Common Scam?

[Jumbo]

Last night while sitting in the bunk using the computer I heard a slight tapping on the driver side window. Before I can even peak over the driver seat to see what's up there are 3 hard raps on the driver s door. Now I stand up to see what is going on. There is a "Gentleman" standing at the drivers door. So I give him the friendly greeting "What the F@#! do you want?" He proceeds to tell me that he and his wife need enough money for a couple gallons of gas so they can get home. I had a five dollar bill so I slid it out the driver side window that was cracked open about a half inch. Question, Did I do the right thing or did I get suckered?

[Rokk]

sometimes easier to throw away a couple bucks than to get them to go away otherwise.

wouldnt say scammed, but normally if some one was in need they wouldnt have hit you up so hastily unless you was sitting in the seat.

[Flashmann]

I didn't vote because while you may be a little naive,that doesn't absolutely make you a moron........My opinion.....You got suckered outta $5......I see this same thing happen at the Denver truckstops and it seems it's usually crack/meth heads...

I say that because they'll hit up every driver that will talk to them,even after getting $$$$......

I tell them I never carry cash in the truck...

[ohiomohawk]

I tend to think of a scam as someone trying to get you spend money for something in return.

This does not seem to be any type of scam, just 2 people begging for money. It seems like this is the firsrt time anyone has asked you for money. What you described has happens to me all the time but I live in a city, I have also had people ask me at truckstops.

I never pull my wallet out if front of anyone therefore i tell them i have no $$.

[dle]

I've been approached by the same scam at so many different places that i've lost track of how many times.

I give the same response to this scam along with people selling things or lizards -- i'm broke i have no money.

BTW, I have seen some of those same people hopping into very nice luxury cars and then leaving.

[Windwalker]

Walton, KY, I got to park near the 4-wheeler lot one day. In one of the cars, I saw a guy guzzling beer in the back seat. Then, I saw a middle-aged woman come out of the truck lot and hand him some money. He got out of the car, went into the truck stop and in a few minutes came back out with a six-pack of more beer. Then, he sent her back out into the truck lot to get more money. When she knocked on my door, I told her I didn't have any money, but did give her $15 worth of Flying J coupons and told her they are only good in the restaurant. I did not tell her what I had seen.

A little later, when I was going inside to take a shower, she was coming out with a styro-foam take-out of food. Well, ok... He probably ate most of it, but at least it wasn't beer, and I know she got some of it.

[Jumbo]

I didn't vote because while you may be a little naive,that doesn't absolutely make you a moron........My opinion.....You got suckered outta $5......I see this same thing happen at the Denver truckstops and it seems it's usually crack/meth heads...

I say that because they'll hit up every driver that will talk to them,even after getting $$$$......

I tell them I never carry cash in the truck...

Maybe I shouldn't use "suckered" because I've wasted more than five bucks on video games lots of times. As far as "crackhead" He was a very well spoken person. Maybe he was telling the truth. I should have watched him after he left but the porn won't download itself

[Root]

I was unable to vote also: No Moronics Involved...

Everyone of us is different. Everyone of us have our individual things, issues. Humans have been out 'begging' since Humans came into existence.. from the worthy to the egregious.

IF I'm unable to avoid a contact with a beggar, (and depends on my mood), I try to "read'em" as fast as possible - and after years o getting hit up by these 'out there' and now the last 3 yrs with Truckin' -- it gets pretty easy to Read A Beggar.
I'm writing a Guidebook/ Responses To Beggars, Whorz, and Other Cultist Affrontery:
Some extracts:
1. "Hey man, when these people pay me I'll be able to pay you.
2. "Hey man, I only do 2 o y'all a week - and you're about #5, man.."
3. "Hey man, I'm on plastic 'til Payday."
4. "Hey man, you're losin' it man, you already hit on me once in here.."
(Don't laugh... 82% will apologize for 'hitting me twice'. Confirms a crackhead.)
5. "Hey man, the Bich n the Bills got all my cash already."
6. "Hey man, that's a bad deal ya got but I don' get paid 'til (insert some other day)... You gonna be around?"
7. "You want my X wife's phone number? She's got what I had, man....."
8. "Naw man, my kid gets all my loose change.."

Ad Infinitum



If somebody's bangin' on the door, I don't answer it. Period.
If it's a Law Enforcement Officer, believe me, he will let me know he's a Law Enforcement Officer and they have a certain way they handle bangin' you out o the bunk.
If it's another Driver, He'll know how and when to bang me outta the bunk.....
Otherwise, I'm not even 'movin' around in there... unless I hear the sounds o somebody 'perpetratin' around on the rig. You can feel and hear 'things' you wouldn't believe after a little time behind the wheel - even if the motor's idling.

As to whether or not you're a sucker?
Like I said, we're all different.. and the answer can be entirely subjective on a case by case basis.
I've made a Choice to be a little more discriminating - sometimes harsh.. it's a more Practical Aspect o Self Preservation.

[Uturn2001]

IMHO there is a 70-80% chance you were scammed. This type of thing is all too common in truck stops. Sadly those who do try to pull this make it bad for those who may really be in a bind.

If you are truly interested in helping out offer to go with them to the gas pumps and watch them put the gas in car instead of just handing them the money. Same type of thing goes for those who are wanting money for food. Go and buy them something or if you have food in the truck offer that to them instead. Their response will tell you in a hurry if they are truly in need.

[jefster]

I've been approached by the same scam at so many different places that i've lost track of how many times.

I give the same response to this scam along with people selling things or lizards -- i'm broke i have no money.

BTW, I have seen some of those same people hopping into very nice luxury cars and then leaving.

Same here and it ticks me off

[stormothecentury]

I've been in plenty of situations where I've played off that I have no cash (or, often, actually didn't). If the person seemed moderately genuine and was asking for cash for a meal, I'll occasionally buy them a meal. Or a burger, or a cup of coffee, whatever. But I never shell out more than about $5-7 bucks for it.

[ibamars]

1. "Hey man, when these people pay me I'll be able to pay you.
2. "Hey man, I only do 2 o y'all a week - and you're about #5, man.."
3. "Hey man, I'm on plastic 'til Payday."
4. "Hey man, you're losin' it man, you already hit on me once in here.."
(Don't laugh... 82% will apologize for 'hitting me twice'. Confirms a crackhead.)
5. "Hey man, the Bich n the Bills got all my cash already."
6. "Hey man, that's a bad deal ya got but I don' get paid 'til (insert some other day)... You gonna be around?"
7. "You want my X wife's phone number? She's got what I had, man....."
8. "Naw man, my kid gets all my loose change.."

Thats Funny Stuff!!!!!!!!

[Uturn2001]

Pulled into the Pilot on 35W in Fort Worth a few years back to take my break. I had not been there more than 15 minutes when this guy comes up to the truck saying he needed money to get something to eat. He told me he had not eaten in 3 days.

Just so happens that I did not have any cash on me (wouldn't have given it if I had) and truthfully told him so. He continued to beg, telling me how hungry he was.

While I did not have cash on me I did have quite a bit of food on the truck and offered him some.

First off was a peanut butter sandwich. Nope he had a peanut allergy.

Next I offered him a bologna sandwich.Nope he hates bologna.

Next I offered him a can of ravioli. Nope, it gives him heartburn.


Yep the guy was really starving wasn't he.

[Phreddo]

I had some driver at the Ft. Pierce Pilot hit me up for $50.

he was all "hey schneider, can i get $50 for fuel until payday?"
and i told him i was just starting and didn't have money yet.
then he sorta looks at me, looks up at my T2000, looks at me, thinks about it for a sec, then just kinda storms off.

I'm going to guess he assumed i was some high-rollin' o/o. In fact, that was an old Spartech truck and i was within my first month on the road. needless to say, i've never been compelled to ask anyone for anything on the road ever. I'm not sure how other's manage to get by like that :/

[BigWheels]

Last night while sitting in the bunk using the computer I heard a slight tapping on the driver side window. Before I can even peak over the driver seat to see what's up there are 3 hard raps on the driver s door. Now I stand up to see what is going on. There is a "Gentleman" standing at the drivers door. So I give him the friendly greeting "What the F@#! do you want?" He proceeds to tell me that he and his wife need enough money for a couple gallons of gas so they can get home. I had a five dollar bill so I slid it out the driver side window that was cracked open about a half inch. Question, Did I do the right thing or did I get suckered?

Snookered.

Think about it. Why would a couple go to a truck stop to beg for fuel from truckers when Diesel is over $4.00/gallon? Answer: because most truckers have big hearts and many (not all!) will fork over some $$.

I'm not against helping my "neighbor" in need. My policy is I'd be glad to extend a one-time gift to those in genuine need.

2-weeks ago, my neighbor (who I barely know in the 2-years he's lived there) asked for $20.00 -- gas money. Said he'd pay it back next week. I gladly obliged. From what I've observed, he's a good neighbor. Whether or not I ever see that $20.00 back was a secondary issue. To date, I haven't seen that twenty coming back my way. No big deal. Someday I might see it or I may never see it. But I'm sure I helped him out and that's what counts in my book.

Now if this same neighbor asks for another $20.00 tomorrow for gas money, I'll politely let him know that I'm unable to help him out. I suspect he'll know why I can't help him out.

Oh--one more thing driver, you can forgetabout asking me for help with your fueling needs!

[Mattangcobra]

If I gave money to everyone that knocked on my door or gave me their sob story by the fuel island. I would have to come home and do the same thing my self. I'd be broke.

I have a big heart and feel bad for most of them.

But I just tell them I just use a credit card. I carry No money whatsoever. Not even change. Sorry

[BanditsCousin]

I get asked for money so much at truckstops it is ridiculous. I started telling them to ask for money outside of a bank and they'd have better luck. If I get a "c'mon man" or some whine, and I tell them I was about to ask THEM for money with today's fuel prices.

[zipy46]

Its like drugs

Just say No

(usually works for me.)

PS:I should be able to use this before the weekend is out.

Im stuck in another dive truck park till Tuesday

:evil:

[honestashol]

sometimes easier to throw away a couple bucks than to get them to go away otherwise.

I agree. Imagine how much it could have cost you if you pi$$ed him off.

[Walking Eagle]

I always, well mosta the time if I feel like getting outa the truck, tell them sure I'll help you just pull the car and wife and kids up to the pump, one time out of 27 zillion, he pulled it up, wife got out crying hugging thanking, and I sent them on their way :? :?