I use them too. Though it's probably an Obamaphone he was using, I don't know. I have noticed that among the poorer folks phones are a huge status symbol.
Bob, none. They are fishing for money. I once came across a guy after I pulled out of McDonalds, near Christmas, I stopped and asked the guy if he wanted my value meal. He said, 'No thanks, I just ate'
Looking more closely he was wearing very nice new Nikes.
I've bumped into real cases though. My favorite, back in my wilder days, I was cruising around the hood drinking beer, came up to an intersection, rolled down my window and handed my empty to an old bum collecting cans! Recycling in action
Pete