# "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:** 6
**Author:** ![anomalous1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/e56c9b/32.png) [@anomalous1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/anomalous1)\ **Post date:** [May 23, 2018, 10:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-not-asking-for-money-just-some-gas/814618/101 "2018-05-23T22:32:53Z")
I’ll help them if they are friendly/not obnoxious. Whether its an extra bottle of water, a dollar bill or assorted change, a CLIF bar or some snack. There is one beggar I refuse to help that has her set up by me. I will never give to her. She is obviously a crack baby who got to adulthood, walks with a gait, both eyes crooked. By all means it seems to be sympathy promoting, until you see how she begs and what she does. If you don’t give change she gives this weird cracky wiggle begging “come on! at least you have a car!” and knocks on people’s car hoods. Then sits around and drinks cans of Steel Reserve. I have a recurrent fantasy of putting a broom handle out of the window and jousting her when she blocks traffic. Kind of like the two dudes on the bikes in the movie Quick Change, except with a car. Don’t get me wrong, I am not the moral police, even if it is for drugs or alcohol I will still give but that all depends on the demeanor of the person. Now, “Dances For Dollars” is another story. I give whenever I see him. Even on scorching summer days he is on the corner two blocks from my place ([- YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ggzw8buXMNo)) with a sign that says “STOP THE VIOLENCE! Dancing For Dollars” and he really has some moves, all day long he is just jamming out and dancing. It’s really awesome. ---
**Author:** ![timbered](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/e495f1/32.png) [@timbered](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/timbered)\ **Post date:** [May 23, 2018, 10:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-not-asking-for-money-just-some-gas/814618/102 "2018-05-23T22:49:21Z")
There was a rest stop off the highway near my last job. One day, I’m getting gas, was approached by a kid and his girl with a similar story. I gave him $3. A week later, same rest stop, I’m getting gas again, same kid and same girl come up with the same story - obviously not recognizing me from the week before. This time it was a “no.” That being said, I carry around cards I get off eBay good for a McDonald’s meal. I hand them out instead of cash. I could say no to everyone but a) _I_ feel better giving something, and b) I’d rather be known as gullible than heartless. ---
**Author:** ![Blue\_Blistering\_Barnacle](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/blue_blistering_barnacle/32/3386_2.png) [@Blue\_Blistering\_Barnacle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Blue_Blistering_Barnacle)\ **Post date:** [May 23, 2018, 11:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-not-asking-for-money-just-some-gas/814618/103 "2018-05-23T23:09:00Z")
> [@Calatin](#): > > Chalk me up in the “not sure how this is a scam” camp. > > If he was asking for gas, then I’d have walked to the pump, swiped my card, and put a few gallons in there. At the very least, they were being disingenuous as to the need, but it’s not like they could’ve used that gas to buy drugs or alcohol or anything. > > Also, IMHO that’d be an overly elaborate con, involving an old woman and a child, all for $6 worth of gas. Not saying that you should’ve fueled him up, but I don’t think you missed being the mark of an elaborate ruse. > > That being said, I’ve walked by beggars in front of a 7-11 who’ve asked me for money so they can buy food. More than once, when I came out with a sandwich in hand for them, they’ve thrown it back at me. Apparently, the “food” they wanted could be found in a long aluminum can. > > So, yeah, I don’t really give money to beggars anymore. I think they are relying on that fact that you are pumping gas and in a hurry to get out of there. Maybe it will take too long to bring the car around, or not possible at all, so you figure you’ll just give the cash. Don’t have $6? Well $10 will cover it just fine (or $20 if that’s your lowest bill). If it comes to actually just putting $6 in the tank (and they are merely panhandling), well that’s okay (though cash would have been better). It only gets really awkward if he doesn’t have a car there, or if the tank is too full to take the gas you put in. I have had this happen once and gave gas, as you suggested. I have given cash to a similar story (in a different setting). I’m pretty sure I was “taken”, and I didn’t like that feeling. ---
**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 24, 2018, 1:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-not-asking-for-money-just-some-gas/814618/104 "2018-05-24T01:55:29Z")
> [@Inigo\_Montoya](#): > > Who in the hell enforces that? Is there like a busker’s union, some group of homeless musicians using out of work pugilists as enforcers? Specifically in TFL stations (like the Leicester Square one mentioned above), there’s a demarcated area for the licensed buskers. Transit for London seems to have put a lot of thought and effort into making the performances [as pleasant for both artist and passenger as they can be.](https://tfl.gov.uk/corporate/about-tfl/culture-and-heritage/busking) I think it’s kind and smart of them, myself. Anyone 14 years and older can legally busk in the UK, but if an area requires a license the busker has to have it on display or they’ll likely get shut down and asked to move along. They may not sell anything regardless. ---
**Author:** ![Magiver](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/4491bb/32.png) [@Magiver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Magiver)\ **Post date:** [May 24, 2018, 2:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-not-asking-for-money-just-some-gas/814618/105 "2018-05-24T02:27:35Z")
> [@Velocity](#): > > Out of curiosity, what is someone supposed to do if they have a nice car or phone. Nothing. It’s an impossible task. Nobody has successfully dealt with financial hardship. Best to kill yourself and hope to be reincarnated as algae so you can profit from global warming. ---
**Author:** ![Regallag\_The\_Axe](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/regallag_the_axe/32/445_2.png) [@Regallag\_The\_Axe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Regallag_The_Axe)\ **Post date:** [May 24, 2018, 3:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-not-asking-for-money-just-some-gas/814618/106 "2018-05-24T03:17:44Z")
> [@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. “I worship at the altar of Khorne. BLOOD FOR THE BLOOD GOD!” Anyone who’ll play along with it gets a fiver. 😃 ---
**Author:** ![doorhinge](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/a5b964/32.png) [@doorhinge](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/doorhinge)\ **Post date:** [May 24, 2018, 4:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-not-asking-for-money-just-some-gas/814618/107 "2018-05-24T04:02:14Z")
> [@FairyChatMom](#): > > “I’m not asking for money - just some gas…” > > He insisted he wasn’t asking for money, but for some gas. Maybe there is a legal issue here? Is it locally considered to be illegal to ask/beg/panhandle for money, but asking for gas, or a cup of sugar, is perfectly legal (or, at least, not considered illegal)? _Honest officer, I wasn’t begging for money. I was only asking for some gas. That’s still legal in this town, ain’t it?_ ---
**Author:** ![dalej42](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/67e7ee/32.png) [@dalej42](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dalej42)\ **Post date:** [May 24, 2018, 5:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-not-asking-for-money-just-some-gas/814618/108 "2018-05-24T05:24:38Z")
> [@Nawth\_Chucka](#): > > Specifically in TFL stations (like the Leicester Square one mentioned above), there’s a demarcated area for the licensed buskers. Transit for London seems to have put a lot of thought and effort into making the performances [as pleasant for both artist and passenger as they can be.](https://tfl.gov.uk/corporate/about-tfl/culture-and-heritage/busking) I think it’s kind and smart of them, myself. > > Anyone 14 years and older can legally busk in the UK, but if an area requires a license the busker has to have it on display or they’ll likely get shut down and asked to move along. They may not sell anything regardless. The TV show, ‘The Tube’ showed busker auditions on a couple of episodes. The guitarist I heard was at least bar band quality, he was playing Mark Knopfler and Eric Clapton covers. ---
**Author:** ![sps49sd](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/a9a28c/32.png) [@sps49sd](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sps49sd)\ **Post date:** [May 24, 2018, 1:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-not-asking-for-money-just-some-gas/814618/109 "2018-05-24T13:29:54Z")
I have a gasoline container in my truck. The few times this has happened, I’ve offered to fill the can, walk to their vehicle, and pour it in for them. The answer is always “no thanks, I don’t want to put you to any trouble, just the money is fine”. Since they had no container into which they could put any fuel, I replied “ok” and went about my business. Then I tell the person inside they have a panhandler outside. ---
**Author:** ![Bullitt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bullitt/32/5725_2.png) [@Bullitt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bullitt)\ **Post date:** [May 24, 2018, 2:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-not-asking-for-money-just-some-gas/814618/110 "2018-05-24T14:08:40Z")
> [@sps49sd](#): > > I have a gasoline container in my truck. > > The few times this has happened, I’ve offered to fill the can, walk to their vehicle, and pour it in for them. The answer is always “no thanks, I don’t want to put you to any trouble, just the money is fine”. Since they had no container into which they could put any fuel, I replied “ok” and went about my business. > > Then I tell the person inside they have a panhandler outside. Like the panhandlers near grocery stores with signs saying they need $$ for food to feed their family. I offer food, canned goods and such, and some say no thanks, I’ll take the cash. To which I reply, no thanks. ---
**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 24, 2018, 2:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-not-asking-for-money-just-some-gas/814618/111 "2018-05-24T14:59:26Z")
I’m torn on this one. On the one hand, I dislike being lied to as much as anyone else. On the other hand, begging is a mighty degrading occupation, and people like to preserve dignity, and also, from a sheer probability standpoint, people might be more wiling to give money if told it’s for gas or something specific than a simple “Can you give me some money?” straight-up request. And having cash on hand is much more versatile than being given canned goods; after all, that’s why we don’t use a barter economy anymore. So, again, should the homeless person just be straight-up asking people for cash if that is what he/she needs? Because posters here have said they’d reject that too. It’s a no-win. ---
**Author:** ![Gary\_T](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/3ec8ea/32.png) [@Gary\_T](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gary_T)\ **Post date:** [May 24, 2018, 3:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-not-asking-for-money-just-some-gas/814618/112 "2018-05-24T15:06:28Z")
> [@doorhinge](#): > > Maybe there is a legal issue here? Is it locally considered to be illegal to ask/beg/panhandle for money, but asking for gas, or a cup of sugar, is perfectly legal (or, at least, not considered illegal)?\* Almost certainly it’s not this. Panhandlers learn what potential givers are most likely to respond to, and craft their stories (whether short or long) to hit the right psychological buttons. Being in need of something like gas or food tends to elicit more sympathy than asking for cash. ---
**Author:** ![filmore](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/7993a0/32.png) [@filmore](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/filmore)\ **Post date:** [May 24, 2018, 3:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-not-asking-for-money-just-some-gas/814618/113 "2018-05-24T15:12:24Z")
> [@Velocity](#): > > So, again, should the homeless person just be straight-up asking people for cash if that is what he/she needs? Because posters here have said they’d reject that too. It’s a no-win. I’m sure some of the reluctance for giving cash is the concern that it will be spent on alcohol, drugs, or something non-essential. If they knew it was going towards something like food or housing, then most people would be willing to give. But, of course, there’s no way to know how the money will be spent once given to the panhandler. The way around that is buy whatever they need and give that to them (food/gas). ---
**Author:** ![Gary\_T](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/3ec8ea/32.png) [@Gary\_T](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gary_T)\ **Post date:** [May 24, 2018, 3:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-not-asking-for-money-just-some-gas/814618/114 "2018-05-24T15:14:07Z")
> [@Velocity](#): > > So, again, should the homeless person just be straight-up asking people for cash if that is what he/she needs? Because posters here have said they’d reject that too. It’s a no-win. Some panhandlers do ask for cash, and some people do give them cash. It’s not a matter of never win, but rather of only win some of the time. I choose to give what I can to organized charity rather than to people on the street. YMMV. I just resent the hell out of hearing stories, especially long-winded ones, that are clearly created to deceive me. ---
**Author:** ![Bullitt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bullitt/32/5725_2.png) [@Bullitt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bullitt)\ **Post date:** [May 24, 2018, 3:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-not-asking-for-money-just-some-gas/814618/115 "2018-05-24T15:29:40Z")
> [@Velocity](#): > > I’m torn on this one. On the one hand, I dislike being lied to as much as anyone else. On the other hand, begging is a mighty degrading occupation, and people like to preserve dignity, and also, from a sheer probability standpoint, people might be more wiling to give money if told it’s for gas or something specific than a simple “Can you give me some money?” straight-up request. And having cash on hand is much more versatile than being given canned goods; after all, that’s why we don’t use a barter economy anymore. > > So, again, should the homeless person just be straight-up asking people for cash if that is what he/she needs? Because posters here have said they’d reject that too. It’s a no-win. I give most of my money to organizations focusing on systemic corrections to the homeless problem. Try to raise the tide level, so to speak, and the boats will rise too. Added: I will give some (gas, food, and sometimes though rarely cash) to individuals in need, but most goes to the organizations. ---
**Author:** ![doorhinge](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/a5b964/32.png) [@doorhinge](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/doorhinge)\ **Post date:** [May 24, 2018, 3:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-not-asking-for-money-just-some-gas/814618/116 "2018-05-24T15:45:07Z")
> [@Gary\_T](#): > > Almost certainly it’s not this. Panhandlers learn what potential givers are most likely to respond to, and craft their stories (whether short or long) to hit the right psychological buttons. Being in need of something like gas or food tends to elicit more sympathy than asking for cash. “Almost certainly?” Repeat panhandlers also learn what is legal, and what is not legal. If it’s not illegal to ask for gas, but it is illegal to beg for money, seasoned conmen/panhandlers will learn to ask their marks for gas in order to avoid an arrest. ---
**Author:** ![CurtC](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/ce73a5/32.png) [@CurtC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CurtC)\ **Post date:** [May 24, 2018, 4:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-not-asking-for-money-just-some-gas/814618/117 "2018-05-24T16:22:05Z")
> [@carnivorousplant](#): > > I am a sap. Rabbi Moses ben Maimon told us that if we gave money to ten beggars and nine were lying to us, we have done a good thing. …and nine bad things? ---
**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 24, 2018, 4:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-not-asking-for-money-just-some-gas/814618/118 "2018-05-24T16:41:43Z")
> [@CurtC](#): > > …and nine bad things? Rbaai believed that the hungry guy eating over rides the badness of the scamers. ---
**Author:** ![Tom\_Tildrum](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/e95f7d/32.png) [@Tom\_Tildrum](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tom_Tildrum)\ **Post date:** [May 24, 2018, 4:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-not-asking-for-money-just-some-gas/814618/119 "2018-05-24T16:49:37Z")
> [@Velocity](#): > > So, again, should the homeless person just be straight-up asking people for cash if that is what he/she needs? Because posters here have said they’d reject that too. It’s a no-win. It’s advertising like any other. There’s no technique that always works, and no one is ever obliged to buy something because they watched a commercial. ---
**Author:** ![justanothermike](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/c2a13f/32.png) [@justanothermike](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/justanothermike)\ **Post date:** [May 24, 2018, 5:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-not-asking-for-money-just-some-gas/814618/120 "2018-05-24T17:39:40Z")
I will not give to them. Even if I give them a gift card, that just gives them less cash to spend on necessities so they can put it into drugs or booze or whatever, and I don’t want to directly enable that. I would rather give to local organizations that help give them a place to sleep or a shower or that help those who want to eat on their feet to do it. There are services available by calling 211 locally and the direction is to send them there. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-not-asking-for-money-just-some-gas/814618.md?page=5) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-not-asking-for-money-just-some-gas/814618.md?page=7)