https://www.reddit.com/r/duluth/comments/1j7azgk/being_stopped_outside_cub_foods_for_donations/
created by Careful_Dragonfly302 on 09/03/2025 at 16:14 UTC
34 upvotes, 37 top-level comments (showing 25)
This experience has happened to me twice now while leaving Cub Foods and I was curious if anyone else has had this happen to them recently.
I went to Cub yesterday to buy some Girl Scout cookies, but on my way out was followed by some random guy with a laminated flyer while trying to get to my car. He immediately complimented me on my hair then proceeded to ask for money for their “homeless food fund” that they run out of Morgan Park.
The first time I saw the flyer it said something about how “all lives matter” which I thought was odd, but the one I was shown yesterday said Black Lives Matter with the preferred donation amounts.
I never know how to handle these kind of situations, as they make me incredibly anxious so I usually just give them some small amount of money so they’ll leave me alone instead of causing a bigger scene by saying no. Even if I suspect or know it’s a scam. (But that’s my own issue lol)
But the first time it happened, I was all by myself and it was starting to get dark and this guy followed me all the way to my car and wouldn’t leave me alone until I gave him five bucks. I really didn’t like that.
It was the same tactic both times, complimented me then proceeded to ask for money for their homeless fund. Someone must have called the cops the first time because once I saw the squad car in the parking lot the two guys suddenly vanished.
I guess I’m making this post to see if anyone knows if this is actually legit or it’s scam like I’m suspecting it to be. But also to just warn people, especially women shopping by themselves to be aware of this.
Comment by NicolePeter at 09/03/2025 at 16:19 UTC
95 upvotes, 1 direct replies
It's always a scam. Don't stop and talk. Just ignore and keep walking.
Comment by Travelgrrl at 09/03/2025 at 16:20 UTC
48 upvotes, 1 direct replies
You don't need to make a scene to say "No". When someone approaches you, do not make eye contact, do not stop walking, and if they start speaking to you, hold up your hand in the "STOP" gesture and say "No thank you!"
Repeat as necessary. Legitimate charities will be at the door or in the vestibule. Even if this wasn't a scam (which it apparently is), stopping in the parking lot to dig in your wallet for money is foolhardy.
Cut people off at the pass. You owe strangers nothing.
Comment by pistolwhip_pete at 09/03/2025 at 16:26 UTC
32 upvotes, 3 direct replies
It is absolutely a scam. There's usually 2 of them working together. They were Canal last weekend in front of Northern Waters
Comment by bremergorst at 09/03/2025 at 17:30 UTC
21 upvotes, 1 direct replies
Make a scene.
Those fucks are counting on the fact that you don’t want to make a scene.
If they follow you for more than five feet, stop, turn around and say, “STOP FOLLOWING ME”.
Do it loud enough that anyone in earshot can hear.
I know you’re anxious. But take the power away from them and keep it for yourself.
Comment by Verity41 at 09/03/2025 at 16:46 UTC
16 upvotes, 0 direct replies
Comment by ElonTuskthe3rd at 09/03/2025 at 16:18 UTC
11 upvotes, 0 direct replies
I've seen people with similar flyers in canal a handful of times, they are not legit. If they were legit they would at least have other ways to donate or drop off food, or an Instagram to follow, etc,.
Comment by Serious-Strawberry80 at 09/03/2025 at 16:31 UTC
9 upvotes, 1 direct replies
They hang out in the Aldi parking lot sometimes too. Down in the cities, it’s the Trader Joe’s parking lot - I was approached asking to give money to their brother who had the opportunity to play basketball from Chicago, but they needed money for the bus fare for him. I politely said I’m sorry but I have no extra funds.
Comment by anonboi362834 at 09/03/2025 at 16:18 UTC
7 upvotes, 0 direct replies
sounds scammy to me, and if it was legit, they would have an organization name you could look up online. if you feel the need to give, donate to good shelves whose names are listed in this sub 25 times over. no one from any of these orgs will guilt or shame or pressure someone for donations.
Comment by Verity41 at 09/03/2025 at 16:48 UTC
8 upvotes, 1 direct replies
Work on your RBF OP - I can stop these bums in their tracks with my laser loon eyes. And thanks for the post! Good to know.
Comment by walking_timebomb at 09/03/2025 at 16:24 UTC
20 upvotes, 0 direct replies
this guy followed me all the way to my car and wouldn’t leave me alone until I gave him five bucks. I really didn’t like that.
well, most people in fact DO NOT like getting robbed. what you explained is exactly that, a robbery.
Comment by squatchman3546 at 09/03/2025 at 16:41 UTC
4 upvotes, 1 direct replies
Cub foods and all the other stores should do the same and have a person out there to detour them or remove them, I know pan handleing is ok in Duluth but it’s getting out of hand at the doors to businesses
Comment by ladymorgana01 at 09/03/2025 at 18:09 UTC
4 upvotes, 1 direct replies
He approached me yesterday in the Bender's parking lot so they're definitely making the rounds
Comment by Dapper_Pay_3783 at 09/03/2025 at 19:35 UTC
5 upvotes, 2 direct replies
Yeah, that’s a scam. If you want; you can give money to a scam; if it’s clever or entertaining. When I was 18, I was in Chicago and I gave $10 for a post card for “charity”. I gave the dude a $20 and didn’t get change. Lesson learned lol 😂.. but for someone to try to scam you in your everyday life; that would really grind my gears.. if this happens again and your uncomfortable, go back in and ask one of the managers or older people there to assist. If you’re headed to your car, just say “ oh shit, butter” or whatever you could buy, but didn’t and then head back in.. I know a few guys who work at cub and they wouldn’t have an issue with helping you out.. it’s always a scam.
Comment by thusUnforgotten at 09/03/2025 at 20:19 UTC
4 upvotes, 0 direct replies
Nah, whenever they start following me I either tell them I’m armed and will not be donating or I call DPD. Likely a scam.
Listen, I get the hustle, but please respect that I’m not contributing. I ain’t got time for that shit dog. I’m trying to make it work for **my** family.
Comment by peachy-carnahan at 09/03/2025 at 22:35 UTC
4 upvotes, 1 direct replies
These people are vermin. They obviously saw a mark and knew that they could scare you into giving them money because you don’t want to look “racist”.
These people are pussies. They run as soon as anyone challenges them. It really doesn’t take much. Tell them to fuck off or I’m calling the police.
Comment by [deleted] at 09/03/2025 at 16:44 UTC
11 upvotes, 3 direct replies
[deleted]
Comment by Th3_Aft3rmath at 09/03/2025 at 21:56 UTC
3 upvotes, 0 direct replies
It’s a scam. They’ve been doing that for years.
Comment by ntk11679 at 09/03/2025 at 22:00 UTC*
3 upvotes, 0 direct replies
It's pretty easy to deal with these people.Just tell them to get lost and go grift somewhere else
Comment by Kind-Cookie284 at 09/03/2025 at 17:57 UTC
5 upvotes, 0 direct replies
Call the cops when you see these people. They’re scammers and they take advantage of kind and vulnerable people.
Comment by wolfpax97 at 09/03/2025 at 20:16 UTC
6 upvotes, 0 direct replies
Duluth is too soft on harassment. Downtown and Canal are horrible for solicitation like this and otherwise
Comment by Live-Professional-28 at 09/03/2025 at 22:36 UTC
2 upvotes, 0 direct replies
That's a scam usually, couple years ago they were raising money for a made up basketball team, and you pay through venmo. They got my buddy, and there were a few comments saying it wasnt real.
Comment by ZealousidealSun5422 at 10/03/2025 at 01:49 UTC
2 upvotes, 0 direct replies
Just say no if u have a intimidating stan e even as a woman people usually get scared and i would recommend carrying something for self defense and it doesn't have to be a firearm it can be pepper spray with people in this world now days I honestly don't trust anyone tbh
Comment by figgy_squirrel at 10/03/2025 at 02:51 UTC
2 upvotes, 0 direct replies
I just assume all solicitation, even if they say charity, kids basketball team, whatever, is a scam. If it was legit, they'd be handing out flyers with contact information and so on, not carrying one around asking for money.
Just keep on walking or head back into the store to report them.
Comment by PineappleSkyy at 09/03/2025 at 18:06 UTC
3 upvotes, 1 direct replies
I've had this happen to me a couple of times. They approached me in Walmart hermantown once and another time I was approached trying to go to planet fitness to work out.
Comment by CreativeLolita at 09/03/2025 at 19:24 UTC
2 upvotes, 0 direct replies
I've had this exact play pulled on me back in 2017! laminated flyer about "magazines for childrens hospitals," the guy complimented my hair before going into his spiel, then scribbled nonsense on a "receipt" after I gave him a 20 (I was 18 and socially inept...)
2 things to never trust: approaching you for money and giving you compliments!! I'm lucky I didn't give him my credit info like he wanted lmaooo