Nice guys are suckers...

[*NIGHT TRAIN*]

I just say no to panhandlers...on the rare occasion I think someone is legit, and I give them a couple of bucks, I've got better things to do than follow them down dark alleys... just sayin...

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[Sash302]

I work for my money,so I always teal them, need money peal? "GET A JOB"

[OLD 96]

Originally Posted by CroK

So, I was filling the gas tank the other night about to go for short ride. An older gentleman made a quick comment just being sociable. Just as I had began to stick the nozzle in my tank, a young lady came out of the store asking if I could do her a 'favor'. Yes, I did take a few seconds knowing it could be a 'pan handler'. She said that she was desperate for a few bucks to buy a quart of oil so she could make it back home. I'm a person who usually does a quick assessment of how people act in certain situations. I knew the girl was talking way too much for my comfort, and that usually spells 'liar' to me.

Anyway, I gave in thinking that I could afford giving up a few bucks, so I ended up donating 4 bucks to her 'cause'. She thanked me then promptly jumped into her vehicle and drove off down the road. I finished refueling, then since I was just out for a joy ride I went in the same direction she left. Turns out just a cpl blocks up the road she got caught at a railroad crossing. I was at the end of a line of 12-14 vehicles, and saw what I thought was her mini-van near the front. I passed the group on the right shoulder and waited for the crossing to open up.

I sped down the road a few blocks then pulled off to the right at an intersection to watch as she passed by. Then I got back in behind her and followed to the next traffic signal, where we both caught the red light. I was directly behind her at this point, and rolled up beside her drivers window which was open. I told her to give the 4 bucks back, she began screaming that she NEEDED OIL. More lies. To shorten the story, I followed her several blocks around and around. She had a young guy with her that grew tired of the whole mess and jumped out at one of the stop signs then walked off. She screamed out the window "I HOPE YOU ARE HAPPY NOW! You scared the hell out of my friend and he took all of my ten bucks!" I guess she thought I was supposed to feel guilty from that, but guess what...

Anyway I followed her through several streets more in the middle of the crack district, with dealers hollerin at me at each corner. Another tactic to scare me off I reckon. I don't scare easily, especially since I grew up in those type of neighborhoods. She finally pulled down an alley between buildings and was greeted by yet another dealer lookin type. I sat at the end of the drive for a few seconds, then decided that I would be better off catching her on the road another day. Four bucks ain't worth having some moron lookin to boost his 'hood rep. I'll think even harder the next time I feel sorry for a 'lady' in distress. I hope when I run across one that is in actual need I still have the decency to assist. <--Invitation for another scam?

You don't know a crack whore when you see one?

[onadraw]

Guess I'm the only soft heart here.

I've only had a beggar ask me for money once or twice a year in parking lot situations. When it happens, i just figure their life sucks enough that they have to beg and i usually give 'em a few bucks. And I don't care what they do with the money either.

Drink or drug it up, what do I care?

[BadBobOk]

I read an article a few years ago about some professional beggars making over $100,000 a year. Even better, it's cash and they don't pay any taxes on it.

[krwould]

It can pay off ya know... there are panhandlers that make a good living!

http://www.city-journal.org/2008/18_3_panhandling.html

[Doc Intrepid]

Originally Posted by will2002

You tried to do something good.------- Just because she was a total a$$ hole, don't mean you were a sucker . Not by a long shot!

+1

I'm with will2002. Trying to do something nice for someone in need does not make you a sucker. Fact is, there is a lot of need out there and if you can give up a few bucks here and there it may make a difference to someone else.

My family, everyone in it, though, has learned the lesson that you buy them food, you pay for gas or whatever, but you never give them cash directly.

As the others mentioned, when you tell them "(you'll) buy the quart of oil and what type do they want?", that often settles the issue of who is lying and who isn't.....

Help; don't help; whatever you choose is your choice - but helping people who are in a tight spot does not make you a sucker.

[doghair]

I was at a light not too long ago and there was a guy with a sign "Need Money for Beer". I was so impressed with his honesty I gave him $2.

[Chicago Bob]

Years ago, used to be a handicapped guy beggin in front of the Wallgreens. Every once in a while, he had a little kid maybe 5-6 years old with him, hoping I guess for sympathy.

I'd go in the Wallgreens, buy an ice cream bar or candy bar, and give it to to the kid. Felt sorry for the little guy.

[Haulen Ass]

Harder and harder to trust anyone.