Fellows asking help in Orchard

Precy Gonzales from Cagayan

I and my friend Marie were in a hurry yesterday night to a attend our friend's birthday  party when we were approached by this woman . We were in Orchard at that time and as we  were about to cross the road along Lucky Plaza , she ran towards me and  asked if I am a Filipino. I stared at her in  surprise  but answered her  politely.  

 She introduced her self as Precy Gonzales from Cagayan and immediately asked for financial help. She needed S$6.00 she could use as a fare going to Malaysia where she said she currently resides. She then asked again if I am an Ilocana and when I spoke to her in that language, she proceeded in explaining herself why she was here in Singapore. She said she came all the way from Malaysia looking for her friend who wanted to help her find a job here but she was not able to see her. She thought maybe she went back home already. She explained that they were deceived by their agent/agency who promised them a good job.  I asked what she does in Malaysia and she said she is doing a part time work. She also mentioned she usually go to Tampines to do extra work if she is called by an employer.

I wanted to ask more of her details and questions but we were rushing that time since it was already a bit late and we needed to go for our friend's party. To make the story short, we gave the amount she was asking, had my friend took a picture of us and told her to take care before we left.

I am very curious how she managed to come to Singapore without being questioned in the immigration and how she live a life without a permanent job then come to Singapore unsure if she would see her friend.

It was my second time to be approached by some fellows asking for help usually to be used for fare going home. 

When we reached our friend's place, I mentioned about the incident and I was told that there are a lot of people doing that usually in the MRT or in Orchard Rd. They shared their own experience and I was surprised to know that even some asked for 10 dollars for top ups. I got even surprised when one friend asked me to see this woman's picture. She eventually recognized her and told me she often see her there in Orchard or at the MRT station.

Hmmmm....makes me wonder if they really need help or they are just plainly impostures. Maybe next time they ask for help, it would be better to refer them to the embassy.