Community Forums

NealC · 07-30-2017, 07:11 AM

Twice now I've been approached when stopped for money. Once on the way back from Newmar with my new ride, 2nd time on my 3rd trip (yesterday). Does my RV say ATM on it somewhere?

Scary! Fortunately both times were respectful but good grief!

jondrew55 · 07-30-2017, 07:14 AM

Panhandlers?

NealC · 07-30-2017, 07:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jondrew

Panhandlers?

No, one approached me in parking lot for fast food. Yesterday I was gassing up and someone came up to me, in scrubs, age 62, out of work, shows me his badge from work, just weird. But again, respectful, just catches me off guard. I'm going to start locking my coach even when getting out to pump gas. Never know what I'll find in the back some day. Thank you NEWMAR for the keypad entry!

**CLIFFTALL** · 07-30-2017, 07:22 AM

We have been approached a few times. Usually with a story that they need money for gas or a repair. We always lock the doors when fueling.

NealC · 07-30-2017, 07:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Clifftall

We have been approached a few times. Usually with a story that they need money for gas or a repair. We always lock the doors when fueling.

Exactly! The first one was he was on empty, called the police and they wouldn't help, etc. etc. Yesterday was similar.

Waiter21 · 07-30-2017, 07:28 AM

I run into this all the time. I don't think it matters what you drive. I rarely, if ever give money. If you need gas, I'll fill your gas can, If your hungry, I'll buy you a sandwich. If you need a job, I'll give you a job application.

tim myers · 07-30-2017, 07:32 AM

I travel a bit for work and have been approached twice by the same gentleman at the same rest area in Northern KY. He says he is traveling from Ohio to where ever and forgot his wallet. His car is nearly empty of gas and he just needs a few bucks so he can go somewhere and have money wired to him. This guy is near my age so mid 60's and looks decent enough, but seeing him the second time made it clear to me he was pan handling.

I seldom carry cash so I am honest when I tell them I have no cash, although I did have someone ask if I would use my credit card to put gas in their car at a gas station.

hawgguy · 07-30-2017, 10:49 AM

I am a sucker dipped in guilt, so I usually cough up a few bucks.

HavingABlast · 07-30-2017, 11:10 AM

Early on, when fueling at truck stops I noticed most of the truckers locking their cabs when fueling. I started doing that as well.

Throughout the year I donate money to the non profits of my choice. I rarely, if ever, hand money to a pan handler. I do put money into the donation box of a street entertainer if I have taken the time to enjoy their performance. They at least are earning something for services rendered. Maybe I am just old fashioned.

clayfeet · 07-30-2017, 12:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hawgguy

I am a sucker dipped in guilt, so I usually cough up a few bucks.

Consider sir that you make it harder for the rest of us to do the right thing.

Alcoholism and drug addiction are of pandemic proportions.

Look 'em eye to eye, raise your voice a tad, give up a "NO", just as you would a cur dog.

The person will always back off, after all, he/she can't afford a run-in for vagrancy -- puts a hurt on their money mooching enterprise.

BTW, If you feel uncomfortable with confrontation, place one of these

https://www.amazon.com/SABRE-Red-Pep...E81ZDNZRNWXANG

in your pocket, after a few practice sprays, fondle the container in your pocket when you fuel the coach.

Mr_D · 07-30-2017, 12:16 PM

Some of those "panhandlers" are making $60,000 - $100,000 a year, tax free! Some may actually need the money, they just don't get it from me.

yogus · 07-30-2017, 03:24 PM

I volunteer for a charity group called St. Vincent de Paul. Our group will help people who need anything. And I do mean anything. We do have a dollar limit, however, we will engage other local charities to help if the bill is too big.

I man a hotline 6 days a week (I do this every 4 weeks) and I take calls for a two county area in Georgia. We get lots of calls from people who stay at the motels on I-85 (live there really) and claim to need food, gas and another 2 nights "rent" at the motel.

If they are in our computer system I JSN. (Just Say No) if we haven't helped them I interview them and put them in our database for the future. Many are on drugs and can't/won't work so giving them another night at Motel 6 isn't going to help them not be homeless.

You can tell any homeless person or beggar to call St. Vincent de Paul locally (we're national) and if we can't help them we will try to give them resources to help them.

bruceisla · 07-30-2017, 04:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NealC

No, one approached me in parking lot for fast food. Yesterday I was gassing up and someone came up to me, in scrubs, age 62, out of work, shows me his badge from work, just weird. But again, respectful, just catches me off guard. I'm going to start locking my coach even when getting out to pump gas. Never know what I'll find in the back some day. Thank you NEWMAR for the keypad entry!

Take your keys and use the deadbolt ... don't count on the keypad...they WILL lock you out at the worst possible time.