"S" on my forehead for sucker??

rich_ncal · Mar 2, 2006

Re: \"S\" on my forehead for sucker??

You did a good deed.

I stopped helping hitchhikers and motorists in trouble years ago after I ran into a few dangerous encounters.

I helped a stanger with a similar story years ago. He wanted $20 for gas some type emergency. I gave him $10, as that was all I had at the time. After he left I realized I was a sucker for a con.

Most likely this was a scam.

scesnick · Mar 2, 2006

Re: \"S\" on my forehead for sucker??

O.K. Richard, better get that big "S" stamp ready.
I think you were scamed. So he was allegedly stabbed in the neck while he was robbed ? I would think when this happened the authorities would have let him use their phone to call a relative/friend to either come get them or wire them some money.
If his mom is there in the hospital she must live there andShe would have to have some friends in the area to help her son !! either way, there were a ton of red flags here.
I usually just so "NO"and blow them off. I know this is rude but hey, there are alot of freaks out there !!!
This is exactly why I carry, especially when I'm traveling with my family. I'm glad you were not robbed yourself and your safe. Either way. I guess you could chalk it up as a good deed even if you were scammed you atleasttried to make the world a little better place.

riptides · Mar 2, 2006

Re: \"S\" on my forehead for sucker??

You know what, if it makes YOU feel good, just do it. One NEEDS to feel GOOD about ones self. GOOD is a hard thing to come by in this day and age. And you did good.

I once had someone approach me for change in the city, being a tough arse that day I just spoke my mind - "Why don't you find some work?" I asked.

The reply - "Taking money from the likes of you IS work!"

I agreed, and gave him more than just change.

What goes around, comes around.

-Mike Z. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

MossRoad · Mar 2, 2006

Re: \"S\" on my forehead for sucker??

Richard,
I work in a downtown area and hear similar stories on a weekly basis on my walks to and from the parking lot and to lunch and back. I have become cynical and un-trusting of most folks with stories like this, which is sad, because I use to be quite the caring person. I now do my charity work through organizations that know how to screen people that are really in need VS those that prey on our kindness.

I wouldn't call you a sucker at all. I'd call you a good person. If the story was legit, you did a very good thing. If it was not legit, you still did a very good thing in that maybe, some day, someone will be so kind to some schmuck that they may just change their ways and start doing some good in the world. Either way, you've made the hero list. Sleep well! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

bmaxwell · Mar 2, 2006

Re: \"S\" on my forehead for sucker??

well here is my story of what turned out to be a scam, while my father was at Crawford Long hospital in Atlanta going thru cancer treatments, I would drive down from college in Marietta after classes to visit w/ him and my mother, we would sit out in the courtyard which was the only half way decent spot to sit outside, it was right by peachtree street just off of the interstate, on one of said visits, this gentleman in a suit and tie comes up to my father and I and gives us a story of how he is a minister traveling w/ his gospel choir up to TN. to sing in a local church there, the problem he has is that the church van is broken down w/ his choir on the side of the interstate w/ not enough cash to buy the $350 part to fix the van so he asks us for a small donation to help cover the cost, something didn't sound right besides the fact that money was very tight w/ my family at the time and I didn't have any cash on me, anyways no was the answer, the man moves along to the next customer to make his pitch, they oblige by handing over a $20 to the man, as soon as the customers walk back into the hospital (cancer center as well), the man peaks out from behind the corner of another building to make sure they are surely gone, then he proceeds to march over to a sex shop where they offer the chance for you to watch a pornographic tape in your own private booth for the price of $5, he marches in and never comes back out

SnowRidge · Mar 2, 2006

Re: \"S\" on my forehead for sucker??

I've met Richard, and I know he is a good person, and I'm certain he won't feel any financial pain over the event. Still, I'd like to sound a cautionary note about all this.

When scam artists get away with it, it validates the criminal's thesis that a little shuck and jive along with a well told tale of woe is easier and faster than busting their hump working for a living. It helps set up the next victim, because as sure as day follows night, there will be a next victim, and a next, and next, along as the scam works enough of the time.

Some of these victims, like Richard, will be out nothing more consequential than a little of their time and pocket change. Unfortunately, a lot of other victims will be ill able to afford what is scammed out of them. The frail and the elderly are favorite marks for these low lifes, and I would rather not help set them up by enabling the criminals who will eventually prey on them.

If the scam artists didn't get away with it so often, they wouldn't be doing it. I would rather not help them continue their ways, so I think it is not always doing a good thing to give money to someone who is probably/might be scamming, even if it makes you feel good.

I need to get going on some work around here, and I'm afraid I haven't said what I am trying to say very well at all. My apologies; I'm not trying to offend anyone or make them feel bad -- least of all Richard.

turbo36 · Mar 2, 2006

Re: \"S\" on my forehead for sucker??

Richard, you did what your heart said was "right" so have peace with your decision and move forward knowing that when you stand before your maker he will look into your heart and know you did the right thing and that is the only opinion that matters. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

scott_vt · Mar 2, 2006

Re: \"S\" on my forehead for sucker??

Kubotaman,
Interesting read! My truck would have been long gone, I hardly ever lock the darn thing /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif

And Richard,
You did a good deed whether legit or not! And I think the gas thing was the right way to go!

scotty

kubotaman68 · Mar 2, 2006

Re: \"S\" on my forehead for sucker??

well Scotty I had just bought it 3 weeks prior so iwas still in the white glove worry mode . Just a freak thing . its sad that times have changed to the point people can't even be people anymore /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif

PitbullMidwest · Mar 2, 2006

Re: \"S\" on my forehead for sucker??

You're judged on what you do, not the other guy.

Matthew 25:35 "For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in"....

25:40 "The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.' "

Enjoy the glow of a doing a good deed, we need more "Richards" in this world.