> Second, in some cities, there is so much begging and panhandling that people
> automatically get weirded out by anyone asking for change. Even waving a bill doesn't
> help, because the classic scam is you ask for change, and once someone has their
> money out, you start in with the sob story about how you're just a couple of bucks
> short for a bus ticket or whatever, and wring a few dollars out of them. It's easier
> to just not bother than risk getting sucked in and have to try to disengage yourself.
> I know when I need change for something, I just go into a store and either ask for
> change if they seem nice, or else just buy a roll of mints and break the bill that
> way.
Yeah, what D said. I live in the alternative plane of existence known as California, and agree with him - we have a lot of dicey panhandlers here, and there is an instant aversion we've developed to people asking for change on the street, and most other forms of public solicitation. Scams are rife.
Totally off-topic, but since we're here: In my experience, it's better to offer to buy or gift food to the truly downtrodden. The people who view you as a walking ATM will always refuse a literal free lunch, whereas the people who really need it always graciously accept. If they accept food, then I have no problem handing them a few bucks to help out as well.
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