Re: I just did something really dumb...

Pearlee · ‎06-11-2011

@ROMARY wrote:
I'm guessing sometimes they (perpetrators) could pretend to need help; maybe pretend to be disabled, etc. We have to be careful unless there are other folks all around to help out.

That was serial killer Ted Bundy's modus operandi to get women to help him. He's have a "broken arm" or some such obvious disability that wasn't a disability at all. A fatal ruse.

sandraskates · ‎06-26-2014

I had just returned home from work and it was still early evening and light outside. A rep from a window company was going house to house with informational flyers for the company.

We were actually in the market for new windows so I set up an appointment. I also checked the company out with the BBB and few other feedback sites.

We ended up with some pretty darned good windows and a couple years later we replaced a slider door too using this company.

That's probably the only time I've purchased something major from a door-to-door salesperson! Most of the time I do not answer the door unless I'm expecting someone or something.

luvdoodles · ‎06-19-2010

I did something similiar not too long ago. I was driving home from the store and saw an elderly man rolling his bike along with the front tire in his hand. I assumed he had a flat tire, so I pulled over and offered him a ride home. He lived quite far away and the whole time I am thinking what the heck have I done. I think it was just a scam to get a ride because he didn't want to ride his bike home. All was fine but my husband sure had a few words for me when I told him what I did. Won't do that again.

hoosieroriginal · ‎03-04-2012

@luvdoodles wrote:
I did something similiar not too long ago. I was driving home from the store and saw an elderly man rolling his bike along with the front tire in his hand. I assumed he had a flat tire, so I pulled over and offered him a ride home. He lived quite far away and the whole time I am thinking what the heck have I done. I think it was just a scam to get a ride because he didn't want to ride his bike home. All was fine but my husband sure had a few words for me when I told him what I did. Won't do that again.

@luvdoodles - I have often thought of picking someone up when it is snowing outside and you can see them struggling walking. Nowadays I just think it is sad we have to rethink our actions because of all the crime. Your husband was right - you could have put yourself in great danger.

Mominohio · ‎08-08-2010

@hoosieroriginal

I haven't read all the replies, but don't beat yourself up over this.

What seems like a 'mistake' here in letting this guy in, may in fact be a positive. On the chance he was casing the neighborhood with the intent to do harm (like come back and break in, looking to see who has what, who is home where and when etc.), he now knows that you are not dumb, that you are watching him, that you are home at that particular time of day etc.

It isn't all bad. Sometimes just the fact that you have seen his face and could tell police some information about him, might deter him if he was up to no good.

And there is always the possibility that he was legit, looking for work in the area he said he was.

NicksmomESQ · ‎08-19-2014

Don't beat yourself up.People make mistakes!!

It's a shame that we live in a society where people are afraid to reach out & help one another!! When I was a kid the world was a different place.We always helped & received help from strangers!! Today it's different!! I never open my door to anyone I don't know.When I'm out & about I'm always aware of my surroundings. Unfortunately,I feel that I can't trust anyone.That hurts because I'm a compassionate person by nature.

Financialgrl · ‎03-13-2010

Don't beat yourself up - it ended well. Whenever I answer the door for anyone other than family or friend, I step outside and speak to them there. That way I am not trapped inside . In this case, if u thought he was there to give u an estimate for an outside front deck, it would have been another reason to be outside and not in. But again, don't beat yourself up, learn and move on so u r ready the next time.