Lt. Columbo's tips for Good Samaritans

Forums › General Discussion › Lt. Columbo's tips for Good Samaritans

ℒƬ. ʗøℒʊℳℬɵ Apr 9, 2013

If someone(anywhere) needs a little help getting to a place not to far away and comes up to you on the street and asks for a ride, you might be put in interesting position(and flabbergasted). Now some of us have a Good Samaritan side and want to help immediately, but that stops when we all question the safety of ourselves and others when deciding on whether to do so. As much as you want to help it all gets to us, some people want to lead you to an alleyway and mug you for all that you have, but some are truly helpless and need a leg up. The biggest problem with that is, most of the time we cant tell who that is. That is why I have come up with a check list to help you decide on whether or not you should take this person on a ride or not.

First ask for the strangers name(it makes the person feel like you are doing your best to help and brings it to a personal level, and also if something goes wrong you can report the name to the police with a description)
ℒƬ. ʗøℒʊℳℬɵ Apr 9, 2013

Next ask the stranger if they are carrying legal weapons or anything illegal on them(drugs without a prescription street drugs weapons ect)
If you want to be extremely sure have them turn out their pockets and present a valid ID. If they ask just tell them it is for safety reasons, if they refuse and have a problem with it, politely tell them "Sorry, but I can't help you." Briefly explain why, then walk away.(if they say they have nothing on them but turns out they do and "suddenly remember it" and quickly dismiss it or get rid of it on the spot, exit ASAP)
After that is cleared ask for the phone number of the place they are going to and have them give a reference.(if they are going to a store or gas station they may not be able to provide either one) Call the number and ask for the person the stranger mentioned, when speaking with the reference only give the first name of the stranger but not the last to see if that person truly knows the stranger
ℒƬ. ʗøℒʊℳℬɵ Apr 9, 2013

they should reply to this situation by asking "You mean John Doe?" Or "Doe?")

After verifying the reference, ask for the address of the destination from the stranger, after receiving it(if you have a GPS and or smart phone) you can type it in to verify that it is not a phony address or alleyway. If the stranger can not give you an address call the reference up again and ask for the address. HOWEVER if the said stranger or reference can not give you a valid address, It is highly advised that you do not pick them up. (NEVER take directions from the stranger en route to the destination. The stranger can then set you up to go down a road or part of town where of few of his or her buddies might be waiting)

If all checks out, its your call on whether or not you should give the person a lift.
Time elapsed: 5-10min
ℒƬ. ʗøℒʊℳℬɵ Apr 9, 2013

*Note* If there are a group of people needing a ride and only it's just you, it's best that you keep on your way. It's better to have a buddy with you if you come across a situation like this to even or favor the odds. And remember, there is nothing wrong with saying no and walking away.(As bad or awkward as it might feel)Safety comes first and everyone understands that. Stay safe everyone!