Bizarre News
Panhandlers Inc. - Rise of grifter class masquerading as homeless
By M&C Bizarre Apr 26, 2008, 20:51 GMT
Whether it's a sign of the times, or a continuance of an ages-old grifter angle, the rise of fraudulent beggars on freeway corners, busy streets and loitering by stores and mall entrances is on the rise.
One intrepid reporter for Utah's KUTV-TV went undercover He reports that in any given day, "Megan can be found stepping out the side door, sometimes to walk the dog or maybe to talk on the phone."
Other cities are plagued by roving grifters posing as homeless, or stranded in pathetic poses that are meant to elicit sympathy, especially when children are included in the scams.
Police urge people to give to known charities that help the truly indigent. These able-bodied scammers trick is to catch you in transit, before you can think out the reasons or figure out their game, playing on your knee-jerk sympathies to reach for your wallet.
