Asking strangers for sponsorship

[Twirly]

A couple of times recently I?ve been walking through Green Park in central London when boys (approx. 9 ? 12 years in age I would guess) have approached me asking for sponsorship. I don?t know them, so I?ve said no and walked on. I?ve seen them approach other people too, but last time it happened (this week) I had a quick check around to see if there was an adult with them ? there wasn?t anyone obvious. Is this yet another scam? If it?s not and the boys are genuine, is it a good idea to be encouraging pre-teens to go up to complete strangers asking them for money?

[holloway]

It's a con. Happens all over, I've seen kids like that come into pubs and ask for sponsorship. Not sure who's behind it all though.

[alice]

there's no one behind it - i did it when i was a kid.