New Tourist Scam
This happened to me in my own Philly, as my wife and I were going downtown on a date. We were getting off the subway, and a young guy asked if I could break a $50 dollar bill, as they wouldn’t accept it for a subway token and he had to get home. He had it folded up, but it looked real, and I did have change, so I got it out of my wallet. I grabbed the bill and opened it to make sure it was legit, and it was so old and decrepit it fell in half. He wanted compensation as I had just “ripped his 50 in half”. I’m not sure it real or not, but I gave it back to him, and just gave him $3 for a subway token. He still wanted $50 of change for the $50 I “ripped”, but I squared up to him and my sympathetic autonomic system kicked into overdrive, and he eventually scrammed.
I read about this from other people on some local Philly blogs happening to other people as well. I can only imagine what would’ve happened if it were just my wife, so my advice, be VERY selective in who you help out.
Sadly……Help no one on the street. That’s what government and churches are there for.
Not that it helps this scam, but even broken bills are accepted at banks as long as the green numbers match or you have 2/3 or more of one bill.
nk
Living in NYC, I agree with Gene. If you’re a taxpayer, part of your taxes goes to help those in need.
In his case — he can always just go to a bank to break the $50.
I hate people bugging my on the street even if they are legit and just asking for a hand out. It makes me a bad person I guess but I’m also afraid of being scammed. I think what bothers me the most is not the money I might lose but that I was too stupid not to see it coming.
http://www.holytaco.com/25-awsome-homeless-guy-signs/
I’m sorry you almost got ripped off, although I entirely disagree with people who think helping no one is the best policy in life. It’s okay to minimize risk, but I refuse to live in a world where I outsource human all compassion to the government and churches. I live in DC and travel to dangerous countries frequently. While I’ve regretted not listening to my instincts or safety advisories, I’ve never regretted offering help.
“I entirely disagree with people who think helping no one is the best policy in life.” that’s right the bible says no killing & giving the other half you have, so lets keep giving to illegals & scammers until you are broke.
@everyone – I have to say I agree mostly with Andrew (not just because he’s shares an amazing first name). I LOVE helping people, when it’s actually helping. When I have take-out food from a nice restaurant, and see a homeless person, and make their day when I give it to them, I love that feeling. I’m willing to occasionally lose $3 by getting scammed than to never try to help anyone at all.