That happens all the time in London.
People asking for 20p 30 p 70p saying that they are that amount short to pay for the travel.

I have an amazing story from Kathmandu.
It was around 4/5 years ago. I was walking my way from Baghbazar to Putalisadak. I had just crossed Merina Impex and was heading to City Edication Consultancy for my TOEFL preparation. A young voice called someone. Dai, malai help garnu na !! I ignored that and keep on moving. After few steps I heard the same words and same voice. I didnt realised that the boy was calling me.
When I turned back, a very innocent looking boy on his early teens with sad face was behind me. I looked at his face, but didnt said anything. He repeated again, Dai malai help garnu na !! Than I asked, kina, K bho? He replied, Dai ma, Thali bata ekali ghumna aako. Mero paisa nai harayo. Farkera jana paisa chaina. Malai help garnus na. He was looking very innocent and bit afraid. Dai, tapain lai patyar lagdain bahney, tapain mero bus bhada khalasi lai nai dinus. I was in a doubt. But when he told me to pay his travelling fare to the conductor directly, I had some believe in him. I gazed at him, the boy looked decent with his normal shirt and cotton trouser. I felt that he was really in trouble. Than asked him, kati bhada lagchha? He replied, saat rupiya lagchha dai. He added, khalasi bhanyo bhaney chha rupiya lay pani manchha hola. I than really felt he is innocent. I gave him seven rupees and tld him to be aware from next time and not to loose the money. Than he asked, dai tapain ko phone humber dinus, ma tapain lai bhetera tapain ko paisa firta dinchhu. I said, bhayo pardaina.
I can still remember his face. I feel that he was not a thug. He must have been in trouble.