Good Samaritans hiding cash around London as part of social experiment are criticised 'for not giving away enough money'

 
Treasure hunt: people have been sharing pictures of their winnings on social media (Picture: Twitter/@Tatzikatzi)
Rachel Blundy2 June 2014

A group of apparent good Samaritans who are hiding cash around London as part of a social experiment have been criticised by some for not giving away enough money.

The mystery do-gooders were lambasted on social media after they started leaving envelopes containing £20 notes in secret locations across the capital and posting clues online about where to find them.

The enterprise, which the organisers say will continue for at least a month, is similar to the recent craze in California.

One wealthy philanthropist in the States has been giving away envelopes containing between $100-250 as part of a treasure hunt powered by social media.

But some Twitter users have hit out at how much is being offered in the London version of the hunt.

Shulem Stern wrote: "You are one individual, trying to boast with £20. A bit of a cheapskate".

In a statement to the Evening Standard, the organisers said the hunt was "a bit of fun" and they were "disappointed" by the criticism from some Londoners.

They said: "We had overall a good response from the first drop - most people seemed to love the idea and the mystery of it. Some however complained that the envelope only contained £20, which was disappointing.

"It's been said by a few that we have an agenda i.e to gain fame, publicity, for marketing purposes, or purely to gain real Twitter followers, none of which are true.

"It's mainly an act of generosity and a bit of fun to see how London's people respond to it at a time where anything free, big or small is greatly appreciated."

One Twitter user has posted her delight after discovering the hunt's first £20 prize in the bushes next to Westfield shopping centre in White City.

She said: "£20 for free from a generous stranger and a sunny treasure hunt, I'm not complaining."

The group, who are posting clues from the Twitter account @LDNHiddenCash, have revealed they plan to hide their next cash prize in south west London tomorrow.

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