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  • possible scam artist

    *Note: I don't know for certain that this guy was trying to scam the church, I'm just suspicious because of the differences between his voicemail message and my actual phone conversation with him*

    Sometime on Tuesday (after the office closed), "Keith" had called asking to speak to the pastor - said he was a single dad with three kids, they were staying at a motel because they'd just lost their home, and he wanted to know if we helped people out with food boxes. I didn't receive his voicemail until I got into the office on Wednesday morning, and wasn't sure how to respond as we have very little in our food pantry at the moment.......but I figured I should call him back anyhow and see what exactly he neeed in the way of food.

    However, when I got "Keith" on the phone, his request for assistance changed over to seeming more concerned with cash assistance than food boxes. I explained that we didn't have the resources to help people out financially, but we do have a small, "emergency only" food pantry. (unfortunately, we have to emphasize the last part because of problems with repeat "customers")

    Anyhow, I thought it was really strange that "Keith" had initially seemed concerned with help with food, but lost interest in talking to me further once I told him that we were unable to provide cash assistance.

  • #2
    Sounds like a scam to me. If he were truly destitute, he'd appreciate the free food.
    I don't have an attitude problem. You have a perception problem.
    My LiveJournal
    A page we can all agree with!

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    • #3
      Don't know if it's a scam or not. Some people just decide that money is better than food. Either way, giving food is good, giving money is a no-no.
      D.I.L.L.I.G.A.F.
      Quoth = Crossbow "EvilHomer, Irv, Gravekeeper, and Seraph: the Four Horsemen of the Dumbpocalypse."

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      • #4
        Well, part of what got me suspicious is that he said he was referred to us by a "Michelle Goldsmith", who he said was the owner of the motel he was staying at, and that she was associated/familiar with this particular church. However, I did NOT recognize that name at all, and and if this woman really was familiar with this church, she should've known that we don't have the means to provide financial assistance. (which some churches ARE set up to do, but on an emergency basis)

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        • #5
          This may send this thread into fratching territory, and mods, feel free to zap this post if it does, but... **takes in deep breath** this reminds me of a customer of mine. One of the pastors from the Methodist church in town came in and bought $30 in gift cards, and gave them to a man that was with him. While the pastor was there, the man got food, and a pair of gloves. Later, he came back without the pastor, and got alcohol and cigarettes with the remainder of his gift cards. The "Keith" that you spoke to sort of seems like this was maybe the sort of thing he was angling for. Who knows?
          "And though she be but little, she is FIERCE!"--Shakespeare

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          • #6
            That could be.......but it's hard to say since I really have no way to verify if what he told me about his situation is true or not, and either way, it didn't help that he was apparently referred to us for assistance that we can't provide.

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            • #7
              I vote for a scammer. If he's out of work and is scrounging for food/cash assistance, then how can he afford a motel at $30/night on up?
              I'm trying to see things from your point of view, but I can't get my head that far up my keister!

              Who is John Galt?
              -Ayn Rand, Atlas Shrugged

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              • #8
                The sudden switch to wanting cash is a decent tell that this was a scammer. Sadly, a lot of charities have to deal with the like. I've heard stories from the food pantry at my church too. Talk to the pastor just to be safe, but most people really in need will take whatever is offered rather than try to dicker over it.
                The Rich keep getting richer because they keep doing what it was that made them rich. Ditto the Poor.
                "Hy kan tell dey is schmot qvestions, dey is makink my head hurt."
                Hoc spatio locantur.

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                • #9
                  Or a true SC

                  There is also the possibility that they were true sucky customers(clients) in that they refuse to acknowledge their recent change in status. IE, such people are always sure that any problems they have is always someone else's fault.

                  Thus they are thinking that changing their demands from food to money is perfectly alright and reasonable. After-all you are there to serve them - are you not? They are think that you HAVE to help them, and they have a RIGHT to demand what they want, not what you can supply.

                  Wait till they ask if the church has a back room with extra goodies in it

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                  • #10
                    scam ftw; if he were really destitue with kids, the food would be a priority (unless he has 'issues').
                    look! it's ghengis khan!
                    Sorry, but while I can do many things, extracting heads from anuses isn't one of them. (so sayeth the irv)

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                    • #11
                      Quoth chainedbarista View Post
                      scam ftw; if he were really destitue with kids, the food would be a priority (unless he has 'issues').
                      True that is......or it's also possible (now that I think about it), that "Keith" was looking to get regular assistance with food, was turned off by my letting him know what our food pantry policy is, and that we don't have a lot in stock right now.

                      (to get into further detail would probably go into Fratching territory, so I'll just say we're trying to toe the line between helping needy people and avoiding problems with "repeat customers" and other issues Pastor Nancy's experienced at her previous churches)

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