Yes there are people who murder others trying to steal a few bucks. There are people who are crazy enough that they believe the story they say and they live it for the sake of it. If you are out of your comfort zone be ready to be defensive about stuff in your thinking and actions. Most of all, learn to say a strict ‘No’.
If you want to travel alone make some policies for yourself, e.g. I won’t give money but only food to someone who says he is hungry. I won’t give money to strangers(honestly try not to give money to known people too, but thats harder). I will give money only to charities that I am actively part of.
Learn to say a strict no to any red flags. And always be prepared to escape a sticky situation. Scammers don’t always work alone.
Honestly this is good for you. We all made mistakes and thats what learning is. Just that try not to learn too much the hard way.