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Panhandling 101
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In 2005, comedian Keith Jensen started panhandling with cardboard signs near highway off ramps, sometimes wearing costumes (including a banana suit and a mummy with "Please Help God Bless" written in hieroglyphics), as well as online and telephone begging. Much of that time a film crew followed him and the indy documentary Why Lie? I Need a Drink premiered March 2008 in Sacramento, California.
Jensen's panhandling usually made more than minimum wage. Fourth of July 2005, he cleared $14.50 an hour wearing an Uncle Sam costume with the sign pictured.
He began performance art panhandling to explore the urban legend of the affluent beggar driving his nearby Lexus to a nice home. His experience led to concluding the story unlikely.
A few professional panhandlers have moderate success. Recently exposed was a "homeless" young woman in Utah, estimated making $50 an hour before returning to her family home a few blocks away.
Hoaxster Alan Abel also highlighted this legend from 1975-1989, portraying Omar the Beggar on the talk show circuit, promoting his nonexistent School for Beggars and Panhandler's Handbook.
Panhandling scams more likely involve misrepresenting status (as a veteran or stranded motorist), dramatizing circumstances (losing everything in a fire dates back centuries) or the donation's ultimate use. (The popular "Why lie?" sign is a notable exception.)
The lesson: It's probably best to donate to a homeless shelter or soup kitchen, but giving panhandlers a few bucks now and then is not usually buying a Lexus or paying a mortgage.
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