"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 *** 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.

KubotaSteve · Mar 2, 2006

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

Richard,
Regardless of whether it was a scam or not, you did the right thing for the right reason which is all that should matter. If it wasn't a scam imagine how much you helped them out.
I work in Washington D.C. which is home to quite a few scam artists begging for money. They really focus on the high tourist areas. I get asked for money probably 10 times a day and that is only walking the half block to the metro and inside Union Station.
I don't think in your situation it was a scam as most people won't go to that much trouble for a few bucks. Most are like crooks in that they want quick easy money. I think they approached you because you were in a suit and tie which gives people a little bit more of a sense of security, especially if they were just robbed.
A friend of mine worked quite late in DC all the time and said he saw the same guy outside begging for money (dirty and scroungy looking) day after day. One evening he was looking out his office window and saw the guy look around the deserted street then proceed over to a brand new red BMW and drive away.

Nasty135 · Mar 2, 2006

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

Richard the "S" is for SAINT in your case!! (its the conditon of your heart, or your heart condition /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif)

Kubotasteve, I spent 20 years in DC working and I have seen the scams from "Oh Hey like I know you" I live just down the street from your mother.... Un Huh!! whatever!!

The girl in the car (toyota corolla)pulls up next to the curb and ask do you any money to give her for gas because she has to get to virginia, I look in at the dash and it shows 1/2 tank " I told her she could go to west virginia if she wanted with that much gas ... /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif

Another good one , An Older foreign woman pushing stroller with baby (her grandson) carries a note asking for money to feed the baby ,blah,blah,blah found out she lives in Georgetown.. /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif...

Richard · Mar 2, 2006

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

( I work in Washington D.C. which is home to quite a few scam artists begging for money )

Aren't they called politicians? /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Thanks all for the kind words and the words of concerns. I am still 50/50 on the answer. I can build it either way. He DID make (ironic) comment about having a tatoo under the very bandage that was on his neck. Talked about the sutures (sp?) ...

My memory went to one time when I was out of town (teenager, but had checking account). I went from Hamilton Ohio to Piqua Ohio to see my grandmother who was laid up in a hospital after having a stroke. I was running out of gas so pulled in, filled up... YIKES...no cash... I asked if I could write a check (which was good) answer was understandably "NO" so what am I to do...

Hotel 1/2 mile away, walked over & asked guy behind counter if they could cash check. Oh, it was a SUNDAY, so no banks open and no atm's back then.

He looked me over and said he couldn't as a hotel but if I wrote the check to him personally he would. Said he would want someone to help out HIS kid if his kid was ever in a jam so he agreed to give me some cash to pay for my gas.

My check of course, was good so he got a point for being a good guy!

Ironically, and something I didn't mention for fear of being called a scammers magnet...

After this happened (yesterday), I got back to office feeling fairly good. I was ONLY person at office and the door opened with some very loud jingling going on. I was on telephone so could not get up when a fairly young woman went ahead and just walked into my office. She was carrying some kind of trinkets that were making all the noise.

I knew she was soliciting so while staying on phone, I just sort of waived her away & she stood there... then she came closer trying to hand me a piece of paper. Although I did not see it, I'm SURE it was "Hi, I'm deaf/mute & made these trinkets to support........."

As I was finding it highly rude she helped herself to just walk on where she wanted to BUT not wanting to break my phone call for her I kept talking but gave her a clear look in the eye while pointing to our exit door and waived goodbye.

So perhaps any good karma I garnered with Mr. stabbed in neck, might have been spent with Mrs. Jingle Trinkets.

I found a bit of irony in how warm/receptive I was capable of being with the dude, and how cold/rejecting I was able to be with her literally 8 minutes later.

* I might add as a sidebar we get a LOT of soliciters just barging their way into our offices pushing anything from flowers, trinkets to a guy had a semi parked out front full of furniture... as though I was going to make a snap decision in 10 minutes on buying a living room suite.....

Point being made is, when these folks barge into my office, I'm a LOT less tolerant of their intrusiveness and can be quite clear & pointed on where they need to take themselves.

Guess I can be cold as a clam at times, or a big wussie at other times /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Bedlam · Mar 2, 2006

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

I have to agree, you may never know. And for your money, you should feel good about it. If it was a scam. Hopefully sooner or later they would play it up more, and get caught for what it was.
I had an interesting one several years ago. I had a 68 Sears tractor in the Want Advertiser. I received a call from a guy who said he didn't want to buy it, but wondered if I had the manual. I told him "yes" and he asked if I could copy it and send it to him, He said he would pay for the copy charges. I went to the store and copied the entire thing, and made a folder and mailed it to him.Total cost about 8 dollars.
My friends told me I was nuts, but I would like someone to do the same for me if I should be in need of an outdated manual.
Anyway one, two three months goes by and nothing.One friend suggests we pay him a visit. I decided not to, It wasnt about the money anyway.
A year goes by, and I get a card in the mail. with a check for 15 dollars.The guy explains that he has been sick and in the hospital and didnt get around to responding.
To this day I give it the benefit of the doubt and take his word. He could however have felt guilty and made up the story. Or he could have just forgotten and after a year wanted a story.
The Important thing is that he did reply. Sure shocked me..
of cource a few years later I sold a trailer to two young guys, and they were 25 dollars short of the negotiated down price. They too said they would send it. Its been 18 years now.Dont think they will...LOL
Moral. If you did it. Feel good about it.Think how you would feel if you gave them the gas and then saw them approach someone else right after. Or gave cash and they went to the liquor store..Regardless, I feel good to know that you did the right thing.
Allan

1bush2hog · Mar 2, 2006

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

AMEN!

Jstpssng · Mar 2, 2006

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

After reading all the replies, I have to agree with those who feel you should go with your instincts. Hard luck or scam, does it really matter? You did what you felt was right, it won't keep food off your table or diesel from your tractor /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Most importantly, you'll sleep good tonight knowing you did the right thing . The question is, "will they?"

hobbyfarm · Mar 2, 2006

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

Richard,
I too vote - you did good!
Most of us have been approached similarly. Sometimes you are able to help and sometimes you can't.

I don't think I would say you are ready for the "S", in fact I would not play that at all.

You did Good!
That's enough. Don't beat yourself up, after all, everything is not a scam 100% of the time!

gotrocks · Mar 3, 2006

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

 S stands for Sympathetic 
Which to me is a very desirable trait in someone's character.
So if anyone asks tell them that.
For many years I have felt that the expression "if that had been me I would have....."
is very inaccurate. Now if the same identical thing has happened to that person then they could say "I've been there and this is what I did..."

If there is a cheerful giver and the recipient of a good deed is honest and grateful then all are blessed.
Does that make sense?

Jagmandave · Mar 4, 2006

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

It was about 2 am on a rainy Sunday night, and my 18 yo daughter was driving her rusty, clapped out VW beetle home from DC when she ran out of gas, in the center median. She had no cell phone, and traffic was heavy enough that she couldn't get to the safer side of the road, so she sat in her car, hoping a hiway patrol would come along. About 10 min later a car pulls up behind her, and of course she's scared to death, but it turns out to be a woman who offers her a ride to a phone, where she can call her step dad to come help. Well, her step dad was none too happy about being called out of a nice warm bed at 2 am, but he drove the 60 miles or so round trip with a can of gas and got her going again...........(she really had no excuse for running out of gas, I had fixed her gas gauge the week before when I was in town visiting and it was working now!)

Moral of the story, you never know when you're going to have to rely on the kindness of strangers, so you hope that when it does happen, you have enough good karma stored up that you also have a happy ending.........

I think it was probably a scam, but who knows? Your instincts and heart were in the right place and I applaud you for that............

One other story....
Just a couple of years ago I was driving home from work on the hiway in my VW pickup and had a flat tire, I had a spare and jack and so on, and got the lug nuts off, but try as hard as I could I could not get the wheel off. Just then a young lady in an old VW beetle pulled up behind me and offered a ride. I was grateful as it was hot out, but I was surprised that a young girl would stop to help an older guy like me - she said she only stopped because I had a VW, so I must be ok!
She gave me a ride to my home, 20 miles away and when we got there I fixed her carb which was leaking gas all over the engine and sent her on her way with a heartfelt thanks. I also tried to explain that even tho I was grateful for her help, that what she did was not very smart, and that just because a guy drives a VW doesn't mean he's "safe".

I've usually subscribed to the "no good deed will go unpunished" theory, but here are two examples of good karma rewarded, so there must be something to it........

Here's hoping you're rewarded as well...........

scesnick · Mar 4, 2006

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

Ricard,

It seems no one has even touched on the safety factor here. There are a ton of people every year that think they are doing a good deed and are never heard from again.
While I commend you for doing a good deed I do think it was kind of reckless.
I know If someone in my family came home and told me that happened to them I would ask them why in the world they didn't just get in the car and go.
I just don't think it is worth it in this day and age. I have had a gun to my head once and I hope it never happens to anyone here. It is truly terrifying !! However,
If it is someone I know or have even seen around quite a bit I would not hesitate to help in any way I can.