Helping the Needy one???

Couple of days back, when I was bringing home groceries in the night at around 8 p.m., a person on an inside road, was pushing his moped and his two children were walking along. He hailed at me as I was passing by, I stopped. He came to me and told that he ran out of petrol and if I could only help him by giving Rs. 30 and that he would immediately return it back on my phone number when he reaches home. He had nothing on him no phone, no wallet, no nothing. He was looking tired and was trying to appear genuine but his voice was telling something different and amount he demanded was typical. He added that his mother is admitted into a hospital and he took his children to see their grandmother on her insistence. If he would have been alone, I would have not conceded into his pleading but looking at the two kids I decided to help. I didn't have change so gave him a 100 Rs. and also wrote my phone number on a chit and gave it to him. I was thinking to take a snap of his number plate but decided against it.

My doubts came true when money was not returned and I said, "I should have listened to my inner voice".

This was a clear case of conning and as I said the specific amount of Rs. 30 had raised suspicion which I ignored. This amount is usually demanded by the penniless drunkards under such excuses for buying a quarter of country-liquor. They can stoop to any level for this. There are often incidences in news of armed robbing when such pleading doesn't work. 

Learnings:

1. Always listen to your instincts.

2. Do not help in cash. Offer what is actually needed. 

(I should have helped him by offering some petrol instead.)

3. Demand for identification card or at least take a snap of the person as a insurance.