Question is MUCH too broad in scope. If you are just asking your Uncle Louie to lend you 10 bucks next week, no it isn't. But if the request is part of a criminal scheme, yes, it is.
Such as begging? No. If you did a service and want to be paid for that service asking for money is not only socially acceptable but legal as well. However asking for payment for giving a sexual favor...
Yes it is illegal. Someone could be totally infected by it* or a robber could see you asking 4 money and figure out how to steal your new mullah* * H1N1 or smallpox or some virus**I ain't no robber...