Knocking on doors and asking for money

[2e1m5a]

When I was younger our family had a woman and her young Daughter come to our house late at night asking for money. But they were neighbors from the apartment building at the end of our street and my Mom was always a little too welcoming/giving to all the neighborhood kids. I'm sure they were just trying to take advantage of her kindness.

At my own house I have had people knock on my door asking for money to manicure my (tiny) front lawn but I've always just said no. I've paid people to shovel snow however. Other than that I would say it is a very rare occurence.

[ThomasDarcy]

Not a regular occurance; I've never had it happen. I have had people come by and ask for money in exchange for some service, like washing the 1st floor windows, or sweeping the sidewalk, or shoveling snow. This at least has the veneer of respectability, even if its ultimately the same thing... I would not give money to such a person.

I generally don't mind opening the door to strangers knocking during the day. During the night I would not open the door.

[Kamms]

Originally Posted by ionlyused59

My husband and I live at 17th and Carpenter in the new town homes at Carpenter Square in the Graduate Hospital neighborhood. This Saturday morning a smiling and polite woman knocked on my door and told me she spent the last of her money on pampers and if asked if we had any money for food. Is this a common occurrence here in Philly? Have any of you experienced this?

Not sure where you're from but never open the door to strangers. Especially with the line about the pampers (which hopefully you're not finding the used ones on sidewalks over there-this is bad sign) given that most of the gov't checks had just come out for the month. You were targeted because you live in the new town homes (translation, people with money naive enough to open the door).

It's all a con-hustle job that could turn into a crime very easily once that door opens. Another one is the house-casing group that went around my area for donations for that ''youth mentoring'' b.s.

[ionlyused59]

Originally Posted by Kamms

Not sure where you're from but never open the door to strangers. Especially with the line about the pampers (which hopefully you're not finding the used ones on sidewalks over there-this is bad sign) given that most of the gov't checks had just come out for the month. You were targeted because you live in the new town homes (translation, people with money naive enough to open the door).

It's all a con-hustle job that could turn into a crime very easily once that door opens. Another one is the house-casing group that went around my area for donations for that ''youth mentoring'' b.s.

I'm originally from more rural and suburban areas. This is my first time in a big city. Yeah thinking back on it, I shouldn't have opened the door. I can see through the glass and thought she looked harmless enough. I did have my Pit Bull by my side which may have deterred any escalation of anything.

When I was younger and living in a rural area with my parents, I didn't answer the door during the day time when someone rang the bell. Next thing I know, they broke into my house. Turns out they were probably ringing the door bell to see if anyone was home and since I didn't answer, they took it as the go ahead to invite themselves in. They made up a story about losing a dog and left, no physical harm done. Because of this, I stopped subscribing to the idea that not answering the door is the best policy. Man I have bad luck!

[Kamms]

Originally Posted by ionlyused59

I'm originally from more rural and suburban areas. This is my first time in a big city. Yeah thinking back on it, I shouldn't have opened the door. I can see through the glass and thought she looked harmless enough. I did have my Pit Bull by my side which may have deterred any escalation of anything.

When I was younger and living in a rural area with my parents, I didn't answer the door during the day time when someone rang the bell. Next thing I know, they broke into my house. Turns out they were probably ringing the door bell to see if anyone was home and since I didn't answer, they took it as the go ahead to invite themselves in. They made up a story about losing a dog and left, no physical harm done. Because of this, I stopped subscribing to the idea that not answering the door is the best policy. Man I have bad luck!

In a rural area, you might be more susceptible to being victimized by not answering the door. In Philly, its row house set-up diminishes that issue. It's good to monitor after not answering to what these grubs are really up to.

In Philly, still best no to open the door to these folks.

[cattusbabe]

I live in a city neighborhood in Philly. I would NEVER open my door to a stranger. The most that they get is me or my husband speaking though the security door.

Home invasions do happen in Philadelphia. Sure most are not random events by why risk it? There are desperate people who are down on their luck and really do not care about what they have to do to get what they want or need to survive. This is IMO going to get worse. At this point in time we do not even allow people to do odd jobs around our home. A secure locked door and windows keeps them out there and away from you.

[ionlyused59]

Thanks everyone for replying. I'll be sure to be more vigilant about not opening the door for anyone I don't know or am not expecting. I think what bothered me the most about it is that I felt my personal space and home were being invaded vs the homeless on the street who ask, which I've gotten used to since moving here. There are many things I like about an urban environment but this I could do without. Shrugs. I guess there's pro's and con's to every environment. Edit: I typically do not give money but there have been a few times I have when the spirit moved me, so to speak. Thanks all.

[pautek6]

Go ahead open your door for anyone .Trust no one !