[Montro]

I was at Woolworths yesterday and a guy approached me and asked if I was doing a $50 shop. I told him no, as I was only getting about $20 worth of goods. He then told me that he had a $50 Woolworths card that he purchased a couple of days ago, but that morning his electricty had been cut off due to non-payment of account. He told me he had an 18 month old baby at home and he was unable to heat up the little one's bottles due to no electricty. Would I give him $50 for the card?

I thought of the baby and went to the service counter, where the card was duly swiped and the operator confirmed that there was indeed $50 on it. So I gave the guy a $50 note and he gave me the card. Thanked me profusely and told me how kind I was. He then told me I could buy cigarettes on the card, and I told him I didn't smoke.

I got home and entered the card details on the relevant website, which gave me an expiry date and I then read that the card is a 'groceries only' card and is not to be used for the purchase of tobacco products or alcohol. The card was issued by a charity.

I'm hoping the guy did indeed take my $50 to have the power reconnected.

Would you purchase such a card from someone, or would you refuse?

[kristylee21]

I prob would of done the same as you, check at the service counter that it had the right amount of money of it and purchased it....
But maybe im gulible in believeing stories.... anyway you still have $50 to spend on groceries

[Nanaimo Girl]

Generally those cards are given out by charity organisations for people who can't afford groceries. The same charities can also help those people with payment of bills.

Chances are he is going to be spending the money on alcohol/drugs/cigarettes.

[wilding]

Generally those cards are given out by charity organisations for people who can't afford groceries. The same charities can also help those people with payment of bills.

Chances are he is going to be spending the money on alcohol/drugs/cigarettes.

[Bomber girl]

The coles ones actually say on them ' not to be used or tobacco or liquor'

No I would not buy one off someone. The amount of times I have had people put food back so they can afford cigarettes..... Fine if you are on your own but most of them have children with them

[SplashingRainbow...]

I wouldn't have, same reason as PPs - the chance the money won't be spent as intended.

Sadly, some people (who no doubt ruin it for others) will say anything to get finds for their next hit. If funds were indeed that tight it sure isn't going to be long before there is no money to buy milk to put in the baby's bottle.

[Holidayromp]

Generally those cards are given out by charity organisations for people who can't afford groceries. The same charities can also help those people with payment of bills.

Chances are he is going to be spending the money on alcohol/drugs/cigarettes.

Also if he is getting help with his electricity bills chances are he is on a hardship programme which will ensure the continious connection of his electricity.

Chances are noone is going to see that money only himself.

I would never pay anyone money to take a card off them because they may not want the card but the kids and partner may want the food that it could buy.

[Pooks*potters]

You'll never know. It's well and good to say charities can help with power bills too. But they can't always. I've had charities say to me "look, we can give you some grocery money, then you can use your money for the power bill instead of the groceries" which was fine, except I could live on like $20 a week for groceries but I needed more for the bill. Having said that, it would be weird for his power to be cut, usually they will arrange a payment plan or extension for you so you can keep power.

[bek_p]

Not sure what I'd do but we wince got one as a thank you for filling out a survey so it's not just charities

[katbalou]

I would be very dubious about the story, and probably wouldn't have time to check out whether the card was legit. Besides, $50 isn't going to pay the electricity bill. The same charity that gave him the grocery card would have been the best bet to go to for help with his electricity account. Sounds dodgy.