On March 7, 2009, while in a paint store in Salisbury, a gentleman came in the store asking to borrow money. He claimed he was from Hurlock and offered to leave his driver's license as collateral if he could borrow some money, a specific amount of money. His claim was that his truck had broken down near the overhead bridge and it needed a timing belt. He asked to borrow $23.80 to buy the required belt from Pep Boys. The gentleman had someone driving him around in a little blazer, business to business, to ask for money. When we didn't give him any money, he left the store. After he left, I thought it was odd that someone would drive him around to ask for money instead of just giving him the money. After all, they would probably end up spending more than $23.80 in gas driving him around town all morning.
Beyond that day, I haven't thought anymore about this incident... until last night. Around 9 pm I was walking out of a store in Delmar and was approached by a gentleman asking for $23.80 to replace the timing belt on his vehicle. Only this time the vehicle was a white Jeep Cherokee sitting near my car. (On the previous occasion the vehicle was supposedly a green Chevy pickup.) There was another man sitting in the Jeep behind the wheel.
There weren't many other cars in the parking lot so I had already noticed the Jeep when I parked my car. The man asking for money had followed me in the store and went straight to the register. I picked up the items I was looking for and walked to the register. The man stepped back and allowed me to go first. I paid for my items and walked out. He approached me as I started my car so I could leave. He knew I had paid with cash because he had allowed me to get in front of him at the register. I told him that I was shopping for someone else and that the money was actually their's, so I could not loan any to him. I also told him that I had seen him 2 weeks ago in the paint store with the same story.
Have you heard this story from anyone else?
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YES last night in Powellville same dude same vehicle!
ReplyDeleteFrustrated
A co-worker of mine came in to work and told me this the same story two weeks ago. He was approched at the Wawwa on the south side of salisbury. The man said his truck was broke and needed money to fix it. He also said that he was from Hurlok. I say if anyone else is approched by this man to call the police.
ReplyDeleteA white guy about 40-45 years old stopped by my store about 2 weeks ago with a similar story. Our store was closed and he saw we still had a light on in an office. Unfortunately someone forgot to lock the door and he walked right in. He said a guy was driving him around to help him and in our parking lot was a red van that was running. He said his "work" truck broke down back near R.D. Grier's and all his tools were in the back. He needed to get a belt that broke for $31.85. At this point challenged him as to how on Earth he happened to come by MY store on the North side of town with all the businesses in between R.D. Grier's and our store. He got defensive and a little obnoxious and said he thought I would understand since I sell tools and I know how valuable they are to a workman. Anyway, he offered to leave his cell phone or his wallet as collateral and said he would bring my money by in the morning. Yes, I gave the creep the money, partly out of fear, since my wife and I were alone and he was already inside and partly because if it was true I would not mind helping someone out. I didn't really expect to see him again and he fully met my expectation. I remember what he looks like though and I will be looking for him around town. BTW – in the future if anyone ever offers me his cell phone and or wallet as collateral, I will be taking it and I won’t be forgetting to check that the door is LOCKED!
ReplyDeletethats funny stuff there two weeks ago he stopped in and asked for only 16.00 dollars but it was for a timming belt then also. Ive seen him all over town
ReplyDeleteThis guy has approached people at Dairy Queen with the same story 3 times that I know of. He approached my husband and one of the managers of the store. All 3x it was late at night when Pep boys wouldn't even be open.
ReplyDeleteThere is a male standing out front of Sage Diner on Sundays asking for enough money to get back to Baltimore on a bus..He has been begging in that area for atleast two years...My son told him he might give up because if he had not gotten that much money in two years he wasnt going to make it to baltimore..the guy had that deer in the headlight look...
ReplyDeleteBeen warning you guys about this for years...they are now organized enough that they will work in "wolf packs"/teams outside high-retail environments {Megalo-Mart, etc.}. Saw a team victimize a lady with kids in a stroller prior to Christmas at Chez Tar-jay...as I then started to take pictures with my cell phone of the person "with no vehicle-also fan belt issue story" {and most likely several outstanding theft/FTA warrants}, a mini-van suddenly swooped in like a dust-off Blackhawk to pick up her, and another "lady", working the other lane of the parking lot. Be careful out there!
ReplyDeletesome dude came by my house last year asking for money for something or other. smelled bad to me so I said no but one of my room mates gave him a few bucks. Then, he came around again this year hahaha. I guess I was right.
ReplyDeleteThe guy that goes around asking for money for a bus to see his son.....usually in Giant parking lot, Wawa etc...... His name is Timmy and he is a crack addict. He usually gets about $100.00 a day doing this.
ReplyDeleteI had a guy approach me at Food Lion in Seaford, DE. He was on a bike riding around asking for money as people got in their cars to leave. His story was that his truck was broken down a bit down the road & he needed money to repair it. I said that was a shame but I just spent all mine in the grocery store.
ReplyDeletedont worry--- he hit me up too. He shouldnt be bothering anyone anymore- I bought him the timing belt.
ReplyDeleteI offered the same "gentleman" a ride to the State Police Barracks so he could get help from them & he advised me that would not be necessary. He got into a van sitting outside in the parking lot and rode off.
ReplyDeleteIf it's not broken down needing a simple repair, it's money for medicine/diapers for my little girl/boy, or a flat tire or no gas-I've been approached with a sob story in VA, FL and three times here in MD. I don't trust these people at all, I usually offer to bring an item back or follow them to the repair shop/gas station, that's sorts out the real scams. -I'd rather help someone out by paying the business myself-if that's refused,then it was a scam.-ANYmouse
ReplyDeleteThe guy that came in our store was not Timmy. This guy is older and larger than Timmy. He also told us that he worked for Bill Lewis Contracting.
ReplyDeleteThis same guy came up to me at Royal Farms on Snow Hill Rd. (at Beaglin) several Sunday's ago with a similar story. We walked in the store at the same time and he went directly to the ATM. He then went outside and made eye contact with me and I turned away. I went to get a water from the cold display, turned around ane he was right in front of me. He told me that he needed $18.80 for a burned battery wire and his wife was waiting for him in the cold. He said they had just left church and were from Hurlock. H told m that she was waiting for him in the cold. I told him that I would meet him at the auto parts store and he said that it wasn't necessary for me to waste my time and offered to leave his driver's license with me. He was driving an older pickup truck (red I think), had short light color hair and beard, nicely dressed with cargo type slacks and button down shirt. I am an idiot for giving him $20.00 and I hope somebody gets this guy for the drugs he uses. Thanks to the original poster. Misery loves company and I have not even told my wife about this becasuse I feeel so stupid about.
ReplyDeleteHe came by my office as well. The guy is definately on drugs and way out of it. I helped him with his "timing belt" and I hope he hits rock bottom and gets help before its to late. Seeing someone so desperate for a fix is truely sad.
ReplyDeleteThis apparently is happening everywhere. We have been approached twice at the same gas station/truck stop on I-4 in Florida.
ReplyDeleteSounds like "Bubbles" from the Wire... has moved the the 'Bury
ReplyDeleteIn the last year, six or seven times outside the south end Wawa, either for a bus ticket to Seaford or a car part to get the vehicle to Dover or somewhere else. Now when they approach, I head them off when they're twenty feet away with that look in their eyes with a "don't even ask." Feel a little sorry for those who might really need a hand, but the others have fouled it for them.
ReplyDeleteWhy don't you people just say "NO" like I did.
ReplyDeleteQuick thinkin' Anon 209!
ReplyDeleteDang you guys must all look rich to this a--hole he always hits me up for 5 or 10 dollars for a prescription or food. Last week it was a prescription but he was close to the liquor store so I think he must have needed another drink because all you could smell on him was booze. Thing is every time I offer to take them over to the grocery store and buy them food they always refuse.
ReplyDeleteSame story -- timing belt, needed to go get one at Pep Boys -- came in to H&R Block near Giant a couple weeks ago. He had called earlier and knew my name (since I answered the phone with my name) and then came and asked for me.
ReplyDeleteNo money from me, and he left quickly and willingly.
The three hotels on rt 50 near the bypass had the same guy with the same story about three weeks ago around 11pm.
ReplyDelete2:44, you should not feel stupid for trying to help someone out of a jam. Many people including yourself still believe in honesty at any cost, so you naturaly assume that others are honest also.
ReplyDeleteI would like to mention to everyone that if you are falling for these scams you should never go to New Orleans without expecting the most elaberate scams that exist. There are some very believable scammers down there that collect money for orphanages and soup kitchens. They have hats and tee shirts that they sell for fund raising for the church, but in reality you are paying $20.00 for a $5.00 shirt or hat. The church, orphanage, or whatever does not exist. They are raking in the money and at the same time they appear to be a wonderful giving volunteer for a good cause.
I have had a timing belt replaced on a car I had a couple of years ago. I recall it costing SIGNIFICANTLY more than $23.80. Just a thought.
ReplyDeleteThis same person came by my office and asked for $43.00 and some change for a timing belt. I told him we didnt have it so he left.
ReplyDeleteOur community has had a guy panhandling door to door asking for money for his daughter's medicine. He's really creepy, and word has gotten around so no one has been answering their doors to him anymore. He managed to get a couple of resident's for $10 or $20 in the beginning. Times have changed, as have the tactics of dishonest people. Always BEWARE.
ReplyDeleteWrite down the tag number and call the police to let them know who to look for. These people are probably wanted for something else, or are driving around drunk and on drugs.
ReplyDeleteHe started to approach my grandson and I tonight coming out of Rite Aid in Delmar. When I noticed him following us I told my grandson to get in the car and lock the door. When he heard me say that he turned away and went up to a gentleman getting out of his car.
ReplyDeleteIf this is happening everywhere why hasn't someone notified the police...oh they wouldn't do anything anyway!
They always like to get you when you are justing getting in or out of you car, or when you are pumping gas. They have you in a tight spot that is not easy to move away from them. Thus, get into a habit of checking before approaching or getting out of your vehicle. A couple of weeks ago a 40's heavy built guy with gruffy sandy beard and hair approached me at RiteAid by the Giant. I was scanning the parking lot as I walked to my car, and pick up on him walking my way early. When he was about 12 feet away and starting his line, I told him "do not approach me" in a loud firm voice. This surprised him, and he stopped dead in his tracks, he knew I was ready to defend myself. I then had time to get in my car, and he moved on.
ReplyDeleteA friend of mine was approached by this guy in Giants parking lot, and told a story about needing money to get home to Hurlock, and that his Mom was going through chemo at PRMC. He struck a chord with this friend, as he knew the guy was full of sh**, and my friends mom had just died of cancer. He punched the guy right in the face and knocked him to the ground. I bet that guy didn't beg for money for awhile!!!
ReplyDeletecan someone draw up a composite? Or what celebrity does he most look like??
ReplyDeleteIf he asks me for money for a timing belt, I gonna say i got 5 dolla for a can of whoop ass...
Good point 558-cost me $500 or so,installed.Its a labor intensive repair,this guy wouldnt do it on the side of the road--he would need a tow.
ReplyDeletethis happend to my neighbor a couple weeks ago.He gave the man $20 and he offered his wedding ring, license, but ended up with some nice knife as collateral.Same story..timing belt
ReplyDeletehe did the same thing at olympia fitness clubs a couple weeks ago. he told me his name was william stier and that he lived on 6th street in delmar.
ReplyDeletelol any one seen the south park episode where the loch ness monster keeps askin for "tree fifday" $3.50 from chefs parents sorry just kind of reminded me of that episode
ReplyDeleteChriso. I remember the fourth time I saw the Loch Ness Monster, there was a knock at the door. Outside there was a girl scout selling cookies-she said she needed about "tree fiddy" too. I got suspicious when I told her I didn't have "tree fiddy" so she said she would take "two fiddy." Then I got suspicious and noticed she was really an 8 story crustaceon and I said "get off my lawn you loch ness monster!!"
ReplyDeleteI had a dude walk up to me and asked if i could buy him a beer. honesty got him a beer!
ReplyDeleteI was approached by the same man and although I was stupid enough to give him money I did get his information off of his drivers license. His name is William Stier Jr.
ReplyDeleteWhy doesn't someone get a tag and call the police while he is there. Tell him you are going in the house to get some money and have him wait. I work for a police department and have received several calls on this. However, nobody calls until well after he leaves and nobody gets a tag number.
ReplyDeleteI did call the police and Mr. Stier. I spoke with him sveral times always getting some excuse or a lie about when he was going to pay me back. He "borrowed" the money from me to fix his truck and was to return the same night. Big surprise, he never returned. The police told me there was nothing they could do because it was not theft.
ReplyDelete