Trying to outwit a panhandler is really stupid. Such a situation isn't hacker news, trying to look smarter than everyone else isn't going to win you any points.

Trying to outwit a panhandler is really stupid. Such a situation isn't hacker news, trying to look smarter than everyone else isn't going to win you any points. They either will ask for money again, if you're lucky, or if you're not, get angry and then you're in a confrontation with somebody who has a lot less to lose in a fight than you. I would recommend against anyone doing this. The best thing to do is keep your mouth shut and walk away.