How can you tell if a beggar is real?

Their attire Members of the public are urged to look for any hints they may not be homeless - and appearance is a key one. Many are told to look at the state of the shoes, while it's also key to look out for other tell-tale signs, like bags, piercings, pets and more.

coventrytelegraph.net - How to tell a real homeless person from a professional beggar

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Our free email updates are the best way to get headlines direct to your inbox A shocking new report has revealed professional beggars who aren't homeless are targeting high street shoppers. They are attempting to obtain cash - despite having access to accommodation, the document claims. The report adds how, in most cases, the money they receive from kind-hearted passersby will be used to fund a drug - or possibly alcohol - addiction. They are said to see begging for cash as a "lucrative way of making money". A 'professional beggar' is defined by the council as someone who is not homeless, has access to accommodation one way or another and who see begging for cash as a "lucrative way of making money".

So, how do you the tell the difference between a professional beggar and somebody who genuinely needs the help?

There is no rule of thumb, but there are a few pointers you can follow, which we have detailed below.

Their attitude

stopthepanhandling.com reckons: "One thing that helps to see if a person is truly in need is their attitude. "While many people are leery of giving money, offer to buy them a sandwich or something to drink or even a days work for pay. "Anyone that is truly down on their luck will gladly take any food that is offered to them, even if they just ate." Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel Play now

Their attire

Members of the public are urged to look for any hints they may not be homeless - and appearance is a key one. Many are told to look at the state of the shoes, while it's also key to look out for other tell-tale signs, like bags, piercings, pets and more.

But be warned: this doesn’t mean that people haven’t donated to them.

Crucially, people in need will have their worldly possessions laid out.

People who aren't in need won't have these bags, and may make use of pets such as dogs or puppies in order to tug at your heartstrings.

The surroundings

stopthepanhandling.com says: "If the person is running a scam, they could be part of a larger group in operation. "They may have a mobiel phone on them, or they may have a car parked close by for a quick getaway.

"Look for any abandoned cars or a bike close to them."

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So what can you do?

When all is said and done, it may be wise to trust your gut instinct. It is often hard to spot those who are fake from those who are telling the truth, but it’s still more better to give to those in need than to err on the side of caution and cause someone to be without.