Gas Station Scam in Gateway

[eileenkeeney]

Originally Posted by B&A

Have you guys seen that show on TV called "What Would You Do?" They had the same scenario on the show. They would use an actor and change out the actor every so often from male to female or black to white to see how many people will give them gas. Also, they would change the car out from old beat up car to really nice big car. Then, as the people they were being asked for gas either declined or accepted then then show cameras would come out and the host would ask why they accepted or declined. This show's goal is to get people to be a little nicer to others and lend a hand when they can. I bet some of those scam artists are trying to take advantage of anyone that watches that show. It's crazy that you write about this because that's exactly what they were doing on that show. You guys should watch it because it might save you from another scam.

I would give them some gas, because maybe they really are someone who is stranded.
The labor involved in filling a vehicle, one gallon at a time, makes this type of scam a lot of work.

[inthecut]

Originally Posted by thesonofgray

That seems like a lot of work for a few gallons of gas.

I'm just thankful that I can spend my free time eating out with friends, watching movies, etc, instead of begging for gas a gallon at a time. Hopefully these people will eventually realize that hard work gets you further than begging. And hopefully if/when they realize that, there will be good work available for them to do. It's a tough time these days.

True...a scam. Totally. But, if you have the cash, a hell of a lot easier than begging together a quarter/half a tank...personally, I feel if you can't afford a car/insurance, ride public trans, but in areas like Austin without a viable mass transit system, its unfortunately often the only way to get around(personal vehicle).....

Just a reflection of two things...no mass transit system of worth in Austin, and a local/national horsebleep economy. Add the two together, and you will always get creative scammers who try to pull off these things...

Crime would be the next step in this process, and at least no one is getting held up for change from these scammers and panhandlers. If it gets any worse, prep yourself for seeing a lot of that as well(crime)

[B&A]

Originally Posted by Jehjeh

Slight diversion here, but no, the goal of shows like that isn't to make people be nicer no matter what they say. It's to embarrass people. It really is. You don't make people nicer to each other by pressuring them publicly. All that does is increase resentment.

I've had a few too many encounters with people who like to do that to others. Also scam artists who paint giving them money as "helping a stranger" (say that in a "don't I inspire you" tone of voice). Sorry. Had to get it out of my system.

If you saw the show, you'd understand what I said. It's not one of those stupid reality shows. One of those news shows like 20/20 or something has it kinda off their show.

[verybadgnome]

Originally Posted by car957

I will ask a really dumb question. What is the Gateway area of Austin? It sounds like another church here in South Austin -- and we move kinda slow.

Yes where is this Gateway?

[Houston3]

Originally Posted by B&A

Have you guys seen that show on TV called "What Would You Do?" They had the same scenario on the show. They would use an actor and change out the actor every so often from male to female or black to white to see how many people will give them gas. Also, they would change the car out from old beat up car to really nice big car. Then, as the people they were being asked for gas either declined or accepted then then show cameras would come out and the host would ask why they accepted or declined. This show's goal is to get people to be a little nicer to others and lend a hand when they can. I bet some of those scam artists are trying to take advantage of anyone that watches that show. It's crazy that you write about this because that's exactly what they were doing on that show. You guys should watch it because it might save you from another scam.

Reading that was the best laugh I've had all week.... that show is nothing more than a way for ABC to push their LIBERAL agenda.....They are out to make anyone that does not agree with them look like racist....And liberals eat it up.....