'Producer Joe' Uses 'Liar' Sign To Bust Phony Homeless Vet

[Richard]

I like the way this guy thinks. :cool:

Richard

'Producer Joe' Uses 'Liar' Sign To Bust Phony Michigan Homeless Vet, Then Does Something Amazing
HuffPo, 19 July 2013

A bogus homeless veteran has been run out of his moneymaking corner, thanks to a justice-seeking producer.

Since panhandling was declared a “constitutional right” last summer, a number of Michigan suburbs have become overrun with people begging for money and one local news station was determined to find out which, if any, are truly struggling in life.

So, WZZM13 reporters hit the streets and uncovered a number of phonies who have been telling flat-out lies, in order persuade generous passersby to give them donations.

One such faker is Rudy, a middle-aged man who holds a sign that reads “homeless vet,” but he never actually served, he admitted to the news outlet. When asked if he feels guilty about fooling donors and then spending his cash on liquor, he said he has a clear conscience.

“You got to make money somehow,” Rudy told WZZM. “It's better than robbing people and doing drugs as far as I'm concerned."

But when WGRD caught wind of the scandal, the radio producers there weren’t satisfied with the simple PSA the news outlet had aired. They decided to take matters into their own hands and force the con artist out of his corner.

Producer Joe joined Rudy at his busy intersection with a cardboard sign that read “LIAR” in big blocky red and yellow letters with an arrow pointing in the vet’s direction.

Rudy bolted from his corner once he spotted Joe (and even tried momentarily to get the police on his side), but soon after just rode off on his nice-looking mountain bike.

But Joe didn't stop there.

He set up his own fundraising mission at Rudy’s former stomping grounds the following day and collected $1,085 for Grand Rapids Home for Veterans, a home for vets that sits on 90 acres of land. The station pitched in too, bringing the total to $2,170.

We salute you, Joe.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/07/19/rudy-fake-homeless-vet_n_3623991.html?show_comment_id=270840704#comme nt_270840704

[Team Sergeant]

Yeah, I don't give to "Homeless Vets". We have our share here in the Phoenix area. IMO there are too many scam artists out there and many charities that offer to assist.

[Pete]

Getting to be lots of them around Fayetteville.

Three to Four just around the Mall.

[98G]

I ask what unit they served in and where. I would say 9 out of 10 just look blank and sometimes a 40 something will answer 'Nam. Right. At least everyone behind me hears it and keeps walking.

If someone can name a unit and a place that matches, I offer to help them get to veteran services. Not the kind of help sought. :(

[cbtengr]

Doesn't the government regard a homeless person as anyone who does not own a home? I will not give ten cents to any of these people, especially the ones with the fast food bags at their feet and smoking a cigarette. They seem to have a problem with my telling them that if they can afford to smoke they sure as hell do not need my money. I make it a point not to engage them but if they engage me, it's open season regarding my concern for their situation. I am with the TS in that there are plenty of charities out there that are willing to assist. I work for a living.

[twistedsquid]

I don't give anything to anybody panhandling. Here in Colorado we have syndicates operating on just about every corner. The have fake oxygen tanks and such. They use dogs to curry sympathy. But if you look closely you'll see a backpack next to them with sandwiches and water for their all day affair. It amazes me that they have the constitution to stand in the sun for hours but won't pick up a tool and man a ditch. Street musicians and artists get a pass. They produce something.

[alelks]

Had a young guy come into my store last week asking one of my employees for $8 so he could get back home because his wife was in labor in the hospital in another town.

The conversation went something like this when I got involved.

Me: "I have a problem with people asking for money like this and I've heard them all. If I call the hospital she is in is she going to be there because I WILL call"?

Kid: Oh, she's not in the hospital, she's on her way to the hospital.

Me: "Well you just told my employee she was in the hospital. I'm not interested. Have a nice day."

[Ewok]

My very young (early 20's), blonde, attractive, extremely sweet but very naive cousin was approached by a man as she was leaving a gas station just last week, who asked for change because he was hitchhiking to the other side of the state. She gave him all the pocket change she had, then went to her car, got cash and took that to him as well. She posted this all on Facebook as a reminder to help people in need. I was appalled at the number of people (her parents included) who were praising her selfless actions. Call me bitter and cynical but I'm very happy he was probably just a tweeker looking to score some money.