Truckstop/rest area scam

VanMan · Apr 19, 2004

I was approached one day,in Ky,going North bound,by a black male with a small child.He told me they were trying to get back to Ohio.They had no money.He was looking for $20.00.I gave him,$10.00.After they left,I let my dog out to go to the bathroom.Low and behold,"The Leech",I will call him,went to the next exit,turn south and honked his horn,as he went by the rest area.Later that night,he pulled into a truckstop where I was sitting,needless to say when he rolled down his window to talk with me,he realized who I was and hauled tail to another truckstop.It's bad for people like that,when someone really needs help,you don't know whther to trust them or not.I,as a Christian driver will help someone,unless they stab me in the back like he did. One thing we should practice to do is help one another on the highway and in truckstops.THE BROTHERHOOD IN THE TRUCKING INDUSTRY HAS FALLEN OVER THE YEARS!!LET'S HELP OUT ONE ANOTHER,IN TIME OF NEED.I have had my hood up,just adding oil to my van or just checking things under the hood,and have had several expediters make sure everything was fine.I appreciate that.Thanks!

teacel · Apr 19, 2004

Maybe the next time ask the guy to show you his drivers license. OR!!! tell him you are going in that direction and you will give him a ride. Most of the time the con man will leave you and look for the next mark.

Weave · Apr 19, 2004

That is one of the oldest scams in the book, I encounter it about once a year. They have a car and tell you they need money for gas. If this happens to you just tell them you are strapped for cash yourself, sorry. Then call the police if possible. Figure if these guys can get the full $20 out of only 10 people a day 5 days a week, it's a $1000 a week tax free job that most often supports their crack habit. Feeding the kid comes secondary.
-Weave-

Thunderboldt · Apr 20, 2004

Human nature tells us to always be polite,especially when encountering someone who is stranded.In a situation like you have described,just say"NO".If this seems rude,it is,but these people usually know that you are on to them and will find another victim.I have told these types that I never travel with cash,only small change,and then have offered coins for a phone call.Remember,though,if you do this,you put yourself in a vulnerable position where you could get mugged.This,unfortunately,is the world in which we live.

geo · Apr 20, 2004

something like this happen at flying j in perrysburg oh nice looking
couple with a child came up and ask us if we had ten dollars for
for gas as they ran out on 280 and this other lady bought them
to flying j, we got the manager to give them 5 gallons of gas
and they kept staying all they need was 10 dollars for gas
but we got em the gas now i realize we mess up there scam
they took gas and left and said they would be back with the
gas can, next they tried t/a and speedway couple of people saw them
later and said people gave them gas money and they left

Twmaster · Apr 22, 2004

The part I always find disturbing is if these scammers put the same amount of effort into real work they would often be better off. I am so tired of everyone trying to chisel money out of me. <Mike steps off soap-box now>

At least the bums in DC are straight up with their begging line.

--
Mike N