Con men

anfield

In line with the post about the aggressive panhandler I remember a thread on here about a guy with a clip board soliciting money with a BS story about raising money for a basketball team/new court. Well, I met him the other night hustling away at 11pm! I was walking the dog over on 4th Ave when he approached me and started his spiel. I just laughed at him and walked away. Five minutes later as I retraced my steps he was laying it on thick to a couple of young women attempting to enter their building. I walked past but something made me turn back. He was being pretty forceful without being intimidating and I could tell they were weakening. I told them that his story is utter bullshit, actually mentioning this site to them, and told them they should just go in their door. He started to protest, but it worked and the women smiled knowingly and went in. He was pissed but just walked away muttering. He was a pretty big guy and I normally don't do that sort of thing, but I had the killer JRT with me who doesn't stand for that kind of shit! Also encountered the guy who "works for the Board of Ed whose car had been stolen". This was right by Bergen Bagel. I said that's too bad and pointed out the precinct across the street. He looked at me like I was insane and tried to make me look at his I.D. more closely. Again, a rueful smile and a shake of the head as I walk away, leaving him calling out to me like I'm the bad guy here!
I respect the unaggressive panhandler more, knowing full well if I give over money it will probably go towards booze or drugs, rather than these guys who could easily put their energies towards getting a decent job.

dan.h

very brave of you... im tired of these assholes.