city of angels

[theladyrose]

This is the second time someone has been trying to scam me or at the very least get me involved in something shady.

Around seven o'clock I decided to eatsome prepackaged sushi from the dorm coffeeshop so I could do some reading. As it was a pleasantly cool evening I moved to one of the outside tables by the library. I had just started eating when these two guys came up to me and asked me if I wanted to go to a meeting being held a few blocks downtown that was sponsored by the church. Lots of people from a lot of the local schools were being invited to come; they stressed the inclusiveness of the gathering. They didn't give any details about when or where this event was held, "a few blocks towards downtown" could lead you many places, but not ones where you'd want to walk if you're a girl by yourself at night. Then they asked me for my phone number without explaining why. I didn't bother to even ask at this point and gave them my old non-working cell phone; one of the guys recognized it as a New York one. (I don't know if I've mentioned this, but I have a new cell phone number whose area code is actually Californinan now. Ask me for the number if you want it.) They hoped that I could attend the meeting although it was OK if I wasn't able to go and walked off. I saw them talk to some other guys for a few minutes before leaving the area; where they went, I don't know.

I didn't help matters by being a conspicuous target; I was wearing a white skirt and a black shirt as I haven't gotten around to doing laundry yet. Being alone didn't help, either; they specifically headed towards me and ignored the other couples and other groups of people nearby. They didn't even give a second glance at the guys sitting by themselves on the benches or even the girls talking on their cell phones. I couldn't immediately respond to the pair because I had food in my mouth. They probably wanted to make sure that I had a chance to listen to their request before I could possibly cut them off.

The first scam artist I came across two weeks ago was much more obvious; he was probably new to the game. As I just came out of class, that guy randomly came up to me asking if I could help him. Naturally I asked him what was going on, and before I knew it he was pushing an order form and a pen into my hands as he was telling me about a free magazine subscription (no specifics) and how he was trying to selling these subscriptions for free (seemingly unaware of the contradiction of his statement). His bosses would send me the billing in the mail, but if I called a certain phone number I could get a refund. Yeah, right. It was imperative that I signed up now because he needed to raise enough money for a guitar amp by a certain date for a musical recording he needed to pass a class (?!) Actually, I had to ask him about why he needed the money before I put down an incorect address and non-working phone number.

The process seems to be the same in both cases; these people come across as respectable, look you directly in the eye, ask for the scamee's name, give some sort of vague story, ask for your phone number and other contact information. They apologize for interrupting you in their clean-cut, gramatically starched way of speaking. You can't just say no because the scam artist will assure you that it will only take a moment of your time, that you have no reason to be suspicious, that it would really help them out. That, and you want to give them the benefit of the doubt; you don't want to assume the worst of your intentions. It's just easier to play along, smile and give them the wrong information. The number you gave technically is yours; it's just out of commission now. It's not their problem if you never return their calls.

It's the only way everyone can save face.

Comments

[mvmontgomery.livejournal.com]

It's really sort of creepy though, especially in the first example.

[horosha.livejournal.com]

I always piss them off because I'll give them an address (usually fake) and not a phone number. I tell them, "If it's important enough then you can mail it to me," and they stalk off, grumbling. I keep meaning to say something witty like, "Give me your address and phone number first" but always forget in the moment. Anyway, that first incident sounds positively creepy. Glad to see you've got a good head on your shoulders; makes me worry less.

[agentxpndble.livejournal.com]

Don't give these people *anything*! Your old address/phone information may still be attached to your name on the internet!

It's the only way everyone can save face.

You don't own them even that - Tell them you want a flyer or information from *them* in case you decide to attend (or purchase) later. Both of these situations seem dangerous and scary - You have every right to refuse to give them *anything* and, as I said, demand that *they* provide *you* with information. I know it's hard to say "no" on the spot, but you have every right and YOU NEED TO PROTECT YOURSELF!

Furthermore, if these things happened on campus grounds, I would report them to the campus police. Not that they can/would do anything specifically about your incidents, but if they are aware of these things happening from enough people reporting it, they may have the opportunity to deal with the problem in a larger way or when an opportunity presents itself.

[melee-melo.livejournal.com]

This is even better than Asian Campus Ministries for Christ. Or Amway.

[theladyrose.livejournal.com]

OMG I was totally trapped in place by this Korean lady evangelical missionary two days ago. I have to tell you about it when I call you this weekend.