S’porean warns others after seeing 2 women approaching the elderly asking for money in Chinatown

SINGAPORE: After a man saw two women approaching older people in Chinatown, he posted photos of them in an effort to warn others.

In a post on the popular COMPLAINT SINGAPORE Facebook page on Friday (Jul 4), the man wrote, “Please beware!!!”

He added that he had seen two women whom he believed to be from China and who appeared to target senior citizens in the area. However, when he tried to take a picture of the women, “They quickly took money from an elderly man and left the scene.”

The post has been shared dozens of times. It is not new for foreigners to be seen begging in Singapore nor for residents to express their concerns about the issue.

Read related: Police arrest foreigner selling tissues and begging outside temple at Bugis

Some commenters said they had seen people claiming to be tourists begging at Jurong,  Clementi, Toa Payoh, and even Changi Airport.

“People’s Park Food Centre a lot! Some old folks just give them S$50! They usually approach the old folk alone. Then, her gang will come later!” one added.

“Yes, last two weeks at Bukit Batok, they also tried to ask me for money but don’t know it’s the same person,” wrote another.

“One such woman at Tampines was approaching many people with a sob story about having no money left and being unable to do this and that. Told her blankly that she should know how expensive Singapore is and yet come here with insufficient money. Reminded her that the police will have her arrested,” a Facebook user wrote.

“It’s happening at Paya Lebar train station nearest to Geylang, at HDB estates, along Geylang Road,” commented another.

“I encountered one as well in Jalan Kayu. She approached me asking whether I had loose change. Once I told her I don’t carry cash, she walks away,” a netizen chimed in.

One summed it up this way: “Seems like these people are targeting everywhere.”

“Yeah, they are everywhere. Always take a few old men’s money, already they will take the bus or MRT to go next spot. They won’t stay at one spot for too long,” a netizen agreed.

A commenter, sounding fed up, advised, “Contact the police and embassy.. take photos and videos of their irksome faces.. post on their social media, let everyone know.”

Under the Destitute Persons Act, begging is prohibited in Singapore, and a person caught habitually begging may be fined as much as S$3,000 or jailed for up to two years. Additionally, a foreigner caught begging would be considered a prohibited immigrant and could face deportation.

The Independent Singapore has reached out to the post author for further comments or updates. /TISG

Read also: Singaporeans raise concern about ‘foreign beggars’ on the streets