Begging Scams in Makkah: Who to Give Charity To?

You will encounter beggars. It is emotional, but you must be wise.

Common Scams

1. "lost Wallet/Passport": A well-dressed person approaches you, claims they lost everything, and needs money for a ticket home. 99% Scam.
2. The Medical Paper: Someone showing a prescription. Often fake.
3. Child Exploitation: Women sitting with sleeping babies (often sedated) in the heat.

How to Give Sadaqah Safeley?

1. Cleaning Staff: The workers in green/blue overalls in the Haram are often low-paid guest workers. Giving them cash is a direct act of kindness (do it discreetly).
2. Official Fridges: Many shops have "Free Water" fridges. Buying a carton of water/juice to put there is great Sadaqah.
3. Ehsan Platform: The official Saudi app for charity. 100% of money goes to verified cases.