After I saw on the news the warning about a door-to-door scam being perpetuated in South Minneapolis neighborhoods, an unpleasant encounter I had with a very well-dressed man in downtown today makes more sense--and makes me suspect that this scam is moving downtown.
There I was outside of Walgreens at the bus stop, clutching my new prescription and longing to get back home and into bed, when this guy in an expensive coat and hat asks me, "Say, young lady, would you like to do your good deed for the day?" Well, I just love condescension, plus I felt like crap, so I told Mr. Chic to get lost. He then ranted and raved about me selfishly missing my chance to "do your good deed" and used language that no non-profit executive should use. Both the guy standing next to me and the snow sweeper stepped in to protect me. :)
The snow sweeper asked me if I was OK and said that the guy had been panhandling all afternoon. Then I went home and saw the news segment about the "save the sick children"/"my car broke down" charity scams in South Minneapolis--good deed, indeed! I'll bet this guy was a part of that operation. No wonder the creep became immediately furious when I didn't even want to know what the "deed" was.
So watch out. Don't let people on the mall who don't look like panhandlers use your curiosity or guilt to get "charitable contributions." I'm as pinko as they get, but that means I pay my Doctors Without Borders membership. I NEVER reach for my wallet on the street for a stranger, ever--and I almost never carry cash anyway. If anyone asks, I just say that I only have a bus pass. It works--and sadly, most of the time it's the truth!
Contributing to the number of the world's sick children,
Kristine Harley
Sheridan Neighborhood
