# "I'm not asking for money - just some gas..." **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [May 22, 2018, 1:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-not-asking-for-money-just-some-gas/814618 "2018-05-22T13:58:25Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 3
**Author:** ![pool](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pool/32/4152_2.png) [@pool](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pool)\ **Post date:** [May 22, 2018, 8:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-not-asking-for-money-just-some-gas/814618/41 "2018-05-22T20:52:18Z")
Before I had children I was a lot more likely to give money to random beggars or homeless people, or buy them groceries. I’m more hard up for money at the moment and I figure any money I give some stranger is coming out of the mouths of my children, but I have many times in the past helped people out. One time though I was at a gas station filling up my car at the time a 10 year old, Hyundai that constantly broke down, and a well dressed guy in a newer 5 series BMW gave me a sob story and asked me for gas money. I just glanced from my car, to his, and back again and responded with a resounding “NO”! ---
**Author:** ![teela\_brown](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/d9b06d/32.png) [@teela\_brown](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/teela_brown)\ **Post date:** [May 22, 2018, 9:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-not-asking-for-money-just-some-gas/814618/42 "2018-05-22T21:02:08Z")
I’ve told this story before. I was filling up at a gas station, and there was a woman talking on the station’s pay phone a few feet away (this was back when there were pay phones!). She was having a sobbing conversation with someone, and saying “I just need some food and a place to sleep overnight!”. Then she hung up the phone, crying, and looked over at me. My spidey sense was tingling, so I finished filling my tank, and then pulled my car over to the other side of the gas station and went inside to buy a bottle of water. When I came out, another customer was at the same gas pump, and the woman was back on the phone and going through the same script. I finally got it - she was grifting the customers of the gas station. It was a variant on the “I need gas so I can get my kids back home” scam. ---
**Author:** ![tim-n-va](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tim-n-va/32/3001_2.png) [@tim-n-va](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tim-n-va)\ **Post date:** [May 22, 2018, 9:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-not-asking-for-money-just-some-gas/814618/43 "2018-05-22T21:27:41Z")
My after-the-fact-response, maybe I’ll actually use it someday: ‘I have three brothers and one sister below the poverty level. If I don’t help them what makes you think I’ll help you?”’ ---
**Author:** ![FoieGrasIsEvil](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/foiegrasisevil/32/16638_2.png) [@FoieGrasIsEvil](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FoieGrasIsEvil)\ **Post date:** [May 22, 2018, 10:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-not-asking-for-money-just-some-gas/814618/44 "2018-05-22T22:03:21Z")
You know whom it is fun to give money to on the street though? Buskers. I have seen some pretty amazing street musicians that really earned their rumpled 1’s and quarters by playing like a mother. I also really like the guys that sit in the skyway after Bengals games, drumming their hearts out. There are some pretty impressive 5 gallon bucket ensembles out there! 🙂 Back to the OP, I have had that story a few times. The only time someone actually accepted the offer of gas with me filling it up I put like $15 into his tank, ostensibly to go to a job interview. He was well dressed. ---
**Author:** ![GusNSpot](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gusnspot/32/436_2.png) [@GusNSpot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GusNSpot)\ **Post date:** [May 22, 2018, 10:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-not-asking-for-money-just-some-gas/814618/45 "2018-05-22T22:56:17Z")
> [@QuickSilver](#): > > Whose moneys are in your couch, or are do you go around fondling other people’s furniture? \*\*\* snerk \*\*\*\*\* 😃 ---
**Author:** ![Nawth\_Chucka](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/c57346/32.png) [@Nawth\_Chucka](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nawth_Chucka)\ **Post date:** [May 22, 2018, 11:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-not-asking-for-money-just-some-gas/814618/46 "2018-05-22T23:45:18Z")
> [@FairyChatMom](#): > > When I was in Ocala, Florida this past weekend, I was approached at the gas pump by a young man with a sob story about having his grandmother and his son in the “silver SUV over there” and he needed a couple of gallons of gas to get to Gainesville to see his other son. He insisted he wasn’t asking for money, but for some gas. When I declined, I heard him give the same story to at least 2 others filling their cars. > > First thing that came to mind was “SCAM” - his sob story, his demeanor, the very expensive phone in his hand - was I really to believe that between him and his grandmother they didn’t have $5 to put a couple of gallons of gas into his SUV? Maybe if he was driving an old piece of crap an looked less well-fed and well-dressed, I might have been more inclined to believe that he was a traveler in distress. Maybe I completely misjudged him. But I don’t think so. > > In any event, I carry very little cash and I was on a rather expensive trip to help out my own family, so every time I stopped for gas, it was a few more dollars than I’d budgeted for. I’m pretty trusting and gullible most of the time, but there’s something about being approached at a gas station… > > Was I a cold-hearted bitch or a sensible, cautious traveler wary of strangers? Have you had to deal with similar scenarios? I had a similar thing happen at a gas station in Macon, GA; as I’m getting gas a cleanly dressed man walks up to me w/ a small gas can and tells me his car’s run out of gas just around the corner (gestures toward the street) w/ his family in it. He has no money, his bank card won’t work - all this information comes at me quickly and w/ no change in expression as I stare at him silently. All I have to do, he says, is put gas right in the can, he doesn’t want money! Not asking for money! All he needs is a little gas, I can give it to him as I fill up. I told him he should ask the attendant for help if he’s in dire straits, but that I’m not going to help him. Lots of disbelief (the facial expressions come out now) that I won’t do it, that I should believe him, that it’s not a big deal for him to ask me. When he sees I’m not buying it, he tells me I’m a bad Christian and when I don’t respond to that he steps over to the next set of pumps, going around to the opposite side but I can hear him start his spiel. Maybe he’ll ask for cash once he gets the gas? Maybe he’ll ask for a ride to his car and rob me? Who knows, but as a woman who was alone (and on her lunch hour) I wasn’t sticking around to find out. I had no doubt he was hustling; from the fast, set and detailed patter, to insulting my Christianity as a last-ditch shame tactic I felt this was a thing he’d done a lot. ---
**Author:** ![seal\_cleaner](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/e274bd/32.png) [@seal\_cleaner](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/seal_cleaner)\ **Post date:** [May 22, 2018, 11:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-not-asking-for-money-just-some-gas/814618/47 "2018-05-22T23:57:33Z")
I give money to pandhandlers occasionally, just going on gut instinct. I can afford it. Similar - a few weeks ago I was approached by a teenager who said, “I just got out of jail and I need a ride home. I lost my phone and wallet.” I gave him a ride home (about 3 miles). ---
**Author:** ![begbert2](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/begbert2/32/3357_2.png) [@begbert2](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/begbert2)\ **Post date:** [May 22, 2018, 11:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-not-asking-for-money-just-some-gas/814618/48 "2018-05-22T23:58:57Z")
I help nothing and nobody, unless I already know them well. But then again, I _am_ an asshole. ---
**Author:** ![Ulf\_the\_Unwashed](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/b4bc9f/32.png) [@Ulf\_the\_Unwashed](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ulf_the_Unwashed)\ **Post date:** [May 22, 2018, 11:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-not-asking-for-money-just-some-gas/814618/49 "2018-05-22T23:59:36Z")
> [@The\_Other\_Waldo\_Pepper](#): > > I once had an older woman look me over in trying-to-place-me fashion. “I know you,” she said, and then she paused — and then it was like a light of recognition clicked on for her, and she asked where I went to church. > > This was, of course, all the lead-up to then asking me to spare a dollar. I once got “You look familiar…are you a retired actor or something?” I was amused. But not enough to give her the five bucks she (inevitably) requested a little later on in the conversation. ---
**Author:** ![jtur88](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/e9c0ed/32.png) [@jtur88](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jtur88)\ **Post date:** [May 23, 2018, 12:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-not-asking-for-money-just-some-gas/814618/50 "2018-05-23T00:06:44Z")
> [@FairyChatMom](#): > > For the record, I didn’t lie awake. In fact, a few minutes after I was back on the road, my mind was again occupied by thoughts of the family situation I was dealing with. I’m not sure what brought it back to mind this morning - probably the thread about $50 worth of pizza. It worried you enough that you started this thread, and to this day, it still bothes you. Next time, give the guy a few bucks and consider it a part of your annual charitable donations. ---
**Author:** ![boytyperanma](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/4491bb/32.png) [@boytyperanma](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/boytyperanma)\ **Post date:** [May 23, 2018, 12:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-not-asking-for-money-just-some-gas/814618/51 "2018-05-23T00:21:14Z")
I’ve been approached several times by people wanting gas money. Every time I’ve offered gas instead of money I’ve been declined. I’ve yet to have one ask at a gas station though, that mihtgt be more believable.“Sure, there is a gas station a block away, meet me there I’ll fill you up” “I have a gas can in my truck, where is your car?” The best was I had my truck with a diesel fuel tank in it and some regular gas cans. The guy saw me get out of the truck. He gave me a sob story asking for gas money. I said “I have ten gallons I can fill you up with” “nah man it’s a diesel” “Oh well in that case I can fill you up I have a hundred gallons of on-road diesel” “I’ll hit someone else up” “good luck with that” “asshole” ---
**Author:** ![dorvann](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/df705f/32.png) [@dorvann](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dorvann)\ **Post date:** [May 23, 2018, 12:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-not-asking-for-money-just-some-gas/814618/52 "2018-05-23T00:32:02Z")
About ten years ago(2008ish) I was approached by someone who said they needed gas money while I was putting groceries in the trunk of my car. My response to them was if I had money to give away I wouldn’t be driving around in a 1988 Chevrolet Celebrity that had rust holes all over it and noticeably bald tires. That seem to shut them up. I ended junking that car three years later and got a 2002 Ford Focus which I’ve had since. ---
**Author:** ![Magiver](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/4491bb/32.png) [@Magiver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Magiver)\ **Post date:** [May 23, 2018, 12:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-not-asking-for-money-just-some-gas/814618/53 "2018-05-23T00:34:01Z")
> [@FairyChatMom](#): > > When I was in Ocala, Florida this past weekend, I was approached at the gas pump by a young man with a sob story about having his grandmother and his son in the “silver SUV over there” and he needed a couple of gallons of gas to get to Gainesville to see his other son. So, he left his home with people under his care without enough gas to get to his other son’s home. What was he planning to do when he got there and how was he getting back? Put a dollar in a scam jar every time you get a request like this and donate it to an organization that helps people or give it to a friend in need. ---
**Author:** ![carnivorousplant](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/carnivorousplant/32/3563_2.png) [@carnivorousplant](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/carnivorousplant)\ **Post date:** [May 23, 2018, 12:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-not-asking-for-money-just-some-gas/814618/54 "2018-05-23T00:57:16Z")
> [@begbert2](#): > > I help nothing and nobody, unless I already know them well. But then again, I _am_ an asshole. “I stick my neck out for nobody.” -Rick Blaine, _Casablanca_. ---
**Author:** ![Green\_Bean](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/green_bean/32/1760_2.png) [@Green\_Bean](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Green_Bean)\ **Post date:** [May 23, 2018, 1:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-not-asking-for-money-just-some-gas/814618/55 "2018-05-23T01:01:05Z")
I get asked for money EVERY SINGLE TIME I go to the gas station! Of course, I live in New Jersey, so the guy asking is the gas station attendant. 😃 Never really thought about how a benefit of NJ’s “all full-serve” laws is that nobody bothers you at gas stations because you’re in your car and there are workers around. Huh. ---
**Author:** ![P-man](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/p-man/32/3606_2.png) [@P-man](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/P-man)\ **Post date:** [May 23, 2018, 1:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-not-asking-for-money-just-some-gas/814618/56 "2018-05-23T01:17:04Z")
I’d be happy for any of you to buy me a tank of gas. I’ll meet you at the Sunoco down the street. ---
**Author:** ![carnivorousplant](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/carnivorousplant/32/3563_2.png) [@carnivorousplant](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/carnivorousplant)\ **Post date:** [May 23, 2018, 1:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-not-asking-for-money-just-some-gas/814618/57 "2018-05-23T01:17:09Z")
> [@Green\_Bean](#): > > Never really thought about how a benefit of NJ’s “all full-serve” laws is that nobody bothers you at gas stations because you’re in your car and there are workers around. Huh. “hunh”, indeed. 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![Riemann](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/riemann/32/3133_2.png) [@Riemann](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Riemann)\ **Post date:** [May 23, 2018, 1:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-not-asking-for-money-just-some-gas/814618/58 "2018-05-23T01:18:29Z")
It’s so common that I think “can I have money for gas” should just be seen as a face-saving euphemism when panhandling, not taken literally. Either give a few bucks cash or don’t, but don’t agonize over it. I almost think it’s a bit of a dick move to try to offer a panhandler actual gas to catch them in a lie. I don’t think it rises to the level of a “lie” or a “scam”, it’s not _intended_ to be taken literally. And I think that’s consistent with my disinclination to give anything if I’m given some extended complicated bullshit sob story, rather than just “I need gas to get home”. Food’s a bit different. I think it’s reasonable to have a policy of only giving food (not cash), whatever the panhandler asks for. Although I’d generally ask if it would be welcome before buying it, like a previous poster I’ve had it thrown back at me. ---
**Author:** ![blob](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/blob/32/489_2.png) [@blob](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/blob)\ **Post date:** [May 23, 2018, 1:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-not-asking-for-money-just-some-gas/814618/59 "2018-05-23T01:37:03Z")
We don’t really get people hanging around at petrol stations here, they’d get moved on by the police if they were bothering people, but I have been approached for money from time to time. I just decide on the day what to do. Begging is a criminal offence here, so we aren’t supposed to give anyone anything. One time, there was a girl sitting outside the train station. I spoke to her and asked what the deal was, she said she’d been booted out of home and was trying to get money for accommodation. I asked if she needed anything and she asked for some water. I bought her a couple of bottles and she seemed grateful. I don’t really care whether it was a ruse, I don’t think young girls should be sitting outside train stations and if you are a scammer at that age, something in your life hasn’t been great to get you to that stage. I don’t think you can necessarily judge people by how they are dressed or what they are driving (could be a hire car or a borrowed car, they might not even have a car). Somebody who was in a good job and lost it might be “dressed well”, it doesn’t necessarily reflect their current circumstances. And vice versa. I dress like a bag lady, but I could afford better if I cared to and didn’t go up the shops after messing about in the garden. The one that REALLY annoys me and I recall years later is the woman who came to my house to buy something and then ‘didn’t have the money’. She went through this stupid rigmarole of going out to her car to find change and then claimed to only have $X (the price was in the ad, why would you turn up with less than that?). She was obviously a dealer thinking she was tricking me, if she had just made an offer for less, I’d have said “yes”, I wanted rid of the item. She made me sick, she was just a greedy pig, IMO. I should have told her to nick off, but I did want to get rid of the item which was sitting in my kitchen with nowhere else to put it. Scammers don’t always come in the form of people asking you for something. ---
**Author:** ![simster](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/simster/32/1047_2.png) [@simster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/simster)\ **Post date:** [May 23, 2018, 2:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-not-asking-for-money-just-some-gas/814618/60 "2018-05-23T02:11:51Z")
> [@dorvann](#): > > About ten years ago(2008ish) I was approached by someone who said they needed gas money while I was putting groceries in the trunk of my car. > > My response to them was if I had money to give away I wouldn’t be driving around in a 1988 Chevrolet Celebrity that had rust holes all over it and noticeably bald tires. > > That seem to shut them up. > > I ended junking that car three years later and got a 2002 Ford Focus which I’ve had since. wow - thats taking ‘reject the pan handlers’ to a new extreme - are they offering you money now? 😃 [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-not-asking-for-money-just-some-gas/814618.md?page=2) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-not-asking-for-money-just-some-gas/814618.md?page=4)