Panhandler Etiquette

One of the most common scams we run into here is being approached by someone, usually at a gas station. The other person begins to tell an elaborate story in regards to their predicament. I can tell when people are lying and I prefer these bums just tell me what they are really seeking. I would probably be more generous. Otherwise, I will donate a ridiculously low amount of money like 18 cents, just so they go away.

I do however, anytime an opportunity presents itself, give food to these folks. On Sunday I had to pick my girl up from the airport and had time to kill. On my way to the casino I pick up a 12pack of mini burgers from Krystal's (the South's version of White Castle). I pull up and there is a bum with the traditional cardboard "Hungry" sign. So I hand em a bag containing 4 burgers. The look on the face was not of gratitude, but an almost disdain. I almost wanted to ask for the burgers back but the light turned green. No thank you, nothing.

Yes---have used this one before 

I hate when, after I've ignored them, the say "Ok well God bless!"

Oh ok, I didn't know you had the power to bless people while sitting there on the sidewalk smelling like sour  s h i t.

I do not have the code to decipher this.

I used to work downtown and was approached for money just about every day.  I started giving the bums my business card and telling them its a "loan" and I expect 15% interest when they pay me back.  They will agree to anything to get a couple of bucks.

When they hit you the very next day for more you simply say "hey bro, we had an agreement didn't we?"  Then the haze clears from their eyes and they stammer "oh yeah, you're the dude that gave me his business card"  (sometimes they still had it).  Then I could finish by reminding them about the 15% interest and they would trundle off, never to bother me again.