Fake charity collectors during Vesak festival crowds

Asked about 2 months agoSeen by 497 travellers17 found this helpful
J
Jack W.4980 rep2
asked about 2 months ago

While looking at lanterns near Gangaramaya, people approached us with clipboards asking for cash donations for "Vesak orphanages". Is this legitimate.

17
asked about 2 months ago
J
Jack W.4980 rep2

5 Answers from travellers

Accepted Answer

This is absolutely a scam. While Vesak is a time of giving, legitimate charities and temples do not send people into the streets with clipboards to harass tourists for cash. They are exploiting the religious atmosphere. Just smile, shake your head, and keep walking. If you want to donate, give directly to the donation boxes inside the temple.

11
answered about 2 months ago
R
Ruwan P.6990 rep1

Never pull your wallet out in a dense crowd like that anyway, it attracts pickpockets.

50
answered about 2 months ago
N
Nimali D.6220 rep1

If they get aggressive, just point toward a police officer. There are hundreds of cops on duty during Vesak.

43
answered about 2 months ago
R
Ruwan P.6990 rep1

We ignored them, but they were very persistent. Good to know it is just a scam.

29
answered about 2 months ago
J
Jack W.4980 rep2

They show you a list of fake names with huge donation amounts next to them to guilt you into giving more.

7
answered about 2 months ago
S
Sophie T.4290 rep2

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