Hard luck story.

[Homer J]

Wirelessly posted

As I was getting into my car at the Lex Park Rite Aid, a guy comes up and gives me this story about needing to get to St. Mary's hospital to see his new baby. Didn't need a ride, just gas money. At least I think that's what he was saying. He was missing a few teeth and his tongue kept getting in his way. Told him I didn't have any cash, which was true. Anyway, about three hours later number one son was at Best Buy and got hit up by the same guy. Same story, same missing teeth and thick tongue. Hadn't made it too far yet.

[Rt235]

I got hit up same way, but not same person. A black gal wanted gas money to get "home". I offered to take her to gas station and fill up her car and put it on my card. She declined.
Later I saw her at the 7-11 chatting with some dudes and splitting up cash.
So much for "gas" money.

[Retrodeb54]

Panhandling is one of the biggest career choices in this area. I don't see why the police don't do more about it. :(

[glhs837]

And the story of choice is needing gas money. If you want to be charitable, do what 235 said and offer to pay for the gas at the counter. Otherwise, your just encouraging it. They do it because it works. If people stop falling for it, they will stop doing it.

[mamatutu]

Originally Posted by glhs837

And the story of choice is needing gas money. If you want to be charitable, do what 235 said and offer to pay for the gas at the counter. Otherwise, your just encouraging it. They do it because it works. If people stop falling for it, they will stop doing it.

Has happened to me, too. I did same thing; offering to give some gas with credit card, and he said no. Now, if someone is really in need, I will have that cynical attitude, but, I truly want to help. Obviously, the test is the credit card/pay at counter vs cash. Then you know, if they say no, it was drug money they were after. So sad. Have lived it with my son, also. All we can do is be optimistic, and hope that our paradise doesn't totally succumb to the evils of the "drug" world.

[withrespect (Premo)]

I think I saw that same guy on Great Mills Road at McKays... He offered to buy my groceries with his food stamps in return for less cash money for gas.

I told him no... I couldnt get past the feeling that if I said yes, I would be supporting his drug and hooker habit.

I am such a fun-sucker.

[PsyOps (Premo)]

Originally Posted by Homer J

As I was getting into my car at the Lex Park Rite Aid, a guy comes up and gives me this story about needing to get to St. Mary's hospital to see his new baby. Didn't need a ride, just gas money. At least I think that's what he was saying. He was missing a few teeth and his tongue kept getting in his way. Told him I didn't have any cash, which was true. Anyway, about three hours later number one son was at Best Buy and got hit up by the same guy. Same story, same missing teeth and thick tongue. Hadn't made it too far yet.

Judging by your description of his slurred speech, it seems he has been somewhat successful.

[kwillia]

Soft-hearted folks who fall for these approaches simply feed the beast.

[cricketmd]

I work in DC and I am kind of used to this. But not so much at home in Southern Maryland. A few years ago my ex and I were at the 7-11 across from Southern Maryland Hospital. A lady came up with this story about her husband being flown here and that she needed cash to use the payphone to notify her daughter. Something in the story didnt pan out, I'm used to this stuff. Meanwhile my ex was going through his wallet. I told him NOT to. I offered to call her daughter and lend her my cellphone. She insisted on the cash. I handed her the phone even, she said she forgot her daughter's phone number and then moved onto another vehicle in the parking lot.

[sm8]

I guess it is just the type person I am but I could not imagine asking a stranger for money.