I'm sure that a few times my generosity has been misused; someone has taken advantage of my desire to help. But think of the alternative: passing by someone truly needy because you're afraid that it's a scam. I do try to do a quick scan to see if the person seems in need--I give through an agency that screens its recipients--

or, I give in kind rather than money. Yesterday outside Starbuck's a man was begging change to buy a cup of coffee. So I gave him mine (untouched). The way his face lit up, I knew I had done the right thing.

Earlier in the year one of our office temps was down on her luck, and then got laid off. I gave her a couple of bundles of warm clothes before she left for good. Again, it was clear she was pleased, even if all she did was pass them on, I can say that I did the right thing.

And if occasionally I get taken, oh, well. Their bad karma, not mine.