LesF:

 

How do we recognize and trust when a stranger really is in need, or should we all just become desensitized to seeing people apparently at the mercy of kind strangers and ignore them all?

 

You can't recognise them really - but , I would say 99 times out of 100 any request for money is bogus.

I've had people approach me in the USA with the strangest stories, but ultimately requesting money. eg, I had an immaculately dressed  person come up with some story which may or may not have been true. I think probably not, but, because of their uniquely tidy appearance I gave some cash.   Usually people asking for money look like they've had a hard life.