Kyiv Diary

Founded Money

I changed apartment again today. As I walked with my life once again on my back I saw a thick roll of US one hundred notes on the ground, wrapped in clear plastic. No-one was nearby but I didn't pick up the money.

As I waited for the lights to change a man rushed up beside and picked up the cash. "Founded money", he cried gleefully, as he walked with me across the intersection. "What's your name? We share. 50/50". I could see a fifty euro note on the other side of the roll. "No", I say, "you found it, it's all yours".

He offered to share a couple more times then gave up and walked back the way he came. What would have happened if I taken up his offer or picked up the money myself? Then the "owner" would have rushed up to ask for it back. We would have happily obliged but then he would have checked and found some "missing". "You've taken some", he would have accused. The innocent foreigner then takes out his wallet to prove that he hasn't: "Look, no hundred dollar bills". The wallet is snatched and both guys take off.

Luckily I'd heard about this scam already. But it still takes some will not to pick up what looks like several thousand dollars lying on the street with no-one around.