Do you get solicited for money when stopping for gas off I-95 or other main Hwys?

[My2CrazyGirls]

Every time we drive from MD to Orlando via I-95 we have this issue. When we are stopped at a gas station someone will come up to us with a sob story how they left their wallet in another state and need money. Or they just flat out ask for money. I find it very uncomfortable because I feel like they are going to rob us! We are a family of 4 with 2 young girls and we do not drive a fancy vehicle or anything like that.

Does anyone else deal with this?

 

[ParrotBill]

Wow,sounds like bad luck. Never happened to us except when I-95 cross-Bronx got shut down by an accident and we detoured through the Bronx!

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

This has never happened to me. Why is this a problem? Just say no and walk away.

 

[DVC-Don]

I've driven south and north on I-95 about 6 times now and this has never happened to me on that drive.

That said, it has happened to me not far from my upstate NY home. I took out my cell phone and told them I'd call the police and they'd be happy to help them. They both took off running.

 

[bianca]

It happened to us on occasion when we used to drive I-75 with our RV. Since we fly and DVC now, I can't speak to anything recently. For us, it always happened at stops, and yes, was always uncomfortable!

 

[scjo68]

It has never happened during a stop on a trip. And we are on 95 most of the time.

But it has happened to me twice here in town in VA. It was weird because it was the same lady with the same story both times but in two different parking lots.

 

[aubriee]

It has never happened during a stop on a trip. And we are on 95 most of the time.

But it has happened to me twice here in town in VA. It was weird because it was the same lady with the same story both times but in two different parking lots.

It's never happened to me in Florida, but like you has happened several times here at home. There is a man who hangs out in the parking lot of our local WalMart who has approached us several times saying that he lives in a town about 15 miles away and is having car trouble. He asks for money for a belt for his car. The first few times, I just told him no and got in my car. The fourth time, I turned and walked back into WalMart to report him. As soon as I mentioned him, the rep said they were familiar with him and he had been told to stay away from their customers. He walked back out into the parking lot with me and as soon as the man saw us, he took off running. Apparently he doesn't even own a car. I saw the same man at our local Brookshires just two days later and as he approached me, I turned and walked back into the store. I reported him and just like at WalMarts the rep said they were very familiar with him and he had been told to stay away, but still showed up a few days every week. Once again, as we came out of the store and he saw us, he took off running. I have no patience for people like that and have no problem saying no and reporting them to the store/gas station. Most store owners do not want people like this bugging their customers and will run them off if they catch them.

 

[madatmama]

We frequently make the trip from central NC to Hilton Head along 95 and I will admit there aren't any exits where I feel "safe" on that route. We have been solicited many times sitting in the parking lots of gas stations or fast food restaurants. One time a gentleman came to our van while I was alone with it running. I was breastfeeding my newborn and he banged all over the windows demanding I open up. It was really scary. He ran away when I grabbed my cell phone and started dialing. I should reiterate that we've made the drive six times a year the last ten years or so, so even a half dozen instances of sketchy people bothering us doesn't add up to a huge percentage. I wouldn't be deterred from the drive, I'd just be aware of your surroundings.

 

[sharadoc]

What type of stations do you use? We always use ones that are next to large truck stops or restaurants. That's why a good exit guide comes in handy, you can plan your stops.

Never happened to us and we've driven at least a dozen times.

 

[grassmower]

Happened to us the last two trips down. I only stop at large travel plazas or truck stops. I just tuck my 9mm in my back holster when I stop and politely tell them no.

 

[Sadie22]

No.

Do you pay for your gasoline with cash? It's worth thinking about what a potential thief might see and how you and your husband conduct yourselves during the totality of your rest stops. Do you appear vulnerable, do you make eye contact and smile at everyone, do you stand outside your vehicle longer than necessary, do you show cash, do you have bumper stickers which would indicate you would give to charity/people in need, etc.

We're older now and we've become quite adept at saying no right away.

 

[My2CrazyGirls]

No.

Do you pay for your gasoline with cash? It's worth thinking about what a potential thief might see and how you and your husband conduct yourselves during the totality of your rest stops. Do you appear vulnerable, do you make eye contact and smile at everyone, do you stand outside your vehicle longer than necessary, do you show cash, do you have bumper stickers which would indicate you would give to charity/people in need, etc.

We're older now and we've become quite adept at saying no right away.

Nope, we never use cash, just credit. We don't go around smiling and making eye contact with people. I am very aware of my surroundings, I carry a small purse (cross body so it is more secure). Our 4runner is 8 years old, no flashy new car. We stop at the nicest places we can find which include large truck stops, gas stations, or if we just need a restroom break we will stop at a fast food place (always Dunkin Donuts up north, Zaxbys in the south, or whatever looks clean).

I think where we become "targets" is the fact that we have MD plates and we have 2 kids. I think just having kids makes you more vulnerable. The times this has happened we just say "no we don't carry cash."

Unfortunately it is near impossible to get a carry permit in the very liberal state of MD, so no 9mm for us

From the responses it seems like yes this is happening to people all over but it is not so bad that it is affecting everyone.

 

[stasijane]

I drive to FL about 2 or 3 times a year and have never been bothered by someone asking for money. Guess you are just one of the unlucky ones.

 

[horselover]

Not on 95 but it did happen to me a couple years ago at the Hess on 417 just before you get on the highway to head to the airport. Made me very uncomfortable too. It's never happened since but I'm always very careful now to leave my purse on the floor of the passenger side when I get out of the car.

 

[amcnj]

I did have this happen once. I can't recall what state it was in, but believe it must have been SC, GA or FL. It was dark out. Story was he was military trying to get his daughter home and was out of gas.