# "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:** 4
**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, 2:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-not-asking-for-money-just-some-gas/814618/61 "2018-05-23T02:44:49Z")
> [@simster](#): > > wow - thats taking ‘reject the pan handlers’ to a new extreme - are they offering you money now? > > 😃 No, I was just baffled that of all the people in the parking lot he could choose to approach he choosed the one with a twenty year old POS for car and wearing clothes that were in worst shape than the clothes he was wearing. It was reasonably busy at the time and he could of chose anyone. ---
**Author:** ![K2500](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/f6c823/32.png) [@K2500](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/K2500)\ **Post date:** [May 23, 2018, 3:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-not-asking-for-money-just-some-gas/814618/62 "2018-05-23T03:38:51Z")
I ussually decline to provide anything in the case of gas requests. I would give cash on rare occasion back when I still carried cash. I would almost always give several cigarettes and I’ve given booze on occasion as well. Both are generally well received and appreciated. These days though I’ve quit smoking, gave up whiskey, and no longer carry cash. I’d probably buy a guy a sandwich if he asked specifically for food. Most don’t get the chance to though. Initial eye contact is met with a straight faced shake of the head before they can get out “excuse me sir”. There is a very unkempt man that has been lingering near our offices that might need some help. Never seen him beg. Id like to talk to him, my only concern is that he regularly holds conversations(sometimes loud ones) with himself and I’m not sure how to approach him without tripping his switches. Indigent mental healthcare sucks pretty hard in this area. I’d give to that cause all day long. ---
**Author:** ![lingyi](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/d2c977/32.png) [@lingyi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lingyi)\ **Post date:** [May 23, 2018, 4:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-not-asking-for-money-just-some-gas/814618/63 "2018-05-23T04:53:43Z")
This thread has given me an idea. I’m going to buy a bunch of $5 giftcards for places to eat and hand them out when I’m asked for money. And when Halloween comes around, I’ll get those Trick or Treat booklets from McDonalds or the ones Taco Bell / Pizza hut sells every so often. If I’m feeling generous, I’ll give them the whole book. If not, a free cheeseburger or Taco Supreme will stave off the hunger for a bit! I’ll also get some Starbucks and Jamba Juice cards because sometimes there’s someone really nice, polite or helpful, anyone who’s not in a position that’s usually tipped, and should be rewarded for brightening my day! If I hit the lottery and you meet me, better be really nice because I’ll up the cards to $50 & $100! 😛 On a feel good note. One day I stopped by the market to get a sandwich for lunch. I saw an apparently homeless guy sitting outside the store. I told him good morning and he told me the same without asking for anything. I thought about buying him a sandwich too, but didn’t. On my way out I looked at him again and gave him my sandwich. He thanked me and on my way out I looked back and saw him opening and eating it. 😃 Renewed my faith in humanity. ---
**Author:** ![Lucas\_Jackson](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lucas_jackson/32/303_2.png) [@Lucas\_Jackson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lucas_Jackson)\ **Post date:** [May 23, 2018, 5:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-not-asking-for-money-just-some-gas/814618/64 "2018-05-23T05:22:46Z")
> [@Calatin](#): > > Chalk me up in the “not sure how this is a scam” camp. It’s a scam. Most people won’t let you use their card, it’s easier to give change or a few bucks. By declaring that they don’t want money, it makes you feel less used by giving it to them. Total scam. ---
**Author:** ![nelliebly](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/nelliebly/32/5422_2.png) [@nelliebly](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nelliebly)\ **Post date:** [May 23, 2018, 5:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-not-asking-for-money-just-some-gas/814618/65 "2018-05-23T05:26:06Z")
I’ve never been approached for money at a gas station. Once in a great while, I’ve been approached by someone for money for food. I strike up a conversation with them while getting a buck or two out of my pocket. I very seldom get sob stories. Most are pretty forthright. But if they’re scammers, they’re excellent actors who’ve gone to the extent of not brushing their teeth for quite awhile and letting their hair get pretty grody. ---
**Author:** ![FairyChatMom](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/fairychatmom/32/21906_2.png) [@FairyChatMom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FairyChatMom)\ **Post date:** [May 23, 2018, 11:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-not-asking-for-money-just-some-gas/814618/66 "2018-05-23T11:20:44Z")
> [@jtur88](#): > > 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. I see - if I remember something, then it worries me. Good to know. I remember when my high school choir sang on TV - interesting I should be so worried about that lo these 46 years later… :rolleyes: ---
**Author:** ![msmith537](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/d9b06d/32.png) [@msmith537](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/msmith537)\ **Post date:** [May 23, 2018, 12:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-not-asking-for-money-just-some-gas/814618/67 "2018-05-23T12:48:29Z")
That’s so annoying. If they need money so badly, why don’t they just create a Kickstarter campaign like normal people? ---
**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, 12:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-not-asking-for-money-just-some-gas/814618/68 "2018-05-23T12:56:23Z")
> [@msmith537](#): > > That’s so annoying. If they need money so badly, why don’t they just create a Kickstarter campaign like normal people? 🙂 If Marie Antoinette had lived in the 21st century. ---
**Author:** ![filmore](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/7993a0/32.png) [@filmore](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/filmore)\ **Post date:** [May 23, 2018, 1:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-not-asking-for-money-just-some-gas/814618/69 "2018-05-23T13:02:59Z")
> [@Magiver](#): > > 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? A lot of poor people never have enough money for their basic resources on a regular basis. It’s always a struggle to pay for rent, groceries, gas, etc. Their version of normal is “we’ll figure something out.” So it’s conceivable that they started out on their trip without enough money to get there and back. It’s also a possibility that they had some money, but that money was meant for something with a higher priority. Spending it on gas might mean they wouldn’t have enough for rent or whatever. But I’m not naive enough to believe every sob story. It can also be the case that the guy has cash, but he wants to use that cash for drugs instead of gas. Filling up his tank might mean he can’t score later on. ---
**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, 1:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-not-asking-for-money-just-some-gas/814618/70 "2018-05-23T13:21:25Z")
A late friend of mine was so impressed when a beggar told him the truth “My buddies and I just want to get drunk tonight” that he gave him $5.00. ---
**Author:** ![xizor](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/xizor/32/102_2.png) [@xizor](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/xizor)\ **Post date:** [May 23, 2018, 2:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-not-asking-for-money-just-some-gas/814618/71 "2018-05-23T14:55:25Z")
> [@carnivorousplant](#): > > A late friend of mine was so impressed when a beggar told him the truth “My buddies and I just want to get drunk tonight” that he gave him $5.00. I once gave $5 to a guy holding a “kick me in the balls for $20” sign. Just because he had the balls (heh) to add physical pain to his approach - no, I did not kick him ---
**Author:** ![Velocity](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/velocity/32/18006_2.png) [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Post date:** [May 23, 2018, 3:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-not-asking-for-money-just-some-gas/814618/72 "2018-05-23T15:04:17Z")
Out of curiosity, what is someone supposed to do if they have a nice car or phone, but circumstances force them to panhandle (but they need the car in case they get employed again, and need the phone for various purposes?) I keep hearing about “Some person with a nice Audi or iPhone was begging on the street corner for money. Of course I rejected him/her.” Are they supposed to temporarily rent or borrow a more beat-up looking car, or conceal their phone, while begging? ---
**Author:** ![muldoonthief](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/muldoonthief/32/3188_2.png) [@muldoonthief](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/muldoonthief)\ **Post date:** [May 23, 2018, 3:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-not-asking-for-money-just-some-gas/814618/73 "2018-05-23T15:11:13Z")
> [@Velocity](#): > > Out of curiosity, what is someone supposed to do if they have a nice car or phone, but circumstances force them to panhandle (but they need the car in case they get employed again, and need the phone for various purposes?) > > I keep hearing about “Some person with a nice Audi or iPhone was begging on the street corner for money. Of course I rejected him/her.” > > Are they supposed to temporarily rent or borrow a more beat-up looking car, or conceal their phone, while begging? Sell the fancy car & buy a much cheaper one for starters. In many people’s opinion, you really shouldn’t start asking others for free gifts of money while you still have assets which you can convert into money. ---
**Author:** ![ZPG\_Zealot](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/z/e47c2d/32.png) [@ZPG\_Zealot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ZPG_Zealot)\ **Post date:** [May 23, 2018, 3:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-not-asking-for-money-just-some-gas/814618/74 "2018-05-23T15:38:01Z")
> [@dorvann](#): > > No, I was just baffled that of all the people in the parking lot he could choose to approach he choosed the one with a twenty year old POS for car and wearing clothes that were in worst shape than the clothes he was wearing. It was reasonably busy at the time and he could of chose anyone. Actually that was a smart decision. One of the things I learned from poverty as a child was that other poor people are more likely to help someone in need (because they can more easily see themselves in that position one day) than people with more money. ---
**Author:** ![ZPG\_Zealot](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/z/e47c2d/32.png) [@ZPG\_Zealot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ZPG_Zealot)\ **Post date:** [May 23, 2018, 3:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-not-asking-for-money-just-some-gas/814618/75 "2018-05-23T15:43:17Z")
> [@Omar\_Little](#): > > I would have had him pull his SUV over to the pump I was at, and would have put a couple of gallons into his car. I fail to see the scam here unless, he wasn’t amenable to that. > > Many people that are on the edge of destitute of poverty own SUV’s and have smart phones. They have misplaced priorities, which is partly why they are on the edge of being destitute. This is the approach I take in situations like the OP. The scammers will decline with some ridiculous excuse and the people in genuine need say thank you. ---
**Author:** ![gnoitall](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/bb73d2/32.png) [@gnoitall](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gnoitall)\ **Post date:** [May 23, 2018, 4:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-not-asking-for-money-just-some-gas/814618/76 "2018-05-23T16:21:39Z")
> [@msmith537](#): > > That’s so annoying. If they need money so badly, why don’t they just create a Kickstarter campaign like normal people? “Gofundme” is probably the appropriate site. As ironic as it sounds, Kickstarter has higher standards. 😕 ---
**Author:** ![VinylTurnip](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/b2d939/32.png) [@VinylTurnip](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/VinylTurnip)\ **Post date:** [May 23, 2018, 6:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-not-asking-for-money-just-some-gas/814618/77 "2018-05-23T18:37:26Z")
> [@xizor](#): > > I once gave $5 to a guy holding a “kick me in the balls for $20” sign. Just because he had the balls (heh) to add physical pain to his approach > > - no, I did not kick him Sounds like you both got ripped off. ---
**Author:** ![DrDeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b487fb/32.png) [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Post date:** [May 23, 2018, 6:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-not-asking-for-money-just-some-gas/814618/78 "2018-05-23T18:44:11Z")
> [@Velocity](#): > > May I ask - for/from the perspective of a beggar, what are they supposed to do, if they truly need money? > > Ask for money? Shot down. Many agencies give aid. When I was in San Jose, I tried eating on 'aid" food for a month- there was plenty of it. Shelter is tougher, true. ---
**Author:** ![DrDeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b487fb/32.png) [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Post date:** [May 23, 2018, 6:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-not-asking-for-money-just-some-gas/814618/79 "2018-05-23T18:46:01Z")
> [@ISiddiqui](#): > > An easy way to make sure the money is to be used for gas (if that is what you are concerned about) is to have the guy pull the silver SUV up to a pump and then go inside to the cashier and put the $5 on pump X. I have done that. ---
**Author:** ![dalej42](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/67e7ee/32.png) [@dalej42](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dalej42)\ **Post date:** [May 23, 2018, 6:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-not-asking-for-money-just-some-gas/814618/80 "2018-05-23T18:47:19Z")
Any time there’s a long story, it’s a scam. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-not-asking-for-money-just-some-gas/814618.md?page=3) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-not-asking-for-money-just-some-gas/814618.md?page=5)