Gas money scam

[carguy001]

This is getting old, went to Walmart the other night a a lady stopped me with this story about she ran out on of here dads rental properties in his vehicle but left here purse and phone in her car and needed a few buck to get home about 25 miles away. All the cash I had was a 5 so I gave it to her and she went on her way and I went into the store. She looked honest, well dressed, and panicked, so I helped her.

Fastforward to yesterday same thing happened but only at the gas station a guy ask for a few bucks for gas him and his grandpa were heading to Dayton,oh from Cincinnati, so before I could think my wife whipped out a 10 and I gave it to the guy. He walks over gets in the car with a old man and pull out and leave.

Anyone else experience this lately. Told the story at work and 2 guys had the same thing happen and they both gave 10 each.


These are some sorry SOB's that's he last time I am helping. Nothing but dirtbag scum!!!!!

 

[GA_Boater]

Re: Gas money scam

And she jumps in her Caddy and looks for the next fish. They ruin it for the truly needy. I used to manage a convenience store off an interstate and probably 2-3 times a week I was chasing them off or calling the cops. It's happening everywhere, don't feel bad and and don't feed the sharks.

 

[avenger79]

Re: Gas money scam

had it happen many times. they hope the people they approach are too nice to say no. last time was two weeks ago, a guy approached the house. we are out in the country, he tried to come in first, than knocked repeatedly, girlfriend was in the shower, he kept looking in windows etc. finally she came out and he asked for gas money. she did not give him any. I told her next time go out with a shot gun or the dog. I'm not too sure he wasn't looking for a spot to rob later. I would imagine 3 dogs barking may have detered that but who knows. He went to the neighbors and they gave him gas.

I'm not saying to shoot or allow the dog to bite him, just put the fear into him of coming back.

Florida was terrible, almost every time I filled up someone would ask if I had some extra gas to spare for them. Gas station didn't give me extra so I had no extra to spare for them. bad part was they almost always got gas or money from someone else while I was there.

 

[southkogs]

Re: Gas money scam

Where I live now is HIGHLY transient, and by the interstate exits we get a bunch of begging. I grew up in Detroit, and you learn to evaluate quickly in that kind of environment.

The mantra I've adopted now is "no cash." When they ask for gas, they get gas. When they ask for food, they get food. In most cases that helps weed out the needy from the greedy. I had a lady pull a similar type of stunt at the gas pumps, but this was to help get medicine for her nephew. She was really good, cryin' and the whole show. I told her I would be glad to talk to her pharmacy and pay for the boys medicine - just tell me which one to call. She hemmed and hawed about the money, still cryin' ... until the sheriff pulled into gas up. She vamoosed ... FAST.

 

[spyder9179]

Re: Gas money scam

We ran into this a lot when I was in management with Wally-world. Same woman every night, or every other, asking customers for cash for gas. She would then get in her car, circle the lot a few times, and try someone else. Calling the cops usually bought us a week or so reprieve, then she would show up again.

 

[chriscraft254]

Re: Gas money scam

This scam is nothing new, they know how to prey on peoples heart strings. Years ago, when I lived in Connecticut and commuted to new York, there was a lady that was on the same train everyday with the same story of trying to get home to her kids, stolen purse etc. Every day I saw the same people give her money just so she would go away.

Around here they are common place at every gas station. I offer to buy them gas or food but never give them money. If I'm in a bad mood, I ask them if they have ten dollars I can have so I can give them five. They always give me a confused look. Most of them probably make more money than I do.

There was a ring here busted not to long ago where one guy was basically pimping out guys all around town to collect. He would drive guys to different locations all day and nite. You would see the same guy in 4 different areas of town in one day. Don't give these people your money!!! Ever!!!

 

[southkogs]

Re: Gas money scam

I can't find the specific story I'm thinking of ... but several stories have been written on what some of these beggars/panhandlers/hustlers bring in during a year. And for some it's $60k or better. The specific story I can't find is on a guy who actually commutes via airline to panhandle in New York.

There are great ways to help people who both want and need help (our rescue mission here in Nashville is fantastic, but there are other outlets too). Handing out cash in the parking lot is usually counter productive.

 

[sphelps]

Re: Gas money scam

I sometimes fork out a buck or two just trying to be nice but I had a guy a while back ask for some money for food . We were standing about 2 blocks down the road from our local mission . You could actually see the sign from where we were standing ! I just shook my head and pointed to the sign and said they will feed ya .. He just gave me a big grin and kept walking the other direction ..

 

[glenn property of pam]

Re: Gas money scam

I had one a few months back. I was trying to load the shopping in the truck with my daughter and her friend and a lady asked for money for gas. I carried on what I was doing but explained that I no longer carried cash as I use debit so im sorry but I couldn't help her. Next minute shes on about how spoiled my kids are and how much shopping we have and the just the fact that she is black which is why I will not help her so shes calling her husband. Then she starts shouting across the car park to a big big guy screaming this guy thinks he special and hates blacks. The guy comes running so I open the dash and said let me see if theres any cash in the car. Once she see's the holster in the glove box she starts screaming gun and the funny thing was watching the guy turn tail and run like hell leaving her standing there. She was to big to run so I closed the dash and said " sorry I have no cash in the truck" and she walked off. A employee came over and said they had called the police to get them to move but I wondered how many people were intimidated into giving them money earlier in the day. In florida it seems the norm for the woman to do the approach with a guy behind them to intimidated if you say no and its all colors and types of people doing it. Being seen as a tourist (british accent) makes me a target but after 12 years here im kinda use to how the game is played.

 

[roscoe]

Re: Gas money scam

Where do you guys live?

Haven't had anyone ask me for gas/cash in 25 years.
Maybe I just look poor. Or grumpy. Or like I'm packing.

Even when I worked in the big city, near the amtrac and greyhound station, it was rare.

I did buy a couple guys breakfast at a diner a few times, but never gave any cash.

 

[avenger79]

Re: Gas money scam

Roscoe I live right down the road from you....that's where the guy had the cajones to come to the house.

Florida was just unreal. I did feel sorry for one fella. (sort of) my son was down for a visit, young 20's, full of P & V, guy came up to us as we were leaving an establishment on our way to the beach. son was excited to check out local talent at said beach. LOL guy comes up and asks, son doesn't miss a beat and says "all I have today is free azz whippings and you're about to get one" Guy got a blank stare before realizing son was probably not kidding. My son was a very talented wrestler in high school and not afraid to follow through. I told him it wasn't worth it but that didn't matter guy was gone fast. whimpering and all about how we should feel sorry for him.

It was actually funny, I have no sympathy for them at all. they're a nuisance at best.

 

[carguy001]

Re: Gas money scam

I live north east of Cincinnati, only time asked for money was when we went down town for ball games. There was other time I was with my step dad and we got off the exit downtown and owns his own construction company, a guy approached us with a sign and a cup wanting money. My step dad told him I got a job for you to tear off 18 sq of roofing shingles get that done and I will give you 150.00. The guy walked away.

 

[southkogs]

Re: Gas money scam

Where do you guys live?

In my case it doesn't really happen by the house, but our city is right on I-24 - the main line down to Atlanta. We get a LOT of transients, especially during the colder times of year.

 

[Volphin]

Re: Gas money scam

We get a lot of these types in my area too. The reason is, IMHO, there is an entire industry of "nonprofits" set up to support them. Nothing like a little handout to make them come to your town in droves. Just ask Seattle.

 

[82rude]

Re: Gas money scam

UP here in CANADA also!same two guys have been stranded and heading out west for 2 years,lol.this pin head chick has been trolling for money for her starving 100 lb. dog ,she usually gets chased away or arrested at least once or twice a year,yet I still see people giving her money.unfortunately you cant force her into the nut house where she belongs to get help.

 

[KD4UPL]

Re: Gas money scam

One time, while walking in a parking lot, a car pulled up and the driver asked for gas money. I could look right in to his dashboard and see the gas gauge. It was between 1/2 and full. He got no money.
Once I was traveling by train and had a layover in Chicago. I was carrying very little money but I had some snacks. A guy outside the train station asked for money because he was hungry. I offered him some of my snacks. He got pissed and said "Is that all you've got?!"

 

[roscoe]

Re: Gas money scam

Well, thank god for cold, snow, and ice.
It seems to keep the riff raff away.

Moving to small town America seems to have helped, too.

The subject of the day on TMJ was the panhandlers setting up shop on freeway onramps and major intersections in Milwaukee.
Glad I don't live there anymore, cause I'd lose it and run them down, end up paying for it the rest of my life.

My ex is probably begging on the corner out in Colorado Springs, but at least she will only ask for food for her dog and a cig for herself.

 

[JB]

Re: Gas money scam

I first experienced this about 1980 in Ft. Lauderdale. I got the impression it had been around for years.

 

[angus63]

Re: Gas money scam

Years back a childhood friend moved to San Fran. I was on a merchant ship in Long Beach CA and went to stay with him for two weeks. He lived in the Haight Ashbury district. I would be confident saying there are/were more panhandlers per sq ft in that neighborhood than anywhere on earth. It was the number one "profession" for the town. It was impossible to get about town without being solicited every 30 seconds. It was so bad you would walk blocks out of your way to avoid certain areas. Not sure what it is like now, but it was out of control and truly affected the quality of life. That being said, I always try to offer to provide food and transportation to the closest shelter to all children and adults I encounter in obvious need.

 

[southkogs]

Re: Gas money scam

... The reason is, IMHO, there is an entire industry of "nonprofits" set up to support them. Nothing like a little handout to make them come to your town in droves. Just ask Seattle.

... as an aside on this: We've got a couple of small ones here in my town, and Nashville has an EXCELLENT mission downtown. If the transients would use 'em, I think our situation would be different. The reason they don't (here anyway) is because all of the groups I'm mentioning here REQUIRE the people to begin working, drying out, and all-around getting themselves put together. I don't wanna' knock all of the charities.