Keep a look out during the holidays...

Hi All: Seems like I lost more than fat this past year.... I was home early today (I have 1/2 day Fridays) and an older man knocked at my door. Since I am short, I can't really see out of the door. I opened the door and he preceeds to tell me the following: My mother and I broke down up the street and Mr. Riggles at the Getty will tow me for $60.00. I had to walk to the station and that's were my mother is now. She's 75. I'm blind in one eye (which I could clearly see that he was) and I am $18.00 short. I proceed to tell him that I have no money on me and that I would be more than happy to call the station and put the remainer on my credit card. He said that he would come back if he needed it. My man pulled up a few minutes later and I was side tracked... I was going to call the Getty and pay for it. Well, the man came back and I had my man give me all he had on him... $15.00 (we normally carry no money) My guy kept telling me that the Getty was a good mile away and that it didn't seem right... I'm the street smart one so he gave me the money.... Worried that the man would not get the $3, I called the Getty and found out that I was the 3rd person who called and that it was a scam!!!! WHAT!?!?! Can you believe it!?!?! My mom (I had to call her and make her proud...) said, "Blind people even if it's in one eye can't drive" Yeah.. Yeah.. I know. Don't let the christmas spirt get you in trouble.... Jen

Yes these types of scams are common this time of year. And all times too especailly in large cities. People people.. please never give any money and never never give your name and address. Another common scam is to ask for money with the intention to send you the funds back by asking for your address. They your identity is stolen, or worse they rob you house. I know it is hard because we are all soft hearted and want to help people, the problem is you just cannot trust most people anymore, and unfornutately that hurts to truely needy. I hear about this type of thing all the time. I never open my door to anyone that I do not know, and when approched for cash never give any period!! It's hard to say no when you think they might really be needy, but you just cannot take the chance. Or you can take the chance but just figure that the $$ you give is like throwing it down the toliet, it's a 50/50 chance that the story is true. Too bad it's like this now...