In recent times, "backpacker"-looking beggars have frequently appeared on the streets of Shenyang, and their starting asking price is not low—straight to several dozen yuan. Is this really a plea for help or a scam? Reporters from Shenyang Evening News and Shenyang Net conducted an investigation and interview.
New type of beggar posing as distressed "backpacker"
"Fully equipped with outdoor gear, claiming to be in trouble while cycling, and the starting begging price is even dozens of yuan." Yesterday, a netizen named "Xiao Er Hei Ya" posted a Weibo message saying they encountered someone who looked like a "backpacker" asking passersby for money near the Shenyang Library subway station.
Subsequently, the reporter contacted this netizen, Ms. Yu, who said the incident happened on the afternoon of July 14. At that time, a man in his twenties was standing by the roadside of the subway station. He had complete gear including a mountain bike, a large backpack, and a windbreaker. The man kept his head down, and a white piece of paper in front of him stated that he was having difficulties while cycling and was seeking help. Moreover, the asking price was not the traditional few yuan people expect, but started straight at several dozen yuan.
Ms. Yu said that many passersby offered help because, based on the gear and appearance, this backpacker didn’t seem like a scammer.
Are there really so many backpackers in trouble?
But a similar scene also played out four days earlier in Zhongjie. On July 10, Mr. Li and his girlfriend encountered these people while taking a stroll in Zhongjie. "But there were four of them this time, dressed and equipped almost identically, also saying they were in trouble while cycling and seeking help," Mr. Li said. Because it was dark, he couldn’t tell if the person they encountered was the same one Ms. Yu met, but he was certain that the behavior and stories of the two groups were extremely similar.
"They were neatly dressed and had professional gear—it didn’t look like they were scammers," Mr. Li said. But upon reflection, how could there suddenly be so many distressed backpackers in Shenyang?
Professional backpackers reveal four telltale flaws
Although there are many suspicious points, some professional backpackers seem to have spotted inconsistencies in certain details.
Flaw one: tire—new with no burrs worn off
Mr. Yang, a seasoned outdoor backpacker, pointed out after looking at photos that although the bikes looked professional, the tires were brand new, with no burrs worn off, which didn't match their claim of having cycled thousands of miles.
Flaw two: backpack—"hiking pack" not suitable for cycling
Mr. Yang noted that the most glaring piece of equipment these people had was the large backpack. "If you're really cycling thousands of miles, such a backpack would be exhausting," Mr. Yang said. Genuine cycling backpackers usually mount panniers on their bike racks.
Flaw three: attire—cycling in "hiking shoes"
Mr. Yang said real cycling backpackers have professional cycling clothes and shoes, but these people were wearing heavy-duty hiking shoes meant for trekking.
Flaw four: their gear is too neat and tidy
"Also, they were just too neat and clean," Mr. Yang said. Even if professional cycling backpackers rode from Qipanshan to downtown, they wouldn’t look as neat and tidy as these people. Mr. Yang noticed that the small flags on their bikes were spotless.
Dalian: Fake backpackers begging, earn 381 yuan in 70 minutes
Not long ago, a report featured a youth dressed as a "backpacker" who claimed he was "so hungry he couldn’t take it anymore" and begged in a commercial area. Within 70 minutes, 26 kind-hearted people gave him a total of 381 yuan, yet he still showed no sign of going to eat. According to nearby security guards, the young man has been showing up here every so often for half a month now.