Street-corner beggar ... turns out to be wealthy enough to afford a brand new car?
This is why I donate through official charities. Not everyone you meet with a sign or a sob story is really poor or in need... Beggars can be liars.
This goes double for tumblr begging cos it's even harder to verify the sob story. Like how "I can't get out of my parents' house and your donation is the only way I can be free!" ... people reblog without ever knowing if it's even true.
Forget "Trust but verify" ... if you're asking me for money I worked for, it's just "verify".
According to the homeless alliance only about 20% of panhandlers are actually homeless.
"By far the majority of panhandlers that you see are panhandling for cash typically to support unhealthy behaviors, often alcoholism and other addictions"
Apparently they encourage people to donate vouchers and bus tickets instead... so that people who actually NEED shelter and assistance can get it.
Perhaps we should also start doing the same for tumblr beggars too...