A new (for me) scam - - - -

treeguy64

treeguy64

Hari Om, y'all!
Location
Austin, TX.
The gf and I went grocery shopping, today. I needed something from another aisle, so I went to get it, leaving her alone.

When I came back, a woman was leaning in, close to the gf, and I thought that, perhaps, she was a co-worker. As I approached, I sensed odd vibes. The gf had a sick look on her face, and was digging into her purse, her hand on her wallet.

I asked her what was going on, and she mumbled something about this woman had been sick, and needed more money to get more groceries, than the ones that were already in her cart.

She had told the gf that she only had $15, but needed $30. I said, "What!? Forget it, let's go!" The woman spoke up, in a harsh tone, but I had already hustled the gf up the aisle. I then told her the woman was a con. I could sense it. Sure enough, when we went to the parking lot, there she was, approaching people, and with no groceries, whatsoever. She also was going from car to car looking in windows, and trying doors. I watched her until she left the lot. Had she not done so, I would have alerted security.

So, the con seemed to run this way: Go to a grocery store. Get a cart, and put about ten items in it. Go up to a mark, and then explain that you had been ill, recently, out of work, and needed to get more groceries than the $15 amount in your cart. Go on to say you can pay the $15, but your complete shopping trip will cost around $30. Then ask for a few dollars, to help you reach your goal. Once you've shaken down ten, or more, folks, abandon the cart, and leave with a fast $20, or even more.

It should be noted that the con woman was dressed OK, nothing flashy, but nothing trashy and/or unkempt.

OK, you've been warned. Be careful out there!
 

I’ve been asked for money while in a supermarket as well ,I said sorry I pay for everything with a card I don’t carry any cash not true but it puts them off ,and IMO they don’t want food at all they want money for other smokes or drugs
I would have reported her to the service counter in the supermarket for harassing shoppers they all have security cameras and could ban her from the store
All large supermarkets in Australian cities have security guards to deal with any issues or shop lifters
 
That's a new one to me Treeguy, but I absolutely believe that's what was going on. Glad you got back to your girlfriend before she gave that woman her money. I'm very kindhearted too, like your GF, but I am also street smart and know when I smell a con artist.
 

Years ago when I was in the Navy one of the squadron office types used to bum a quarter from as many other sailors as he could. He bragged once that he could get at least $25.00 just by asking for a quarter to get a soda out of the vending machine. Back then 1962 Navy pay wasn't good so $25.00 was great for liberty.

But back to the original. That scam has been going on here for quite awhile.
 
Knight said:
Years ago when I was in the Navy one of the squadron office types used to bum a quarter from as many other sailors as he could. He bragged once that he could get at least $25.00 just by asking for a quarter to get a soda out of the vending machine. Back then 1962 Navy pay wasn't good so $25.00 was great for liberty.

But back to the original. That scam has been going on here for quite awhile.
Click to expand...

Where's "here? "
 
We have a little convenience store just down the road from us, and there is often someone standing around outside, and they ask for money for the bus, or to buy a sandwich, and say they haven’t eaten that day.
Since we often see the same person doing this, we know it is just her way to get money from people, and ignore her. Most stores will usually try to make the person leave when they are just outside bumming money, but this store does not seem to do much about it, for some reason.
There is also a woman who walks up and down the streets with an old yard rake (very worn out rake) and asks to earn some money by raking the lawn, and she always has the same story that her husband just abandoned her and she needs grocery money.
Since she has been doing this same thing for the last several years, I think that most of the people around here know that she is just hoping for a handout and not a job raking the lawn.
 
In my area, there was an older guy who walked the street with a black notebook. Inside that notebook was a picture of a little girl, along with handwritten notes, and newspaper clippings. The first time I met this guy, I was in my driveway. He approached me and told me that his niece had just died, last week, and he was trying to get donations for her funeral. I sensed a scam, and sent him on his way. The next year, he tried the exact same thing, exact same story. I kept quiet, except to tell him I couldn't help him. Two years after that, he tried again. This time, I told him that a funeral probably wasn't necessary, as his niece was apparently able to die and resurrect, at will. I then told him he needed to remember his intended marks, and change up his story, from year to year. I never saw him, again.
 
Been happnin’ here

I like to watch folks while I sit in the truck in the parking lot
I mean I’m in the store and out in 5 minutes
My lady, well she shops

Anyway

I can see ‘em coming from several rows away

When they finally get to my door, I roll the window down and ask if they could spare a few bucks

Great looks I get
 
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