Traps

[DeerGlow]

In places like Italy, there seem to be a number of trap beggars that come up to you with a sad story, wait for you to get some money and then steal whatever they can get away with. I think in Rome they had a lot of criminal posters of fake beggars (maybe illegal street vendors too but those aren't in the question). What should you do if you cannot tell if someone is honest? Give them money anyway, or keep walking so you don't get robbed/worse? I don't have a cent in any currency with me personally but I have thought about this. Along with the verse about if someone steals your (cloak?) give him your (sandals?) too (don't remember it well, sorry).

 

[RaymondG]

I've always thought about this too. So I always have loose singles in my car for when they come to ask...I would never pull out a wallet in these situations....the money would have to already be outside of it.....and i make provisions for this to be the case.

As for the fake beggars....I let God handle them.....If I have to give to 10 fakers before I get to the 1 who really needs, My giving, I believe, will not be in vain.

 

[DeerGlow]

I've always thought about this too. So I always have loose singles in my car for when they come to ask...I would never pull out a wallet in these situations....the money would have to already be outside of it.....and i make provisions for this to be the case.

As for the fake beggars....I let God handle them.....If I have to give to 10 fakers before I get to the 1 who really needs, My giving, I believe, will not be in vain.

So give cautiously? Mostly over here you see them on foot so it can be scary. You don't know if they'll try to grab you or pull some trick or if it is someone actually in need who does not want to hurt you.

 

[HereIStand]

In places like Italy, there seem to be a number of trap beggars that come up to you with a sad story, wait for you to get some money and then steal whatever they can get away with. I think in Rome they had a lot of criminal posters of fake beggars (maybe illegal street vendors too but those aren't in the question). What should you do if you cannot tell if someone is honest? Give them money anyway, or keep walking so you don't get robbed/worse? I don't have a cent in any currency with me personally but I have thought about this. Along with the verse about if someone steals your (cloak?) give him your (sandals?) too (don't remember it well, sorry).

I generally do give when asked, even though many beggars aren't legitimate. In your case, being young and female in a foreign country, I would say do not give to beggars. Defiantly stay with your parents and don't get separated.

 

[RaymondG]

So give cautiously? Mostly over here you see them on foot so it can be scary. You don't know if they'll try to grab you or pull some trick or if it is someone actually in need who does not want to hurt you.

Yes, we have to be wise in all our ways. I would never pull out a wallet to give to a stranger who needs money. However, I do keep loose change/singles, for those occasions. I also think it would be wise to not dwell on bad things that could happen, but to think only on good things. God for you is more than the world against you...

 

[com7fy8]

You can get a hidden belt or necklace which holds your important things. And only carry enough spending cash in your pocket, or something like this.

And I suppose if you stay out in the open but where there is a number of people around you, this might help to keep people from trying to make trouble for you.

Maybe from a distance you can observe people, for a while, to see if they stay there and do not follow anyone. Also, try to see if they have someone else who at a distance is casing the ones who give to the beggars.

Even real beggars might be watched by criminals; so be careful, do not assume.

 

[SkyWriting]

In places like Italy, there seem to be a number of trap beggars that come up to you with a sad story, wait for you to get some money and then steal whatever they can get away with. I think in Rome they had a lot of criminal posters of fake beggars (maybe illegal street vendors too but those aren't in the question). What should you do if you cannot tell if someone is honest? Give them money anyway, or keep walking so you don't get robbed/worse? I don't have a cent in any currency with me personally but I have thought about this. Along with the verse about if someone steals your (cloak?) give him your (sandals?) too (don't remember it well, sorry).

When in Rome, do what the Romans do.

 

[DeerGlow]

When in Rome, do what the Romans do.

I'm in Spain.... go explore and spread my peaceful ways by force?

 

[DeerGlow]

When in Rome, do what the Romans do.

Sorry I'm not funny. What do you mean by this?

 

[SkyWriting]

Sorry I'm not funny. What do you mean by this?

Beg for cash from people for vacation pocket change.