This happens all to frequently these days. A lot of it is scams, junkies, alcoholics or just plain con men or women. Here in Central Oregon we have quite a few "homeless"people. or so they say. A lot use the same sign that they are Vets, I think they do this to garner sympathy for donations. Some aren't even old enough to serve anything but hamburgers.
The climate here isn't as nice as some places, it gets cold here at night even in the summer. My husband wonders why the homeless would want to be here.