I've been had

[twheel]

Today I ate breakfast at the Steak and Shake on 466. After my meal, I went to the register to pay. A woman approx 60 yrs old and a kid (grandkid?) about 10-11 yrs old cut in front of me.

She told the cashier that she forgot her $$ at home and asked if she could write a check. After being told that they do not accept checks, the mgr agreed to take one just this time. She left to go to the car and get her checkbook. With me still standing there. the kid was holding her place in line.

When she came back in she said that she didn't have her checkbook or and credit cards on her and just stood there in front of me.

I just wanted to pay and get out of there cause I use a cane and can't stand for any length of time before feeling like I will fall. so i said that i would pay for her check and it was about $12. i felt bad that the waitress got nothing.

As I pulled out, i was behind her on my way to get gas at the Circle K. She pulled in there too. I went in to pay for my gas and there she was paying cash for about 10 LOTTO scratch offs and a large fountain drink for the kid.

:cus:

[dotti105]

That's horrible. What a terrible example she is for her grandson.

You were generous and should not feel bad about your kind gesture.
It would have been nice to not feel taken advantage of, but you can't control what others do. Only what you do.

You were a good example of generosity for the boy. Her actions in no way discredit your generosity.

[Ragman]

Today I ate breakfast at the Steak and Shake on 466. After my meal, I went to the register to pay. A woman approx 60 yrs old and a kid (grandkid?) about 10-11 yrs old cut in front of me.

She told the cashier that she forgot her $$ at home and asked if she could write a check. After being told that they do not accept checks, the mgr agreed to take one just this time. She left to go to the car and get her checkbook. With me still standing there. the kid was holding her place in line.

When she came back in she said that she didn't have her checkbook or and credit cards on her and just stood there in front of me.

I just wanted to pay and get out of there cause I use a cane and can't stand for any length of time before feeling like I will fall. so i said that i would pay for her check and it was about $12. i felt bad that the waitress got nothing.

As I pulled out, i was behind her on my way to get gas at the Circle K. She pulled in there too. I went in to pay for my gas and there she was paying cash for about 10 LOTTO scratch offs and a large fountain drink for the kid.

:cus:

Scum like that are always looking to take advantage of a " good Samaritan".

:( Sad

[CFrance]

That's horrible. What a terrible example she is for her grandson.

You were generous and should not feel bad about your kind gesture.
It would have been nice to not feel taken advantage of, but you can't control what others do. Only what you do.

You were a good example of generosity for the boy. Her actions in no way discredit your generosity.

That is a lovely thought, Dottie. Thank you. To the OP, keep keeping on. You are a good person.

[rjm1cc]

Today I ate breakfast at the Steak and Shake on 466. After my meal, I went to the register to pay. A woman approx 60 yrs old and a kid (grandkid?) about 10-11 yrs old cut in front of me.

She told the cashier that she forgot her $$ at home and asked if she could write a check. After being told that they do not accept checks, the mgr agreed to take one just this time. She left to go to the car and get her checkbook. With me still standing there. the kid was holding her place in line.

When she came back in she said that she didn't have her checkbook or and credit cards on her and just stood there in front of me.

I just wanted to pay and get out of there cause I use a cane and can't stand for any length of time before feeling like I will fall. so i said that i would pay for her check and it was about $12. i felt bad that the waitress got nothing.

As I pulled out, i was behind her on my way to get gas at the Circle K. She pulled in there too. I went in to pay for my gas and there she was paying cash for about 10 LOTTO scratch offs and a large fountain drink for the kid.

:cus:

There are two parts to the story. A good deed and a bad person.
The second does not undo the first.

[susiejwill]

Thank you, twheel, for being a good example for this unfortunate child of what good people do.

[davecz1]

There is a growing group of people who feel compelled to scam rathter than work. Welcome to the current state of the USA. Sad.

[Happinow]

It was so kind of you to pay and it was descipable of that woman's to pull such a thing. Bad people like that pray off good people like you. Sorry for your bad experience.

[eweissenbach]

I might have asked her if she was intending to pay me back in lotto tickets.

[LeeM]

That must have been quite a shock and such poor behavior she modeled for her grand kid.

[gpirate]

You did the right thing and I hopefully would have done the same. God Bless you and we all need to pray for the fake and even more for the child with her.

[Barefoot]

I feel so sorry for the child growing uo with that kind of example. You reacted with grace and charity. Hopefully the child will learn some life lessons from good people like you.

[graciegirl]

What she did was despicable and what you did was very kind.

Thank heavens for good people with kind intentions. What you did will circle around and visit you again and what she did will too.

To hear someone taking advantage of a kind heart makes me both angry and sad.

You are the kind of person who I hope would be my friend.

[eca44]

You did the right thing even if it made you feel taken.

[MikeV]

Despicable!

[buggyone]

Naturally, it was very nice of you to do what you did and terrible for her to set an example like that.

However, you did not say if the lady thanked you nor did you say if you spoke to her at the gas station.

It would be interesting to know what, if, anything she said at the gas station if you had commented on her paying with cash that she claimed not having before.

[twheel]

I just laugh it off. I just wanted to show this person that we are not all crazy a**s cracker s after the Trayvon Martin fiasco. Silly me .

[marianne237]

Thank goodness we have people like you in this world.

[graciegirl]

I say let's hear it for seniors. The moral generation. MOST of us anyway. A goodly share. More than you'd think. A bunch, not all. Saying we are the ethical generation met with much clamor yesterday. I still say we Villagers, MOST of us are good people and I am PROUD of us. You lead the way kiddo.

We may be older but we are um...most of us, wiser.

That is what I am thinkin'.

Hugs to you.

[DonH57]

There are plenty of those who take advantage of the good hearted. A few years ago we were in Orlando sitting at a Sonic. This guy comes walking up to all the cars wanting money to get a bus ticket back to whereever he claimed to be from saying he had been stranded. He reeked of booze. Sure enough as we drove down international drive we see him riding a bicycle up to a liquor store. I assume he did'nt raise enough funds for the bus ticket but a bottle of Jack was the consolation prize!

[graciegirl]

There are plenty of those who take advantage of the good hearted. A few years ago we were in Orlando sitting at a Sonic. This guy comes walking up to all the cars wanting money to get a bus ticket back to whereever he claimed to be from saying he had been stranded. He reeked of booze. Sure enough as we drove down international drive we see him riding a bicycle up to a liquor store. I assume he did'nt raise enough funds for the bus ticket but a bottle of Jack was the consolation prize!

You are right you know. Another thing that most of us seniors have in common is the ability to usually see if someone is trying to use us.

[njbchbum]

Naturally, it was very nice of you to do what you did and terrible for her to set an example like that.

However, you did not say if the lady thanked you nor did you say if you spoke to her at the gas station.

It would be interesting to know what, if, anything she said at the gas station if you had commented on her paying with cash that she claimed not having before.

i'm wondering if the child was hers or one who was 'borrowed'! hope that child's picture is not on a milk carton somewhere in america!

[twheel]

Naturally, it was very nice of you to do what you did and terrible for her to set an example like that.

However, you did not say if the lady thanked you nor did you say if you spoke to her at the gas station.

It would be interesting to know what, if, anything she said at the gas station if you had commented on her paying with cash that she claimed not having before.

She thanked me at the Steak and Shake. I was not noticed at the gas station and I didn`t say anything because of the child .

[Rickg]

That's horrible. What a terrible example she is for her grandson.

You were generous and should not feel bad about your kind gesture.
It would have been nice to not feel taken advantage of, but you can't control what others do. Only what you do.

You were a good example of generosity for the boy. Her actions in no way discredit your generosity.

well said

[BettyCrocked]

No way this woman could have been 60. She's part of the moral and ethical generation!!! :22yikes: :shocked:

[asianthree]

No way this woman could have been 60. She's part of the moral and ethical generation!!! :22yikes: :shocked:

not all the time those who need to buy lotto can come at any age

[graciegirl]

No way this woman could have been 60. She's part of the moral and ethical generation!!! :22yikes: :shocked:

Boyhowdy.

[LeeM]

She thanked me at the Steak and Shake. I was not noticed at the gas station and I didn`t say anything because of the child .

That was very gracious of you. I am afraid I would have said something. But actually no, I would not have needed to as
I would have let the restaurant figure out what to do with her bill instead of paying it which was very generous and kind of you.

[birdawg]

Be happy when she seen you had money she didn't stick a gun in your face out in the parking lot

[DougB]

Today I ate breakfast at the Steak and Shake on 466. After my meal, I went to the register to pay. A woman approx 60 yrs old and a kid (grandkid?) about 10-11 yrs old cut in front of me.

She told the cashier that she forgot her $$ at home and asked if she could write a check. After being told that they do not accept checks, the mgr agreed to take one just this time. She left to go to the car and get her checkbook. With me still standing there. the kid was holding her place in line.

When she came back in she said that she didn't have her checkbook or and credit cards on her and just stood there in front of me.

I just wanted to pay and get out of there cause I use a cane and can't stand for any length of time before feeling like I will fall. so i said that i would pay for her check and it was about $12. i felt bad that the waitress got nothing.

As I pulled out, i was behind her on my way to get gas at the Circle K. She pulled in there too. I went in to pay for my gas and there she was paying cash for about 10 LOTTO scratch offs and a large fountain drink for the kid.

:cus:

Yes, it was generous and nice of you. However, I am extremely disappointed in the manager who allowed a stranger to be out money instead of handling it him/herself. Steak and Shake should have "eaten" the bill before letting a customer.

[kittygilchrist]

A guy scammed me for money once at a gas pump saying he was out of gas and needed money. stupidly not realizing he didn't likely coast to the pump on fumes, I forked over $$. Then he drove away without getting gas. I took his tag #, called 911 and followed him reporting his location until he was arrested. Police knew him well.

[kittygilchrist]

What to do, what to do?
take photo of license and her car, photo of her and kid.
report to law enforcement.

[maureenod]

What I don't understand is why you paid her bill. A manager should have been called over, have her step aside so others could proceed to pay their bill. Let the manager handle it. Thats her job.

[ajbrown]

Yes, it was generous and nice of you. However, I am extremely disappointed in the manager who allowed a stranger to be out money instead of handling it him/herself. Steak and Shake should have "eaten" the bill before letting a customer.

I agree with all the posts re: how generous, etc. , but what you posted was the exact thought I had when I read the OP. I was surprised the manager did not handle, he/she could have handled by taking customer aside and working it out, i.e., get her phone number, name, tags....

[justjim]

What to do, what to do?
take photo of license and her car, photo of her and kid.
report to law enforcement.

Frankly, who really knows what you would do in a like situation? OP was very generous. My guess is that this lady has a pretty good idea who might pickup her "tab" and who probably will not. Of course, she is occasionally wrong about that too. My morning paper stated that currently America has 47 million people on "food stamps". (it's not called that anymore....) That's a lot of Americans, many of which, would rather have somebody else pickup their Steak n' Shake tab so they can get some lotto tickets and Big Drink at the Circle K. What kind of impact does this have on the child with her? I suggest that this type of behavior is why it's so very difficult to break the on-going cycle of poverty. Disadvantage children need good role models and few are getting them.

[Bonnevie]

I worked in a hospital where the "homeless" would get themselves admitted by saying they were suicidal, but really just needed "three hots and a cot." They all freely told us how they panhandled and made about $100 a day which they spent on cigarettes and beer, so I admit to a high level of cynicism.

However, you were very kind to try to help the kid. Unfortunately, she's probably started the indoctrination that all us "rich" people owe them handouts.

[USSGompers]

Today I ate breakfast at the Steak and Shake on 466. After my meal, I went to the register to pay. A woman approx 60 yrs old and a kid (grandkid?) about 10-11 yrs old cut in front of me.

She told the cashier that she forgot her $$ at home and asked if she could write a check. After being told that they do not accept checks, the mgr agreed to take one just this time. She left to go to the car and get her checkbook. With me still standing there. the kid was holding her place in line.

When she came back in she said that she didn't have her checkbook or and credit cards on her and just stood there in front of me.

I just wanted to pay and get out of there cause I use a cane and can't stand for any length of time before feeling like I will fall. so i said that i would pay for her check and it was about $12. i felt bad that the waitress got nothing.

As I pulled out, i was behind her on my way to get gas at the Circle K. She pulled in there too. I went in to pay for my gas and there she was paying cash for about 10 LOTTO scratch offs and a large fountain drink for the kid.

:cus:

Okay, as I am reading this post again, I see that the OP is retired Air Force. Used to having to stand in lines for many of his 20 years. Now he has a cane and has trouble standing.

Watching the lady at the counter say she had no $$, getting the mgr, being okayed to write a check, leaving to get her checkbook in the car, the kid holding her place in line, her coming back saying she has no$$ or credit cards (really??? come on)...

He may have just said WTF- I need to get outta here before I fall down and thru down the money w/o thinking. Later, seeing them at the gas station... well- different story there.

I would have went up to her and said that I hoped she scratched a winner so she could pay me back. And I hope the kid gets fat drinking his 'Big Gulp'!!

[CFrance]

Okay, as I am reading this post again, I see that the OP is retired Air Force. Used to having to stand in lines for many of his 20 years. Now he has a cane and has trouble standing.

Watching the lady at the counter say she had no $$, getting the mgr, being okayed to write a check, leaving to get her checkbook in the car, the kid holding her place in line, her coming back saying she has no$$ or credit cards (really??? come on)...

He may have just said WTF- I need to get outta here before I fall down and thru down the money w/o thinking. Later, seeing them at the gas station... well- different story there.

I would have went up to her and said that I hoped she scratched a winner so she could pay me back. And I hope the kid gets fat drinking his 'Big Gulp'!!

I don't think it mitigates the fact that the manager should have taken her out of line to be dealt with later, and gone on to the next person checking out. This isn't a grocery store. Surely they could have canceled the cash register entry.

And I don't wish the kid ill will. He's innocent in all this, in my opinion. Actually, it's very sad for him, and for us too, if this is the example he will grow up with.

[The Buckeyes]

You did a good deed and then got slapped in the face for it! I'm sorry, but the time for being politically correct is over. I would have called her out on in in front of the child...unless she is called out the child will think it is ok to pull what she did.
:police:

[graciegirl]

[///

[CFrance]

You did a good deed and then got slapped in the face for it! I'm sorry, but the time for being politically correct is over. I would have called her out on in in front of the child...unless she is called out the child will think it is ok to pull what she did.
:police:

That's a good point, but if she's that conniving that she can pull one over on management and the guy behind her in line, she would be able to turn the blame onto the good samaritan, to her son, if the person called her out in front of him. If not immediately, then later on in the car while he's sipping his big gulp. It's a bad situation for the son all the way around. Sad.

[bkcunningham1]

Maybe she found the money in her car after she left the restaurant.

[The Buckeyes]

Maybe she found the money in her car after she left the restaurant.

I'm sorry but I am not just that gullible. After all he walked out of the restaurant and went directly to the gas station.

[bkcunningham1]

Since none of us really know the truth behind what happened, I thought I'd give her the benefit of the doubt. Call it wishful thinking. That, and the fact that I'm wearing my rose-colored-glasses tonight.

[Nursebarb1]

You were a good person. God bless you.

[DougB]

I'm sorry but I am not just that gullible. After all he walked out of the restaurant and went directly to the gas station.

I'm starting to have doubts about the whole story.

[kittygilchrist]

I'm starting to have doubts about the whole story.

doug you changed your profile pic. isn't that one of those singing frogs?please post us a url if there is one. I don't doubt the story a bit. I think the accused waited for the best oppty to get in front of someone to pick up the tab.
I've been told I'm streetwise, and for a small town sweethearted girl, I reckon that's right. Been too far around the block.
Kitty
ps TV is a bubble in the middle of a lot of people with not much. applause for hiring more deputies in Sumter Co.
pps BK, I'm proud of you for having a soft rosy moment. Your compassion for the kid, I know....

[CFrance]

DougB, you certainly have aged since this morning.

[Barefoot]

DougB, you certainly have aged since this morning.

I'm hoping you'll morph into a Prince by Sunday!

[DougB]

I'm hoping you'll morph into a Prince by Sunday!

Thanks, Bare!

[redwitch]

I'd like to think that this woman wanted to give the boy a treat but just didn't have the money to give him his luxury and her her luxury. So, possibly, in her mind she felt she had no choice. Stinks, but some people have very skewed thinking.

Regardless of the final outcome, I applaud OP for the act of kindness and generosity of spirit. Hopefully, this won't stop the rest of us from helping others when they are in need even if it means risking being conned and cheated.

[Barefoot]

Regardless of the final outcome, I applaud OP for the act of kindness and generosity of spirit. Hopefully, this won't stop the rest of us from helping others when they are in need even if it means risking being conned and cheated.

I totally agree.