Did he think I looked wealthy?

My experience has been that these individuals usually have mental health issues, and therefore, have no shame or sense about them as to where or whom they ask money from.

You have a point there. I would have said the same as you ….id no cash.

It’s hard to tell an honest person from a con that asks these things,

Maybe he wasn't having any luck at the gas stations so decided to try his luck anywhere he saw people. If he really needed gas money, why was he wasting gas driving around? He should have been walking trying to cadge money off of people. (Face it, if you can buy groceries, you have to have some money nowadays.)

Perhaps he thought you looked kind.

He's maybe trying his luck on you. There are just people who do not hesitate to ask as if we have tons of fortune.

That was quite an encounter—and I understand your mixed feelings about it. On one hand, it’s sad when someone is in such a tough situation that they’re asking strangers for help. On the other, your questions make perfect sense. If he truly needed gas, a gas station would have been the more logical place to seek assistance. It’s also very natural to feel singled out, especially when you wonder why he approached you specifically. Maybe he thought you looked approachable, or perhaps he was simply asking anyone he crossed paths with. Either way, you handled it honestly and kindly by explaining you had no cash. We can’t always know the full story behind these encounters, but staying cautious while still being compassionate is often the wisest balance.

I’ve had people ask me for money, but I always assume they’re hitting up almost everybody.

He probably was hanging out where he thought he could get some money.

I never give money

There are people like this that just do it for the cash. We ran into a guy in front of Red Lobster that wanted money for gas. Chumps that we are, we gave him $5.

Good point, if he really needed gas money, a station would make more sense. You handled it perfectly.

I always say the same, that I have no cash. I usually do have a small amount, but...just can't. They hit on anyone and everyone anymore.

these days you can't trust any 1, no matter what they say, B-4 you know it you could have been kidnapped within just a few seconds, B-careful.

I think because you were THERE is why he asked you. I don’t trust anyone begging money. Call me jaded, but I just don’t. There was someone sitting in front of the Aldi store this afternoon with a cardboard sign. I thought if we had money to spare we wouldn’t be in an Aldi’s on that side of town.

Those people stop everyone and what they say is usually an excuse to have some money.

I had been taken by surprise at such requests and try yo make out whether they were genuine. Once I handed over some cash and he said it was not enough but I told him he could approach some others too for the balance