Quote:
Originally Posted by t walgamuth
I will give money on occasion to panhandlers. I take it on a case by case basis. It does not cost me much.
I would not be very likely to go across the street and buy a sandwich though!
(Though I'd rather he bought that than booze or drugs!)
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What does "case by case basis" even mean? Surely you know you're being scammed, or do you?
Give this some thought; your money keeps them ON THE STREET, NOT off the street. Think about it...
You need to start getting receipts, so you can write it off your income tax. The IRS now requires written proof of charitable donations. So either write 'em a check made out to them, or get the cash receipt.
Always offer to deliver them to the nearest church or shelter. See how many of the clowns take you up on this?
A month ago, I was getting into the Mercedes in the parking lot at an upscale suburban exit off the Interstate at a Chase Bank, and a Chili's restaurant after a nice evening, and a lady about 60 comes up to within 15 feet of my car asking for gas money. She looked new at the game. lol I told her to go to my church two miles away, give her turn by turn directions, and they would help her. Dumbfounded, stupid looks are the deer-in-the-headlights look you get from the DBs at that point. Or better yet, ask to use their cell phone to call them help! Ha!
Again, giving them money does more harm than good. That's the dirty little secret of the scammers on the streets.