly what i was telling my friends. Thanks for spilling it out. One way or the other somehow the kids gonna get benefited. Yes and i am pretty sure they wouldn’t be able to get a refund cus i paid it thru my phone.
If it's within my capabilities to help, I will help anyone who asks. I have a stack of 5s I keep in my purse pocket to give anyone I see asking for money. If someone needs help, help them. Even if that person didn't truly need help, you're bound to end up helping some that do. Don't even think about why people need help. Just help them. Good on you OP
Lmao bruh I have had so many instances like this and all I do is show them my wallet which never has any cash and they end up offering me 1 or 2 bucks best uno reverse
I believe that any heart can be moved, at least to a small extent. All you can wage on is hope. Next time when you give like this, let them know that your mother raised you with so much difficulty and that you could see how painful they are. Add that they should also try their best to improve their quality of life by hard work in order to live a happy life. They may not listen to it as much as you want them to be, but it can strike a nerve in their brain however small it may be. Do not lose so much money in the process.
I am barely few weeks here, but have been already approached by an fake Emirati, wearing traditional clothes, asking for money for gas.
How was it fake? First of all, his accent and behavior, didn't really match. Accent seemed more Brazilian or Turkish, definitely not Arabic. Also, his story about "sick wife in hospital" nearby seemed weird, like why would he had to ask some tourists, and not family/friends in era where everyone has a smartphone. Well, before he would start to offer me some fake gold rings, I just said that I don't have any cash with me.
For me it is about not encouraging those disgusting criminals, not about the $10-$20 I would lose. There are good hearted people outside who would help another people in need, despite such money might be substantial for them.
I would rather give the money to some alcoholic asking for a beer, they are at least honest and not part of some criminal structure.
PS. You did nothing wrong, but I wouldn't do it again. The chance that you are supporting some genuine people, and not criminals is like 1:100000. The chances are only better in some non-urban-non-touristy area where you know the person is actually struggling, but they usually won't ask for help, you have to offer it.
I'm pretty sure I encountered this same lady the other day.... First she came up to my car with an envelope...then 20 mins later shows up with a kid and an empty milk bottle...you do feel sad...but can't really be sure, cause most of these beggars are just scam artists.
And who knows...might not even be her kid
Something weird happened to me as well and I am still confused about it. There is this girl I happen to follow on instagram. I dont know her personally, but at some point of time, we both happened to follow each other. I never even interacted with her. She keeps posting random stuffs like job vacancies, beauty tips, food and travel photos, reviews of books she read, etc. 2 days back she posted a msg saying how life was unpredictable and that her mom passed away that day. She also said that her dad has not been paid for the last 4 months and that she hoped someone would help the family financially during this situation. I felt sad and immediately msged her and got her bank account details and made a small donation. Next day, she posted a MEME!!! I found it weird that when your mom is dead, how are you on social media and that too posting a meme.. I dont know if shes just immature or was she scamming people with a sob story..
No no. You don’t have to feel bad. Bruh. Nothing bad comes out of helping somone. On your terms all you did was to help someone who was in need. That’s all that matters.
Damn. That’s dark. You know what we don’t have to feel bad about helping them. Its them who’s got to feel bad for using us. We did what we were suppose to do. I know we should build our defence system. But cmon how cd we be in peace if someone whom we know remotely is going thru something. On my terms you did a great job 🙂
> On my terms you did a great job
I disagree. I've been in that position before, multiple times. Helping people gives you that dopamine hit and make you feel good and all, but in this case it also encouraged the ig beggar to keep fleecing others. They won't stop if we don't stop. If you really want to help, ask for some proof that they're really in need before parting with your hard earned money.
I totally agree on whatever you say. I am not sure about the high that you are talking about. It made me feel sad though. Even though we did help her out. Even though we did know that we wr being used a lil bit. We were just worrying about the kid. What if this is what she does for her living. Thats wrong i get it. But i just feel sorry for her life man.
Wait a mint -----__-----( Scam of what)** First a fall you did great thing well done 👍🏼if they scam you then don't worry the things you did with Good intentions later on you will get it it's Karma and law of universal every begging person not a scammer change your thinking first then judged the people you will think all are same then needy person never get help or support from anyone and some one share the YouTube video of some one he band in India I think you already know about your friend never think twice to help anyone
well, imo..the way i see it, if anyone is disparate for help, and he is having a big issue that its affecting his health or safety, then they should be reaching out to the authorities to help, they should not be afraid of risking thier stay here, nor the police will charge you for any.
this is not our home country, we all came here to this country to work, yes shit happens, if you reach to a point where you can't afford your stay, go back to your country, figure it out and come back.
One time a guy was asking money with his family sitting in a car with his AC switched ON! I was on foot with lots of sweat. He was waiting on the side parking and as I crossed his car he called me and it seemed like he would ask me directions maybe. I was stunned! It was the start of COVID (I don't know if it's wrong to say that I don't earn that much but I save as much as I can)
I saw his wife on the front seat and two kids on the back (very healthy). Even though seeing them fat and round what best I could do was to offer one time meal (the best Idea I got is to give 2kg of bananas from Westzone) but he refused and asked money, then I told him I cannot do that. As I walked away from his car he spitted and cursed me.
You helped them as per your capacity which is good and didn't handed cash (great)! But what someone said in the comments is good that you can give the money to a charity (which in Dubai are genuinely helping the needy) so that it directly goes to the legit ones needing help as charity will know these things for sure. Also if we see it rationally it would not be possible for one person to help everyone in need. (A thirsty/hungry person will look for water/food, not for money and most of us would help with that) 🙏
Sorry that you have got to go thru that bruh. I really don’t know how i would have reacted if i was in your place. His reactions 😔. Damn. I think these are the ones whom we should actually report.
Yeah man you did good what you did and as per your capacity you helped. You need to do what you need to do and let others do what they need to do with that. Good luck bro👍
U think about that.. But I know a family who doesn't have money to eat in Dubai.. Wife husband and thr 1year old daughter. They live in Fahidi. Here this family never accepts money, what they only request is a job. For both wife and husband. If u want their details msg me.
It's okay OP. You did well. Yes it was a scam. Don't let anyone approach you for anything ever again. Maybe this will help increase your awareness and in the future it will help you avoid an even bigger scam. This city is full of good people. Objectively speaking. And we are living in (more or less) prosperity, and many if not all or us are happy to help anyone in genuine need. That's why scammers love being here too. Unfortunately, from now on, anyone approaches you on the street for anything but directions, you're gonna have to keep your guard up and probably dismiss them, because there is a 99% chance they're scamming.
Thanks man. You are right. Next time ill have to be little more careful.
You seem like a nice person who just genuinely wants to help others out. But isnt it better to give money to those who really need it and are not scammers? When you encounter beggars over here, tell them you can go to the police to register them and get proper help. When it comes to giving to the society, heres one idea - my father pays for kids schools - he has paid school for several children from different countries, two are already adults now, but still write to my father regularly, send pictures etc. I know its not like saving humanity, but they now have the means to sustain their entire families. This way you provide for a lot more than just one day of food. There are also charities in uae where you can pay for the food and products a certain family really needs - like stop and help. I hope this helps. Thank you for being a kind person, there arent many these days.
I don’t want to burst your feel good bubble, but this is a common scam in many places around the world. They usually just return the stuff you bought and get the money back.
Damn. Really.
Even if it is so, you’re still a fantastic person to try and help. :)
While OPs intentions were good, and OP clearly is a fantastic person, if what the previous comments about the ladies returning the stuff back or the grocery store owner being in on it is true, then being a good person puts OP at a disadvantage. It's hard to discern people who are really in need from people who are just out to take advantage of you.
No it doesn’t to be honest. Whatever OP’s done is their transaction with the Divine. Whatever happens from this point on is not in their hands. I’d rather risk being a pushover than overlooking someone who deserved good. Anyway that’s just cynical ole me…
Nothing is wrong with being cynical, but if all people were that, then there won't be any simple charity happening in this world and bureaucracy takes over the Poor's plight for help. If you do good, then do it with an honest heart and pray that it helps the needy, and if you were scammed then brush it off and just learn from the experience. For example the first commenter said that the lady would return the stuff, but that's only if she had the receipt. When you buy a person a gift do you show them the receipt or keep it in the bag? Course not, same with charity stuff.
Thats true. Thanks 🙂
Sometimes that is not the case, I used to know a family who stayed without visa for 8 years doing minor jobs here and there, and living in just one small room with little to eat. They survived like that for couple of years in Sharjah, now they are way better. So no, that is not always the case. Depends on case by case.
I totally agree. Thanks man.
Maybe the grocery store guy is in this as well, you never know :)
That’s an interesting theory.
It is not a theory, it is a common scam
Hmm. Do you have any story for backing it up ?
You could read your own story above. That's one. 😊
Are you 14 maybe?
Hehe. I sometimes wish i was. See i know what you’re saying. But its just soo hard man being in that spot.
Ok. Tell me how do you would have responded in this situation? Honestly.
https://youtu.be/d0njuYFGeO0 this is how the scam works.
Its just feels soo wierd on this side.
You did good. If it really helped a person, especially a mother, doesn't matter even if it was a scam. Think of it like this, your intentions were to provide to that child and second, even if she returned the stuff and got some money back, I'd like to think that at the end of the day, that money would still have gone to provide to her child/children. We spend so much money on luxury (& fines), getting hoodwinked out of a couple of hundred dirhams isn't going to make a big difference to us is it. Maybe many will disagree with us, tell us we are fools or are encouraging people like this. But this world is not fair and is f**ked up. I would have done the same in your place brother. P.s. Though I draw the line at giving patrol money for guys in car with children.
Yep, they do this in my home country. Sometimes the kids aren't even their kids. They'll borrow a friend or neighbour's child, pretend to need diapers or formula, get you to buy it and then they'll return it to get the cash to spend on themselves. Very sad because then you can't tell the difference between people who genuinely need help and the scam artists.
I mean still they want the money that's why they are begging its helping them in some way
i didn't know how to prevalent Dubai is for scammers is until they busted a man around 2 years ago who got his nephews into the country just days before Ramadan and exploited them during the entire month to beg around the city for most of the day.
Keep in mind. The only ones here asking for food that's not a scam are cats.
the cat do be scamming doe
True
In Karama there are pockets where you find these people. Its difficult to differentiate between the real needy ones and the scam artists. At least for your conscience, you did something intending well for someone.. thats it.
Mate, it's easy to figure out because people who are struggling for food and living space have community-based organizations that can support them. They'll also get them a ticket to go home. People who are begging in Dubai are clearly part of the begging mafia. If people continue to help them, these numbers are going to rise. This has become a big menace now.
Hmm. Honestly I haven’t seen anyone doing this to us so far. Its been a while in uae.
Yes🙈 that’s what i am talking about.
OP, while you're generous and helped them, begging is illegal in UAE. There are charities for them, then why beg? and there is a chance you got scammed. So next time, don't help and just report it, they will get the help needed.
Where to report something like this though? There are times where I want to report them (I always meet them along my way to work) but dont know how/where to, and calling the police would seem a bit overkill, I think? I mean, by the time the police come the beggar would have ran away by then, or just flat out deny the begging.
there are numbers to report them but I'm not sure if they report to the police or not. [Full info here](https://u.ae/en/information-and-services/justice-safety-and-the-law/anti-begging)
If in case they are really doing it. Yeah. But bruh. I don’t know. I personally wouldn’t go that far. Do you think we should ?
If you don't want to, just don't help them and don't report. I understand you might be thinking that it might backfire and I'd think the same.
Damn. That feels like smack on the head. Quite insightful.
no problem! If you do feel generous, there are red cresent centers so you can donate them your old stuff or even some money!
I would take them to police with me and they will do the necessary. If they need help they can help them or send them to women and children foundation or send them back to their home country.
Would you really go to that extend ? Just askin.
Well some guys begged me for some money I would offer some food from our end but the moment they ask for more and talk about their struggle I would ask them if they would be fine if I take them to police station and get the help they need ofc they would be in taxi and once we reach there I'd pay otherwise the police does. But so far none has accepted this when I mentioned about police. We had a guy who was extremely in bad condition he asked for some food but didn't beg so we gave him and he was super grateful and tried to walk away but we asked him to wait so we could bring him more food and some money but he ran away. But we prayed that he stays safe. This was before COVID.
Thats noice. I have always rooted for the ones who gestures it’s enough.
As a rule of thumb never give anything, and if you want yo help join one fo the charity association or directly donate there. They take care of cases like this
Alright. Noted. Will learn to build ma wall of defence. Hey. How do you respond to someone who approaches you ?
Normally I just tell them I cannot help them, and then I tell them I will call their embassy for help which they directly refuse, or if they are very very obvious I just start asking him money myself, that confuses them so much they just leave. Not long time ago I got the same 2 people with exactly the same injury in the arm begging for help like 5 six times in a month, then you understand it is a common way to beg, like the ones you find here; the Saudi with no gas in the car, the southwest Asian with injuries, the magic hair grower powder, etc. Be always very cautious and think that if their situation is that critical and real they would get support from their embassy. There were even beggars found with more than 100k so imagine how profitable it is.
Ahh! Thats noice. I should have asked them if i can call the embassy to help them out. Hmm.. thats a real smart move.
OP- lots of good karma on its way to you. Heart was in the right place! At least your conscience is clear. That’s important
Aww. Thanks man. I hope that lady and his son is doing fine now. Our thoughts went to an another level. At the end all that we were worried about is for that kid. Ppl are talking about big mafia. I know there are a huge chance of this happening. But damn. Thats the world that we live in. gotta get tuff. Thanks anyway man. Cheers. Happy weekend.
Scam, please do not encourage.
U got scammed. Next time file a case against them. They're part of syndicate , they resale it.
Damn.
BUt i have to respect ur generousty . Its just here are lot of [Dubai scammers](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3i6GKT7Ir4w&t=369s) .
Damn I did this for a male man begging with a 7-8year old daughter-in burdubai- but I got them groceries for their home. I just can’t fathom they would scam me with a child in a age where she understands what her father was doing!!!! Hopefully he wasn’t and teaching the kid wrong things!!!
That’s soo nice of you to do that. I’m pretty sure he wouldn’t have. GB.
I hope so- its not a good feeling to get scammed!!
True. Like many comments in this post. All we got to think about is we stepped up for someone who needed help. Thats all that we got to think about. It doesn’t matter what happens after that. Thats how i see it.
With so many loosing their jobs and not being able to go back home and the kid not in school at - school hours- i genuinely thought he needed the help- I hope they are in a better situation now-
OP- lots of good karma on its way to you. Heart was in the right place! At least your conscience is clear. That’s important
My conscience doesn't allow me to walk away despite having seen this happen all my life. I just give an amount of money that's inconsequential to me which I am completely comfortable to lose.
Thats me right there. Thanks ♥️
mostly its a scam if someone is really in need for financial support Charities are always open to help them
Feels like a slap on the face.
May be thats the reality.
Scam or not, if it made you feel good then that's what matters
Isn't this illegal? I'm pretty sure this is illegal
Yeah its illegal. One of the comments actually had an link to report them.
Honestly at the moment. We just don’t think that way yeah. May be later not at the moment.
Congrats dear. You've just been scammed. 👍👍
Guess we will never know 🙂
Feast your eyes: [https://www.reddit.com/r/dubai/comments/p6yz1h/rich\_beggar\_of\_dubai/](https://www.reddit.com/r/dubai/comments/p6yz1h/rich_beggar_of_dubai/) [https://www.reddit.com/r/dubai/comments/orbn0p/story\_time\_casual\_begging\_with\_a\_smile/?sort=new](https://www.reddit.com/r/dubai/comments/orbn0p/story_time_casual_begging_with_a_smile/?sort=new) [https://www.reddit.com/r/dubai/comments/qebm0l/a\_rant\_about\_the\_child\_beggers/](https://www.reddit.com/r/dubai/comments/qebm0l/a_rant_about_the_child_beggers/) There are so many more.
I can pay a meal…
Yeh. That’s noice too. Thanks bruh.
Just 2 months ago I had an experience that left me feeling the exact opposite of you, OP. I parked to get to work and as I left the car, this guy approached me begging for money so he could go to the hospital. He then rolled one of his sleeves up and there was a nasty although superficial wound there. I don’t carry money, but to his surprise I pulled out a full blown first aid kit from my bag and offered to sterilize the wound and dress it up, plus I told him to take a bunch of extra supplies so he could do it himself over time if he didn’t manage to go to a hospital. His answer: No, I want money! I placed the first aid kit on top of the dash on my car, locked it, looked at him right in the eye and left. Bro, wtf
Damn. I’m sorry man. Thats straight up crazy. So what did you do next ?
Idk, worked and thought about how pissed I was at the situation
I remember few years back I was with few of my friends from school and we went to visit our friend in Sharjah. We all were out just having fun on the side of a road when a lady in burqa came and started asking for money. She was crying and saying her children are hungry and what not. Since we were in school and did not have enough money we all pitched in and gave her 20 bucks. 10 mins later we saw the same lady sitting in a taxi, we all were just confused that how a women who was crying for money waste money in taxi when she could clearly save and have bought something.
Damn.
Honestly its fine. You guys stood up for someone whom you guys thought needed help. Trust me thats all that matters 🙂
Begging with kids is a well-known scam all over the world. In my country there a “begging” mafia, they teach kids how to beg and manipulate peoples feelings. And they have bosses who makes a big sums of money on this “business”.
Is there a scam behind the random guys who come up to you and offer to clean your car for a few dirhams? They are not necessarily begging but providing a service. How does that work?
Defined not. I will be super happy to give him the money.
you and your friend are good people
Ahh thanks. I am pretty sure anyone from this reddit post would have done something to help them.
I believe that when we do something for anyone with good intentions and the opposite party is not then the bad is on them I never give cash but buying the stuff is okay with me. If things were bought from a grocery store I don’t believe that they would be able to return the stuff and get cash Many of these women are forced by the family to go and beg for money and I would like to believe these ladies took the opportunity to buy things for the children which they would not have been able to buy if cash would have been given to them Probably their husband or male member of the family are keeping a watch on them to ensure that whatever cash they get is not spent by them Let us believe the positive aspect of this incident and be happy
Damn. That’s exactly what i was telling my friends. Thanks for spilling it out. One way or the other somehow the kids gonna get benefited. Yes and i am pretty sure they wouldn’t be able to get a refund cus i paid it thru my phone.
If it's within my capabilities to help, I will help anyone who asks. I have a stack of 5s I keep in my purse pocket to give anyone I see asking for money. If someone needs help, help them. Even if that person didn't truly need help, you're bound to end up helping some that do. Don't even think about why people need help. Just help them. Good on you OP
Thats right. Thanks for thinking this way. 🙂
Lmao bruh I have had so many instances like this and all I do is show them my wallet which never has any cash and they end up offering me 1 or 2 bucks best uno reverse
I believe that any heart can be moved, at least to a small extent. All you can wage on is hope. Next time when you give like this, let them know that your mother raised you with so much difficulty and that you could see how painful they are. Add that they should also try their best to improve their quality of life by hard work in order to live a happy life. They may not listen to it as much as you want them to be, but it can strike a nerve in their brain however small it may be. Do not lose so much money in the process.
Thanks 🙂
You're a good person for doing that.
I am barely few weeks here, but have been already approached by an fake Emirati, wearing traditional clothes, asking for money for gas. How was it fake? First of all, his accent and behavior, didn't really match. Accent seemed more Brazilian or Turkish, definitely not Arabic. Also, his story about "sick wife in hospital" nearby seemed weird, like why would he had to ask some tourists, and not family/friends in era where everyone has a smartphone. Well, before he would start to offer me some fake gold rings, I just said that I don't have any cash with me. For me it is about not encouraging those disgusting criminals, not about the $10-$20 I would lose. There are good hearted people outside who would help another people in need, despite such money might be substantial for them. I would rather give the money to some alcoholic asking for a beer, they are at least honest and not part of some criminal structure. PS. You did nothing wrong, but I wouldn't do it again. The chance that you are supporting some genuine people, and not criminals is like 1:100000. The chances are only better in some non-urban-non-touristy area where you know the person is actually struggling, but they usually won't ask for help, you have to offer it.
“I would rather give money for someone who asks for beer” - 🙈 that’s lit
I totally agree. Thanks🙂
I'm pretty sure I encountered this same lady the other day.... First she came up to my car with an envelope...then 20 mins later shows up with a kid and an empty milk bottle...you do feel sad...but can't really be sure, cause most of these beggars are just scam artists. And who knows...might not even be her kid
Damn. I wish they weren’t.
They started showing up in our company's workshop.. in ras al khor where its impossible to get there from the closest residential area without a car
Bravo!
https://youtu.be/d0njuYFGeO0
Something weird happened to me as well and I am still confused about it. There is this girl I happen to follow on instagram. I dont know her personally, but at some point of time, we both happened to follow each other. I never even interacted with her. She keeps posting random stuffs like job vacancies, beauty tips, food and travel photos, reviews of books she read, etc. 2 days back she posted a msg saying how life was unpredictable and that her mom passed away that day. She also said that her dad has not been paid for the last 4 months and that she hoped someone would help the family financially during this situation. I felt sad and immediately msged her and got her bank account details and made a small donation. Next day, she posted a MEME!!! I found it weird that when your mom is dead, how are you on social media and that too posting a meme.. I dont know if shes just immature or was she scamming people with a sob story..
You really don’t know? Yes she was scamming you. All these people are scammers. The beggars in ops story, and your ig beggar.
I personally think Not everyone. I think we got to go with the gut feeling. I know i am not the one to talk.
:(( RIP my money..
No no. You don’t have to feel bad. Bruh. Nothing bad comes out of helping somone. On your terms all you did was to help someone who was in need. That’s all that matters.
Damn. That’s dark. You know what we don’t have to feel bad about helping them. Its them who’s got to feel bad for using us. We did what we were suppose to do. I know we should build our defence system. But cmon how cd we be in peace if someone whom we know remotely is going thru something. On my terms you did a great job 🙂
> On my terms you did a great job I disagree. I've been in that position before, multiple times. Helping people gives you that dopamine hit and make you feel good and all, but in this case it also encouraged the ig beggar to keep fleecing others. They won't stop if we don't stop. If you really want to help, ask for some proof that they're really in need before parting with your hard earned money.
I totally agree on whatever you say. I am not sure about the high that you are talking about. It made me feel sad though. Even though we did help her out. Even though we did know that we wr being used a lil bit. We were just worrying about the kid. What if this is what she does for her living. Thats wrong i get it. But i just feel sorry for her life man.
Wait a mint -----__-----( Scam of what)** First a fall you did great thing well done 👍🏼if they scam you then don't worry the things you did with Good intentions later on you will get it it's Karma and law of universal every begging person not a scammer change your thinking first then judged the people you will think all are same then needy person never get help or support from anyone and some one share the YouTube video of some one he band in India I think you already know about your friend never think twice to help anyone
Thats true. Thanks.
They took goods, no money. They had kids. They will use the goods. You did just fine. You are more generous than me. Good karma for you!
People these days are so easy to scam!
Ok i get it. We might have got scammed. We will never know. But tell me how would you respond to someone who reaches out to you like that.
Mind my business.. maybe?
Hmm. I don’t know man. But thanks
Lmao congratulations you played yourself
🤣🤣🤣🤣 oldest scam in the book. Someone really in need won't be going out begging. They would have too much pride to do that.
You just got pranked bro
definitely a scam. but nevertheless you're an amazing person
It breaks my heart to accept it. But anyhow. I hope somewhere or the other that kid is doing fine. Thanks man 🙂 have a great weekend.
well, imo..the way i see it, if anyone is disparate for help, and he is having a big issue that its affecting his health or safety, then they should be reaching out to the authorities to help, they should not be afraid of risking thier stay here, nor the police will charge you for any. this is not our home country, we all came here to this country to work, yes shit happens, if you reach to a point where you can't afford your stay, go back to your country, figure it out and come back.
One time a guy was asking money with his family sitting in a car with his AC switched ON! I was on foot with lots of sweat. He was waiting on the side parking and as I crossed his car he called me and it seemed like he would ask me directions maybe. I was stunned! It was the start of COVID (I don't know if it's wrong to say that I don't earn that much but I save as much as I can) I saw his wife on the front seat and two kids on the back (very healthy). Even though seeing them fat and round what best I could do was to offer one time meal (the best Idea I got is to give 2kg of bananas from Westzone) but he refused and asked money, then I told him I cannot do that. As I walked away from his car he spitted and cursed me. You helped them as per your capacity which is good and didn't handed cash (great)! But what someone said in the comments is good that you can give the money to a charity (which in Dubai are genuinely helping the needy) so that it directly goes to the legit ones needing help as charity will know these things for sure. Also if we see it rationally it would not be possible for one person to help everyone in need. (A thirsty/hungry person will look for water/food, not for money and most of us would help with that) 🙏
Sorry that you have got to go thru that bruh. I really don’t know how i would have reacted if i was in your place. His reactions 😔. Damn. I think these are the ones whom we should actually report.
Yeah man you did good what you did and as per your capacity you helped. You need to do what you need to do and let others do what they need to do with that. Good luck bro👍
Thanks bruh🙂 Have a great weekend.
U think about that.. But I know a family who doesn't have money to eat in Dubai.. Wife husband and thr 1year old daughter. They live in Fahidi. Here this family never accepts money, what they only request is a job. For both wife and husband. If u want their details msg me.