USA – Young girl with handful of cash came up to me and my kids at arcade and asked, « would you like $35? »

We’re in California, the Bay Area. This afternoon, my kids and I were at a large bowling alley / arcade combo place. It was pretty empty, just a couple families wandering around.

We were in the claw machine section of the arcade when girl around came up to us. She was 10-11 years old, Middle Eastern but had a local accent so I assume she’s born here. She was awkwardly holding a wad of cash. She asked something I didn’t catch at first so I leaned in and asked her to repeat it. She said « Do you want thirty five dollars? » I repeated the question back and she said yes so I just said, « Oh honey, save your money. » She just walked away. She didn’t seem upset or anything. We were at the arcade for a while but I didn’t see her again after that.

What was this about? Why would anyone (especially a kid that age) be offering money to strangers? It seemed like a scam but I don’t see how.