Scam in Parking Lot???

[bestmickey]

Returning to car after shopping in Bed Bath & Beyond, we were approached by a man (65ish?) wearing a veteran's baseball cap. He starts off with an apology for having to approach us, going on about he's with his daughter, his dad had an auto accident (car flipped over), was airlifted to some trauma center...yadayadayada. Bottom line, they need money for gas so they can get to the hospital. I didn't believe his spiel as it seemed well rehearsed, and I felt if he was indeed in this situation, he had other family and/or friends he could call for $$. I told him I couldn't help him and he returned to a very new (gold or beige colored) truck.

Have you encountered this guy? Is he known in this community as a scammer? What would you have done?

[mixsonci]

Returning to car after shopping in Bed Bath & Beyond, we were approached by a man (65ish?) wearing a veteran's baseball cap. He starts off with an apology for having to approach us, going on about he's with his daughter, his dad had an auto accident (car flipped over), was airlifted to some trauma center...yadayadayada. Bottom line, they need money for gas so they can get to the hospital. I didn't believe his spiel as it seemed well rehearsed, and I felt if he was indeed in this situation, he had other family and/or friends he could call for $$. I told him I couldn't help him and he returned to a very new (gold or beige colored) truck.

Have you encountered this guy? Is he known in this community as a scammer? What would you have done?

I think every year they come up with a new story. A few years ago in Boston throughout the city you would find a college age female with a sign saying she was from California and her boyfriend (in Boston) threw her out and she has no family or friends here and could we give her money to help her get back to California.

[Parker]

Total baloney. Good for you seeing right through him.

[jnieman]

Returning to car after shopping in Bed Bath & Beyond, we were approached by a man (65ish?) wearing a veteran's baseball cap. He starts off with an apology for having to approach us, going on about he's with his daughter, his dad had an auto accident (car flipped over), was airlifted to some trauma center...yadayadayada. Bottom line, they need money for gas so they can get to the hospital. I didn't believe his spiel as it seemed well rehearsed, and I felt if he was indeed in this situation, he had other family and/or friends he could call for $$. I told him I couldn't help him and he returned to a very new (gold or beige colored) truck.

Have you encountered this guy? Is he known in this community as a scammer? What would you have done?

This happened to me a couple of different times at gas stations. I was a gave them a few bucks because they wouldn't leave me alone. Always felt scammed afterwards though when they went on to the next person.

[ugotme]

In addition, I have this wonderful bridge in Brooklyn that I desperately need to have fixed.

Please help!

[kstew43]

same story, to the letter, different day.....behind the cracker barrel, came at us from nowhere. we also said no, seemed kind of strange that he only needed gas money......

it never stops..... but if we keep saying no, maybe they will get the hint and go away....

[Irishmen]

Same here......guy walks up saying he was a veteran and had some ID to prove it.....needed cab fare to get to Leesburg....said didn't have any......see him get on bike and pedal away.

[graciegirl]

These are things we should share so as to warn people. You are a kind person BestMickey because your instinct was to help but Thank Goodness you could see through it.


Some people could make a lot of money legitimately in the time and effort it takes to scam people. They have NO conscience.

[dbussone]

In addition, I have this wonderful bridge in Brooklyn that I desperately need to have fixed.



Please help!


I think it is owned by the Brooklyn Bagel Company, isn't it?

[USSGompers]

Wow, 65 yrs old and does not have a credit card to purchase gas? Plus his Dad must have been 85 yrs old?

If that were true, these 2 were wasting valuable time bumming $$ when they should have been on their way to Ocala or Orlando hospital before Dad passed away!!

If they did not have a credit card, then they should have been at a Pawn shop selling their watches and rings, etc.

[Ron1Z]

We had the same thing a few years ago visiting the villages, wife gave him ten bucks to get rid of him. We do not have that kind of thing where we live. We were also shocked to see the people with the signs saying "have not eaten in two days".

[Bogie Shooter]

Call the police? Call the sheriff?
Giving them $ is not solving the problem.

[raynan]

Same thing happened to us last year near Sakura in the Colony parking lot. He was approaching people as they entered the restaurant. I told the bartender and he called the sheriff's office. Same spiel....needed gas money to get to Orlando because dad had been rushed to hospital.

[Edjkoz]

I have had this happen and offered to walk to the gas station with them and pay for gas. Naturally, he said never mind and walked away. I kinda knew it was a scam

[ohiogolf]

It happened to me in the Starvos Pizza lot. It was a woman who needed cab fare to see her mother in the villages. I told her good luck.

[claricecolin]

This is a very common scam. Just say no and walk away. If they harass or follow you call the police.

[bestmickey]

Call the police? Call the sheriff?
Giving them $ is not solving the problem.

I wish I had written down his license plate number. Unfortunately, didn't think to do it at the time it happened.

[dbussone]

We had the same thing a few years ago visiting the villages, wife gave him ten bucks to get rid of him. We do not have that kind of thing where we live. We were also shocked to see the people with the signs saying "have not eaten in two days".


This is a common sight in FL which, because of its climate, has become a haven for the homeless and scammers.

[salpal]

In same parking lot, near party store, my friend and I were approached by a young lady, about 30 and she said she was giving out free samples. She handed us a bag that contained cosmetics. We said thank you and then she said that there were some samples in the bag, but the rest of the contents cost $20. We handed them back to her. We said something to employees at Party Store and they said "oh, she's back.".......
No harm, but annoying. This was last week on April 4.

[gatherer47]

I had a guy stop me and say " sir,I haven't tasted food in two days." I told him don't worry it still tastes the same.

[jblum315]

I wouldn't call this a scam. it's just plain old pan-handling otherwise known as begging.

[KathieI]

This used to happen daily in supermarket shopping lots in Los Angeles (another warm climate perfect for homeless and panhandlers). They'd walk up to me and ask for a dollar for something or other and I'd say, sure, help me unload the groceries into my trunk and I'll give you a dollar.... They'd walk away grumbling, lol.

[Marlo]

We just had it happen last night in Sweetbays parking lot. The guy needed just $ 1.20 more to buy milk for his kids. He got paid today - when hubby said no, he walked away and got into a car and left. You feel so guilty not helping someone. I told him he should have told the guy he'd go back into the store with him and pay the $ 1.20.

[buggyone]

Yes, it is begging. It is not a scam of any sort. We all have lived long enough to have seen this before coming to The Villages. Do not forget that we in The Villages are in a bubble of prosperity with lots of poverty around us in the surrounding towns.

You can either give to each person individually, to a shelter or food pantry, to your church, or to nothing. It is all up to each one individually.

[Golfingnut]

Yes, it is begging. It is not a scam of any sort. We all have lived long enough to have seen this before coming to The Villages. Do not forget that we in The Villages are in a bubble of prosperity with lots of poverty around us in the surrounding towns.

You can either give to each person individually, to a shelter or food pantry, to your church, or to nothing. It is all up to each one individually.

Perfectly stated. Thanks Buggy. Beggars will go to where people are in a hurry. The true needy will find a food pantry or a shelter.

[NIPAS K-9]

I had a guy stop me and say " sir,I haven't tasted food in two days." I told him don't worry it still tastes the same.
OHHHH That's an excellent reply. I liked that one.

[kellyjam]

I had one of these up there a while back. I told the person he was in luck because the Sumter Police Dept had a fund to help people in situations like his. I volunteered to call them but he wasn't interested. I wonder why?

[Whatever]

I had one of these up there a while back. I told the person he was in luck because the Sumter Police Dept had a fund to help people in situations like his. I volunteered to call them but he wasn't interested. I wonder why?

Approached last night, 4/18@ about 7:00 p.m., told him I heard the story before and he looked shocked. Yep, he was wearing the same veterans hat, had a story, was 65ish and could not get away fast enough. I was not able to get the plate #.
The incident took place in the Fuji Restaurant parking lot on 441.

[graciegirl]

Yes, it is begging. It is not a scam of any sort. We all have lived long enough to have seen this before coming to The Villages. Do not forget that we in The Villages are in a bubble of prosperity with lots of poverty around us in the surrounding towns.

You can either give to each person individually, to a shelter or food pantry, to your church, or to nothing. It is all up to each one individually.


Or do as you do and volunteer. I know you go somewhere and serve hungry people. There are so many quiet, selfless givers here in The Villages. Thank God for them.

[Lovey2]

We just had it happen last night in Sweetbays parking lot. The guy needed just $ 1.20 more to buy milk for his kids. He got paid today - when hubby said no, he walked away and got into a car and left. You feel so guilty not helping someone. I told him he should have told the guy he'd go back into the store with him and pay the $ 1.20.

Yeah, I felt bad too, and gave a guy$10 to buy food for his kids at McDonalds. He got in the car and left, never went to the McDonalds. I felt like a fool, but potentially it could have been real, in which case I would have felt bad. I promised myself that in the future, I would offer to walk over to the McD's and purchase the food for him.

[Golfingnut]

Perhaps we should be thankful we are not having to beg for small change. Calling the police is a bit of a stretch.

:pray:

[Bogie Shooter]

These are the same folks that used to be at all the intersections with there little cardboard signs. That is now illegal without a permit. So they have just moved into the parking lots.
The ones at the intersections were transported by a van, dropped off, then did their shift and left. Nice little business!
Don't feel guilty by not falling for their scam.

[buggyone]

Several years ago, I was traveling from the Grand Canyon across Arizona on Easter Sunday with my wife, daughter, and mother. We stopped at a McDonalds at noon at Tuba City and had our lunch. When I got back to the car, an older Native American wanted to sell me his carpenter tools so he could eat. I had no need for tools but gave him $10 and he thanked me and was insistent I take the tools. I said several times I did not want the tools but finally I took three nails and he took the money and went inside the McDonalds. I guess he was too proud to accept a handout. I still have those three nails and think of that Easter.

[EnglishJW]

Several years ago, I was traveling from the Grand Canyon across Arizona on Easter Sunday with my wife, daughter, and mother. We stopped at a McDonalds at noon at Tuba City and had our lunch. When I got back to the car, an older Native American wanted to sell me his carpenter tools so he could eat. I had no need for tools but gave him $10 and he thanked me and was insistent I take the tools. I said several times I did not want the tools but finally I took three nails and he took the money and went inside the McDonalds. I guess he was too proud to accept a handout. I still have those three nails and think of that Easter.

Very gracious - keep those nails.

[Golfingnut]

Several years ago, I was traveling from the Grand Canyon across Arizona on Easter Sunday with my wife, daughter, and mother. We stopped at a McDonalds at noon at Tuba City and had our lunch. When I got back to the car, an older Native American wanted to sell me his carpenter tools so he could eat. I had no need for tools but gave him $10 and he thanked me and was insistent I take the tools. I said several times I did not want the tools but finally I took three nails and he took the money and went inside the McDonalds. I guess he was too proud to accept a handout. I still have those three nails and think of that Easter.

Thank you. :bowdown:

[Whatever]

Approached last night, 4/18@ about 7:00 p.m., told him I heard the story before and he looked shocked. Yep, he was wearing the same veterans hat, had a story, was 65ish and could not get away fast enough. I was not able to get the plate #.
The incident took place in the Fuji Restaurant parking lot on 441.

There was a story, and it went like this, "I am travelling from Gainesville, my father was in an accident and I have to get to Olando Hospital to help him." If you have read previous posts on this subject you will find that it is a SCAM and not BEGGING as this came with a story and a direct approach out of nowhere. Begging is usually a person standing in one spot with their hand out, no story, and just asking for money. There is a difference, subtle that it might be. In this specific case, scamming is his profession.

And, before I get chastised for not shelling out to this person, let me say that I do my fair share, and then some, by supporting various charities that I deem to be worthwhile and help the truly needy and disabled. Especially, those charities which help children.

I hate to admit it, but I've been taken more than once. Fortuneately for amounts that would not create a hardship to me and mine.

[Lovey2]

Several years ago, I was traveling from the Grand Canyon across Arizona on Easter Sunday with my wife, daughter, and mother. We stopped at a McDonalds at noon at Tuba City and had our lunch. When I got back to the car, an older Native American wanted to sell me his carpenter tools so he could eat. I had no need for tools but gave him $10 and he thanked me and was insistent I take the tools. I said several times I did not want the tools but finally I took three nails and he took the money and went inside the McDonalds. I guess he was too proud to accept a handout. I still have those three nails and think of that Easter.

Wow...what a lovely story. In so many ways...

[graciegirl]

Wow...what a lovely story. In so many ways...



I agree. The nails and Easter and Buggy's kindness. All good. A lot of deep symbolism.

[Lovey2]

I agree. The nails and Easter and Buggy's kindness. All good. A lot of deep symbolism.

Well, I couldn't quite express it, and somehow didn't wanna go there, but what struck me first and most was the "nails". How beautiful, and on Easter...not a coincidence, I think. You never really know who you are helping when you do...

[Matzy]

Depends of the situation. Not so long ago a man accompanied with his little son ask me at a gas station to borrow some gas. He'd hold a a gas can in his hand. I looked at him, then in his eyes, and filled up this gas can. He thanked many times and I saw some tears running down his face........

[graciegirl]

Depends of the situation. Not so long ago a man accompanied with his little son ask me at a gas station to borrow some gas. He'd hold a a gas can in his hand. I looked at him, then in his eyes, and filled up this gas can. He thanked many times and I saw some tears running down his face........



Better to extend kindness once too often than once too few. But I get so angry at people who prey on another's goodness.

[USSGompers]

Several years ago, I was traveling from the Grand Canyon across Arizona on Easter Sunday with my wife, daughter, and mother. We stopped at a McDonalds at noon at Tuba City and had our lunch. When I got back to the car, an older Native American wanted to sell me his carpenter tools so he could eat. I had no need for tools but gave him $10 and he thanked me and was insistent I take the tools. I said several times I did not want the tools but finally I took three nails and he took the money and went inside the McDonalds. I guess he was too proud to accept a handout. I still have those three nails and think of that Easter.

God Bless you...Father, Son and the Holy Ghost-----3 nails!!...Happy Easter!

[wendyquat]

Perhaps we should be thankful we are not having to beg for small change. Calling the police is a bit of a stretch.

:pray:

Ahhhh, golfingnut, for once I agree with you! It's not for me to judge whether it's a scam or not. I, for one, could not sleep at night if I didn't give someone a few cents for a child's milk! Believe it or not there are people who can't make it from paycheck to paycheck! A few bucks is not going to break me and could help someone! Call me a sucker but it helps me sleep at night!

[NewGal]

In addition, I have this wonderful bridge in Brooklyn that I desperately need to have fixed.

Please help!

Laughed Out Loud!

[mixsonci]

God Bless you...Father, Son and the Holy Ghost-----3 nails!!...Happy Easter!

It's too bad there are so many scammers out there that we become reluctant to give and the ones that really need it, don't get it. So sad to think that because of this we miss the ones that really do need help.

[annaconner]

A gentleman approached myself, husband and friend with some sob story. My husband told him to speak to the police. My female friend was a bit concerned that he might have approached her when she was on her own and where would it have led. This happened outside Chilis on 441 about 7pm last night.

[Neal2tire]

After working in Hollywood Ca for years and dealing with non stop parking lot BS I couldn't help but to appreciate the 'homeless' looking guy standing on the corner or Sunset and Laurel Canyon with a sign (at rush hour) saying "NEED MONEY FOR BEER AND DRUGS"
Word is he made about 300.00 a day.
There are avenues for hungry vets and ill vets. If they are begging for money they are full of black cow.

[dave from deland]

This kind of thing is happening all over Central Florida and probably beyond. I don't give them anything. If they are outside a business, I go into the business and suggest they call the police as these people scare away some customers.

[pbkmaine]

Having worked in NYC, I used to hear every hard luck story imaginable. Once, on the subway, I was approached by a woman with a thick Brooklyn accent who said she needed money to get home to Alaska.