How to charge someone with 'theft by deception' in CA?

Question

I am getting sick of all the 'young adults' trying to scam money out of me and the community with their lame 'out of gas' stories. In some large mall parking lots I have been asked by three separate girls claiming to be out of gas with no money. It is illegal to conduct themselves in this manner and I want to know EXACTLY which California law they are breaking. I've been asked for money for gas, bus tickets, food, and rent! I'm just sick of it because I want to be a good citizen and help a neighbor in need, but after the first girl scammed $5 from me for gas (I didn't really believe her then either but hoped for the best), I lost the good samaritan in me. I didn't realize that this was a generational thing for these kids. JUST SAY NO to beggers of any kind, and if you are one of these kids please write and tell me how you got the idea to scam your fellow citizen...and try to recall the story of the boy who cried wolf (if you can read). How do others deal with these kids?

Answer 1

Only a prosecutor can charge someone with a crime. If these incidents are happening in the same general area, contact the local police, city council members, prosecutor, mayor. People of influence in that community. If you find others that are just as frustrated with it as you are, rally them to your cause. The police and prosecutor may not feel a great need to go after kids who find people to give them money (granted this sort of behavior is illegal in that locale). But if it is illegal, and they begin receiving complaint after complaint, they will have to eventually take action. If you take your complaints to elected officials and get no response from them, then if you can show them that you have a following that will be voting for their opponent the next time out, they might be forced to listen and react.

Answer 2

IGNORE the pleas .. if they were REALLY in need they would ACTUALLY WANT TO WORK for the money ... instead of constantly bothering others who are working hard. Anyone who has a REAL NEED is going to be approved for EMERGENCY Assistance by a helping agency (like the Red Cross, Salvation Army, etc) .. and NOT have to beg to cover up for their excesses in life ...