The following was reported to the police but I've added a few more thoughts in ( ) as well since the submission.To: Anne Arundel Police Department
Eastern District : 3700 Mountain Road
Pasadena, Maryland 21122
Phone: (410) 222-6145
Subject: Scammer in the Jumpers Hole area.
Sirs,
This is to inform you of a suspected scammer operating in the Jumper Hole and Rt 2 area. White male about 5'7" 150lbs, light build, short light brown hair, 18-23 years. See attached picture. (could be just about anybody since white males that age and build are common, this one in particular was bright peppy with a nasally raspy voice, made you want to clear your own throat or blow your nose or something)
On Sept 28th at about 5:30pm, the young man (in the photo) approached me as I was filling my car with gas at BJs Warehouse gas station near Jumpers Hole and Rt 2. The young man said he needed money to by a gas can and get gas for his mother's car stranded and out of gas (didn't say where). His mother was supposedly talking to him on his cell phone "they" seemed to be in a hurry. He sounded frantic almost to tears because he said no one at the station would help him, he only needed 7 dollars. He sounded very convincing. (in a mournfully frantic sort of way) I gave him $20 (in pity) to cover the can and some gas, feeling I had done a good deed (silly me).
The young man proceeded to leave the station but instead of going into BJs to buy a gas can he crossed the parking lot heading North beyond the Weis grocery store (WTF over?). I drove over to him and asked him were he was going with the money. He said the car and his mom were at the Shell station at the corner of Jumpers Hole and Mountain Rd. He asked if he could have a lift. (great 'tap dance') I felt no threat, I agreed. (hook line and sinker) During the drive over, he proceeds to tell me his story of how they pushed the car into a parking lot. (insert mournful violins) The Shell station was closed so he bought a jug of milk at BJs and poured it out thinking he could fill it up with gas, but the attendant at BJs said no (well duh). As we approached the intersection of Jumpers Hole and Mountain Rd, he pulls his (heart skips a beat) cell phone out of his pocket as if it were vibrating, then said his mother was at the Rite Aid across the street where she found a cheaper gas can.
I dropped him of at the Rite Aid and watch him go in. Suspecting foul play but hoping for the best, (little angel Credence on one shoulder, devil Credence on the other, yak, yak) I pulled off to the side and waited for a few minutes then drove back to Rite Aid to find him walking North across the shopping center towards the Sun Valley Liquor store. (devil Credence vindicated)
It was only then that I believed my suspicions were true and I became convenienced he had scammed me. ( with a tear in little angel Credence's eye) I drove over to him and at that moment, (with power and rage, I fumble with my camera, almost dropped it) I took the attached picture of him with my phone camera and told him I would remember him (I know, I should have said something like "I'll be back" w/Arnold accent) he did not respond, he didn't try to defend his action, (he cocked his head a little and) just gave me a thumbs up (huh? Cornered, I guess he was just as much at a loss of what to do as I was, one of those pregnant moments). There were several other young men there and feeling uncomfortable I then drove out of the area and home (with tail between my legs, nursing my dignity).
'Hind-sight is 20/20.' Thinking about it, his story was full of holes (well double duh) but he was a pro. Very polite, non-threatening. (Oscar material) He works on your pity. I can only imagine I am one of many victims who have been scammed by him as he cases BJs and other public areas to hustle his money. I realized I have been ripped off, and that there is nothing I could do about. Given this episode I suspect he may have a record with his picture on file. (The police have the un-doctored version)
I just thought this might somehow be useful to you.
Lesson Learned!
very respectfully
(Credence)
