dlester

...I wasn't sure what to expect. Very cordial. Began explaining to me how they were out of gas. They didn't want me to call anyone for them. They wanted money for gas.

I couldn't help but note the irony. I didn't give them any money either.

uke

LOL. That's a new one.

Grim

Gypsy scam probably. Call the cops to report the "stranded Motorist". Chances are they got warrants.

wgaynor

When I was stationed at Fort Bragg, we would go off base to the mall and run into all kinds of "stranded motorist" looking for some cash so they could make it home. You would be amazed at how many people will just give them money. They probably make more money than my wife and I combined.

Yan 

A guy once asked me for $30, and like the moron that I was, I DID! I won't share the story he used because I'll just embarrasse myself. Ever since then I've been a cold ***** in these situations.

crhilton

I'm usually not big on responding to people who ask me to approach their vehicle. It just wreaks of a bad idea. Maybe I'm paranoid.

AEO

$30, yikes! and I thought I was stupid for giving $5...

Big_e

That was a funny one! Money for gas? I don't have money for your gas, that's why I ride. Flag me down? If you can keep up with me (I won't go too fast) we can talk.
Ernest

bmclaughlin807

I've stopped on multiple occasions to push stranded vehicles out of the road. Even helped dig a lady out of a snow bank (She drove off without even a 'thank you' )

EKW in DC

What a bi-otch!

AlmostTrick

I once had a woman in a car stop me for money. She was all frantic and told me her car was on empty and she needed money for gas to go see her daughter in the hospital because she was just in an accident. Being a soft touch, (and a sucker for a good sob story) I offered to follow her to the station which was only a couple hundred feet away and use my credit card to give her a couple of gallons. Instead of following me she started hittin' up other suckers.

Apparently it was drug / booze money she needed, not gas. The sad thing is the scammers ruin it for the people who are really in need.

Hot Potato

Around here it is usually train fare, bus fare, or even diapers for the little one that are desperately needed.

d2create

Ya know what would be cool?

To be independently wealthy enough to reach into your pockets and pull out 10 bucks for anyone and everyone who asked, without giving it a second thought. Then there would be no guilt, inner conflicts, embarrassment, anger... it wouldn't matter if the person asking for the handout deserved it or not. 10 bucks? Sure, here ya go. Have a nice day. I mean why should I be forced to judge someone on the spot in a matter of a split second? I just think that would be cool. Ahhhh.... one can dream...

MaroSteve

I should try pulling over to the side of the road and explaining Im out of food I so cant continue to ride a bicycle.. the day I sell that idea, is the day I will offer money to a stranded motorist.
Now that does not mean I wont help one out, Ive helped a person push their car to the side of the road, and even Rigged a radiator hose + filled with water so they could make it to the next exit and closest mechanic.

destikon

C'mon, let's hear it.

surfrider

Give them a couple of GU packs. That should fuel 'em up so they can push their vehicle to the next gas station.

genec

I was asked if I had a cell phone the other day... as I walked past a bus stop. I wasn't sure what the scam was, and there were businesses about that might have pay phones (although these are more and more rare).

I just had a feeling that this was some sort of hinky situation and that I would not like the end result.

avmanansala

That's funny.

AAA used to give out the gallon of free gas if you ran out and were a member, until people started abusing it (this was back at the peak of the gas price gouging). AAA started to tell the tow trucks that were dispatched to two them to a gas station. Lots of people got frustrated and drove off without their gallon of gas.

nashcommguy

Best move possible. It's just a new wrinkle to an age-old scam. Why wouldn't they want you to call anyone? Would've called their licence number into the police asa I got out of sight. You can bet they're in a different state today working the same hustle.

HIPCHIP

Of course there's the story about the two girls who need money and offer to get into the back seat to earn it. As you get in the back seat the other girl takes your wallet out of your pants. I lost my wallet 5 times last week! (LOL)

exile

Unfortunately there are to many scam artists. I was driving with my uncle once and when we were stopped at a red light a man approached. He gave some sob story about how he needed bus fair to get back home and that his friends abandoned him and he's not familiar with the area. Unfortunately for him, the same guy approached my uncle a week before on the other side of town with the same story. I guess with friends like that... .

rumrunn6

it could have been a ruse to mug you

dlester

I get begged from all the time, but posted this one due to the irony about being on a bike and being begged for gas money.

My favorite recent one was an incredibly messed up old guy who wanted 87 cents. He immediately assured me it wasn't for drugs or booze, but so he could mail some paperwork to the VA office. There is a new story all the time.

fordmanvt

I would have given him the change in my pocket or $1. Kinda like the $10 guy above. If someone asks (in person) for $1, they can have it...

AaronAnderson

Ask them to turn the car on and peek at the fuel gauge?