hudsonvalley

Was just about to pump gas into my car when approached by a young man, white tee, dirty tan shorts, crew cut.....'sorry to bother you....I'm so embarrassed to ask you but my car...', "I have no money, sorry" was my reply as I kept the now turned on pump in his direction with my left hand as my right hand went behind my back touching my Pro CDP II in VMII. He was about 15 feet away when the station manager shows up and tells him to scat. Seems he was hanging around all day. Sad part is that he had a kid in the car and a woman in the front seat that I finally saw when his 'empty' car started and drove off.
Glad I didn't have to show him the CDP, that's where my money went!

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Government's view of the economy could be summed up in a few short phrases: If it moves, tax it. If it keeps moving, regulate it. And if it stops moving, subsidize it --
Ronald Reagan

B52

You did well! I don't give bums squat, but a really dirty look...I guess I am not a friendly looking person because bums usually leave me alone.

T Bone

Odd, I get asked often (and don't look that friendly). I usually just give them a polite but firm "no". I recall many years ago, I gave one a couple bucks. Told him to get something to eat. Saw him and his buddy a bit later coming out of the party store with a couple 40's. He actually gave me some attitude when he saw me (as if to say, I shouldn't tell him how to spend 'his" money).

I also recall my Grandfather deciding to help out one who came to the door of his house. Guy had the nerve to grab his wallet and run when Grandpa generously opened his wallet to offer some assistance to the less fortunate.

If you're feeling charitable, there are plenty of legitimate charity organizations gladly accepting donations and knowing how best to benefit those in need. Going the direct route, well.... it just isn't wise!

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Regards, T Bone.


"Those who would give up essential liberty to purchase a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety". Benjamin Franklin

Doctorbarn

With the price of gas....you should be ready when pumping.
Sounds like you did the right thing.

I get a a few walk up in the mall lots. Need money for gas line. I just tell them I spent all my cash on a fill up. That usually gets them to leave. If not, I usually get a little more mean!!

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One man with a gun can control 100 without one.
Vladimir Lenin

retsupt99

You did the correct thing...

I don't give 'beggars' a penny...I despise seeing men in their 20's or 30's using signs to plead their 'hard times'.

If approached, my look, my demeanor, and my stern words of 'wisdom' (I say wisdom because panhandlers usually seem a bit smarter after I start 'enlightening' them on how I feel about their practices.) usually causes panhandlers to change directions, quickly...

None have ever seemed to want to stay around and discuss what they want.

Stay armed...don't let them get too close and don't be friendly...stay safe!

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"That I cannot do."

"Give this to, uh, Clemenza. I want reliable people, people who aren't going to be carried away. After all we're not murderers in spite of what this undertaker thinks."


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NRA Life Member

XD 45

you did the right thing

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762

i get that a lot out here. happened just the other week. if the dude can afford that $30,000 car, he can afford to put the premium gas it requires into it.

The dude tried to trade me tools and cd's for gas.

I was on heightened alert the whole time.

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Let's Roll - Todd Beamer

MOΛΩN ΛABÉ

Delucas

A friend was approached as he stopped getting off at the interstate exit.

My friend offered to take him to a local downtown rescue mission that would give him a temporary place to stay and a hot meal and could help him find work.

The fella said FU and turned to go back to his "I've been laid off work and...." sign.

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MrsFosforos

About 2 years ago -- it was a Sunday evening just at dusk. I knew I needed gas and I knew I wouldn't want to have to stop to fill up at 5:30 the next morning; so I got dressed and went to the neighborhood gas station a few blocks from my house.

My little dog wanted to go for a "RIDE", so I took her with me. I was thinking, I could have gotten my husband to do it, and he would have; but I went on and didn't ask him to go with me.

As I drove up to the station, I saw a guy loitering around and KNEW he'd approach me for money. A year or so before that, there had also been robberies at another gas station down the street, so that was in the back of my mind too.

In getting prepared for an alteraction: I took the keys out of the ignition and put them in my pocket (so he couldn't carjack the truck); I took my debit card out of the wallet and put the wallet in my console (so I didn't have it on me in case he wanted to rob me); I left the door ajar (in case I needed to jump back in) but didn't leave it all the way open like I might have normally to keep the door between me and the potential bad guy (because my sweet little dog was in the truck and I didn't want to take the chance she would jump out) -- which also put in the back of my mind --> if he tried to carjack the truck, he'd get my dog, Lily - who is my heart.

I was so involved in preparing myself to be approached, trying to decide what I'd say to him, WHEN he came around the side of the gas pump and said, "Excuse me, maam..." --> he scared me so bad I jumped forward and at the same time, I ROARED like a heavy metal lead singer: "LEAVE ME ALONE!!!". He jumped backward at least 2 feet with his hands up as if I had shot him. And he left me alone, saying something like, "I'm sorry ma'am..." and he disappeared.

The thought of getting robbed or carjacked or just bothered by a panhandler wasn't what brought that Mama Bear out in me. It was the thought of him taking my sweet Lily. Don't mess with my dog, man!!

Ram Rod

(scam)
You handled it well, good for you. I've been approached before in similar circumstances.

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RamRod-----sans remords