I do, but in that case I probably wouldn't have done - in my experience, beggars who try to guilt-trip you like that are fakers.

Incidentally, I give at least twice as much to beggars I believe are genuine if they're female. Life on the streets is dangerous and hard, but a hell of a lot more so if you're a woman.

It was rude. The comment is there to help "extort" money from you.

I have given money in the past and as I was in Kenya. These days I don't do it a lot for many reasons. Just the other day a man approached me outside my work and wanted money because he had ran out of gas. I told him I had nothing to give coz I'm on social security and work this 3 hour a day job to help me get by. What I wanted to say was "dammit, can't you read a frigging gas gauge?"

And thats how you tell scammers from those truly in need scammers tend to give out abuse

I do. Every single time. I’d hate the fear of helping someone with bad intentions to stop me from helping the ones that are truthful in their request.

I’m a Social Worker working with the homeless. I’ve seen many panhandlers who make as much as me. I had a vet with tax free income of 4000 a month staying in shelters so he can afford drugs. Unfortunately, helping is often enabling unhealthy choices. I recommend giving directly to shelters/food pantries and other organizations and referring those in need to these places.

I give water and I give food. I never give money or buy gas (the gas thing is one of the oldest scams....if they can afford a vehicle, they can afford fuel...otherwise, sell the car and take the bus).

I don't have a strict policy, I give to some charities collecting on the street or in stores, but as to 'others' it depends on mood and/or change/money available. There are scammers but I guess it's a pity the genuine miss out.

I recently ran into the same thing. I said follow me to the gas station and gave the cashier $20 for pump 3 and left.

No one yet commented, I’ll take the first comment bonus again then ?