Non-Valkyrie - Traveling by cage

[Willow]

I planned to go to California for a month beginning mid-December.  The trip involves traveling across the Rockies and the Sierras in December and January.  I passed on the opportunity to ride and chose to drive my Honda HR-V.  The visit was pleasant and enjoyable for the most part and I started the return voyage sixteen January.

I was stopped for fuel, actually at the pump, on the second day of my two and a half day (I'm older than I used to be.) drive when a bigger, younger man lowered the window of his van and called me over.  Truthfully these days almost everyone is younger and bigger than I.  He began by explaining to me that his wife had tried three times to use their card and it had been refused.  He asked me if I could spare some cash.  He was wearing a gold ring and a gold necklace.  He offered me the ring as a "deposit".  I gave him a twenty dollar bill and told him I didn't need his ring.

We conversed some.  He asked me where I was coming from and where I was going.  I related I was coming from California and going to my home in Kansas.  He said that he, too, was coming from California and needed to get to Texas.  He was traveling with his wife and little boy and they are from Dubai.  His behavior validated what he said as the little fellow was in the front passenger seat and his wife was seated in the next row back.  He asked me if I could give him sixty dollars and expressed that the ring was a six hundred dollar ring.

I gave him two more twenty dollar bills and once more told him I didn't need his ring.

"Can you give me forty more?  I'll give you my necklace as well."   He took off the necklace and placed both it and the ring in my hand.  I told him that was all I could give him.  I actually did have forty more in cash but that was all the cash I was carrying.  It didn't occur to me to use the ATM to get more.  He emphasized the value of the ring and necklace by saying he swore to God.

"Do you know God?"

"Allah.  Yes, I'm Muslim."  

"I'm Christian."

I told him once again that I couldn't give him more but that I wished them well and I didn't need his ring or necklace.  It was cold, thirty-four degrees, and I had gotten out of the car in a short sleeved tee shirt .  I was starting to get anxious to finish at the pump and get back into the vehicle.  I placed the jewelry back into his hand.

He pushed the ring back into my hand and told me, "Thank you.  God bless you."

"God bless you," I replied and went back to my pump.

A short way down the road I realized that he had used the word, deposit, but he hadn't given me his contact info or gotten mine.

A few days after arriving home I took the ring to my favorite jeweler.  I told her the story and said I was going to keep it for a month in case he had taken down my tag to get in touch with me.  What I wanted from her was to tell me whether it was authentic and if so what was its approximate value.  I told her he had described it as being a six hundred dollar ring.

She put on her jeweler's glasses and read the small impression on the inside of the ring.  

"It says 18K."

"Is that plated or solid?"

"Plated should be marked 18KGP.  This says it's solid.  That would be consistent with Dubai.  Their jewelry is often 18K or 22K.  Ours tends to be 14K or 20K.  It feels heavy enough to be solid."

"Is it a six hundred dollar ring?"

"Maybe in Dubai.  More like three thousand dollars here.  Gold is cheap there."

I keep the ring with me.  There's a chance that he did take down my license tag and he may contact me.  I feel a little bad taking his jewelry even though he all but forced it on me.  I hope the card was simply blocked due to unexpected out of town charges and that he and his family have gotten to Texas alright.

Sometimes the things we do in life don't necessarily result in what we expected of them.

[The emperor has no clothes]

Interesting story  I'm curious if they made it as well. I think you scored some karma points. 

[Bret SD]

God works in mysterious ways.. I'm very skeptical when being hit up for money, especially at a gas station and always expect a scam. Sometimes just going with your gut feeling as you apparently did is the right way to go.

Many years ago I took a trip to Puerto Vallarta and spent all my money, there was some kind of tax to get out of the country and I didn't have it at the airport. An American guy there overheard the conversation and offered me the money, he gave me his address and I paid him back when I got home.

You never know until you know..

[Rams]

Now, that is an interesting story.

You did good Carl.   

Rams

[f6gal]

Apparently, you're more trusting than I.  I was smelling scam all over this story, especially when he kept asking for more.  Perhaps there was something in his demeanor that made him seem more trustworthy than your post portrays.

[Rams]

Regardless, we now know Carl carries a wallet full of cash.   

Rams   

[The emperor has no clothes]

Regardless, we now know Carl carries a wallet full of cash.   

Rams   

Yeah, but do you need to be Muslim to get it from him ? 

[Rams]

Regardless, we now know Carl carries a wallet full of cash.   

Rams   

Yeah, but do you need to be Muslim to get it from him ? 

That I doubt, he's a nice guy but, the question is, would he take my Cracker Jack ring?

Rams

[old2soon]

         I am aware of where Connie is coming from. Driving big truck All over these United States I have heard more than my fair share of scams. Many of the tales related to me lacked truth. A Few-VERY few-contained truth. Trick was telling one from the other.
          A lot of the larger truck stops have Church directories in the entrance or close to the fuel desk. You'd be surprised how many folks were NOT interested to be shown those directories But they       immediately quit hammering me for help.
          Carl seems to me even in this day and age you happened upon an Honest man. Divine Providence  mayhaps? RIDE SAFE.

[3fan4life]

Twice I've had someone at a gas station ask me if I could give them money for gas.

Both times I told them that I didn't have any cash but if they would pull up to the pump that I would use my card to put some gas in their car.

One accepted my offer the other made an excuse as to why that wouldn't work and declined.

I figured that the one who accepted truly needed gas in his car and the one that declined was only after cash to purchase something else. 

[Willow]

Apparently, you're more trusting than I.  I was smelling scam all over this story, especially when he kept asking for more.  Perhaps there was something in his demeanor that made him seem more trustworthy than your post portrays.

I'm not so greatly trusting but I try to listen the Voice that speaks to my heart.  I, to my shame, do not often give sacrificially.  Nothing that goes out of my hand is irreplaceable. Sometimes it seems to work out well.  Sometimes not so much.  I've been blessed.

Regardless, we now know Carl carries a wallet full of cash.    

Actually it's a zip lock snack bag in my left front pocket.  I ride motorcycles.   

[Savago]

Gas stations in the USA generally requires you to use the ZIP code of your home to perform pre-validation, it is generally 5 digits.

It happens the format is generally incompatible with the ZIP format used in other countries.

If you have a foreign credit card, depending on the Banking institution, it could:
a) Simply not work at a gas station.
b) Work using a default number (e.g. 00000, 44444).
c) Not work and block the card for further transactions (if say, you forgot to notify the Bank that you would be traveling abroad).

My own manager from UK once had issues with his credit card while refueling his rented car and once when we went to a steakhouse. Luckily I was there and helped him out.

I would say most of the times, it would be a scam, but if the person asking for help is a foreigner, it can be the case where they are just trapped in these credit card idiosyncrasies.

@Willow: you did right helping a family in need.

[Jess from VA]

Apparently, you're more trusting than I.  I was smelling scam all over this story, especially when he kept asking for more.  Perhaps there was something in his demeanor that made him seem more trustworthy than your post portrays.

I'm not so greatly trusting but I try to listen the Voice that speaks to my heart.  I, to my shame, do not often give sacrificially.  Nothing that goes out of my hand is irreplaceable. Sometimes it seems to work out well.  Sometimes not so much.  I've been blessed.  

This is me too Carl.  I've not only experienced the usual personal scams in public, but also the stories, whoppers, half truths, and fairy tales you will always hear as a criminal defense attorney and investigator (in and out of the military).  

Asking questions, listening carefully and looking into the eyes will usually reveal the truth (but not always).  

Dealing with foreigners can throw your off your game though.  In my two tours in Turkey, I do not recall ever being lied to by locals (although I was very hard sold by merchants a thousand times, but that is just the culture).  I also handled a lot of gold jewelry and can read the markings (nearly all of it over there is 18-22-even soft 24 kt gold) (14 kt is for tourists).  It's heavy.  And gold worn by rich and poor alike is viewed as emergency cash, also by culture.  Good Muslims do take their religion and personal word very seriously (if they swear to God, they would expect something bad to happen right away if they were lying).

I think you chose and acted wisely.    (And I would not be surprised if a foreign card would not work) (if they had a cell phone, that might have been fixable on the road) (if I forget to tell them I am leaving my state, MY cards won't work either)

I almost never had generosity for (drunken/druggie) homeless in DC, but once in a while a voice would speak to me too.

All gold jewelry sold in Turkey (when I was there) was put on a digital scale and the weight multiplied by the daily newspaper price per gram of gold (according to karat), and that was what you paid.  I never saw markup for craftsmanship of any kind, and much of it was amazing and detailed work.  And the poorest of women wore their life savings in multiple gold wrist bracelets (bangles, not chains).  And never worried about theft or robbery.  (Banks were universally not trusted, rampant inflation made savings accounts stupid, and wealth was carried in gold.... and later, when it became legal, in US greenbacks.

A lot of fellow service members would bring their wives to Turkey on leave from other European posts, and we always tried to warn them off showing their wives the gold markets, lest they had to fly home in their underwear.  



I even bought some for myself, but never wear any of it.  

[scooperhsd]

Mu primary VISA card from NFCU is that way - need to advise them if we will be outside our usual haunts, or we get an immediate page on the cell phone.

[Skinhead]

Good on you Carl, it looks like you are stuck with that ring. 

When my son still lived in Wichita, my wife and I drove down from MI for a visit.  I usually drive long trips like that at night as there is less traffic, and can make better time.  I took the same route exactly coming home as I did going.  I had no problem going down, but at 3:00 am on the way home, I needed gas just outside of Independence, MO.  All the gas stations were closed, but the pay at the pump still worked, unfortunately my credit card did not.  I had just used it for my last fill up, so I called the credit card company.  They said they shut my card off due to unusual activity.  I was pissed.  I said do you not see the same charges at the same locations on my way down about 5 days ago?  If I drove down and bought gas with your card all the way to Wichita and half way back, why would you cancel it mid trip?  Anyway they turned it back on and after about an hour delay I was back on the road.  While I was on the phone with the CCC, I told them I rode a motorcycle and took several trips out of state several times a year, and that if they ever shut my card off for out of state gas transactions, without calling me first, I would cancel the card.  I never had another issue.

If I'm ever in need I hope there is a Carl around to bail me out.

[cookiedough]

in my gas guzzler truck same day few hours later I had to fill up with gas again and 2nd time used denied and I got a call from my credit card company asking if was a valid charge right then and there at the gas station.  I was surprised they would deny a 2nd charge for 80 bucks in gas (empty both times 38 gallon gas tank) but glad they called and re-activated the card so I can get gas again.  Otherwise,  I would have to be speaking Muslimlike from Dubai and hope there is another WILLOW nearby.     although only gold I wear is my wedding ring and already lost my 1st one near 30 years ago 1 week after married in Lake Michigan swimming in cold water falling off my first dive into the water.   There went 500 bucks down the drain or should I say down into the lake never found it after 1 hour of diving in scowering the bottom while crashing waves came to the shore...

If I was Willow I would have taken his necklace as well as ring and be 5K richer vs. only 3k for 100 bucks in cash given....   that 3K gold ring at least paid for your trip...   

very interesting story only time I got hit up for cash was coming out of grocery store a bag lady on drugs wanted 5 bucks making up a story of needing cash since her and her friends supposedly wanted to get a hotel for 1 night when in reality 5 bucks was either for drug or alcohol money am sure.    I just said sorry no cash and got in my car asap while she was still talking to me.

[Binkie]

You are a good man Carl.

[Jess from VA]

While I was on the phone with the CCC, I told them I rode a motorcycle and took several trips out of state several times a year, and that if they ever shut my card off for out of state gas transactions, without calling me first, I would cancel the card.  I never had another issue.

Same issue, same repeat trips on my bikes, same phone call.  They asked what states did I want to add.

I told them MD, PA, OH & MI.  No more problems. 

But I still call before my next trip, automatic computer things and defaults can never be trusted.

[Thunderbolt]

Good on you Carl.  I can attest to Carl and Lori's kindness.  My wife Iris and I arrived late to a meal that had been arranged in a restaurant in Panama City Fl. one night when we were having gatherings there.  Carl and Lori both got up out of their chairs and retrieved chairs for us and made room at the table.  Gestures like that stick in your mind.

[Robert]

What an awesome experience thanks for sharing it. Love the comments also. 

[hubcapsc]

Good on you Carl, it looks like you are stuck with that ring. 

When my son still lived in Wichita, my wife and I drove down from MI for a visit.  I usually drive long trips like that at night as there is less traffic, and can make better time.  I took the same route exactly coming home as I did going.  I had no problem going down, but at 3:00 am on the way home, I needed gas just outside of Independence, MO.  All the gas stations were closed, but the pay at the pump still worked, unfortunately my credit card did not.  I had just used it for my last fill up, so I called the credit card company.  They said they shut my card off due to unusual activity.  I was pissed.  I said do you not see the same charges at the same locations on my way down about 5 days ago?  If I drove down and bought gas with your card all the way to Wichita and half way back, why would you cancel it mid trip?  Anyway they turned it back on and after about an hour delay I was back on the road.  While I was on the phone with the CCC, I told them I rode a motorcycle and took several trips out of state several times a year, and that if they ever shut my card off for out of state gas transactions, without calling me first, I would cancel the card.  I never had another issue.

If I'm ever in need I hope there is a Carl around to bail me out.

I've had the same credit card I've always had... from the SC employee's credit union.
If I ever forget to fill out a travel form before I go on a motorcycle trip, I'm doomed.
Look! He's getting $10 worth of gas every 100 miles and staying at cheap motels, it
must not be him! We've been talking about getting a second card to protect ourselves
against being away from home with a card that doesn't work, Carolyn signed up for
cards at Cabela's a week or so ago... it appears to be underwritten by the "what's in
your wallet?" bank...

-Mike

[Willow]

...
If I ever forget to fill out a travel form before I go on a motorcycle trip, I'm doomed.
...

I had that problem several years ago with Amex.  I called them up and angrily told them to put me on permanent travel mode.  They did.  I didn't have the problem again but then that level of "protection" was sacrificed.   

[scooperhsd]

Good on you Carl, it looks like you are stuck with that ring. 

When my son still lived in Wichita, my wife and I drove down from MI for a visit.  I usually drive long trips like that at night as there is less traffic, and can make better time.  I took the same route exactly coming home as I did going.  I had no problem going down, but at 3:00 am on the way home, I needed gas just outside of Independence, MO.  All the gas stations were closed, but the pay at the pump still worked, unfortunately my credit card did not.  I had just used it for my last fill up, so I called the credit card company.  They said they shut my card off due to unusual activity. I was pissed.  I said do you not see the same charges at the same locations on my way down about 5 days ago?  If I drove down and bought gas with your card all the way to Wichita and half way back, why would you cancel it mid trip?  Anyway they turned it back on and after about an hour delay I was back on the road.  While I was on the phone with the CCC, I told them I rode a motorcycle and took several trips out of state several times a year, and that if they ever shut my card off for out of state gas transactions, without calling me first, I would cancel the card.  I never had another issue.

If I'm ever in need I hope there is a Carl around to bail me out.

I've had the same credit card I've always had... from the SC employee's credit union.
If I ever forget to fill out a travel form before I go on a motorcycle trip, I'm doomed.
Look! He's getting $10 worth of gas every 100 miles and staying at cheap motels, it
must not be him! We've been talking about getting a second card to protect ourselves
against being away from home with a card that doesn't work, Carolyn signed up for
cards at Cabela's a week or so ago... it appears to be underwritten by the "what's in
your wallet?" bank...

-Mike

Capital one has HIGH interest rates - if you use it, pay it off quick.