I have been street scammed twice with the first happening a few years ago when I was 17 and working for an upscale doughnut shop selling pretzels. On my morning shift, when the place is not so busy, an guy about fifty in a tacky suit came in, bought a pretzel and a soda, and spoke to some of us employees in a friendly manner, I think in an attempt to garner trust.
Then, about an hour later while I was out giving away samples to people walking the street he came over and questioned me about who I was and what I did. He complemented me on my intelligence and other inherently obvious abilities; then steered the conversation to the local horse track and how he had insider knowledge that a particular horse would win a race.
He gave me the name of the horse and asked if I wanted to put some money on it also. It was obvious that I was working and couldn't attend the race so he said he would gladly put some money on the horse for me and after the race come by and pay me the inevitable winnings.
I gave him twenty dollars while he mentioned in a trustworthy tone that my manager (who wasn't there at the time) knew him very well, even mentioning her name (although he entirely mispronounced it so I should have known!)
He then strutted away, disappeared behind a corner, and I never saw him again. When I checked for the race results in the local paper, the horse came in dead last.
Then, a few months ago in Las Vegas I was walking to the Hard Rock Cafe for some lunch with a friend when we were stopped in a parking lot by an older lady around 55 or 60.
She indicated that she had run out of gas and desperately needed five dollars so she could get to where she was going. Having the absolute look of credibility that she did I gallantly gave it to her.
She didn't even bother to ask my friend because when she asked the question he was looking at me the whole time, so I felt like I had to do something. After all, who could deny an elderly lady with gold earrings and an impeccable hairdo. It seemed obvious that she was no crook!
Anyway, a few moments later we noticed her chasing after other people in another area of the parking lot, asking the same question.