Distressed Stranger or Con Artist? How to Tell ….
The Plea for Help
Whether it is at the gas station, outside a restaurant or store or just in the street, most people have been approached by a distressed stranger with a hard luck story asking for help. Sometimes the young woman has locked her keys in the car with her purse inside. Once the couple was mugged while visiting the “big city.” They just need enough gas money to get back to their small town home. Or their car broke down and the tow truck driver will only accept cash. These are just a few of the many ways these scammers pull at your heartstrings to get money.
Why they Work
These scams are successful because they appeal to our emotions. In most cases, the scenario described also seems plausible. The requester may be holding what appears to be a swaddled baby. He may have the hood of the car propped up nearby. We think to ourselves, “What if I locked my purse and phone inside my car? What would I do?” and the problem seems real. Also, they usually only ask for a small amount of money which makes it easier to hand over. In general, people want to be giving and caring to their fellow man, and will help even if not sure whether it is a scam or not.
What to do when Approached by a Stranger
Many people will just refuse to help without consideration for whether the appeal is true or not. This ensures never being defrauded, but is hard to do when the situation could be true and help is genuinely needed. Here are things to think about when you are asked to help a distressed stranger:
- First, offer to help without giving them cash. If a woman asks for money for gas, instead offer to pay to pump a few gallons for her. If the phone is locked in the car, ask who you can call to help them out.
- Certainly check their story. Is there really a baby in that blanket? What town are they from? Did they file a police report for the mugging?
- Watch for the secondary scam. You may be reaching for your purse in the back seat to get some cash, and they reach in your car and steal your phone and run off.
- Alert the management at the establishment and ask them to remove these people from the property as they are disruptive to their customers.
- If you aren’t comfortable saying a flat “no” to the request, then tell the person you don’t carry cash so cannot help them out.
When the Scam Means Danger
In most distressed stranger scenarios, the worst thing that can happen to the person who helps is that they lose a few dollars and feel annoyed that they fell for the scam. But some criminals take the distressed stranger con to a whole different level, that can result in the target being injured or robbed or both.
This version of the scam has someone who is in trouble coming to your door, usually at night, seeking aid. It could be a young woman claiming to be fleeing an abusive partner or attacker or someone claiming their car broke down or their spouse is ill and needs assistance. The person will express desperation and even fear and beg to be let in to your home.
Protect Yourself
Protect yourself and your family by following these steps if someone like this comes to your door:
- Check the peephole or your doorbell or front porch camera to see if the demeanor of the person matches the desperation in their voice. Take pictures of the person if you can to provide to the police. Make note of their age, physical traits and clothing.
- Do not open the door. Often there will be accomplices hidden from view who will push their way into your home and rob or assault you.
- Tell the person you will call the police for them and that they should wait outside for them to arrive. Most importantly, call 911 and let them know you have a suspected home invasion attempt at your house. Let them know what the person looks like and what they are claiming happened.
- Set your alarm so it will go off if they do kick in your door. The sound of the siren may be enough to convince them to flee. If you have a key fob for your system, have it in your hand and ready to push the panic button to dispatch police immediately if needed.
- Finally, notify your neighbors right away. Often if the scam doesn’t work at one house, they will continue down the block or throughout the neighborhood.
Be Prepared
While you cannot stop these strangers from approaching you in public, you can be prepared at home with a security system, video cameras or a video doorbell. Cultris Security can help. Give us a call at 281-506-8466 or visit us online.
Read more about protecting your family from the threat of home invasion here and here.
