we've been writing back and forth for about 2 months, and in his most recent letter, he asked me for money. not alot of money, about $100, but he said $50/ $75 would be ok. he said that this was because he has no one else to ask, and that there is no way to earn any money in the prison, and that sometimes he had to sell his main course of lunch to pay for a stamp. anyway, he wants the money so that he can celebrate thanks giving, and other years he has missed out when the others have enjoyed themselves. the money doesn't go directly to him, its used as sort of currency so that he can buy things from the store. watcha all think? should i give it to him or not?
please avoid the "if he's there he doesn't deserve any luxeries" etc, everyone deserves a second chance and everyone needs a friend. thanks guys.xxx
2007-10-18 09:31:02 · 21 answers · asked by Anonymous in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
hunni plse dont let this guy tug at your heart strings, you sound like a lovely person and i bet this is what he is playing on. for all you know he has 20 other women writing to him and that means by thanksgiving he will have made $1500!
i know everyone deserves a second chance and you have given him that by writing to him, write back and tell him you simply cant afford it, if he keeps asking for money then break contact and dont reply. if he stops writing then you know what he was after.
please dont send him the money, if you must send him something send him a little something like a parcel with sweets and stuff like that in, but plse dont give in and send him the cash hun....be strong....x
2007-10-18 09:48:00 · answer #1 · answered by littlemissmuffett 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I write to someone on Death Row, but he has never asked me for money. I also write to people in various parts of Africa, and invariably they ask me for money sooner or later. The trouble with the people in Africa is that other people find out that there is a potential source of gift money in the UK, so I get quite a lot of letters from total strangers, also asking me for money. I think they imagine we have a bottomless supply. So I don't send money to anyone anymore, I just write back and ask them what specific things they need, and I will send them if I can afford it. They often don't reply.
Anyway, my answer isn't helping you much. But I would err on the side of caution and ask if you can send something other than money.
PS: I have just remembered somebody I used to write to, not in Africa, but the West Indies. I used to send him money, but then I had a letter from his sister, asking me not to send him any more, because he was spending it ALL on alcohol.
Don't know. You just have to be careful.
2007-10-18 09:53:25 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I don't doubt he has no one else to ask... he probably killed them. Now that I got that out of my system...
There are jobs in prison, they don't pay much, but they can pay for stamps and such. Not to mention $100 bucks is a lot of stamps.... sounds like he has quite a scam going.
Money given to prisoners goes in a canteen account, they use this to by toothbrushes, razors, candy bars and chips, along with stationary and stamps.
Ten bucks would go a long way if you really want to feel good about yourself. But before you send the money, or get too friendly with these guys, do a search on "Stockholm Syndrome".
Finally, call the prison, ask if you do put money into his canteen, can they tell you what he spends it on. You could find out how he celebrating Thanksgiving. It could be writting letters, or perhaps he choses to celebrate alone with a carton of cigarettes.
2007-10-18 09:36:32 · answer #3 · answered by trooper3316 7 · 2⤊ 2⤋
if you feel like being charitable with out judgment then go for it. money is put in commissary account for them to buy extra food etc. but do not put yourself out for him if it will cause you any kind of financial stress then no do not do it. And remember they are prison letters and do not let yourself be sucked in. If you feel like there will be more and more request for him to get money from you then stop. and before you do give him money make sure it dose not violate the rules of your charity, in fact ask the chairman of the committee what they think they have more experience then i would in this matter.
2007-10-18 09:41:22 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Be very careful I have heard horror stories about these people on death row conning vulnerable and caring people. I think he's lying to you as they can earn money in prison. You sound a caring person so befriend an old person locally.
2007-10-18 10:13:01 · answer #5 · answered by flint 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
NO! Do not send him money. I looked on a website for inmates and penpals and alot of the profiles were requesting money. If you want to help him out, send him a package of things for Thanksgiving. DO NOT SEND MONEY!! How do you know he doesn't have other pen pals and asking them for the same thing??
If he wants to have a nice thanksgiving, i would send a package of items, you can call the jail and ask them what exactly they do for thanksgiving to see what he had to "miss out" on. Its not like they go on a field trip. I would definitly do some research by calling to make sure he was being honest and not just praying on your kindness. I would be really curious as to what that money would be used for.
100 is alot of money. Can you really afford to just give 100 to someone you don't really know?
Do the research. Offer to send items and see what he says. If you give him money, I will bet that he will be asking again for Christmas, New Years, Valentines....etc.
Dont be a victim. You don't know this person.
2007-10-18 09:42:31 · answer #6 · answered by imayeoman 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋
I agree we all need friends and you are being a good one.
However I dont think that he should be trying to obtain money off you for whatever reason he says.
If you think it is for Christmas then cant you ask him what he needs that is so special and then perhaps you could obtain these items.
Is it not possible to speak to someone in authority at the prison and ask them what happens at christmas and do inmates get anything special. I am sure that they do. Be careful that he is not using the money for something sinister.
Good luck.
2007-10-18 09:41:45 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
He wants money to celebrate Thanksgiving? Is he planning on having his family over for dinner? They feed him in prison, he has no need to buy a turkey and the trimmings! Next thing you know he will be looking to get married!
2007-10-18 09:41:11 · answer #8 · answered by Emily E 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Everyone needs friends but young girls like you are the ones who will fall for this trash. Report him to the place who set this up and break off all contact, he is trying to take advantage of you. Why should you have to support him? I am sure that your charity will tell you exactly this. Do yourself a favor and ask for a different contact. It's great that you are willing to try and give them a chance but, this one is taking advantage of you.
2007-10-18 09:44:46 · answer #9 · answered by pappyld04 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Do not send him money. He's not pitiful. He's conniving and manipulative. Don't fall into his trap.
And don't listen to the people here who say send him "things" instead of money. Prisoners aren't allowed to get packages like they're away at camp!
2007-10-18 09:37:08 · answer #10 · answered by Flatpaw 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋