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Visitor unmasks begging scam by monied ‘pauper’
Print Edition
I am writing in response to an article about amputee beggars (“Don’t give to amputee beggars but call police,” April 2, Shanghai Daily). I fully agree with the article.
I am a retiree from Australia now living in China. Before my retirement, I had spent over 25 years as a volunteer or professional working with the Australian Disability network, some at a senior level. I have been living in Shanghai since March 2013.
I am appalled, but not surprised at the statements about amputee beggars being organized. I share the view that to give to these people only encourages them.
In early 2013 I was with some Chinese friends in Qingdao, Shandong Province, when we came across an amputee beggar on a footbridge, and my 8-year-old friend, with full approval of his mother, gave a female beggar 5 yuan (81 US cents). Approaching from the other way was a uniformed policeman, who upon seeing the 8-year-old give a “donation” proudly and openly approached us and commended the 8-year-old for his action. So, how to educate the police force is a leading question. I often wonder how she got up the steps of the footbridge.
I often speak about the challenge to my friends. The challenge of waiting and watching and seeing where these people go when they are not begging.
Then, last evening I saw a beggar while leaving an entertainment area in Shanghai. This time he was not an amputee. He was dressed very poorly, was unshaven and about 35 years of age. He was acting as if he had a disability and was bent over, looking down and out! As he approached with a paper cup in hand asking for a donation, I quickly indicated my thanks to him as he put the cup forward seeking a donation.
I gestured to him my gratitude and indicated I was about to take the only coin from his cup. He quickly withdrew the cup. I again gestured my thanks and suggested he give his donations to me. I then held my hand over my eyes and acted as if I was blind and had a cane in my hand. This brought a large smile to his face, he stood very upright and, upon opening his coats, showed me a large collection of money he had in his pocket.
It was possible he was going to offer me a coin or two, however, my taxi arrived and I left him with a huge smile on his face. So, even if I did not make his evening by making a donation, maybe by making him smile I had brightened his day?
Congratulations on your article and doing your bit towards the education of some unsophisticated people.
Gary Roberts
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