Some can be but most realize that we're all stuck here so not helping someone else out isn't exactly the best way to handle things.
It's a little hard to tell if they're a local, honestly. After three years here, I can usually spot one mostly because they aren't using the network, but for the most part the best bet is to just stick to asking questions about the who/what/why/etc. on the network. And there's a store on [address], about half a mile or so from the mall, that sells some pretty affordable stuff. It's run by a local but the woman is really sweet and gives half of the money she gets to local charities.