Parking lot con artists try to sell same old story
Have you ever been approached by someone in a parking lot asking for just a “little bit” of money to buy gas, diapers or food? They don’t want much; $5 is enough.
You feel sorry for them, and they are not asking for much, so why not give it to them?
The reason not to give them money is simple, they really do not need your help. It is a con game.
The stories vary, but here are some examples, some of which I have personally experienced and others I have heard from readers.
An older adult gets out of their car at the grocery store and is approached by a woman who says, “You are looking pretty good for getting out of the hospital recently.”
Maybe you have been in the hospital in the past few weeks, but don’t remember the person. That is OK, they keep talking.
Next thing you know she is telling you how her husband left her and she needs money for food, diapers or some sad story about helping her kids. You decided to give her some money because she supposedly helped you in the hospital.
How many older adults do you think this con artist has to approach to find an older adult who was in the hospital? Probably not very many.
You are getting into your car, and a man drives up and asks, “Can you help me out with a tank of gas? I am on my way to see my dying grandmother and have run out of money. One tank will help me get to her before the end.”
Wow, that is sad, but not true — there is no dying grandmother; just a con artist doing his job.
A woman with a child in her arms stops you in the parking lot asking for a small amount of money to buy diapers. Why not give her $5 for such a good cause? Once again, this is just a con artist playing a game with you.
There are so many examples, but there is a common theme, they need just a small amount to help them with food, gas, car repairs, diapers or bus tickets.
What should you do? Say no and immediately get away from them. Do not ask questions or have a conversation. Head back to the store and look for a security guard or go to the customer service desk and report them to management. Do not let them help you in any way, and especially do not let them help you into your car.
Stranger danger is an issue for older adults as well as children. Be careful, avoid people you do not know and never give a stranger money.
Feel free to call and share your stories at 713-341-6184.
Barbara Parrott McGinity, LMSW, is program director for the BBB Education Foundation.