Thank you for sharing this because I am always so kind to hand out the little money I have. A mother, a part-time worker, and a full-time college student. This makes me so sick because I see so many people do this and you just can't trust anyone these days. I wanna help, but this stuff makes me so sick!

@squidgirl : The only time I "donate" is when they are selling the bottled water. I feel like they are at least doing something instead of just asking for handouts. You know earning that money.

@MalluGuy : how do you identify gypsies? Really interested in your technique. Have you had much experience? Any examples that can help the rest of us?

@Jillybean : If you have spent any time in Europe you can pick them out easily. I have family in Hungary. They could pass for Hispanic or Persian. They are originally from India. Google Romani or Roma people.

@Jillybean : there is a legit group that comes to my job id add to what malluguy said about description this group dresses very flashy/gaudy . they speak something like a yiddish mixed with Romanian language . usually skin tone about like mine. i actually learned alot about gypsies from seeing them come multiple times. like the legend of the jesus and the gypsies helping him
heres a version of the story :everything2.com/titl e/The+legend+of+the+ gypsy+and+the+nails+ from+the+cross the group has stolen from my job, presented various states ids when checking in, lied about their names (usually very common names like jacobs) so we are on alert when they come in.

@MalluGuy : as far as the guys that have the white pamphlets id agree dont pull out your wallet. if you don't feel comfortable. Being a recovering addict myself sometimes i try and give them advice on getting and staying sober and what has worked for me. I dont agree with putting a newly clean addict out on the street begging for money. he probably looked at your wallet that way because of some old habits. Most addicts dont make it (not saying all are good or bad most are just sick but thats a never ending topic) but definitely protect yourself you can never be too careful

@damascus1986 : Wow that's a cool story never heard that one. Makes sense why Gypsies don't think twice or have any remorse towards petty theft.

@damascus1986 : Congratulations on your recovery. I'm a recovering addict myself. And can empathize with you. I think about it on occasion, but time heals and the longer you stay sober the easier it gets. Some times I have thoughts to do it one time for old times sake but I know that's all it will take to destroy everything I have worked so hard for. I don't want to end up like I was before. Addicted for 25 years. Good luck and stay clean!!

@MalluGuy : Jó reggelt kivánok. I don't have to go to Hungry-just family reunions- please be careful stereotyping people and creating fear of a culture, or stereotypes (like those with addictions, tattoos, LGTBQ, 'the wall') can create/ contribute to the growing hate for groups purported by our current society. @damascus we've had the tattoo discussion
It would be like me posting BEWARE of 'blah, blah, blah' circa 1950's. IMHO-If you feel the need to judge- do it by the person-not the group. OH! BTW... Matthew 7

@heathertwin87 : I always keep boxes of raisins, you are not contributing to their habit but still showing human compassion. If they don't want them, you still did the right thing IMHO.

@Jillybean : I guess you've never heard of profiling? You don't have to admit it, but in the real world it happens. Being politically correct helps no one. For example I have yet to see an oil company executive with face tattoos. People judge, that's why they say first impressions count. I agree it may not be fair. The REAL world is not fair.
James 5:19-20

After several people tried to find some agency to help a young "homeless" man who panhandled at the same intersection in Austin, but only on weekends, the police investigated him. They sound that he owned a home and normally cleared about $1000 every weekend.

@Jillybean : Does your post begin with words in Hungarian? Then why don't you know how to spell "Hungary"?

@PHS1954 : Ever make a typo? Spell check, spell check? Forgive my ignorance

@MalluGuy : Doesn't mean we have to participate.
Anyway this obviously is a situation where you need the medal / win in life more than I do. So I'll just concede you are superior