Photo by Bradley Joines
“Dear PoPville,
I wanted to bring attention to a “couple” (I do not believe they are actually together) running a fairly obvious scam, the first which I was pulled into late summer and then again this past Saturday. Both times they flagged me down on 11th street NW near Cardozo HS. The pair are a late 40’s couple who do not look unhoused but still in rather rough shape (especially the woman). Last summer I was biking home (I live in the area) and he flagged me down – “hey neighbor – [insert phrase]” and then told me him and his wife just got their first apartment in the area, for the first time ever, and after receiving a housing voucher couldn’t get the keys, also saying that people had used racist slurs and were generally unwelcome (the story is sad and rather lengthy) and ended with an ask for $20 for … something (bus fare? getting in? I can’t remember). He asked for the money in cash or the cash app. I didn’t have either and when I went to break off our interaction he got rather agitated (we’re desperate! please help a neighbor! then even yelled some curse words as I rode off on my bike). I knew then it was likely a scam but I still really felt for them. (more…)
