I get duped by a beggar

I got duped by a beggar the other day walking back towards Euston Station. He was skinny, looked about my age, no front teeth, but nicely spoken. He came up to me agitated and showing visible signs of distress saying that he had had his bag stolen and needed the train fare to get back to Berkhamsted.

Why did I allow myself to be duped? I don’t normally give to beggars. I feel my whole life has been pretty much devoted to helping others and I am not rich, but he was so frail. He was my age and started going on about how he was a Samaritan back in Berkhamsted. He touched a nerve. I suppose as I get older I hope that if I was in need someone would help me and how can I expect that if I don’t help others? I also thought about that story about the man waiting in one evening because God said he would call. Various people come to the door asking for help and he turns them away. When he asks God why he didn’t show up, God says he was there in all these people. The story is in Matthew 25 verses 31-46.

This all goes through my head at speed. I ask him if he has reported it to the police. I ask him why they would not lend him the cash (I don’t know if the police do this or not). I thought about asking him all sorts of searching questions, but I know from experience that a liar will be convincing. I gave him my business card and £20 because I had no change and I asked him to be honest.

I did ask myself whether I could afford to lose £20 and in the grand scheme of things I probably can, although I try to be so careful with my money.

I waited for it to be returned and it never came. It made me sad.

On a positive note, I did pick up someone’s wallet in the street once full of cash and cards and he sent me a beautiful bouquet for returning it. We all want to believe people are good.