Free cash? What’s the catch?

Now here’s a bit of interesting psychology for you – how would you react if a stranger came up to you in the mall and offered you a free $10 note (or whatever your particular denomination equivalent might be)?

I saw an interesting video and post by Hayley Robinson for KentOnline (UK) called

‘Mixed reaction to free cash giveaway at shopping centre’ (click for full article & video),

which talked about the response of shoppers to being offered free £10 (GBP) notes as part of a £300 giveaway by a UK shopping centre – a random act of kindness, a thank you to shoppers for using the facility.

I’ve seen a couple of different stories where people have given away cash – no strings attached – and it seems the initial reaction of recipients is one of instant and deep suspicion – “what’s the catch?” People seem, to me anyway, far more suspicious of someone giving away free cash than they would be if offered an act of kindness is another form, such as an offer of help, or having their coffee paid for by the person in the queue behind them. Although the suspicions can be quickly overcome in most people when offered free cash, people don’t seem to have the same level of suspicion when other acts of kindness are received by them.

So here’s my two questions, something perhaps you could help me out with:

What would your reaction be if someone offered you free cash? And why do you think you would react that way?

And, do you think that offering free cash counts as a legitimate act of kindness, or would a non-monetary act be more ‘appropriate’? And if so why? I’d love to hear what you think!