How to Recognize a Homeless Scam

The National Law Center on Homelessness and Poverty estimates that there are anywhere from 700,000 to 2,000,000 homeless persons in America on any given night. Unfortunately, there are individuals ready to take advantage of people's kindheartedness by pretending to be homeless to get free money. There are reports of networks of people who scam good intentioned Samaritans. Below are things to look out for to recognize a homeless scam.

Difficulty:

Challenging

Instructions

1. Discern whether the person is truly homeless or just wants money to support his or her smoking, drinking or drug habit. If someone is begging for money but has a cigarette in his or her hand that should make you think.

2. Offer to buy the person a meal instead of giving him the money if you want to help him. A scammer will insist on getting the money instead and will refuse the meal.

3. Observe whether there is a bike or even a car nearby. People have observed homeless individuals getting into cars parked just feet away from where they station themselves once they have been given money.

4. Notice whether the person has a cell phone or a pager. It costs money to have this service plus you also need an address to get it. Additionally, scam networks will often provide a cell or pager to communicate with their members.

5. Look around to see whether it looks like someone is waiting for him or her nearby.

6. Contact local law enforcement if you suspect a homeless scam. They will be able to tell you if there has been any incidence of it in your area, which is a good indication that what you have encountered is a scam as well.

Tips & Warnings

• 44 percent of homeless people living on the streets are single men.

• 13 percent are women.

• 36 percent consists of families with children.

• Seven percent of homeless people are minors unaccompanied by a family.

• Always use caution if a stranger approaches you or if you approach the person. They could get violent if you refuse them money. And never let a stranger asking for money or food into your home.