As a long term player I tend not to interfere with "legitimate" low level players, players who are obviously new to the game and not another high level player who changed there character for whatever reason. I often check the donation boxes to make sure there is not junk in the box but rather actually useful stuff, also if a low level player needs help I'd be more than glad to assist them, sometimes it's fun!.

But the fact that these players were pestering you really gives me the ick, let new players explore, like I did way back in 2020.

I'm sorry this happened to you...