"I ran out of gas please help me!"

[mikel]

How can anyone actually fall for this scam? I've been asked this question so many times downtown I've lost count. The latest was yesterday and today, a short middle aged white woman walking around asking for gas money. There is absolutely no reason to give anyone who asks you for money downtown, direct them to the police if they are actually that desperate (which they are not). I find it amazing how many people reach into their wallets for them, then probably complain about them, while obviously encouraging it.

[The Voice of Reason]

How can anyone actually fall for this scam? I've been asked this question so many times downtown I've lost count. The latest was yesterday and today, a short middle aged white woman walking around asking for gas money. There is absolutely no reason to give anyone who asks you for money downtown, direct them to the police if they are actually that desperate (which they are not). I find it amazing how many people reach into their wallets for them, then probably complain about them, while obviously encouraging it.

[Lowerdeck]

Once saw a homeless man in Boston sitting in front of a packie with a sign asking for beer money. I rather have given up the old/crap beers left in the fridge, but that's just me.

Anyhoo... if someone was legitimately asking around for gas money, what makes them believe most normal people can afford the stuff at 3.60 a gallon plus spare more for another person? Aren't we all struggling here? I couldn't even imagine the beggar looking credible enough to be someone that owns a car in the first place.

Insanity people fall for this sort of crap. I never give money to anyone, they already get enough from my taxes.