Door-to-door alert of sorts: Legitimately looking for help?

| Door-to-door alert | Safety

Carrie Ann encountered someone she describes as “questionable” by her West Seattle home this morning, and wondered if he were legit – read on:

As I was pulling up in front of our house (42nd & Andover) around 10:30 this morning, after dropping my daughter off at school and running a few errands with my 2-year-old, a man approached my driver’s side window. My doors were still locked, but I rolled it down just enough to speak with him. He was holding a folded and slightly crumpled Seattle City Light bill and mentioned that he was supposed to receive help from the church (and motioned toward Andover) in paying it, but that no one was there. He asked if I could help his family with some money for food, and when I told him I was unable but to check with the West Seattle Food Bank, he said he already had and they directed him to the church. I mentioned other churches in the area who might have resources for him, and he left toward Holy Rosary, stopping to speak with someone working in a neighbor’s yard, down the street.

He was Hispanic, average build, close-shaved haircut, multiple tattoos on his arms, wearing a black t-shirt and army green pants or shorts.

Could have been completely legit, just someone desperate for some help. But with the crime rate on the rise and neighbors @ work during the day, I figure it’s a case of better safe than sorry when it comes to putting the word out.

coffee September 11, 2009 (12:27 pm)

Dont forget Helpline, I believe that they assist with these types of requests.

ian September 11, 2009 (2:05 pm)

This sounds like a scam. I only say that because when I lived in LA, folks would steal mail from a mailbox (or ID if they could get it) and then come to your door, saying they needed help, bills/ID in hand.

It’s a little too convenient.

Referring them to Helpline or another church seems like the right choice.

ole September 11, 2009 (3:05 pm)

I talked briefly with him as well on Saturday (Labor Day Weekend) a block from you. He had a 3 or 4-year old boy with him. He had a story about his friends being out of town and he was stuck here. Ultimately, it sounded like he just wanted bus fare to Sumner. It may have been a scam, but he wasn’t smooth, and his story was disjointed enough to be real. Caution won out. I regret my decision.

Mrs. LoGiudice September 11, 2009 (5:38 pm)

I KNOW you did the right thing. I don’t give money to people that approach me like that. In LA its a big problem all types of scams. Put yourself and your children safety first before a light bill for a complete stranger.

Jen September 11, 2009 (7:38 pm)

I don’t mean to be skeptical, but this sort of behavior always seems odd to me. When I hear about things like this, I always have to stop and ask myself – if I needed help, would I ask a total stranger for money? The answer is always always ALWAYS no. We have cell phones now, and other ways to communicate with people we know who can help us so that we don’t have to go door-to-door looking for assistance from complete strangers. There are gas stations all over that will allow you to use a phone if you need one. I would be less skeptical if the man had actually asked for FOOD, but for money? NO way. It has scam written all over it. He may have gone in the direction of the church he was recommended, but $10 says he gave this woman’s neighbor down the block the same spiel.

AceMotel September 12, 2009 (2:20 am)

once when I was in a school parking lot I was approached by a man who said he needed $20 to get his car from a tow truck driver “just around the corner” who was about to tow his car away and he would be right back with the money because his wallet was in his car….. he was *really* believable and I consider myself pretty street-smart. He never came back, of course. stupid. stupid. stupid. Never again. Even if they seem to be legit! Give to a helping organization if you want your donation to be effective.

a neighbor September 12, 2009 (11:17 am)

A man matching this description came into our building nearby yesterday; a wallet was missing when he left. It’s been reported to the police.

It is frustrating not to be able to help people without suspicions. Alas, our suspicions are often validated.

I now meet such requests for help skeptically.

Tiffany Kosa September 12, 2009 (3:52 pm)

He could have been stalling you as an accomplice was robbing your house! Or in your back alley stakeing your house out. Never trust anyone like that. And BTW, I was at the West Seattle Food Bank dropping off plums the other day and they seemed to have PLENTY of food.

Anyhow, it happened to me, a guy kept me at the door pretending to be a windows sales person while another person stole tools in my backyard. Pretty crummy.

Lachlan September 13, 2009 (10:09 am)

The stalling technique mention is correct, though clearly this didn’t happen to the writer. It is always worth thinking about that possibility when being approached.

I recommend keys at the ready, cell phone in easy reach, and references to social services on the tip of one’s tongue.

Dreamland September 13, 2009 (11:23 am)

A man by this description came by our house just off Fauntleroy yesterday and rang the bell more than once. We didn’t answer the door. We don’t answer the door if we’re not expecting anyone, period. He vanished pretty quickly and we never saw him again.

carrieann September 13, 2009 (3:13 pm)

I’m the one who sent this to the WSB, and you all give very sage advice here. Also interesting to hear that this person sounds like they may be making the rounds.
The man had been walking down the sidewalk, away from the direction of Andover, and only backtracked and approached my car when he saw me pulling over and parking. I admit that I’ve often given someone a handout, but something has clicked since having kids and I find I’m a lot more guarded. What also creeped me out to the point of sending this to TR was that this guy glanced down at the inside of my car door at one point. Red flag! I always keep my doors locked (in the car, while @ home, etc), and situations like this make me glad I do. And perhaps the fact that I was holding my cell phone at the time, since it’s almost an instinct to pick it up when I noticed something seeming a bit off, made him aware that I was capable of calling for help if necessary.
I think I’ll forward this link to neighbors and see if they’ve noticed him hanging around, or had any interaction with him that day. Thanks for posting!

Melissa September 19, 2009 (2:02 pm)

Just thought I’d give another heads up about the magazine sellers. We’re in North Admiral on Walnut Ave – just had a tall, thin, handsome black kid (maybe early 20’s ?) come to the house, wearing a white oxford, blue tie and khaki pants, claiming to be selling magazines. No ID, nothing official looking. He handed me a rumpled piece of paper and I handed it right back telling him we’re not interested and he suddenly turned rude, saying, “Yeah, NO ONE is interested in magazines.” He then just walked off, on to the next house. I called the cops just to let them know…

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