My Hoist Money - The Day I was scammed

It was getting dark, close to what I can describe as a monologue was going there in the thick shadows just a stone throw away from where I just alighted. And lo and behold it was a man, poorly dressed , so I thought to myself he must be mentally deranged.

I started having doubt when I noticed him kept moving close to me, gesturing to me as if he needed my help. I couldn't get close to him because of the way he was dressed. However I learnt him a ear when he uttered some proper vocabulary. In his voice he sounded like this " please young man, help me! help me!!! he beckoned. He further explained his condition stating he needs my help financially as he has being suffering from a condition the doctor described as Achalasia, although am unfamiliar with this medical term. I managed to listen to his story in detail until I was convinced while keeping some distance, I felt compassionate after he showed me some identity, proof of medical report of a notable hospital and the result of the scan he had. I felt compelled and decided to help him right there with something important, I will tag it my hoist money ( I mean I was in a situation where that money represent the bulk of what I have budgeted for that week, although I normally have some extra to cover unforeseen contingencies).

After putting so much thought into it, I felt Ok let's help build some bridges, took out my purse and handed him 5000 Naira (equivalent to about $16). That was how I handed my hoist money to a stranger. The story didn't end there.

Just three days later, On my way home, I saw the same man in the bus I boarded soliciting for passengers help while laying claim to another condition which he described as cancer of the lungs, a story plot he beautifully crafted to appeal to his listeners which was entirely different from what he shared with me. I didn't give him a glance as barely remembering my recent encounter with him left a scar in my heart. Although I have forgiven him and have moved on since then, however am being more careful with strangers nowadays.

Jan 16, 2018 remains a day I will never forget as I felt have being scammed of my hoist money. There in the bus with him I had series of thoughts passing through my mind; should I call him out, should I confront him or should I just leave him.

At the end of the day, I guess I took the right decision and learned my lesson.

However, this story should not demotivate you to help a stranger because some people really need our help but rather try to do it with caution to avoid letting your goodwill turn into a bitter pill or mixed experience.

That is my mixed experience with a stranger!

Till next time, keep helping keep steeming!

Thanks for reading

Please leave a Comment, Follow, Upvote and Resteem if you love this article.