Was this a scam? I was on a train and a guy asked me to text his work for him

TL_time

Was this a scam? I was on a train and a guy said he was running late for work and if I could text his workplace for him

I was on a train nearing the last stop and A guy who was around 20 yrs old (I'm 33) said to me "can you do me a favour?" I replied "What is it...?" he then told me he was late for work and if I wouldn't mind texting his workplace to let them know. I immediately felt suspicious and said no, I couldn't do that. I realise this might make me sound douchy, but I thought it might be a scam or something. He then replied "oh, you can't do it from your phone...?" "No". He then stood up just before we arrived at the last stop and then said after 30 secs, "Oh it's okay, I don't think I will be late". I just nodded.

Is this a well known scam I'm totally clueless about? I was holding my phone which is old and not worth much.

Peter333

Not sure what kind of scam it could be. Or even if it could be a scam. :huh:

But I would have still said no. Because it's a weird request to ask a stranger, and whoever I was texting would have had my number.

Sharon87

Maybe not a scam, maybe he had no credit left or is just scrounging off other people's phones!

Or if it was a scam he could have text a subscription company he works for and signed you up to service that costs loads. But that's not likely.

A guy once asked me to use my phone, I typed in the number and put it on speaker whilst I held it, no stranger is taking hold of my phone! It sounded like he was meeting someone... probably for drugs is what I reckon it was after hearing the conversation!!

hollydays

Sounds like a disorganised free loader , rather than a scammer

[Deleted User]

Or someone with Aspergers.., I can quite see my son doing something like that (although he tends to be stranger adverse as well, but not always). Or a bit overly anxious with no credit on his phone. But yes, it is odd behaviour.

But while it might not have been a scam, obviously you were obliged to do nothing. So don't worry about it. If the guy was late for work, he can explain when he gets in like we all used to, the world won't come to an end.

knightstyle

I am sure there is a scam IF you let them do the message themselves.
They will reprogram your phone to route all calls you make through an expensive callhandler and they get paid for each call you make.

LadyDee

Perhaps it could it have been a simple attempt to see what sort of phone you have, and if expensive enough, a grab it and run?

I was approached with a similar request a while back but just replied that I was sorry I didn't have a phone.

TL_time

It is so strange because I did have my phone out - so he saw it, but it's quite old. Also - why did he take the time at the end to let me know that it's okay and he didn't think he was going to be late after all?

Elvisia

I had someone ask to charge their iPad on my Macbook! I said no as I assumed they'd download some dodgy software and they got some other mug to do it for them. I have no idea if that's a scam or not. Maybe other people just have different parameters to me!

JReacher1

Elvisia wrote: »

I had someone ask to charge their iPad on my Macbook! I said no as I assumed they'd download some dodgy software and they got some other mug to do it for them. I have no idea if that's a scam or not. Maybe other people just have different parameters to me!

It difficult to hack a MacBook. I wouldn't let them do this either but not sure there is much they can do in this scenario.

chuckley

probably just wanted to rob your phone.

but that method is so 1998...