Odd "White Van Special" offer last night

[Montucky]

So late last night I was finishing pumping gas, when a car came up quick alongside me. Driver was like "Hey! Any chance you could use a free home theater system? I just got it today and ends up I don't need it." Obvious scam was obvious so I told him I wasn't interested. He asked why not. I told him because I was in the business and knew better. Guy instantly stopped and drove off quickly.

Anyway, I always thought the guys with the white van specials usually asked for like a hundred or two, but this is the first time I've heard of a "Free" system. Anybody know how this new take on it goes down? Maybe guy gets you interested and then maybe tries selling you on extras ("subs," speakers, cables, etc.), or maybe changes his mind and asks for like a $100? I don't know. Either way, I did not want to engage since it was late at night and I was the sole customer at the station. Perhaps if the same thing happens again, but in broad daylight in a busier place, I might investigate further and see what's up.

 

[MR.MAGOO]

trying to unload stolen property......

 

[lovinthehd]

The markup/profit would be in the cables?

 

[zumbo]

The markup/profit would be in the cables?

 

[Kvn_Walker]

Maybe it's "free" because they're selling it to you at cost...

 

[highfigh]

So late last night I was finishing pumping gas, when a car came up quick alongside me. Driver was like "Hey! Any chance you could use a free home theater system? I just got it today and ends up I don't need it." Obvious scam was obvious so I told him I wasn't interested. He asked why not. I told him because I was in the business and knew better. Guy instantly stopped and drove off quickly.

Anyway, I always thought the guys with the white van specials usually asked for like a hundred or two, but this is the first time I've heard of a "Free" system. Anybody know how this new take on it goes down? Maybe guy gets you interested and then maybe tries selling you on extras ("subs," speakers, cables, etc.), or maybe changes his mind and asks for like a $100? I don't know. Either way, I did not want to engage since it was late at night and I was the sole customer at the station. Perhaps if the same thing happens again, but in broad daylight in a busier place, I might investigate further and see what's up.

If they're being chased, they have an out- YOU would have the equipment and they could make up a reason for it, to tell the Police. That wastes your time, costs you money and they would likely get away, for a while, at least.

TV dealers used to joke about low prices- "We lose money on every one, but we make it up in volume!".

When I ran a car stereo installation department at a big box store, I parked a customer's car in the front lot and as I walked to the main entrance, a white van pulled up and asked if I wanted some speakers at a great price. I was wearing a shirt with the company logo! They left after I threatened to call the Police.

 

[panteragstk]

The catch comes when you have to get into the van to see the merchandise.

 

[killdozzer]

The catch comes when you have to get into the van to see the merchandise.

Then it's all: she puts the lotion in the basket...

 

[Montucky]

If they're being chased, they have an out- YOU would have the equipment and they could make up a reason for it, to tell the Police. That wastes your time, costs you money and they would likely get away, for a while, at least.

That thought definitely occurred. If it wasn't some white van scam, then it could very well have been a guy trying to offload stolen goods. Glad I didn't engage. Happened so quickly I didn't have time to mentally process what was happening and maybe get plate info or a description or something.

When at a gas station late at night, I really do not like being approached rapidly by strangers. Not the first time, won't be the last. It's usually drunk bums trying to hit me up for money, though. Haha.

 

[Alex2507]

, but in broad daylight in a busier place, I might investigate further and see what's up.

Don't hold your breath. That was advanced white van aka 'robbery' you were almost a part of.

 

[Dirty Al]

That sort of scam has been around for decades! In the early '90s I was stopped at a red light when a van (don't remember if it was white or not!) pulled up along side me and the driver said "We've just finished a job and have a couple speakers left over. You want them cheap?" I just said "No thanks" the the conversation stopped. Then the light turned green!