A woman approached me in the store and asked me to pay for her shopping, was this a scam?

[victoriaxoxo]

A 30 year old woman approached me in a supermarket asking me whether I have any money for her to buy herself and her child food for Christmas. At first I declined but then agreed to pay but only up to 30 EUR. She went and picked out a few items (bread, chicken, milk formula, sausages, water) and then I took it to the till to go and pay. She asked me whether she can have my phone number so she can return the money to me but I declined. She told me that she didn't have money because her husband has cut her off financially for a couple of weeks (he lives abroad) and since she has a 4 month old, she can't work herself. She was dressed modestly and didn't look scruffy apart from her hands looked very dry and maybe her teeth were slightly yellow (but just very very slightly, as if she just had coffee). Other than that she looked like a normal person (even had some make up on). I didn't feel pressured to pay for her and she even asked me whether I'm sure I can afford to pay and will have enough money left over for my own shopping. She offered a bit of cash she had on her (like 2-3 EUR). After I paid, she didn't even aim to grab the receipt and I took it with me. She then left the store on foot.

Whilst I didn't believe in most of what she said, I couldn't figure out what the scam could be. Something felt like she might have needed the food for real. Like the bread she grabbed she didn't even pack it and put it loosely in the bag. How could she get a refund on these items, for example, with no receipt or anything? Has anyone else experienced this? Is this a scam?

[Phoenix98]

It sounds like according to what you've told us that it sounds like she actually needed those items. So I would say it is genuine you did a good thing.

I've done similar things for people over the years. And I've even had someone help me and family out during a time of need.

The way I look at it even if I am getting scammed at least my heart is in the right place by trying to help someone who could potentially genuinely need it. And sometimes a random act of kindness can make all the difference in the world to someone.

[Blackmoonsns]

Yes most of the time these are scams I run them to these all the time in my hometown. Most people here either get section 8 food stamps or some kind of housing assistance and a good majority people are hooked on drugs so most of the money does go to that. Or on the other hand people are just lazy they don't feel like working I can't walk up the street without being asked for cigarettes cash or my phone. If you want to do some good and make the world a better place volunteer your time you know work at a homeless shelter or your local church or what have you or see if you can volunteer at a hospital but I absolutely never give out money

[Adaeva]

That is not the type of scam that a woman is likely to pull because it is not something she could do repeatedly since wouldn't be able sell the food. Even more so since you kept the receipt. If was probably valid because it is not easy for the average woman to ask someone for money unless she is almost desperate.

[Sparkie460]

I have had this happen to me a few years ago. A woman woman who had baby in her arms and a 2 year old. She asked me before I got in the store. She asked me if I could buy her a few things just for her children. I told her to get the things she needed while I did my shopping. When she found me she had store brand bread, peanut butter, jelly and formula for the baby.
I kneeled down and whispered to the little boy "what type of food have you been eating lately "? He said only his sister has been getting her formula. I took them down the isles and I bought them more food that would last a few weeks.
The mom was in tears and thanked me like 100 times. The
little boy gave me a big hug.
Fast forward a year or so later, the
mom tracked me down and tried paying me back for everything I bought her. They were in a better place now. I
refused her offer to pay me back. I told
her to do the same thing that I did for her

[Anonymous]

Don't give your money away. It's your money, and you need more. People like that want to take the food out of your mouth and the roof off your head.

If you married a piece of shit husband and had a kid with him, she would not do the same for you.

I can't care about someone more than I care about myself. My money is for me, my investments, so my family is taken care of after I die.

Most of the beggars on the streets have a home and welfare. It's hard to tell who is homeless and just trying to get money from you. Just donate to charity and leave it alone.

[Surely]

She mostly took just every day staples. I would suspect that she really needed those things. Unless you were to find out otherwise. Consider what you did a very considerate gesture. Unfortunately, the scammers have given everyone second thoughts on doing nice things.

[Fireguy17]

probably a scam.
did she have tats, cigarettes, liquor, an expensive cell phone?
Did she spend all of her money on drugs?

[art84]

Looks like she needed the food badly though if she got the receipt then she could have returned the food for a refund.

[Bklynbadboy12]

It probably was real she probably was down on her luck

[Anonymous]

Could be genuine.

[msc545]

Scam sadly.

[In_Trance]

probably

[eagle1951]

you did good