I have never had that happen at a gas station. I also never typically give out money to those on the street. I have in the past handed out food, one guy started to scream at me. But anyway, I am sure he had mental health issues.

There was a story here in Toronto a few years back about a woman that used to ask for handouts on a busy street here (Yonge St.) which is heavily travelled by locals and tourists. Turned out after a newspaper investigation she owned a car, apartment with a large screen TV (only reason I mention this is that it was a highlight of the story). Obviously she was doing alright.

 

After 10 years in Colorado, 25 years in Texas and 25 years in California, it's only happened to me in California.

 

never had anyone try that while getting gas, but, it does seem like there is someone on every street corner here. I don't feel like I am helping them if I give them money, seems the same as giving someone the answers to the questions on a test, it's not really helping them.

 

Yeah it happens often in Cali and it doesn't matter what car you drive either.

One time I was a smart *** and told them it wasn't very responsible to own a car if you can afford gas. That didn't go over so well. She pulled her sleeves up to show me she "was clean" and then started yelling, pushing and threatening me... obviously still on something.

Another time guy had his hood up on the off ramp asking for money for a tow. I happened to take the same off ramp 15 mins later and saw him put his hood down and drive off.

Happens at the store too, once a guy hit me up for grocery money for "food". I said my usual no. Later he wound up checking out behind me with a small bottle Popov.

It's sad, but you just can't trust people these days.

One other thing... I donate to our local shelter and started carrying around their phone number. When people ask for handouts I tell them I can call the shelter for them and that they have a van and can come pick them up. I've done this method about 6 times... and not a single taker.

 

There are a lot of those people in Seattle and I never give them any thing. A lot of them just gather at highway off ramps and put up a card board sign to ask for money. I had 1 or 2 people come up to me at a gas station and I always tell them I work at Harborview so their trick won't work on me.

 

California phenomenon, imo

 

Not true. We have them in Florida and they try on 3 out of 4 fill ups.

 

yeah, we see the folks on the ramps here next to the border up north on I-5..haven't been hit up at the gas station.. yet. Really hurts to see..but the meth and drug problem last ten or so years is just crazy. its just all for drugs imo..i just keep to myself. I really like how Mods4Cars SmartTop locks/unlocks the doors. when the weather turns a bit nicer up near the border, you get a lot of the transient traffic to and from the alaskan territory etc and its worse.

 

Agree100%

 

I was going to post the SAME thing. Money isn't going to solve their problem unless they want to change. If they want to change I'll give them the name of a local charity that can help with clothing, housing, jobs, education, etc. The losers that would rather walk around asking for change can take a hike.

I had a guy give me a sob story about his mom being in the hospital and he needed cash to get there. Said he had a pregnant wife and no gas... I asked what hospital his mom was in and he was like a deer caught in headlights. I looked him dead in the eye and said he might want to walk on at this point.

 

I live in LA where people are all over the place panhandling. I usually ignore when someone asks for money as I've seen many of the same people asking me for change for the past 20 years. That said, if they look hungry, I always ask if they want something to eat. If they say yes (50% of the time), I will buy them something to eat.

 

I don't think you're necessarily a target due to your car. I've had it happen regardless of what I'm driving -- shopping center parking lots too.

 

Really? You never ran out of gas? Oops moment and didn't have your wallet...? If not, you're a better man than me. I have no problem helping someone in need. Try it sometime. That said to the OP, if you frequent the same stations, which I recommend for consistency, tell the manager/owner that you are put off by pan-handlers on their property and to have them handle it. That, of course, if you have trouble saying no politely.

 

Wow it's ez-mode to sound altruistic and benevolent, truly a world citizen in an online forum, or an AA meeting, for that matter. I salute all those who are so gifted. Those who do what they can in their own way... Rock on.

 

Seriously, in this day and age, how often have you actually run out of gas? over the past 15 years I have not had one incident. With the advance of wireless communication, everyone has a cell phone these days so it's easy to call for help if they have a legitimate problem instead of hitting up a stranger.

I work at Harborview so I see my fair share of these pan-handlers and transients at work as well. It's really hard to have great symapthy for these folks since they keep coming back with the same problem. Some are nice, but there are a handful that are just plain nasty and yell at staff constantly for no particularly good reason.