Panhandling doesn't really bother me.  I give when i can.  I wish our government wouldn't have allowed so much of our industry to leave.  I wish they would have enforceable anti-warehousing laws.  There is more then enough housing available it is criminal that or society allows people to sleep out in the snow.  Until society see's what we have created nothing will change and things will only get worse.  Change doesn't come from my pocket and it isn't spare, it comes from deep within us all.       

I think panhandlers know gay folks have more disposable income. Not that we're easy marks. Also the guy near the bar could have been a hustler. You know some girls like p r o k n o 5 a t l a s m d 8 8 p i l o t will take home anything with a pulse! :laugh:

 

HEY!!!  I have standards, pretty high ones at that.  Even you, MTS, would not make the cut.  Désolé.  I should tell you about the time Austin Wilde (the porn star) was hitting on me and I told him to F--- Off.  It got me free drinks for a night at a bar in Key West.  I was a bit proud.

 

As for panhandlers...I'll give money to buskers that do something creative, but simply begging will NEVER get money out of me.  And if they approach me, I have a little stash of directions to the nearest food pantry. 

I think panhandlers know gay folks have more disposable income.  Not that we're easy marks.  Also the guy near the bar could have been a hustler.  You know some girls  like p r o k n o 5 a  t  l  a  s  m d 8 8 p i l o t will take home anything with a pulse!  :laugh:

 

HEY!!!  I have standards, pretty high ones at that.  Even you, MTS, would not make the cut.  Désolé.  I should tell you about the time Austin Wilde (the porn star) was hitting on me and I told him to F--- Off.  It got me free drinks for a night at a bar in Key West.  I was a bit proud.

 

As for panhandlers...I'll give money to buskers that do something creative, but simply begging will NEVER get money out of me.  And if they approach me, I have a little stash of directions to the nearest food pantry. 

 

Need I remind you of the fat lazy room mate, the twinkie eating picture and the spandex halloween costume?  Standard, yeah...right!

 

A porn star (I wonder if he was one of the sleeze skanks at the AVN awards), you turned down a porn star, in Key West, and you're proud of that??  Boy do you set the bar high!

 

I think panhandlers know gay folks have more disposable income. Not that we're easy marks. Also the guy near the bar could have been a hustler. You know some girls like p r o k n o 5 a t l a s m d 8 8 p i l o t will take home anything with a pulse! :laugh:

 

HEY!!! I have standards, pretty high ones at that. Even you, MTS, would not make the cut. Désolé. I should tell you about the time Austin Wilde (the porn star) was hitting on me and I told him to F--- Off. It got me free drinks for a night at a bar in Key West. I was a bit proud.

 

As for panhandlers...I'll give money to buskers that do something creative, but simply begging will NEVER get money out of me. And if they approach me, I have a little stash of directions to the nearest food pantry.

 

Need I remind you of the fat lazy room mate, the twinkie eating picture and the spandex halloween costume? Standard, yeah...right!

 

A porn star (I wonder if he was one of the sleeze skanks at the AVN awards), you turned down a porn star, in Key West, and you're proud of that?? Boy do you set the bar high!

 

 

First of all, the twinkie eating picture was NOT me...but my fat, lazy roommate.  Second, there was NO spandex in my halloween costume.  And Lastly, of course I turned down a porn star.  That's like sloppy 142nds...awful.  His name is Austin Wilde if you care to google him.  I thoroughly enjoyed that moment.

 

 

Back on the topic of panhandling, I saw a new low today.  A man walked into my Starbucks SMOKING!!!  Then came to the register and said, "Do you got money?"  Me: "Uhh, get out."

 

I was stunned.

I think panhandlers know gay folks have more disposable income.  Not that we're easy marks.  Also the guy near the bar could have been a hustler.  You know some girls  like p r o k n o 5 a  t  l  a  s  m d 8 8 p i l o t will take home anything with a pulse!  :laugh:

 

HEY!!!  I have standards, pretty high ones at that.  Even you, MTS, would not make the cut.  Désolé.  I should tell you about the time Austin Wilde (the porn star) was hitting on me and I told him to F--- Off.  It got me free drinks for a night at a bar in Key West.  I was a bit proud.

 

As for panhandlers...I'll give money to buskers that do something creative, but simply begging will NEVER get money out of me.  And if they approach me, I have a little stash of directions to the nearest food pantry. 

 

Need I remind you of the fat lazy room mate, the twinkie eating picture and the spandex halloween costume?  Standard, yeah...right!

 

A porn star (I wonder if he was one of the sleeze skanks at the AVN awards), you turned down a porn star, in Key West, and you're proud of that??  Boy do you set the bar high!

 

 

First of all, the twinkie eating picture was NOT me...but my fat, lazy roommate.  Second, there was NO spandex in my halloween costume.  And Lastly, of course I turned down a porn star.  That's like sloppy 142nds...awful.  His name is Austin Wilde if you care to google him.  I thoroughly enjoyed that moment.

 

 

Back on the topic of panhandling, I saw a new low today.  A man walked into my Starbucks SMOKING!!!  Then came to the register and said, "Do you got money?"  Me: "Uhh, get out."

 

I was stunned.

 

Honey you're guilty by association. :P  So the outfit wasn't spandex, but I'm sure there was some manufactured fabric involved.

 

You're too kind, you should have thrown a scalding hot cup of coffee on his ass!

Jebus. There was an aggressive panhandler at the ramp from I-71 SB at Sycamore, next to Queen City Square around midnight. He came over, I waved my hands "no" and so did the other driver next to me. He continued on, then started getting angry that we weren't rolling down our windows for someone dressed in what looked like leopard skin and fur, who was stumbling over as if he was drunk. He started banging on my car and then hitting the other car, and then pulled out a knife. Yeah, pulling out a knife while we are inside our car... with our foot on the brake ready to peel out... that's real smart.

 

I went a half block and called the cops...

that was just jerry springer acting homeless.

OK.  I had an interesting experience last night after dinner.

 

I come out of a restaurant just off of Madison Avenue.  As I was trying to decide on taking a taxi or taking the subway, a guy approaches me and before he could get out "can you ...." I say "no" and gave him the angry black man look for extra emphasis.

 

He crosses the street. I walk east to Lexington.  He crossed behind me.  He then asks for money, and I say "If you dont get the f... outta my..." and before I could finish, he urinates on himself.  At that point, all I could say was, "Honey, I'm not into water sports and it's really not a good look for you.  Now if you'll excuse me...."

I walked out of a gas station today and two competing panhandlers about 5 feet from each other ask me for money at the same exact time! I busted out in tears, laughing. That's never happend to me before! They were talking over each other. F-ing madness! That's the South-end for 'ya.

I would have said  "here split this nickle"

I keep telling you all what you have to do.  Ask them for money before they ask you.  Even start it off with some wild story about how your car ran out of gas and your kids are home alone with nobody watching them.  75% of the time... it works everytime ;) 

 

I am not totally against giving money though.  I just restrict my donations to people that are actually working for the handout - street performers, window washers, etc - and those that genuinely and desperately look in need (but, in that case, I usually offer to buy food in lieu of giving money).

Panhandlers have annoyed me to the point where I stopped walking to work.  I had instituted the sunglasses, iPod approach but was even tapped on the shoulder a few times and asked for money.  I was even stopped by a woman dressed in business clothes who looked like she was going to work who needed money.  I like riding my bike (and it's quicker) but on these nice summer days I preferred walking.

I was actually stopped on my bike this weekend by a kid (couldn't have been older than 14) who rode past me.  First, he struck up the conversation by asking if I knew where he could get some air for his tire.  I offered to use the pump I have attached to my frame and then, caught off guard, he started going off-topic and asking me random questions.  Eventually he got to the point and asked for "$3 to $5 so (he) can go out and have a good time."  I gave him the WTF look and thought about giving him a lecture, but then thought better of it and rode off.  I just can't imagine what kind of low self esteem a young kid like that has to have to actually ride up and down the street begging for money.  On top of that, the kid looked well fed and dressed.

I was actually stopped on my bike this weekend by a kid (couldn't have been older than 14) who rode past me.  First, he struck up the conversation by asking if I knew where he could get some air for his tire.  I offered to use the pump I have attached to my frame and then, caught off guard, he started going off-topic and asking me random questions.  Eventually he got to the point and asked for "$3 to $5 so (he) can go out and have a good time."  I gave him the WTF look and thought about giving him a lecture, but then thought better of it and rode off.  I just can't imagine what kind of low self esteem a young kid like that has to have to actually ride up and down the street begging for money.  On top of that, the kid looked well fed and dressed.

 

Well if he's asking $3-5 of course he looks well fed!  Hes running a racket!

 

Again... I would simply say... "Hey, I'm working this side of the street!"

^Ah..... I like that one!

 

 

I was actually stopped on my bike this weekend by a kid (couldn't have been older than 14) who rode past me.  First, he struck up the conversation by asking if I knew where he could get some air for his tire.  I offered to use the pump I have attached to my frame and then, caught off guard, he started going off-topic and asking me random questions.  Eventually he got to the point and asked for "$3 to $5 so (he) can go out and have a good time."  I gave him the WTF look and thought about giving him a lecture, but then thought better of it and rode off.  I just can't imagine what kind of low self esteem a young kid like that has to have to actually ride up and down the street begging for money.  On top of that, the kid looked well fed and dressed.

 

Well if he's asking $3-5 of course he looks well fed!  Hes running a racket!

 

 

Right.  Exactly why I really had to bite my tongue with him.

^Ah..... I like that one!

 

 

I was actually stopped on my bike this weekend by a kid (couldn't have been older than 14) who rode past me.  First, he struck up the conversation by asking if I knew where he could get some air for his tire.  I offered to use the pump I have attached to my frame and then, caught off guard, he started going off-topic and asking me random questions.  Eventually he got to the point and asked for "$3 to $5 so (he) can go out and have a good time."  I gave him the WTF look and thought about giving him a lecture, but then thought better of it and rode off.  I just can't imagine what kind of low self esteem a young kid like that has to have to actually ride up and down the street begging for money.  On top of that, the kid looked well fed and dressed.

 

Well if he's asking $3-5 of course he looks well fed!  Hes running a racket!

 

 

Right.  Exactly why I really had to bite my tongue with him.

 

He's a budding entrepreneur!

I have become less and less tolerant the more I run into panhandlers.  What truly strikes me as bizarre is how brazen they are, despite having so little pride that they are on streets begging strangers for money.

 

The chutzpah comes into play when they think that they can interrupt your phone call, your meal, your conversation, your reading, or just walking around engrossed in your own thoughts, and then believe that you'll give them money.

 

The panhandler with the least pride of all encountered me early one Saturday morning.  I was biking to my second job, and the guy ran after me, panting, and shouting, "Excuse me, sir!" three times before I rode away too fast for him to follow.  If I had the time, I would explained to him that I was up early on a weekend morning--when I would much rather be home in bed--so I could earn some money.  (I was running late, and explaining work to a panhandler is like describing plaid to someone born blind.)

 

I have sympathy and respect for the homeless.  Many of them are working.  They are using public and private social services agencies to get food, find housing, and receive medical treatment.

 

The panhandlers, OTOH, will not make use of these services because many of them require that they be sober to use them.  (I am a problem drinker 17 years off the bottle, so I have some qualifications to address this.) 

Many panhandlers aren't even homeless. They can make pretty good money (tax free of course) because so many people are willing to give them money.

Just a request, but could you (linotypist[/member]) edit the topic to take the judgement/editorializing out? It's fine in your post, but I don't like the idea of posting in a thread that forces a harsh idea by its very name.

I've generally not had any real issues with panhandlers and a simple, "no, sorry" is more than sufficient 99% of the time.

 

I did have a guy come up to my car window as I was about to get out after parking recently though. I, in not so polite terms, told him to back off and that he should know better than to do that. He apologized at which point I thanked him for doing so since he obviously didn't mean any harm but without knowing that it's not comfortable having someone blocking your exit from a vehicle.

 

Other than that though I've never had a problem. Occasionally people are pushy or will think you're an asshole if you say no and continue walking without really giving them consideration but that's just part of living in any urban area.

People not used to panhandlers usually get caught up in unwanted conversation. They're too polite to cut off or ignore someone who is talking.

 

"Hey, can I ask you a---"

 

Sorry man.

I think that's the first thing you learn when moving from suburbia to the city as I did 8 years ago. After one BS story I stopped listening and just say, "no, sorry" every single time and just keep walking.

Panhandlers in the city don't bother me. Now the creepy tweakers that approach me out in the burbs. They scare the bajeebus out of me. Inevitably it's just you and them out in a parking lot somewhere.

I agree that the "no, sorry" and keep walking strategy works well

 

Every now and then, I'll buy someone a hot dog or something like that

 

Every now and then, I want to have some fun (especially if out drinking) and will pre-empt them with requests and stories of my own.  Haven't done that in years.

 

I can only remember having an issue with them twice.  Once, I saw a guy approach a family who was eating at a patio table and I had to have some words with him about that.  Another time, back in my college years, I had already been generous with the guy and he kept asking for more.  He wasn't even so much a panhandler, but just a drunk outside a bar who approached me as I was arriving.  Pretty sure he was the one who slashed my tires that night.  Never found that f'er, not for lack of effort.

 

I don't think I've passed out any money in at least 10 years.  I was more sympathetic/naïve in my youth.

I lived in OTR and Northside Cincinnati for 6 years and passed by quite a few. One incident really stuck to my mind:

 

At Mitchell Avenue, there is a set of folks who will haggle for money at the Interstate 75 interchange. Some belong to an organized group and are not homeless. One evening, around 6 PM, I saw one get in the back seat of a then-newer Toyota RAV4 with out-of-state plates (Indiana, I believe) and drive off in a hurry. There wasn't a conversation beforehand - it was a pickup.

 

The vast majority of the panhandlers are not homeless. The others tend to be pillheads and addicts. Some are just too far gone to do much with and cannot stay in shelters for a variety of reasons (substance abuse, fighting).

I think a lot of the panhandlers are mentally ill and the addicted. People who are trying to be contributing and upstanding members of society are the ones in shelters or in a church hall taking the free meal and minding their own business.

 

I understand how you could get into a vicious cycle once your job is gone and end up living out of your car. Without an address and proof of residency, it can be very hard to get a job.

 

I just ignore them. I do not give them any money, ever, and I wish nobody else would either.

I take the approach I picked up living in NYC for a few years: pretend they don't exist. The more aggressive ones get a "no." I think the "No, sorry" approach is too apologetic. I sometimes find myself saying "no cash," which is almost always true, but dishonest because even if I did have cash I wouldn't give it to someone asking me for it on the street, so I try to stick to just a "no."

 

Whatever the approach, I wish people would avoid giving them money on all occasions. You might think you can filter out who really needs help from who doesn't, or who is mentally ill vs. who is addicted, but you can't. Just try to remember that food and shelter can be found for the homeless, what is it they need cash for?

 

 

Thanks for editing the topic.

 

They do not bother me that much, and I try not to make assumptions about them. But I never give any money. Sometimes I give people things, like food or a bus pass.

There is a crew of panhandlers who hang out near the Reading Rd. exit off 71 in Cincinnati.  There's about 2-3 women and I think 2 men, and they are always out either by the Catholic Health Partners building, or near the 71 overpasses by the Baldwin building.  They normally put one of the women out with a sign to ask for money, and one of the men can usually be found lurking around somewhere nearby.  I've witnessed the men yelling at the women, threats of violence for 'slacking off', etc.  They're a pretty haggard group, and I really wish the police would do something about them.

 

There's another panhandler that I frequently run into in Eden Park.  She's an older (mid 60s) lady who will come up to you car and tell some variation of a story about her son's car running out of gas, and how she went "down the hill" but it's "ghetto" and "scary".  She then says "I thought I would come up to Mt. Adams where the people are nicer", before asking for money.  The first two times I saw her, I sat and listened to her story because she really doesn't look like a normal pan handler.  However, I've seen her a couple times since, and I usually just drive by without looking at her.  Last time I saw her, though, I stopped to see what the story would be this time.  I waited til she was finished with her same old story before telling her that she's told me this exact story multiple times, and that she's racist and full of shit.  That was fun.

Handing out money is the worst thing you can do. I've listened to many stories and had conversations with panhandlers, but no money is exchanged ever. I have less of an issue giving food, but they can be very unappreciative. Once, someone asked for cereal as I was going into a convenience store, so I obliged getting a single-serving. He then said, you couldn't get the bigger one? and I said have a nice day and took the single-serving with me. On the other hand, I took two guys to Jake's a few Christmases ago and they were extremely appreciative. Although, I had to draw the line at a request to sleep on my floor lol.

I've had food I've offered been refused a number of times. It's clear they just want money for smokes and booze or whatever. And I get that they are miserable and that's a small pleasure, but I'm not supporting your habit.

I've had food I've offered been refused a number of times. It's clear they just want money for smokes and booze or whatever. And I get that they are miserable and that's a small pleasure, but I'm not supporting your habit.

 

Where I live in San Diego (Ocean Beach) there are a lot of homeless of all stripes who sleep on benches, sidewalks and the beach. Every night when the shops close there are many people sleeping all along the main street. Even so, it is very rare to get panhandled there. Instead many of them will clean up trash for some type of compensation from store owners and residents. Some play music or do chalk art on the sidewalks. Or you'll sometimes see passive requests for money, or pot or beer with an upside down hat.

 

There is this one old woman who dangles a cup on the end of a fishing pole....it's very cute. I can not resist giving her money.

 

 

^ Not everyone is real happy about Ocean Beach being homeless central.

LOL when I lived in St. Augustine, FL, the police used to pick up some of the panhandlers and drop them off at the Duval County line. Apparently, they thought it would be better if Jacksonville or Jax Beach had to deal with them. Down here in Miami, it's crazy how many there are. I was even more surprised in Boston though how many homeless lined the streets.

The generic panhandlers in Chicago range from benign to quite loathsome, and my god they are literally on every corner in the Loop/much of River North.

 

The gutterpunks are pretty pathetic and a different kind of obnoxious too.

 

The CD kids (generally scam artists and pick pockets), candy kids, and Greenpeace $hitstains are not quite as bad, but they're far more audacious with blocking the sidewalks. Not a fan of the candy kids and their fake charities either.

 

The worst ones, aside from the threatening/stalking types, are those who bring little kids. My god are they despicable.

luckily where i live its pretty easy to blow by panhandlers. it can be really annoying and even super creepy in less populated settings. in that case i don't ignore them, i just try to shake my head no sorry and keep it moving. doesn't always work perfectly of course, but usually it does well enough.

 

the only time i give anyone $ like that is once in awhile for showtime on the trains. most people hate that and the police have even cracked down recently, but i like it.

 

There's another panhandler that I frequently run into in Eden Park.  She's an older (mid 60s) lady who will come up to you car and tell some variation of a story about her son's car running out of gas, and how she went "down the hill" but it's "ghetto" and "scary".  She then says "I thought I would come up to Mt. Adams where the people are nicer", before asking for money.  The first two times I saw her, I sat and listened to her story because she really doesn't look like a normal pan handler.  However, I've seen her a couple times since, and I usually just drive by without looking at her.  Last time I saw her, though, I stopped to see what the story would be this time.  I waited til she was finished with her same old story before telling her that she's told me this exact story multiple times, and that she's racist and full of shit.  That was fun.

 

I've run into that lady before when I was with my boss.  I think it is the same lady.  We were in my boss's car where there is a rolling stop sign by the Krohn Conservatory.  She basically stopped the car by walking in front of it, we thought at first something must have been wrong.  She gave the same type of story, like her son was at her girlfriends in Mt. Adams and got drunk, left his car in Mt. Adams and spent all his money and she needs to bail him out because he is a dead beat.  At that point she started foaming at the mouth and it kind of freaked me out, and my boss promptly drove off.

Each dollar you give a bum creates another bum.

 

There's another panhandler that I frequently run into in Eden Park.  She's an older (mid 60s) lady who will come up to you car and tell some variation of a story about her son's car running out of gas, and how she went "down the hill" but it's "ghetto" and "scary".  She then says "I thought I would come up to Mt. Adams where the people are nicer", before asking for money.  The first two times I saw her, I sat and listened to her story because she really doesn't look like a normal pan handler.  However, I've seen her a couple times since, and I usually just drive by without looking at her.  Last time I saw her, though, I stopped to see what the story would be this time.  I waited til she was finished with her same old story before telling her that she's told me this exact story multiple times, and that she's racist and full of shit.  That was fun.

 

I've run into that lady before when I was with my boss.  I think it is the same lady.  We were in my boss's car where there is a rolling stop sign by the Krohn Conservatory.  She basically stopped the car by walking in front of it, we thought at first something must have been wrong.  She gave the same type of story, like her son was at her girlfriends in Mt. Adams and got drunk, left his car in Mt. Adams and spent all his money and she needs to bail him out because he is a dead beat.  At that point she started foaming at the mouth and it kind of freaked me out, and my boss promptly drove off.

 

Yep, that's her.  I usually catch her at the turn from Mirror Lake up towards the art museum.  She gets very close, and the first time I encountered her, I put my window all the way down and was actually kind of concerned she was going to try to come in the car or something.  She's super creepy.

luckily where i live its pretty easy to blow by panhandlers. it can be really annoying and even super creepy in less populated settings. in that case i don't ignore them, i just try to shake my head no sorry and keep it moving. doesn't always work perfectly of course, but usually it does well enough.

 

the only time i give anyone $ like that is once in awhile for showtime on the trains. most people hate that and the police have even cracked down recently, but i like it.

I feel like street performers should be paid by the city if they're good. They add ambiance. The panhandlers who "do something" worthwhile are acceptable to me. I used to joke that I would say do a trick and I'll give you a dollar.

 

There's another panhandler that I frequently run into in Eden Park.  She's an older (mid 60s) lady who will come up to you car and tell some variation of a story about her son's car running out of gas, and how she went "down the hill" but it's "ghetto" and "scary".  She then says "I thought I would come up to Mt. Adams where the people are nicer", before asking for money.  The first two times I saw her, I sat and listened to her story because she really doesn't look like a normal pan handler.  However, I've seen her a couple times since, and I usually just drive by without looking at her.  Last time I saw her, though, I stopped to see what the story would be this time.  I waited til she was finished with her same old story before telling her that she's told me this exact story multiple times, and that she's racist and full of shit.  That was fun.

 

I've run into that lady before when I was with my boss.  I think it is the same lady.  We were in my boss's car where there is a rolling stop sign by the Krohn Conservatory.  She basically stopped the car by walking in front of it, we thought at first something must have been wrong.  She gave the same type of story, like her son was at her girlfriends in Mt. Adams and got drunk, left his car in Mt. Adams and spent all his money and she needs to bail him out because he is a dead beat.  At that point she started foaming at the mouth and it kind of freaked me out, and my boss promptly drove off.

 

Yep, that's her.  I usually catch her at the turn from Mirror Lake up towards the art museum.  She gets very close, and the first time I encountered her, I put my window all the way down and was actually kind of concerned she was going to try to come in the car or something.  She's super creepy.

 

Yeah she was on the passenger side where I was on and I thought she might grab me.  Haha and I remember the whole time she started off her story like, "Oh you guys seem nice, maybe you can help me out"... then she proceeded on with her story all the while her voice was rising into a rage.  It reminded me of this lady:

 

 

I ignore them. Some are homeless some are professionals and make money doing it. On this topic there is a now famous young homeless guy (due to being a drunk) due to his expertise in being a freeloader.

 

 

 

So I was not familiar with this guy until I received an email alert from University of Richmond Police stating " On Feb. 5, 2014 Eric Lannon was reported to have been seen on the campus of the University of Richmond. He has a history of theft and swindling. He manipulates his victims into providing shelter, food, money, and transportation under false pretenses. The University of Richmond Police Department would like to caution community members not to interact with this person, and if he is seen on campus to contact URPD immediately."

 

After a little research Ihttp://www.phantasytour.com/bands/wsp/threads/3500106/any-eric-lannon-updates found this thread: http://phantasytour.com/bands/1/posts?page=1&topic_id=3262895

 

It is a list of crazy stories about this guy. They all revolve around the same idea of this guy pretending he has lost his phone/wallet then he asks for a ride to your house. He then sleeps on your couch for a week, drinks all your beer, sleeps with your girlfriend, then steals a bunch of stuff before he leaves.

 

It sounds like this guy is from Richmond, so wanted to see what other stories people might have on Eric Lannon

 

 

http://www.thecollegianur.com/article/2014/02/eric-lannon-regional-scam-artist-hits-richmond

 

http://rvamag.com/articles/full/22948/meet-the-hippy-frat-douche-whos-scamming-1er-east-coast-jam-bros

 

There was a guy in Lexington (and then Louisville and elsewhere) that goes around in a wheelchair, pretends that he's mentally disabled, and solicits money. I gotta admit, he was pretty damn convincing: http://kentuckysportsradio.com/1/friendly-lexington-beggar-is-a-fraud/

 

 

Parkersburg, W.Va. just installed signage at bridges and on some street corners warning motorists that most of the panhandlers were scammers and to not donate money. The ACLU is threatening to sue, but the city has a point. It's a tourism deterrence and a safety issue, especially for pedestrians.

I have no sympathy for panhandlers who walk into bars and start asking. I'm not polite at all with them. And usually tell them to leave before I get the bar staff to remove them.

 

For those panhandling on the street I have very little bad experiences. I know most of the ones who are on my street and most of them don't ask me for money any more. A couple never remember what I look like and still ask me even though I've told them no for three years. I'm usually short with them but not overly rude. And I've seen some of them go into apartments around the block or into cars. I refuse to give anyone money.

I have no sympathy for panhandlers who walk into bars and start asking. I'm not polite at all with them. And usually tell them to leave before I get the bar staff to remove them.

 

We have "no solicitors" signs on the door for precisely this reason.

Yeah, a lot of people don't pay any attention to that, though. Still good to have the sign. Panhandling in a business is completely unacceptable.

I ignore them. Some are homeless some are professionals and make money doing it. On this topic there is a now famous young homeless guy (due to being a drunk) due to his expertise in being a freeloader.

 

 

 

 

After a little research Ihttp://www.phantasytour.com/bands/wsp/threads/3500106/any-eric-lannon-updates found this thread: http://phantasytour.com/bands/1/posts?page=1&topic_id=3262895

 

It is a list of crazy stories about this guy. They all revolve around the same idea of this guy pretending he has lost his phone/wallet then he asks for a ride to your house. He then sleeps on your couch for a week, drinks all your beer, sleeps with your girlfriend, then steals a bunch of stuff before he leaves.

 

It sounds like this guy is from Richmond, so wanted to see what other stories people might have on Eric Lannon

 

 

http://www.thecollegianur.com/article/2014/02/eric-lannon-regional-scam-artist-hits-richmond

 

http://rvamag.com/articles/full/22948/meet-the-hippy-frat-douche-whos-scamming-1er-east-coast-jam-bros

 

 

 

There was a guy like this in Cincinnati back in 2005 or 2006, basically a "bro" homeless guy.  Thanks to some internet chatter I identified him immediately when he approached me and my group on Fountain Square. For a skilled con-man he was quite startled that I sent him packing. 

 

Greyhound stations are a hotbed of activity.  Usually there is a guy working the lot/drop-off area, another stationed at the front door, and a particularly enterprising one buzzing around the interior.  I played along with a guy earlier this year at Cincinnati's Greyhound station...he wondered around the waiting area, peering confusedly at signage, then came over and said he'd never taken Greyhound before and asked about how it works.  Turns out he was going to the exact same city I was.  He asked if we just pay the driver.  I said no you need to go up and get a ticket.  He goes up there and talks to the ticket counter, then comes back saying he's $12 short.  Says his brother is picking him up and that "he's good for it".  Those are the basics of the ruse, but the way he rolled it out with such buttery goodness and adapted textural details to my demographic was startlingly impressive.  Then after I told him he was on his own, he unashamedly repeated the game on new people as they trickled into the station.

 

 

 

John, the bro homeless dude is kinda of funny, but I read that he might have stolen phones, i pads etc. This guy is a massive east coast name dropper, started with seeking out people who went to his HS and where they go to college, pretty much DC down to Charleston. First thing he does

when he gets into someone's apartment is open the fridge and grab a beer. LOL.

Yeah, a lot of people don't pay any attention to that, though. Still good to have the sign. Panhandling in a business is completely unacceptable.

 

The sign gives you legal rights that might be questioned in a publicly accessible business were it not there.