I'm guessing this is a scam...

Triton

Triton

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Aug 8, 2000
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Okay so someone clue me in here. This has happened to me here in town twice.

The first time I had the children out at Barnes and Nobles. They were busy reading books, playing at the train table etc. as were some other young children whose father also appeared to be watching them. He introduced himself and we made some of the usual chit chat small talk. We all went on our merry way and I didn't think anything of it until about a month later out of the blue this guy calls me (I did not give him my phone number) and asks if I am interested in a "sideline job" and tells me to go visit some website. I never did and pretty much forgot about it.

Last week I'm in the gym working out and there's some other guy there who notices my workout notebook and strikes up a conversation. He introduces himself blah blah blah and sure enough this weekend I get a phone call from him talking about a sideline job and wanting to talk about it.

What the heck is this? Anyone know?
 
I've noticed an trend on Craigslist lately...I sell all my refurbished bicycles on that service, and lately I get at least one reply that goes something like:

"Don't sell your precious goods, go to this website for information on debt relief!'
 
I think maybe it's coincidence. I don't think they would waste all that time hanging out at the gym or Barnes and Noble just to look up the guy later, give him a call, and hope he does whatever. I don't know what was discussed but maybe he really did have a job for you.
 
It's a scam. Same thing happened to me about 10 years ago, also an barnes and Noble. I was in the technical book section, guys says he was looking for employees for his business, blah & etc.

He called a couple of times, but wouldn't give me any details on the phone, wanted to meet for coffee. Kept calling, I finally called back, got the wife, told her I didn't want any part of their probably illegal scam they where running. She got defensive, pissed and started cussing me out. hit home I think.

It's roght along witht he white van in the parking lot selling speakers and stereos.
 
DrivebyTrucker said:
I think maybe it's coincidence. I don't think they would waste all that time
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A lot of the pyramid scams (they prefer to call it MLM) train their marks to do that -- not necessarily to hang out at Barnes & Noble looking for customers, but whether they happen to be at Barnes & Noble or anywhere to regard everyone they meet as a potential customer, whenever they talk to anyone get their names and call them later. Their kid's teacher, the meter maid who gives them a parking ticket, the sidewalk vendor selling hot dogs -- everyone they meet is a potential sucker.

It's a hell of a way to live, IMHO.
 
I've suddenly started getting calls at night from people with thick Indian accents trying to sell me crap. Haven't had any for over a year, maybe scams come in worldwide waves. :)
 
DutchV said:
Amway guys work like that, too. Strike up a conversation, then coerce you to join.
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Yep...that was my first thought. Twenty-some years ago I sold a camera to a guy through a newspaper ad. We met. He gave me the money, and I gave him the camera. A couple of months later, he calls me to invite me to a vague "job interview." I was in my early twenties and broke, so I went. Turns out there here a couple hundred of other suckers with "job interviews" at the Amway recruitment meeting. At least I was smart enough to walk away.
 
Triton said:
Yes, I typically introduce myself by my full name. Perhaps that is something I need to remedy. I assume they looked me up in the phone book.
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And people wonder why so many internet usernames are obviously artificial. :)
 
I REALLY hate Amway and this thread brought it all back. So I googled Amway and discovered others mentioning being approached at Barnes & Noble, also. Other establishments were mentioned too, but B&N seems to be a favorite stalking ground.

As much as I despise Amway, I feel sorry for the people who get suckered into it. My first instinct is to allow them to make their pitch, wasting all their time and energy on a seemingly interested candidate. What I've ended up doing instead is try to explain the economics of the Amway scheme. So far, I've never been successful. Some people just have to learn the hard way.
 
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Eww Amway? Sigh, I must just look like an easy mark or something. I always get these guys driving up at gas stations offering to sell me gold chains or rings etc. too. :grumpy: Must be my boyish good looks.
 
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