Too cynical?

caff

Passed a guy on Nassau street just now and he stopped asked me if I spoke English. Then proceeded to tell me he is from South Africa and himself and his GF have been robbed and he needs to get 22 euro each for a hostel for the next 2 nights until his embassy opens again on Monday. He then shows me a fistful of change he has collected so far. In his hand is an ipad. He says he can leave the ipad or his passport with me and then pay me back Monday. I say sorrow I have no change, he quickly suggests we walk to an ATM. I say no sorry and walk off.

Few things, embassy have emergency numbers don't they?
Pretty sure most hostels/hotels don't charge until checkout?
He did have a South African accent though.
Whole thing just seemed a bit off but maybe I just have very little faith in people.

Penny Tration

I wouldn't believe it. If he was desperate, he'd go to a CEX shop (there's one on Liffey Street) and sell the ipad.

5rtytry56

No, OP you have the right to walk off. That what I would have done.

I tend to have faith in people and would be always willing to help someone in need.

That guy wouldn't have gotten my help.

QikBax

Same thing happened me with a Nigerian Prince.

He was in a real bind where he needed my help getting his assets unfrozen and his money out of the country.

Long story short, I'm now a millionaire.

caff

Jenny Thalia wrote: »

I wouldn't believe it. If he was desperate, he'd go to a CEX shop (there's one on Liffey Street) and sell the ipad.

Yeh thought of that after, he could've pawned it in one of those type shops and bought it back after.

DEFTLEFTHAND

If he was really desperate he could pawn the ipad.

kneemos

Could have pawned the Ipad.

caff

Ah he was full of it, checked the SA government website, embassy hours are 08.30 - 5pm mon - sun and they can provide emergency loans.

The_Valeyard

caff wrote: »

Ah he was full of it, checked the SA government website, embassy hours are 08.30 - 5pm mon - sun and they can provide emergency loans.

Was thinking that alright. Kinda the while point of embassies other than diplomatic relations.

Jawgap

caff wrote: »

Ah he was full of it, checked the SA government website, embassy hours are 08.30 - 5pm mon - sun and they can provide emergency loans.

If only the guy had some electronic device he could have used to find that out.......:D

Grays Sports Almanac

You'd want to be a right mug to fall for that kind of thing.

suicide_circus

Anyone asking you for cash on the street with some elaborate story is scamming you.

wretcheddomain

caff wrote: »

Passed a guy on Nassau street just now and he stopped asked me if I spoke English. Then proceeded to tell me he is from South Africa and himself and his GF have been robbed and he needs to get 22 euro each for a hostel for the next 2 nights until his embassy opens again on Monday.

I'd be suspicious.

First, because he asked someone in Ireland if they spoke the national language. It would be a bit like you going to France and asking someone if they spoke French. It's a ludicrous thing to begin with.

If it's a hostel, the booking must have been made prior to arriving in Ireland - in which case he either paid online or paid a deposit with the rest paid on checkout - in either case, he would have access to the room and some leeway with the hostel about how to contact the relevant authorities.

Thirdly, he had an expensive possession - that of an ipad - but felt the need to beg on holiday for €44 instead of pawning it off. That seems the most unlikely thing to have occurred. If he didn't know where to go, he could have asked the hostel staff - as he wouldn't have entered the country without a booking.

Fourth, as others have stated, he could have taken advantage of an emergency loan, but as before, decided to go the hard route and beg for €44.

In conclusion, you made the right decision.

Sir Osis of Liver.

44 quid for an Ipad.

Mods,move to bargain alerts.

Jawgap

I'd be in agreement with those who said you made the right decision and / or it was a scam.

I think if it was me and he convinced me he needed help I'd have just said "No problem - which hostel are you staying in?" Then I'd have gone along and paid for him (and his gf) for two nights.

Although if he did try to scam you then this song is still true.......:D

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aeDk6ZeGNnU

Cupcake_Crisis

Twas a scam, albeit for an oddly specific amount! As has been said, his embassy would provide an emergency loan, and im pretty sure emergency accommodation!

StormWarrior

I would have pulled my phone out and said, "I'll call the police for you, they can help you." Bet he would have scarpered.