posted on July 28, 2001 06:01:16 PM new
I was at a local thrift store looking at books. A man was looking at the children's books. He asked if I knew what certain roman numerals meant so I translated them for him. He asked what kind of books I collect, I said all kinds. (I was being polite but not trying to continue the conversation.)
Anyway, he says that he has about four boxes of books that he doesn't want and I can have them. First he says that I can follow him to his house and then remembers that he has to stop somewhere but he'll give me his phone number.
At that point, he got a call on his cell phone and I left while he was talking. I felt that even if I called him, he might have a one of those gizmos and could get *my* phone number. I just didn't feel comfortable with the whole thing.
So... what do you think? Am I being overly paranoid or did I do the smart thing?
(I should mention that I'm a female. I'm no raving beauty but I do get the occasional complement <grin>
posted on July 28, 2001 06:07:49 PM new
I would recommend that he donate them to the thrift store so that you can buy them if you're interested in them.
posted on July 28, 2001 06:16:56 PM new
He may be sincere, who knows. You can easily put a block on your phone that will not give out your # to anyone with a caller ID. (call your phone co. for info on how to do this) If they have a block on their phone & your phone is also blocked your call will not go through.
You could call him from a pay phone & make arangements to meet him at the thrift store and pick up the books there. Bring a friend of family member to be on the safe side. Or even meet outside the police station.
You can never be too careful in a situation like this.
Whatever you do, if you are alone, do not go near his car.
posted on July 28, 2001 06:18:04 PM new
do you have a friend who could go with you to pick up the books ? or evan a couple of friends ?
call him from a payphone if you are worried about your number.
posted on July 28, 2001 08:26:19 PM new
There is a way to block your phone number on the caller id thing. In our area, it is *67. It is in the front of our local white pages. I would check that with someone you know first. Then, call him and see if he can meet you somewhere, or take several friends, and have one wait in the car with a cell phone. I am also female and very cautious (or paranoid, as my husband says). I really beleive that people can't be too careful these days.
