Peatle, sorry to hear you got scammed, they are so clever these days with the tactics they use. I mostly ignore them these days, with the odd exception, if I feel led to help them out. An example is one time I was up Cuba Street and I saw a lady sitting and begging with her sign wanting money as she sat there. She looked pretty messed up and in need of help. She was sitting outside a diary/small grocery type shop. So, I asked her if she was hungry to which she replied yes. So, I said I am not going to give you money but if you come with me into that grocers shop you pick some food and a drink to fill your tummy up with. So, she followed me into the store, and I let her pick whatever she wanted, which at first, she didn't pick that much (I think she was being polite). So, I made sure she got more food, once she realized I didn`t mind. She picked some more items of food and drink, I paid for it and walked out with her to her spot outside. She was very grateful, and I knew she was going to have something to eat. I knew if I had given her money, it probably wouldn't have gone on food but other stuff.
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