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People begging at the traffic light (Page 2)
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 2011-02-23 9:10 AM in reply to: #3367962 |
Master 2083   Houston, TX |  Subject: RE: People begging at the traffic lightI used to give money on occasion. Then I saw more than a few driving off in cars. One a Mercedes. I've seen a couple pull out stripper wads of cash and count it. looks like a decent amount. Saw a news special in Dallas years ago that followed a guy around. pulled in over $30K a year begging and lived in an apartment and gambled in Shreveport, LA on the weekends. I feel like I've been burned way too many times. I don't' give anymore. I don't' feel bad either. |
| 2011-02-23 9:33 AM in reply to: #3367962 |
Champion 10668   Tacoma, Washington | Subject: RE: People begging at the traffic light What really gets me are the ones that will follow you to your car in a parking lot and ask there. It's ALWAYS a scam. And I've told more than one that it's a good way to get decked. |
| 2011-02-23 9:58 AM in reply to: #3367962 |
Champion 7036 Sarasota, FL | Subject: RE: People begging at the traffic light I don't give to panhandlers on the street. I believe in the "hand up" versus "hand out" philosophy. Most of what I give is through my church which in turns supports our local foodbank and a homeless center that focuses on helping the homeless find employment (they provide shower facilities and clean clothes for them to go on job interviews). I also have been involved with Habitat for Habitat for Humanity for many years and support them financially. I have reprioritized my charitable giving over the last couple of years, cutting back on donations to arts & cultural organizations and giving more to human service charities. Mark |
| 2011-02-23 10:05 AM in reply to: #3368397 |
Alpharetta, Georgia Bronze member | Subject: RE: People begging at the traffic light KeriKadi - 2011-02-23 9:09 AM One time I was on a feeder at a light and there was a guy wearing a security officer uniform holding a sign that said - "Ran out of gas" I thought, well at least he has a job and is trying so I gave him $5 and a couple months later saw the same guy in the same uniform with the same sign. I wouldn't believe for one second he has a job. You know how easy it is to get a hold of a security uniform/costume? They are all scammers, and good at it. If I'm going to give, I give to the Salvation Army or a reputable organization. Nothing is stopping those folks from getting help from those agencies. |
| 2011-02-23 10:12 AM in reply to: #3367962 |
Expert 1830 | Subject: RE: People begging at the traffic light Came out of Hotel in Union square in San Fran once with my wife, looking like typical tourists. A homeless guy approached, and I thought "great, can't even get started before being panhandled". After a brief hello, he asks "do you two know the city very well"? I guardedly said "no". He offered to give us tips for getting around the city that would save us time, in return for $5. We gave him the money, and he immediately showed us where to get on the trolley, with no wait (line outside the hotel was nearly 10 minutes). He gave us about 4-5 other tips and we went on our way. His advice was so good, we gave him an additional $5 when we returned that afternoon. I felt much better about giving him money when I received something in return. |
| 2011-02-23 11:04 AM in reply to: #3368010 |
Champion 4835 Eat Cheese or Die | Subject: RE: People begging at the traffic light I never give money. But occasionally I'll give food if I have any clif bars in my car. I've even gone out of my way to stop and get something and go back. |
| 2011-02-23 11:05 AM in reply to: #3367962 |
Regular 853 | Subject: RE: People begging at the traffic light One time there was a guy that said "Will work for food." My church had a food bank at the time. My hubby offered to get him a bag of food and he said "no." But I have given before. One time I gave a couple of slices of pizza from the box I had just picked up. I really like the idea of gift certificates though. I will do that. jami |
| 2011-02-23 12:07 PM in reply to: #3368451 |
| Payson, AZ | Subject: RE: People begging at the traffic light briderdt - 2011-02-23 8:33 AM What really gets me are the ones that will follow you to your car in a parking lot and ask there. It's ALWAYS a scam. And I've told more than one that it's a good way to get decked. I hate this as well. Nothing I love more as a female then have some male come up to me in a parking lot out of the blue...and then just ask for money. Lots of females doing this as well and they freak me out as well. |
| 2011-02-23 12:15 PM in reply to: #3368784 |
Champion 16151 Checkin' out the podium girls | Subject: RE: People begging at the traffic light bzgl40 - 2011-02-23 1:07 PM briderdt - 2011-02-23 8:33 AM What really gets me are the ones that will follow you to your car in a parking lot and ask there. It's ALWAYS a scam. And I've told more than one that it's a good way to get decked. I hate this as well. Nothing I love more as a female then have some male come up to me in a parking lot out of the blue...and then just ask for money. Lots of females doing this as well and they freak me out as well. Watch for the distraction purse snatch in these situations. The hobo is pleading with you, distracting you from emptying your carriage, etc. and your purse is wide open from the other angle. The ONE time I fell for it, I was pretty buzzed. Was walking to another bar, alone, in downtown Minneapolis to meet some other people there. A guy gave me the "my car got towed and I need $$$ to get it out" scam. I had cash, was feeling good and dropped him a couple of $$$ and shook his hand. Next thing I knew, 3 police grab me, push me against the wall and cuff me. "What did I do?" and they tell me we'll clear that up later. They take me to the station and interview me and ask what I did with the drugs I bought from that guy. I tell them I hadn't boiught anything and told the towing story. 3-4 minutes later, they bring in the beggar guy and the police tell me he corraborated the towing story (but he did have crack in his posession). They let me go and told me it was a bad idea to give money since it propagates the behavior. Never will again. |
| 2011-02-23 12:20 PM in reply to: #3368798 |
Member 5452 NC | Subject: RE: People begging at the traffic light pitt83 - 2011-02-23 1:15 PM A guy gave me the "my car got towed and I need $$$ to get it out" scam. I had cash, was feeling good and dropped him a couple of $$$ and shook his hand. Next thing I knew, 3 police grab me, push me against the wall and cuff me. "What did I do?" and they tell me we'll clear that up later. They take me to the station and interview me and ask what I did with the drugs I bought from that guy. I tell them I hadn't boiught anything and told the towing story. 3-4 minutes later, they bring in the beggar guy and the police tell me he corraborated the towing story (but he did have crack in his posession). They let me go and told me it was a bad idea to give money since it propagates the behavior. Never will again. Way to beat the rap. |
| 2011-02-23 12:22 PM in reply to: #3368451 |
Master 2725 Washington, DC Metro | Subject: RE: People begging at the traffic light briderdt - 2011-02-23 10:33 AM What really gets me are the ones that will follow you to your car in a parking lot and ask there. It's ALWAYS a scam. And I've told more than one that it's a good way to get decked. One trick they use here (DC) and I'm sure other metro areas, is they see you parking on the side of the road at a meter and then start to "help" you. Wave you back put up the 'woo' sign as your backing in etc. Then you get out and they ask for cash for "helping". Basically making you fell like if I don't give this guy something then who knows what my car will look like when I get back. |
| 2011-02-23 12:23 PM in reply to: #3368806 |
Champion 16151 Checkin' out the podium girls | Subject: RE: People begging at the traffic light Goosedog - 2011-02-23 1:20 PM pitt83 - 2011-02-23 1:15 PM A guy gave me the "my car got towed and I need $$$ to get it out" scam. I had cash, was feeling good and dropped him a couple of $$$ and shook his hand. Next thing I knew, 3 police grab me, push me against the wall and cuff me. "What did I do?" and they tell me we'll clear that up later. They take me to the station and interview me and ask what I did with the drugs I bought from that guy. I tell them I hadn't boiught anything and told the towing story. 3-4 minutes later, they bring in the beggar guy and the police tell me he corraborated the towing story (but he did have crack in his posession). They let me go and told me it was a bad idea to give money since it propagates the behavior. Never will again. Way to beat the rap. The man ain't taking me down that easy... |
| 2011-02-23 12:31 PM in reply to: #3368522 |
Pro 4824 Houston | Subject: RE: People begging at the traffic light lisac957 - 2011-02-23 10:05 AM KeriKadi - 2011-02-23 9:09 AM One time I was on a feeder at a light and there was a guy wearing a security officer uniform holding a sign that said - "Ran out of gas" I thought, well at least he has a job and is trying so I gave him $5 and a couple months later saw the same guy in the same uniform with the same sign. I wouldn't believe for one second he has a job. You know how easy it is to get a hold of a security uniform/costume? They are all scammers, and good at it. If I'm going to give, I give to the Salvation Army or a reputable organization. Nothing is stopping those folks from getting help from those agencies. Right... got that... as I noted I saw him months later in same uniform with same sign. The operative word was 'thought'. Though I guess it is possible he does both or maybe he used to have a security job or maybe he borrows it from his brother. Point is he did get me... once. |
| 2011-02-23 12:44 PM in reply to: #3367962 |
Expert 3126 Boise, ID | Subject: RE: People begging at the traffic light My sister and I were in Paris when she was approached by one of the many beggars there who have some wonderful sob story about their family back in India. We had already been warned about these people and told to flat out ignore them Well we were doing our best to look right over her as she was giving her schpeel when I saw the other two approaching out of the corner of my eye. At the last second they "accidently" trip toward me and I get a nice grab of the back pocket as she tries to lift my wallet. Good thing for me I had it in my front pocket. My immediate reaction was to whip around and try to grab whoever was grabbing my backside, she apparently was aware of this reflex, handily ducked and kept walking. Very, very smooth... |
| 2011-02-23 12:48 PM in reply to: #3368812 |
| Master 5557 , California | Subject: RE: People begging at the traffic light Sous - 2011-02-23 10:22 AM briderdt - 2011-02-23 10:33 AM What really gets me are the ones that will follow you to your car in a parking lot and ask there. It's ALWAYS a scam. And I've told more than one that it's a good way to get decked. One trick they use here (DC) and I'm sure other metro areas, is they see you parking on the side of the road at a meter and then start to "help" you. Wave you back put up the 'woo' sign as your backing in etc. Then you get out and they ask for cash for "helping". Basically making you fell like if I don't give this guy something then who knows what my car will look like when I get back. Heh Seattle is solving that problem by making street parking more expensive than garages  |
| 2011-02-23 12:58 PM in reply to: #3367962 |
| Subject: RE: People begging at the traffic light WOW! I'm so glad I started this thread. I am a little naive I guess. I'm also Catholic so I am always feeling guilty for something! I live in the country so we really don't see very many panhandlers at all. We were in the city last weekend and they were at all the traffic lights. I guess I should just stop and think. I mean I always wonder "why don't they just go get a job". Obviously this is paying better. I really had no idea people were making that kind of money begging. Thank you BT - I no longer feel guilty and will continue to keep my window rolled up! |
| 2011-02-23 1:05 PM in reply to: #3367962 |
Elite 3683 Whispering Pines, North Carolina | Subject: RE: People begging at the traffic light Once, shortly after walking out of a fast food restaurant, I was asked for money. I offered food and they got pissed at me and said they needed money for cigarrettes. Sorry, buddy... Another time, I was asked for money while at a gas station...the guy was on a Harley and got pissed when I offered gasoline... Sorry, buddy... |
| 2011-02-23 1:18 PM in reply to: #3368913 |
Pro 5169 Burbs | Subject: RE: People begging at the traffic light trigal38 - 2011-02-23 1:58 PM WOW! I'm so glad I started this thread. I am a little naive I guess. I'm also Catholic so I am always feeling guilty for something! I live in the country so we really don't see very many panhandlers at all. We were in the city last weekend and they were at all the traffic lights. I guess I should just stop and think. I mean I always wonder "why don't they just go get a job". Obviously this is paying better. I really had no idea people were making that kind of money begging. Thank you BT - I no longer feel guilty and will continue to keep my window rolled up! Lazyboy - Underwear Goes Inside the Pants We're in one of the richest countries in the world, but the minimum wage is lower than it was thirty five years ago. There are homeless people everywhere. This homeless guy asked me for money the other day. I was about to give it to him and then I thought he was going to use it on drugs or alcohol. And then I thought, that's what I'm going to use it on. Why am I judging this poor bastard. People love to judge homeless guys. Like if you give them money they're just going to waste it. Well, he lives in a box, what do you want him to do? Save it up and buy a wall unit? Take a little run to the store for a throw rug and a CD rack? He's homeless. I walked behind this guy the other day. A homeless guy asked him for money. He looks right at the homeless guy and says why don't you go get a job you bum. People always say that to homeless guys like it is so easy. This homeless guy was wearing his underwear outside his pants. Outside his pants. I'm guessing his resume isn't all up to date. I'm predicting some problems during the interview process. I'm pretty sure even McDonalds has a "underwear goes inside the pants" policy. Not that they enforce it really strictly, but technically I'm sure it is on the books. Edited by trishie 2011-02-23 1:19 PM |
| 2011-02-23 1:22 PM in reply to: #3368963 |
Champion 4835 Eat Cheese or Die | Subject: RE: People begging at the traffic light trishie - 2011-02-23 1:18 PM trigal38 - 2011-02-23 1:58 PM WOW! I'm so glad I started this thread. I am a little naive I guess. I'm also Catholic so I am always feeling guilty for something! I live in the country so we really don't see very many panhandlers at all. We were in the city last weekend and they were at all the traffic lights. I guess I should just stop and think. I mean I always wonder "why don't they just go get a job". Obviously this is paying better. I really had no idea people were making that kind of money begging. Thank you BT - I no longer feel guilty and will continue to keep my window rolled up! Lazyboy - Underwear Goes Inside the Pants We're in one of the richest countries in the world, but the minimum wage is lower than it was thirty five years ago. There are homeless people everywhere. This homeless guy asked me for money the other day. I was about to give it to him and then I thought he was going to use it on drugs or alcohol. And then I thought, that's what I'm going to use it on. Why am I judging this poor bastard. People love to judge homeless guys. Like if you give them money they're just going to waste it. Well, he lives in a box, what do you want him to do? Save it up and buy a wall unit? Take a little run to the store for a throw rug and a CD rack? He's homeless. I walked behind this guy the other day. A homeless guy asked him for money. He looks right at the homeless guy and says why don't you go get a job you bum. People always say that to homeless guys like it is so easy. This homeless guy was wearing his underwear outside his pants. Outside his pants. I'm guessing his resume isn't all up to date. I'm predicting some problems during the interview process. I'm pretty sure even McDonalds has a "underwear goes inside the pants" policy. Not that they enforce it really strictly, but technically I'm sure it is on the books. That's great. But if I'm going to throw my money away on frivoulous stuff I want to do it. I don't want to give it to someone else to throw away. ETA: I guess the normal version of pi$$ is not allowed. Edited by graceful_dave 2011-02-23 1:24 PM |
| 2011-02-23 1:24 PM in reply to: #3368972 |
Pro 5169 Burbs | Subject: RE: People begging at the traffic light graceful_dave - 2011-02-23 2:22 PM trishie - 2011-02-23 1:18 PM That's great. But if I'm going to my money away on frivoulous stuff I want to do it. I don't want to give it to someone else to away.trigal38 - 2011-02-23 1:58 PM WOW! I'm so glad I started this thread. I am a little naive I guess. I'm also Catholic so I am always feeling guilty for something! I live in the country so we really don't see very many panhandlers at all. We were in the city last weekend and they were at all the traffic lights. I guess I should just stop and think. I mean I always wonder "why don't they just go get a job". Obviously this is paying better. I really had no idea people were making that kind of money begging. Thank you BT - I no longer feel guilty and will continue to keep my window rolled up! Lazyboy - Underwear Goes Inside the Pants We're in one of the richest countries in the world, but the minimum wage is lower than it was thirty five years ago. There are homeless people everywhere. This homeless guy asked me for money the other day. I was about to give it to him and then I thought he was going to use it on drugs or alcohol. And then I thought, that's what I'm going to use it on. Why am I judging this poor bastard. People love to judge homeless guys. Like if you give them money they're just going to waste it. Well, he lives in a box, what do you want him to do? Save it up and buy a wall unit? Take a little run to the store for a throw rug and a CD rack? He's homeless. I walked behind this guy the other day. A homeless guy asked him for money. He looks right at the homeless guy and says why don't you go get a job you bum. People always say that to homeless guys like it is so easy. This homeless guy was wearing his underwear outside his pants. Outside his pants. I'm guessing his resume isn't all up to date. I'm predicting some problems during the interview process. I'm pretty sure even McDonalds has a "underwear goes inside the pants" policy. Not that they enforce it really strictly, but technically I'm sure it is on the books. Totally fair. For the record, I don't give money to pandhandlers. I give to charitable orgaizations, or - better yet, IMO - volunteer. I was just pointing out that "get a job" isn't always that easy. |
| 2011-02-23 1:29 PM in reply to: #3368980 |
Champion 4835 Eat Cheese or Die | Subject: RE: People begging at the traffic light trishie - 2011-02-23 1:24 PM Totally fair. For the record, I don't give money to pandhandlers. I give to charitable orgaizations, or - better yet, IMO - volunteer. I was just pointing out that "get a job" isn't always that easy. Agreed. Edited by graceful_dave 2011-02-23 1:31 PM |
| 2011-02-23 1:37 PM in reply to: #3367962 |
Veteran 267 | Subject: RE: People begging at the traffic light Once I went grocery shopping for a guy that approached me at a gas station. Surely offering to shop for him instead of handing over money will make him go away, I thought. I was surprised when he said he'd meet me at the grocery store. The guy must be a pro homeless person, he knew all the good foods for keeping outdoors and even declined the fresh fruit I offered b/c "nothing in my diet is fresh, it'll make me sick." I still felt skeptical of the guy even after shopping with him. He's relying on people like me to feed him then relying on the people who give money to feed an addiction, I assumed. In the end, though, did he need help more than me that day? The answer is usually yes. I think the best way around it morally is to donate/volunteer at a shelter or through church so you don't feel guilty for not giving directly to them on the street. |
| 2011-02-23 2:03 PM in reply to: #3367962 |
Master 1795 Boynton Beach, FL | Subject: RE: People begging at the traffic light Come on, you have to love the I ran out of gas story as the gas station and they have to get back home in (fill in the blank). So you got in your car, drove a few hundred miles and then realized, I do not have any money to buy gas to get back? That one is a goody but oldy and I love challenging them every single time. If there is one thing that I have seen in our Country is that it is damn near impossible to die of hunger. There are numerous options for those looking for help. Might take some effort and asking for help, but the resources are there in almost every city. Shelter, cigarettes, beer, etc, well that is up to you in my eyes. We just had major crack down on a so called veterans group that was giving uniforms to homeless and letting them keep 30% and the organization kept 70%. Kicker was that organization kept 90% of profit for admin costs. |
| 2011-02-23 2:10 PM in reply to: #3368936 |
| Champion 6539 South Jersey | Subject: RE: People begging at the traffic light A panhandler once asked me for money and I declined by saying that I didn't have any (I did, but I only had a $20 bill, which I wasn't going to give up nor was I going to ask for change). He said, "I don't believe you," and then spit at me. Fortunately, I dodged that "bullet." I rarely give money, but will give food if I have it. I once interviewed a homeless gentleman for a story I was writing (I was introduced to him through a homeless shelter). It definitely gave me a new respect -- if that's what you want to call it -- for their situations and how some of them get there and why it's not so easy to get out of it...even if you want to. That was about 10 years ago. I will see if I can dig up the story. |
| 2011-02-23 5:47 PM in reply to: #3367962 |
Extreme Veteran 872 Tx | Subject: RE: People begging at the traffic light |
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