Not positive - Page 3

RedTop · ‎09-01-2010

I live in southern West Virginia and this is and has been, a major problem in this area for several years. I have been approached numerous times with the exact same stories cited here, but NEVER give anyone money. This is a small town, and I have had the same person approach me 3 different times with 3 different stories. Trust me, she will remember my face from now on.

Last year I was putting groceries in my car when a young girl stopped her car behind me and asked for gas money. I told her no, and that she should be ashamed to ask people for money while wearing diamonds and sporting a designer handbag. I got her plate number when she sped off and reported her to the police.

My husband and I have been approached twice with an offer to pay for our groceries with their EBT card, if we give them cash in return.

Two months ago I stopped at a local pharmacy to pick up a special card, and noticed a guy watching me when I paid for it. He was standing outside with his back to me when I walked out, and my gut feeling was to hurry to my car. As soon as I got in and shut the door, he was walking towards me. I started the car and put it in reverse, locking my doors, as he had his hand on my side mirror and was motioning for me to roll the window down. I shook my head no and started backing up. As soon as I got home, I called the pharmacy and reported that incident. Because these incidents happen so often, my husband does not like for me to go shopping alone.

catwhisperer · ‎07-11-2010

@RedTop....I commend you for being proactive. I wish more people were like you.

I promise to remind myself every day that I am strong, courageous, and resilient.

dex · ‎03-09-2010

That garbage can trick is interesting.The guy should be working and using that genius mind for something positive.

Mominohio · ‎08-08-2010

@RedTop wrote:
I live in southern West Virginia and this is and has been, a major problem in this area for several years. I have been approached numerous times with the exact same stories cited here, but NEVER give anyone money. This is a small town, and I have had the same person approach me 3 different times with 3 different stories. Trust me, she will remember my face from now on.

Last year I was putting groceries in my car when a young girl stopped her car behind me and asked for gas money. I told her no, and that she should be ashamed to ask people for money while wearing diamonds and sporting a designer handbag. I got her plate number when she sped off and reported her to the police.

My husband and I have been approached twice with an offer to pay for our groceries with their EBT card, if we give them cash in return.

Two months ago I stopped at a local pharmacy to pick up a special card, and noticed a guy watching me when I paid for it. He was standing outside with his back to me when I walked out, and my gut feeling was to hurry to my car. As soon as I got in and shut the door, he was walking towards me. I started the car and put it in reverse, locking my doors, as he had his hand on my side mirror and was motioning for me to roll the window down. I shook my head no and started backing up. As soon as I got home, I called the pharmacy and reported that incident. Because these incidents happen so often, my husband does not like for me to go shopping alone.

My mom is now 80 years young, and even though I feel as safe as one can today in the areas that we shop, I don't like her to go out on her own anymore, even during the daylight hours. She is a very small woman and looks her age, and while still quite vibrant and energetic, has her own car and drives just fine, (she walks at least 15 mile a week!) I know that she is a target out alone in public parking lots. Luckily she feels the same and most of the time, we go out together for shopping trips.

Snowpuppy · ‎03-09-2010

@Chrystaltree2 wrote:
OK, I've encountered panhandlers in the city but never anything like you describe. Where the beck do you people live that you encounter that level of begging?

I live fairly rural, several minutes to town but it's pretty widespread anymore.

Read some of the posts here about people who beg on FB & Go Fund Me. Nobody wants to pick up a part time job, even seasonal to get a few extra dollars.

They believe those of us who go to work should donate to them.

panda1234 · ‎04-27-2015

@dex wrote:
That garbage can trick is interesting.The guy should be working and using that genius mind for something positive.

I agree. Who would think of such a thing?

ECBG · ‎01-08-2011

In our town the panhandler's signs have signs written with fresh black felt tips!

I can also tell you for a fact that there is an element of society that "live" by just bumming and donations. They have cell phones and contact others to come to where they are!

We had a bunch come downtown and pitch tents for two months! City Council was "hesitant" to move them! The most unbelieveable part was STARBUCKS SERVED THEM COFFEE!!!!!

There's another group that drives around and drops panhandlers on the exits especially the ones around the mall.

sandraskates · ‎06-26-2014

There was an article in my local paper on this topic a couple days ago.

Some people said they try to give food to the panhandlers and they refuse it! They want money.

Another person said she tries to keep some low denomonational gift cards with her from stores like WalMart or a grocery store. She'll hand out one of those to a panhandler, but not money.

YorkieonmyPillow · ‎01-13-2013

@Mominohio That's a good idea, for you to go with your Mother. She is definitely a target and could potentially be preyed upon. Stuff like that doesn't go on around here but I know it does happen.

We were coming out of a store in Tucson a few years ago, and there was a young guy sort of lounging around out front. He walked up to me and launched into his tale of woe; I cut him off with, "But I was just about to ask YOU for money -", needless to say, that ended the conversation........

RetRN · ‎10-01-2013

@Chrystaltree2 wrote:
OK, I've encountered panhandlers in the city but never anything like you describe. Where the beck do you people live that you encounter that level of begging?

Thankfully, not near you.