Is it just me, or has this become an increasing issue in most major cities?
Todays’ incident, and this is not the first time I’ve encountered this.
So, I’m getting out of my car to pump some gas. The minute I open the door and step out, this white minivan pulls out of nowhere. Driver is a big guy. Possibly middle eastern/Latino with kids in the back. Asks me to help him out. I didn’t have any cash. I try not to carry cash on me. So I told him I’m sorry, but I have no cash on me. The van had Michigan plates.
So, while i’m pumping gas. The imagery just never leaves my mind, and i’m pondering the whole way home. Was he in genuine need of help, or just another “professional”? What was a mini van with Michigan plates doing here, at a gas station asking for help. I did notice him try to pull up to another car, but after peeking inside the car, left w/out asking anyone. Do they just target ethnic groups?
The reason, I’m skeptical is because I had the samething happen once before. That too happened at a gas station. This was last year I believe. Another mini van. Out of state plates, with what looked like Mrs. in the passenger seat and kids in the back and IIRC they person back then said “We’re from out of town. I just need gas to get back home, I got paid but they money is in my bank, and I don’t have any cash on me.” So, I’m thinking Doesn’t your bank offer Debit card? Doesn’t your employer offer Direct Deposit? Do you leave for out of town without a way to get back home? Were you visiting relatives? What kind of relatives let you leave w/out ensuring you have a way to get back home?
The sad thing about all this is, if they were genuinely in need, then what are they doing leaving home which is several hundred miles away. If they’re scammers, they’re setting no positive precedent for those who are genuinely in need. I am almost certain both were middle eastern, which by the way of association due to faith-relation, makes you even more conscious. The heart wrenching part is that they ALWAYS have kids with them. It is so unfortunate, because if it’s a scam you’re being taken in because of kids. If it’s genuine, they’re bad parents for putting their kids through this. What will their kids grow up thinking of them?
Have you encountered the same? What did you do? What DO you do about this? Please share…
