A fellow martial artist recently shared the following story. Pay attention if you value your money, jewelry, even your life—especially if you’re a woman.
In the community of Newport Beach, CA, theft is increasing, just like everywhere else in the world. A man, acting as if he was in dire trouble and needing assistance, approached a woman in her car. The woman was wearing a nice necklace and beautiful jewelry on her hands and wrists. Feeling sorry for the “poor man,” the woman got out of her car to render assistance where upon he immediately ripped the necklace off of her neck, took jewelry off her hands and wrists and scurried away, gone in a flash!
The moral of the story is clear:
DON’T FALL FOR THIS “POOR” GUY SCAM and, especially if you’re a woman, DON’T LET YOUR NURTURING INSTINCTS OVERPOWER YOUR SENSE OF PERSONAL SAFETY.
Just because someone appears to be in need of help doesn’t mean they are.
Women, as we know, are particularly vulnerable because of their natural nurturing instincts. This is wonderful. But the down side of being too caring and too nurturing can be dangerous, even lethal. Young children, especially females, should be taught the hazards of being too helpful to others, especially adult males.
Many people today will remember serial killer Ted Bundy. He is responsible for over thirty murders in multiple states. He would not just rape his victims, he would even sever their heads from their bodies and have sex with their headless corpses. He was a sick and dangerous man, no doubt, but he was also a skillful predator.
Ted Bundy was a master of seduction. He was handsome, college educated, well-spoken and charming. It’s understandable how young women could be easily seduced. One of his major ploys was to appeal to the nurturing instincts of females—all young women. It was common for him to even wear a cast on an arm or leg and ask for help from—you guessed it—young women who, unfortunately, were not aware of the danger he possessed or of his evil nature. He would even use a shopping cart, along with his “casted arm or leg” and ask a woman to help him put his groceries in his trunk. Standing behind them as they transferred his groceries into the trunk of his car, he would shove them inside the trunk, shut it, and scurry off to a killing site; the women were never to be heard from again.
Please don’t forget—predators are hunters and they know all the tricks of how to fool and deceive people. They can be very gracious, like Bundy, but lethal in their actions. Just because someone—man or woman—embraces you with a smile doesn’t mean they’re a nice person.
To the point, following is a great common sense quote from comedian Rita Rudner.
My husband gave me a necklace. It’s fake. I requested fake. Maybe I’m paranoid, but in this day and age, I don’t want something around my neck that’s worth more than my head.
Common sense says that if you like jewelry, don’t wear something that’s screaming for someone to steal. Wear fake jewelry that looks like the real thing but isn’t. Example: instead of diamonds, wear cubic zirconia (CZ).
Remember, be aware of the deceits of others. If you need help, especially when you’re alone and a target for predators, consider the dangers of helping them. Prudence demands common sense. Call 911 or drive away or both. No one is obligated to help someone else at the risk of their own well-being, even life. Sadly, this is a reality in today’s world. Be aware! Be smart! Be safe!
To reiterate:
DON’T FALL FOR THIS “POOR” GUY SCAM.
DON’T LET YOUR NURTURING INSTINCTS OVERPOWER YOUR SENSE OF PERSONAL SAFETY.