A routine call to report a stranded motorist on Highway 4 turned into an unexpected warning about a well-known roadside scam that continues to target Bay Area drivers.
Here’s what the Claycordian had to say about what she learned:
Not sure if you have reported this before but just witnessed this and had no idea about the scam. A well-dressed gentleman who looked broken down on the side of the on-ramp of Willow Pass Road on Highway 4 eastbound was trying to flag down people as they drove by. Didn’t look terribly distressed but concerned and was looking at their car and looking over to people to flag them down. I figured I would call the non emergency number to report it so someone can help him. The CHP dispatcher told me this is a known jewelry scam. They tell you a sob story about not having their wallet and needing to go to an important meeting and running out of gas. They ask for money and will offer you jewelry in exchange, which is worthless. Sometimes they can get aggressive and curse you out or kick your car if you refuse. Seems like a stupid scam to me but apparently it’s a thing all over, I had no idea. Might be good to research it a bit and warn people.
Thanks for the email!
One puzzle with the Claycordian’s narrative is there is no evidence that the CHP will dispatch a patrol car or at least one of the yellow roadside assistance trucks to the scene.
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Another puzzle is that anyone, much less “A well-dressed gentleman” likely has a cell phone.
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When someone seems to be in distress it’s always a good idea to keep in mind that you may be dealing with a scammer, either directly or indirectly. If you want to give a stranger cash or some other assistance then at least limit that assistance to something that you don’t mind losing or giving away. Also, keep in mind that they may be attempting to set you up for a robbery. Thus you should call 911 first to at least have a dispatcher on the line as you are making contact.
Seems like a new “SCAM” every day
Seems like a NEW SCAM every day!?!
I agree with WC Resident. Sometimes you have to take a look at the entire scenario. Stay safe everyone.
It’s an old scam in a new location. Someone tried this with me a gas station 30 years ago..
Another group of people who need to be deported, “Romas”
If I can’t pull over on Highway 4 and help a well dressed stranger and come away with some jewelry, I don’t want to live this life no more.
Like old saying goes, “If It Sounds Too Good To Be True, It Probably Is” But then again, another observation, “There’s a sucker born every minute”. As long as that is true these scammers will always be in business.