Author Topic: Scam Artist?  (Read 3101 times)

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Offline Tick

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Scam Artist?
« on: April 20, 2018, 12:03:42 PM »
So I'm sitting at my desk when some guy pulls in to my parking lot and is in my store within seconds.

I start with... hey how are you, what can I do for you?

"I have a problem. Is the boss around?"

I said no its not at the moment.

"Then are you in charge?"

Well yes, I'm the store manager whats going on?

"I own a Supercuts in North Haven and you did work there a few years ago and I'm in a real bind."

Then it gets interesting...

"I just got a call from my wife (becomes emotional) My mother in law just had her second heart attack. (tears now flowing) and she is in Hartford hospital. My wife is on her way there and I don't have enough gas to get there. (Oscar winning crying) If you can manage 15 to 20 dollars for gas I will not only pay you back I'll hook you up with a 150 credit at my Supercuts location. I'm really in a bad spot!"

I said I'm really sorry, I don't carry any cash most of the time and all I have in a couple dollars.

"Anything you can do would help"

I'm sorry, I just don't have it. I wish you the best.

At that point its like the emotions got shut off and out the door he went into his car. I was like WTF! It really rattled me because early on in the conversation I felt so bad and in the end I wanted to say, sorry dude, I don't believe you. Great performance bro. But I did not in the 1% chance he was telling the truth.

Yup. Tick is dead on.  She's not your type.  Move on.   Tick is Obi Wan Kenobi


Online El Barto

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Re: Scam Artist?
« Reply #1 on: April 20, 2018, 12:11:22 PM »

Quote
"I own a Supercuts in North Haven and you did work there a few years ago and I'm in a real bind."

A red flag if ever I saw one. He's in a bind so he seeks out a guy that laid some tile for him years ago? And used gas driving to him?


And for a second there I thought you were going to say he tried to sell you some stereo equipment. Hugely disappointed. That's something I'm highly familiar with.
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Offline Tick

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Re: Scam Artist?
« Reply #2 on: April 20, 2018, 12:19:47 PM »

Quote
"I own a Supercuts in North Haven and you did work there a few years ago and I'm in a real bind."

A red flag if ever I saw one. He's in a bind so he seeks out a guy that laid some tile for him years ago? And used gas driving to him?


And for a second there I thought you were going to say he tried to sell you some stereo equipment. Hugely disappointed. That's something I'm highly familiar with.
No doubt, but his performance for real good until red flags did start to pop up. After he left I was sitting at my desk thinking, are you fucking kidding me?
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Offline Stadler

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Re: Scam Artist?
« Reply #3 on: April 20, 2018, 12:21:29 PM »
I had a similar scenario to yours, Tick, outside a Marillion show back in '89.   We went to New Haven, and a kid came up with the sob story, needing "anything we can spare" for gas... my buddy gave him $10.  We come out of the show about 3, 4 hours later, and the same guy walks up with the same story.  I thought my friend was going to take back his $10 in spleen he was so pissed off.   

I for one hate those scenarios.  There are too many ways to make it "not a scam".  I learned this in Philly; it got to the point that when  someone would say "Hey can I have a couple dollars for food?"  I'd say "I'll bring you a sandwich; what do you like?"   More than half the time they would demur or ask again for the cash so that "I wasn't put out".   Once, outside a Dunkin Donuts, I said "what kind of donut do you like, and how do you like your coffee?" and the dude said "I've already had four donuts today".   Wha?   Then again, I tell the story of the homeless guy I gave my Wa-wa breakfast sandwich to and he handed it back and said "I wouldn't eat that shit, and neither should you!"  He was legit though; he was always at the same place, in his wheelchair with his buddies, and a couple cops I knew well knew of him and knew his history.  I compare that to the two people - husband and wife - that would panhandle off one of the exits on 95 and she would show up with manicured nails, and he showed up one time wearing a $200 embroidered Flyers jersey.  Supposedly, though, you can make decent bank panhandling; up to $400 or $500 a day in the right spot. 

Offline Tick

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Re: Scam Artist?
« Reply #4 on: April 20, 2018, 12:36:40 PM »
I had a similar scenario to yours, Tick, outside a Marillion show back in '89.   We went to New Haven, and a kid came up with the sob story, needing "anything we can spare" for gas... my buddy gave him $10.  We come out of the show about 3, 4 hours later, and the same guy walks up with the same story.  I thought my friend was going to take back his $10 in spleen he was so pissed off.   

I for one hate those scenarios.  There are too many ways to make it "not a scam".  I learned this in Philly; it got to the point that when  someone would say "Hey can I have a couple dollars for food?"  I'd say "I'll bring you a sandwich; what do you like?"   More than half the time they would demur or ask again for the cash so that "I wasn't put out".   Once, outside a Dunkin Donuts, I said "what kind of donut do you like, and how do you like your coffee?" and the dude said "I've already had four donuts today".   Wha?   Then again, I tell the story of the homeless guy I gave my Wa-wa breakfast sandwich to and he handed it back and said "I wouldn't eat that shit, and neither should you!"  He was legit though; he was always at the same place, in his wheelchair with his buddies, and a couple cops I knew well knew of him and knew his history.  I compare that to the two people - husband and wife - that would panhandle off one of the exits on 95 and she would show up with manicured nails, and he showed up one time wearing a $200 embroidered Flyers jersey.  Supposedly, though, you can make decent bank panhandling; up to $400 or $500 a day in the right spot.
My home town of Milford has a problem with pan handlers and I'm in a group on Facebook about Milford. Recently someone posted this picture and the comments were quite interesting to say the least.

I was thinking... Really? I need a propaganda poster to tell me how I should respond to pan handlers? As if this is the text book way. If you want to give to someone, give with your heart. Otherwise you owe them no response at all.
Yup. Tick is dead on.  She's not your type.  Move on.   Tick is Obi Wan Kenobi


Online El Barto

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Re: Scam Artist?
« Reply #5 on: April 20, 2018, 12:42:00 PM »
There was a husband/wife tagteam of bums at an intersection near a friend's house. They'd occasionally get into fights and battle it out with their cardboard signs.
"DON'T GIVE THE SLUT ON THE OTHER CORNER MONEY. SHE'LL SPEND IT ON DRUGS" 
"I NEED MONEY TO GET AWAY FROM THE WIFEBEATER ACROSS THE STREET--GOD BLESS."
 :lol

Twice I've given bums food. One was so appreciative he remembered me for years. On seemed pretty annoyed by it.
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Offline YtseBitsySpider

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Re: Scam Artist?
« Reply #6 on: April 20, 2018, 12:44:25 PM »
seen that exact story from a woman outside of a casino. Best part, she needed the money for gas (it was winter here) and her car was "idling"?

Really. Need gas so bad you can have your car sit there and run to keep it warm.

Please let me know where to send my money to your Nigerian cousin the Prince.
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Online El Barto

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Re: Scam Artist?
« Reply #7 on: April 20, 2018, 12:45:37 PM »
I was thinking... Really? I need a propaganda poster to tell me how I should respond to pan handlers? As if this is the text book way. If you want to give to someone, give with your heart. Otherwise you owe them no response at all.
The point I took away from it wasn't that you owed them a response, but simply not to be a dick about it. Admittedly I'm guilty of this, as well, but it's a shame we need propaganda to tell people to be civil to each other.
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Offline Tick

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Re: Scam Artist?
« Reply #8 on: April 20, 2018, 12:46:56 PM »
There was a husband/wife tagteam of bums at an intersection near a friend's house. They'd occasionally get into fights and battle it out with their cardboard signs.
"DON'T GIVE THE SLUT ON THE OTHER CORNER MONEY. SHE'LL SPEND IT ON DRUGS" 
"I NEED MONEY TO GET AWAY FROM THE WIFEBEATER ACROSS THE STREET--GOD BLESS."
 :lol

Twice I've given bums food. One was so appreciative he remembered me for years. On seemed pretty annoyed by it.
Wow! Almost entertaining enough to donate a couple bucks! Almost...

I used to volunteer at a church cooking for the homeless. They would come to church for the breakfast. Most really appreciated it. Some rummaged around the building trying to steal whatever they could.
Yup. Tick is dead on.  She's not your type.  Move on.   Tick is Obi Wan Kenobi


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Re: Scam Artist?
« Reply #9 on: April 20, 2018, 12:47:33 PM »
I walk one block from my office to the train station in downtown Chicago.  In that one block, I pass by about 8-10 panhandlers, who all hang out where thousands of commuters will pass by them daily.  Some are scraggly looking and obviously poor, and some aren't.  I ignore every single one.  I've worked downtown for over 7 years now - if I gave $1 to each panhandler I saw, every day, for seven years, I would have spent over $1,800. 

The ones that make me the most angry have their kids with them to try and get people's sympathy.  I'm too jaded and really don't trust strangers, so if anyone told me that same story, I'd have declined to give them money too.

Offline Stadler

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Re: Scam Artist?
« Reply #10 on: April 20, 2018, 12:49:18 PM »
I had a similar scenario to yours, Tick, outside a Marillion show back in '89.   We went to New Haven, and a kid came up with the sob story, needing "anything we can spare" for gas... my buddy gave him $10.  We come out of the show about 3, 4 hours later, and the same guy walks up with the same story.  I thought my friend was going to take back his $10 in spleen he was so pissed off.   

I for one hate those scenarios.  There are too many ways to make it "not a scam".  I learned this in Philly; it got to the point that when  someone would say "Hey can I have a couple dollars for food?"  I'd say "I'll bring you a sandwich; what do you like?"   More than half the time they would demur or ask again for the cash so that "I wasn't put out".   Once, outside a Dunkin Donuts, I said "what kind of donut do you like, and how do you like your coffee?" and the dude said "I've already had four donuts today".   Wha?   Then again, I tell the story of the homeless guy I gave my Wa-wa breakfast sandwich to and he handed it back and said "I wouldn't eat that shit, and neither should you!"  He was legit though; he was always at the same place, in his wheelchair with his buddies, and a couple cops I knew well knew of him and knew his history.  I compare that to the two people - husband and wife - that would panhandle off one of the exits on 95 and she would show up with manicured nails, and he showed up one time wearing a $200 embroidered Flyers jersey.  Supposedly, though, you can make decent bank panhandling; up to $400 or $500 a day in the right spot.
My home town of Milford has a problem with pan handlers and I'm in a group on Facebook about Milford. Recently someone posted this picture and the comments were quite interesting to say the least.

I was thinking... Really? I need a propaganda poster to tell me how I should respond to pan handlers? As if this is the text book way. If you want to give to someone, give with your heart. Otherwise you owe them no response at all.

See, that poster pisses me off, actually.   It's not about "rights".  There isn't one actual "right" being questioned here, unless you're contemplating rolling them for their change cup.   I don't have a right to be free of questions when I'm on the sidewalk, and they don't have a right to any portion of my income.  Neither of us have a right to polite conversation.   If I ask someone for directions, they are perfectly within their "rights" to tell me to suck their cock, metaphorically speaking of course.    I don't see why that is any different with a "financially poor" "fellow human" (love the "framing").    Having said that, my conscience - which is mine and mine alone, and governs not one other person - demands that I be at least civil to people that ask me for help. "Civil" does not mean "enabling" or "financially generous". 

Online Adami

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Re: Scam Artist?
« Reply #11 on: April 20, 2018, 12:52:29 PM »
Who said anything about rights?

It's about common decency. Just because we can't legally dictate courtesy (good thing) doesn't mean we can't spread messages about it.

Do you get pissed off at "love your neighbor" too?
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Offline Stadler

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Re: Scam Artist?
« Reply #12 on: April 20, 2018, 12:54:31 PM »
Like I said above; there are so many ways of making that "not" a scam... go to the gas station, ask the guy behind the counter to fill your tank, and leave your cellphone.  Or your driver's license.  Or your CD collection from your car. SOMETHING to make it legit.   

Offline Tick

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Re: Scam Artist?
« Reply #13 on: April 20, 2018, 12:54:35 PM »
Who said anything about rights?

It's about common decency. Just because we can't legally dictate courtesy (good thing) doesn't mean we can't spread messages about it.

Do you get pissed off at "love your neighbor" too?
Only if I'm given instructions on how to. ::)
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Offline Stadler

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Re: Scam Artist?
« Reply #14 on: April 20, 2018, 12:57:09 PM »
Who said anything about rights?

It's about common decency. Just because we can't legally dictate courtesy (good thing) doesn't mean we can't spread messages about it.

Do you get pissed off at "love your neighbor" too?

Read the poster.  The paragraph in the lower left corner.   It doesn't talk about "common decency".  It specifically says "they" have the same rights as "we" do.     Did you read the rest of my post?  I'm actually very polite in that regard.  I will literally talk to anyone at any time, and I'm more than willing to help where help is what's really needed. 

And if you saw my neighbor you'd know the answer to that question.  ;)

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Re: Scam Artist?
« Reply #15 on: April 20, 2018, 01:01:34 PM »
Meh. So I didn't read the bottom left of the poster. SUE ME



Wait....shouldn't say that to a lawyer....
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Offline Tick

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Re: Scam Artist?
« Reply #16 on: April 20, 2018, 01:03:18 PM »
Who said anything about rights?

It's about common decency. Just because we can't legally dictate courtesy (good thing) doesn't mean we can't spread messages about it.

Do you get pissed off at "love your neighbor" too?

Read the poster.  The paragraph in the lower left corner.   It doesn't talk about "common decency".  It specifically says "they" have the same rights as "we" do.     Did you read the rest of my post?  I'm actually very polite in that regard.  I will literally talk to anyone at any time, and I'm more than willing to help where help is what's really needed. 

And if you saw my neighbor you'd know the answer to that question.  ;)
Stadler, I with you on this. "Make eye contact" "Smile" " Have compassion" Thanks, I'll keep that in mind in the future.  ::)
That poster is insulting to me. To "ME". Everyone else can take whatever message they want from it... There are so many things annoying about that poster.
But I'm just a crusty old curmudgeon
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Online El Barto

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Re: Scam Artist?
« Reply #17 on: April 20, 2018, 01:09:26 PM »
I believe the right to be treated as a human being actually is a thing.

Honestly, I have no problem with people not wanting to engage them. Arguing about how insulting it is for someone to suggest some basic human decency is kind of scary, though.
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Offline Cool Chris

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Re: Scam Artist?
« Reply #18 on: April 20, 2018, 01:14:47 PM »
Sorry to carry over from another thread but "Some cities are making it illegal... to sit on sidewalks." This is why vagrants are flocking to places like Seattle, where you can build your own fort on a city sidewalk.

https://www.kiro7.com/news/local/seattle-homeless-tent-mansion-low-priority-for-city-cleanup/727621918

If you have the mentality of the woman quoted in this article and decide to live by your own laws and that the laws of others don't apply to you, I am not sure you deserve much respect. 
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Offline Stadler

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Re: Scam Artist?
« Reply #19 on: April 20, 2018, 01:48:12 PM »
Meh. So I didn't read the bottom left of the poster. SUE ME



Wait....shouldn't say that to a lawyer....

Soon as  I'm done suing Russia, the DNC (for foisting Hillary on us in 2016), and Dream Theater (for The Astonishing), you're next buddy!

Offline Stadler

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Re: Scam Artist?
« Reply #20 on: April 20, 2018, 01:50:36 PM »
I believe the right to be treated as a human being actually is a thing.

Honestly, I have no problem with people not wanting to engage them. Arguing about how insulting it is for someone to suggest some basic human decency is kind of scary, though.

Eh, if that's what they were doing, I'd be fine with it, but I don't think that's it.  As I said before, the underlying sentiment isn't' the issue as I tend to do that anyway.   It's the bully aspect of it, making ME the bad guy, as if I'm denying them constitutional rights by not flipping them change with enough gusto. 

I can remember being in Philly, in line at the package store, and the guy in front of me was buying a fifth of vodka, and he had nothing but a couple of ones and some change.  And he proceeded to count out the $15 or whatever it was quarter by quarter, and I motioned to the girl to put it on mine.  Dude looked like I gave him the keys to my car.   To me, that's compassion, at least a modicum of it, not that flyer. 

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Re: Scam Artist?
« Reply #21 on: April 20, 2018, 01:51:35 PM »
Meh. So I didn't read the bottom left of the poster. SUE ME



Wait....shouldn't say that to a lawyer....

Soon as  I'm done suing Russia, the DNC (for foisting Hillary on us in 2016), and Dream Theater (for The Astonishing), you're next buddy!

Funnily enough I just formed a legal coalition with Russia, the DNC, Dream Theater and the estate of John Locke (I assume you'd get around to that for the whole social contract thing). Plenty of Jews between us which means....legally.....you don't stand a chance.
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Online Adami

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Re: Scam Artist?
« Reply #22 on: April 20, 2018, 01:52:49 PM »
I believe the right to be treated as a human being actually is a thing.

Honestly, I have no problem with people not wanting to engage them. Arguing about how insulting it is for someone to suggest some basic human decency is kind of scary, though.

Eh, if that's what they were doing, I'd be fine with it, but I don't think that's it.  As I said before, the underlying sentiment isn't' the issue as I tend to do that anyway.   It's the bully aspect of it, making ME the bad guy, as if I'm denying them constitutional rights by not flipping them enough change.

It does no such thing. Half the examples they give involve not giving any money.
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Offline bosk1

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Re: Scam Artist?
« Reply #23 on: April 20, 2018, 02:02:26 PM »
Twice I've given bums food. One was so appreciative he remembered me for years. On seemed pretty annoyed by it.

Yeah, once when I was working for a week in NYC in the late '90s, I had a guy ask me for money when a group of us were walking back from Carnegie Deli after lunch.  I didn't have money, but offered him the half turkey sandwhich I had in a bag that I hadn't touched (and if you know Carnegie Deli, that half a sandwich probably had about a full pound of turkey in it).  Dude's eyes lit up, and he shook my hand for what felt like half a minute, thanking me profusely the whole time.  That made me feel good about giving.  Not because he thanked me, but because it was clear he was just a guy needing help, and not someone out to scam someone, and I was able to supply a need.
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Offline bosk1

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Re: Scam Artist?
« Reply #24 on: April 20, 2018, 02:03:08 PM »
Meh. So I didn't read the bottom left of the poster. SUE ME



Wait....shouldn't say that to a lawyer....

Soon as  I'm done suing Russia, the DNC (for foisting Hillary on us in 2016), and Dream Theater (for The Astonishing), you're next buddy!

Funnily enough I just formed a legal coalition with Russia, the DNC, Dream Theater and the estate of John Locke (I assume you'd get around to that for the whole social contract thing). Plenty of Jews between us which means....legally.....you don't stand a chance.

Stadler, I'd like to offer my services as your attorney, and would like to advise you to immediately seek settlement.
"The Supreme Court of the United States has descended from the disciplined legal reasoning of John Marshall and Joseph Story to the mystical aphorisms of the fortune cookie."

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Re: Scam Artist?
« Reply #25 on: April 20, 2018, 02:17:56 PM »
I believe the right to be treated as a human being actually is a thing.

Honestly, I have no problem with people not wanting to engage them. Arguing about how insulting it is for someone to suggest some basic human decency is kind of scary, though.

Eh, if that's what they were doing, I'd be fine with it, but I don't think that's it.  As I said before, the underlying sentiment isn't' the issue as I tend to do that anyway.   It's the bully aspect of it, making ME the bad guy, as if I'm denying them constitutional rights by not flipping them change with enough gusto. 
It's fascinating to me that we both see the same picture and iterpret it so differently based on our own mindsets. I see a reminder to try and be civil to people, and you see emotional bullying. I really just don't see that.
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Online Adami

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Re: Scam Artist?
« Reply #26 on: April 20, 2018, 02:56:20 PM »
Meh. So I didn't read the bottom left of the poster. SUE ME



Wait....shouldn't say that to a lawyer....

Soon as  I'm done suing Russia, the DNC (for foisting Hillary on us in 2016), and Dream Theater (for The Astonishing), you're next buddy!

Funnily enough I just formed a legal coalition with Russia, the DNC, Dream Theater and the estate of John Locke (I assume you'd get around to that for the whole social contract thing). Plenty of Jews between us which means....legally.....you don't stand a chance.

Stadler, I'd like to offer my services as your attorney, and would like to advise you to immediately seek settlement.


Smart idea. I’m Israeli, we’re all about settlements.
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Offline Tick

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Re: Scam Artist?
« Reply #27 on: April 21, 2018, 09:32:52 AM »

Quote
"I own a Supercuts in North Haven and you did work there a few years ago and I'm in a real bind."

A red flag if ever I saw one. He's in a bind so he seeks out a guy that laid some tile for him years ago? And used gas driving to him?
Upon further reflection I think the biggest red flag was the fact he said he "owned" a Supercuts yet hasn't a dollar in his pocket or any credit card in his wallet he can use to get gas? A business owner driving a car on empty? I mean seriously? He had the acting done but the storyboard needs a lot of work.
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Offline cramx3

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Re: Scam Artist?
« Reply #28 on: April 26, 2018, 11:38:31 AM »
I believe the right to be treated as a human being actually is a thing.

Honestly, I have no problem with people not wanting to engage them. Arguing about how insulting it is for someone to suggest some basic human decency is kind of scary, though.

Eh, if that's what they were doing, I'd be fine with it, but I don't think that's it.  As I said before, the underlying sentiment isn't' the issue as I tend to do that anyway.   It's the bully aspect of it, making ME the bad guy, as if I'm denying them constitutional rights by not flipping them change with enough gusto. 
It's fascinating to me that we both see the same picture and iterpret it so differently based on our own mindsets. I see a reminder to try and be civil to people, and you see emotional bullying. I really just don't see that.

I just read that poster for the first time and saw the "make eye contact" and was immediately confused as that's exactly what I don't want to do.  Then reading the rest, it kind of made sense they were trying to make a point, not really educate.

I live near NYC and go to LA for work... been around enough homeless people and panhandlers asking for money that I am pretty used to just shrugging it off and walking away.  The best way is to just never make eye contact.  However, I think every time I've ever given one money is when I've made eye contact.  Once you look at someone, the whole world kind of feels small and your emotions might get the best of you.  Not that there's anything wrong with that, but I don't feel my life is a charity and try to avoid it hence the eye contact.

Online Chino

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Re: Scam Artist?
« Reply #29 on: April 26, 2018, 11:55:52 AM »
Dude owns a super cuts and he can't take $10 from the drawer for gas? He doesn't have a personal credit card or company credit card he could charge gas to?

Okay.
« Last Edit: April 26, 2018, 12:04:42 PM by Chino »

Online Chino

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Re: Scam Artist?
« Reply #30 on: April 26, 2018, 12:04:22 PM »
I had a similar scenario to yours, Tick, outside a Marillion show back in '89.   We went to New Haven, and a kid came up with the sob story, needing "anything we can spare" for gas... my buddy gave him $10.  We come out of the show about 3, 4 hours later, and the same guy walks up with the same story.  I thought my friend was going to take back his $10 in spleen he was so pissed off.   

I had a single scammer turn me off from giving anyone on the street money ever again. A guy with a cane comes up to me with some story about needing to get on a bus so he can get to his doctor. He lifted his pant leg and showed me a pretty narly looking ankle. Most beggars ask you to spare change or to give them money in general. This guy pleaded with me and went so far as to say something like "I swear it's for a bus ticket. You could buy me the ticket if you think I'm going to use the money for something else". I went along with it and went up to the bus ticket machine with the guy and bought him a $4 ticket. He was very grateful saying "thank you so much sir" and shook my hand. I went on my way. The next morning as I'm walking into work, I see the fucking asshole at the bus stop fanning out probably a dozen bus tickets offering to sell them for less than what they cost at face value. Asshole.

I still offer beggars on occasion to join me for lunch, but very few have accepted that offer. There are a few that wait at the end of the off ramp when I'm coming home from visiting my folks. I'll occasionally give them my left overs from dinner or something. But as far as giving money to, or something like a ticket that can be scalped, I've learned my lesson.

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Re: Scam Artist?
« Reply #31 on: April 27, 2018, 08:17:37 AM »
Dude owns a super cuts and he can't take $10 from the drawer for gas? He doesn't have a personal credit card or company credit card he could charge gas to?

Okay.
Exactly. His acting was pretty darn good, but the script had more holes than Swiss cheese.
Yup. Tick is dead on.  She's not your type.  Move on.   Tick is Obi Wan Kenobi