Your Turn
About two weeks ago there was a story about a woman who gave a homeless man her platinum credit card when he asked her for some change. He went and bought a few things and then returned the card. My first reaction was how did he managed to use her credit card? Then, I started thinking about whether I would let a homeless person use my credit card. I don't know about that, but earlier this week I had a very interesting encounter in the parking lot of Ralph's which is a grocery store chain. As I was walking in the store a black woman who was about 50 or so approached me. She was well dressed and certainly did not look homeless or look like she was going to ask me for money, but she did. Here is a replay of the conversation as best as I can recall.
Woman - Excuse me, my name is Beverly. (she then shook my hand). Do you have AAA+?
Me - No, sorry I don't.
Woman - Well I am a teacher and my car needs to be towed and they will only accept cash. I still need exactly $31 to get the car towed. I am a teacher and I would hate to have to call in for a substitute on the third day of class, so could you please help me. She then described her clothes and said she would be willing to trade me her Neiman Marcus silk scarf.
Me - (Thinking) What in the hell would I do with a silk scarf? Is she for real? What if she is and I don't give her any money? How bad will the karma be? Do I trust her? Why doesn't she call someone she knows instead of hanging out in a Ralph's parking lot? I should let her use my phone.
At that point I heard some other people talking about her and they were asking a store manager how come they did not help her. I told her I did not have any cash on me which was true but maybe on the way out. So, I went inside and bought my daily ration of booze and bacon and also got $31 in cash back. As I walked out into the parking lot, I looked for her but did not see her and then she came running across the parking lot.
Woman - Are you looking for me? I hope you are looking for me.
Me - Here you go. (I handed her $31. I also noticed she had a wad of cash in her hand).
Woman - I did not get your name so I can repay you.
Me - Don't worry about it.
I don't know if it was a scam or not, but I decided that even if it was, it was inventive enough to get me to give up some money, and if it was not a scam, then I am glad I could help and I was imagining what it would be like for me if the van broke down and I had no one to call or anything and had no cash, how I would try and get the money. I had never seen her before and it is one of my regular booze stops. Plus, if it was a scam you would have to constantly move from one side of town to another to avoid running into people again.
Anyway, long story for a simple question. What is your policy for dealing with people who ask you for money on the street and do you think this woman was scamming me?
