Forum Discussion

Mr_Mark1's avatar
Mr_Mark1
Explorer
Feb 03, 2016

Rest Stop Shenanigans

Well, it happened today.

We were traveling back to Southern California from Las Vegas and stopped at a rest stop just before Palm Springs, CA. I pulled into the truck parking area and a guy was talking to a few people in the area. When he saw me pull in, he came up to my driver's window, which was open, and told me about a guy who had just won $180,000 at a casino and wanted me to come over to the truck a few vehicles down.

At first, I didn't understand what he was saying. I thought he said someone hit a motorhomes slide-out... (which didn't make sense).... as he was talking rather fast.

Once I realized what he was talking about, I remember reading here about this scam. I'm not sure how it works but I knew I wanted nothing to do with it. When I exited the motorhome to head towards the 'necessary' room, he thought I was going to follow him to the truck he mentioned earlier.

How many people fall for this? What would someone winning $180,000 at a casino would want from other travelers at a truck stop?..... money, right?

The guy tried several times to get me to come over to the truck.... I just ignored him.

Has this happened to you?

MM.
Class A
  • Mr_Mark1's avatar
    Mr_Mark1
    Explorer
    Feb 07, 2016
    You know, I think if something like this happens again... I'll take a pic with my I-phone. Maybe have my co-pilot record me going towards the visitor's center just so that the 'players' will see that we are recording.

    I don't want to have to pull out my weapons, but will if I have to. Just letting the 'guys' know that they are being watched and recorded are a plus.

    Being attacked at the gas pump is something totally different. That's a whole different scenario. (someone on the Prevost site had that experience).

    Be safe!

    MM.
  • full-timer's avatar
    full-timer
    Explorer
    Feb 06, 2016
    I ran into this twice one at a Kentucky rest area and a Georgia rest area. The first time a guy comes to me and says a guy down between trucks won the lottery and was giving away some money. I went down and they were doing the three card game with the guy moving the cards so slow you had to win. The guy told me go ahead and play he will let you win. I saw what was going on and told him I left my billfold at the motorhome which I did and would be right back I didn't return.
    The next time a few years later a different guy approached me while I was cleaning the motorhome windshield I told him I would be down later. Well he walks over to a car and a young man follows him down. A while later a cop pulls in and parks beside the car where the young man was so I walked over to see what had happened. The young guy's shirt was torn up and he told the cop about what had happened was he pulled his billfold out and three guys jumped him and took his billfold and ran off with all his vacation money, His wife and kids where in the car crying. So stay away from these people.
  • holstein13's avatar
    holstein13
    Explorer
    Feb 06, 2016
    DSDP Don wrote:
    I would recommend that most just leave and not deal with anyone who appears to be a threat. Even though you may ignore them, it's hard to see if they're attempting to vandalize your RV or toad. I scan our surroundings thoroughly when we go into areas like rest stops. If they look bad, we just move on. As a cop for 35 years, I have handled this type of stuff my entire career and I'm fairly comfortable in most situations.

    Most police officers will tell you that they are taught that when they're off duty and especially with their family, never get involved unless absolutely necessary. Your only involvement should be to make a phone call to local law enforcement and be a good witness. This is what everyone here should do when confronted with these types of situations.
    This is, without a doubt, the smartest advice one can take. Just get away from the situation. If you absolutely feel you must get involved, call 911 and move away quickly.
  • holstein13's avatar
    holstein13
    Explorer
    Feb 06, 2016
    I would have done exactly the same thing as you. Your best response in any potentially dangerous situation is to get as far away from it as fast as you can. No point in lingering, following up, becoming deputy dog or any other involvement. Just get away from the situation.

    Doesn't matter if it's a natural disaster like a tsunami or a human made drama.
  • down_home's avatar
    down_home
    Explorer II
    Feb 06, 2016
    Seen way too much of these types and it will get worse.
    Gotten to where I don't trust anyone. I could write a book from the causes of that.
    We always looking out for these people. Told more than one to take a hike.
    Any indication these people are around I walk with the wife to the restroom.
    Even though there is one on board we have to stretch our legs once in a while.
  • bullydogs1's avatar
    bullydogs1
    Explorer
    Feb 06, 2016
    Hi Mark

    Unreal isn't it the people and the scams these days..thank God you had the sense to walk away...when we stop, we are very careful where we are and yes, my co pilot stays behind and when one of us leaves, we always have the cell programmed ready to hit 911 in case of emergency...Lately though, since I moved here and have a home dump to empty my tanks....we try only to stop when we have to let the dogs out and they are always on a leash, with both of us and we lock the motorhome...then once we are back in, we can cook our lunch etc and we plan our stops ahead (RV Parky is a great app) or stop and park at Flying J in a good spot...scary sh**...and people look at my dogs and my coach since I am just nuts about keeping it up and looking good. We are very aware of our surroundings...that's the best we can do..

    See you in April...
  • tomman58's avatar
    tomman58
    Explorer
    Feb 06, 2016
    bigred1cav wrote:
    DSDP Don wrote:
    I'm pretty sure he was using "I told him I'd shoot him" as a verbal tactic, not as a statement made before actually taking his life.


    What happens if he blows a hole through the cheap door of an RV takes your life then your stuff? Call 911 make a cop come.


    Please tells us through your information that this has EVER happened and how many tomes!
    If you don't have any idea then you are the one tat I am afraid of.
  • smacdiesel's avatar
    smacdiesel
    Explorer
    Feb 06, 2016
    bigred1cav wrote:


    I prefer my 5 iron more control and leaves a bloody mark,



    Wow, you be strong!
  • bigred1cav's avatar
    bigred1cav
    Explorer
    Feb 05, 2016
    DSDP Don wrote:
    I'm pretty sure he was using "I told him I'd shoot him" as a verbal tactic, not as a statement made before actually taking his life.


    What happens if he blows a hole through the cheap door of an RV takes your life then your stuff? Call 911 make a cop come.
  • tomman58's avatar
    tomman58
    Explorer
    Feb 05, 2016
    DSDP Don wrote:
    I'm pretty sure he was using "I told him I'd shoot him" as a verbal tactic, not as a statement made before actually taking his life.


    Sorry It just never is in my mind as an option. I keep a Louisville Slugger ball bat in my closet. It would be my final threat. I have been most everywhere and done a lot .... never had a gun with me. My handguns and rifles are safe in my vault away from the grandson and other kids. Remembering if anyone gets shot it is usually a family member by accident.

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