I make modest donations to organizations that help people who are temporarily down & out or suffering due to extreme weather events, etc. And I also help with pet rescue as well. I say this to let you know my conscience is clear.
Beggers on the street, in the parking lot, hanging around doorways of stores get on my last nerve. However, from time to time, I will hand someone a few dollars. Quickly, I don't engage them. I might listen for about 30 seconds, if I feel safe, then just grab a quick couple of dollars and hand it to them. If they are lying to me or they plan to use the money for no good, it's on them. I know where my heart is.
My friends & family have always warned me against doing this. I almost lived my nightmare yesterday. Broad daylight, bunch of people around a guy (why is it always a guy) was asking everyone at the shopping center for gas money (always gas money). I listened to him for about a minute, the usual spiel and handed him $3.
I folded the money in half, stretched out my hand, the money was very visible and I was not in close contact with him otherwise. He went for the cash and grabbed my hand. I shot him a look that would peel paint and he let me go and turned away & went to his car.
Never again. It disturbed me more than I expected.