Community
Police say group of aggressive panhandlers in Rhode Island, Massachusetts are scammers from Texas
Local police are warning the public that money donated to certain panhandlers may not be going where you think it is going.
The West Warwick Police has learned about an organized group from Romania (via Texas), who have been aggressively panhandling at street intersections throughout the area.
This group uses photos (displayed on cardboard) of a sick child and indicate that they are either collecting money for cancer treatment for this child, or that the child has passed away and they are collecting money for burial expenses. The cardboard that they hold also contains an image of a Cash App (for money transfers from your phone) that states it goes toward the child in the photo.
Further investigation into this group and this Cash App has determined that this is a scam and that they are only collecting money to put into their own bank accounts.
This group will usually go to major intersections in various locations for a day or two to collect money and information from unsuspecting persons and then move on to other locations.
West Warwick PD says that they are taking advantage of the goodness in people, and they want the public to be aware of this group and what they are actually about.
Texas Ranger Willie
September 27, 2023 at 9:24 pm
This is true. I was born in raised in Fall River, MA. I now live in Texas and deal with these people regularly. They lie about everything. They claim poverty yet drive brand new vehicles and get 10+ pizzas delivered to their locations. They use their children as pawns. Nothing but Romanian Gypsies who are too lazy to work. Do not donate to them, do not believe any son story they tell.
TJ
September 27, 2023 at 10:31 pm
The people ahead of you on the housing waiting lists ladies and gentlemen. Lets get a round of applause.
Another day in paradise
September 28, 2023 at 8:01 am
Figured that one out a long time ago. The hell of it is that the towns and police allow it to continue. You can see them talking on the phone to each other and then switch up intersections. With all the jobs available and these people choose to stand on street corners and beg. Drive on by people. There are better places to donate your money.