Options
Some Suspicious Man Talked To Me Outside the Balt. Show
MsMorrisine
Posts: 39,393 ✭✭✭✭✭
I knew the guy was following me and he decided to make his move to talk to me really quickly.
he was about 5'6-7" 150 caucasian late 40s early 50s with close cropped dark hair and a little gray. he was pulling a small black suitcase and wearing a white shirt and dark pants and didn't wear glasses.
he knew I was crossing the street, approached me, and said he sold newspapers (none visible) and that he had a permit but was told to sell them across the street... at the Bank of America. (Didn't see any cops around) he offered this info without me asking and that was very suspicious. Too much info for no reason == lying.
Unfortunately I had coin papers in my hand and couldn't deny I was from the show, and he asked if it was big and with a lot of people and how often they had the show. By the time we were across the street I told him yes, I came from the show, it's 3 times a year and june is the slower one. at that point I was uncomfortable talking anymore and ducked in the BoA building for a while.
He didn't follow me home because I didn't go home. I realized I was late getting to DC and went there ASAP.
Either he's casing me or casing the venue or both.
take your pick.
be careful at the show, watch your cases, watch your back.
he was about 5'6-7" 150 caucasian late 40s early 50s with close cropped dark hair and a little gray. he was pulling a small black suitcase and wearing a white shirt and dark pants and didn't wear glasses.
he knew I was crossing the street, approached me, and said he sold newspapers (none visible) and that he had a permit but was told to sell them across the street... at the Bank of America. (Didn't see any cops around) he offered this info without me asking and that was very suspicious. Too much info for no reason == lying.
Unfortunately I had coin papers in my hand and couldn't deny I was from the show, and he asked if it was big and with a lot of people and how often they had the show. By the time we were across the street I told him yes, I came from the show, it's 3 times a year and june is the slower one. at that point I was uncomfortable talking anymore and ducked in the BoA building for a while.
He didn't follow me home because I didn't go home. I realized I was late getting to DC and went there ASAP.
Either he's casing me or casing the venue or both.
take your pick.
be careful at the show, watch your cases, watch your back.
Current maintainer of Stone's Master List of Favorite Websites // My BST transactions
0
Comments
Authorized dealer for PCGS, PCGS Currency, NGC, NCS, PMG, CAC. Member of the PNG, ANA. Member dealer of CoinPlex and CCE/FACTS as "CH5"
he would blend right in with the coin show crowd minus the mustard stains on the shirt.
he was clean shaven as well and without any visible tattoos or major scars.
<< <i>this guy wasn't a panhandler
he would blend right in with the coin show crowd minus the mustard stains on the shirt.
he was clean shaven as well and without any visible tattoos or major scars. >>
May not have been a panhandler, which can be a nuisance, but sounds like a robber/scammer, which can be worse. Sounds like you did a smart move, ducking into a building where there will be other people.
My own tact is to just avoid saying much of anything in these situations. But I also realize it's hard to keep up defenses 24-7 and it's easy to get caught off guard a bit. Stay safe out there.
PS-congrats on 10k posts!
<< <i>this guy wasn't a panhandler
he would blend right in with the coin show crowd minus the mustard stains on the shirt.
he was clean shaven as well and without any visible tattoos or major scars. >>
If he had no Visible Tattoo's .... I am in the clear . Trust me if you seen me walking down the street you my utter to yourself look at that bum... Glad it turned out safe for you...always beware of your surrounding!
Jamie
Successful BST transactions with -Youngcoin15, Ajbauman, Metalsman, carew4me, SportsModerator1, Ahrensdad, bstat1020, piecesofme , bigmarty58, Smittys, tydye,DRG ,Coll3ctor, Ciccio, cajun, Swampboy,Excalibur,lordmarcovan,themaster,RedHerring, many more!!!
After reading about the triple homicide in CW, anythings possible.
<< <i>couldn't deny I was from the show >>
My usual response, no matter the situation: "Sorry, I can't help you." and move on.
"Yup, I'm working security at the show, it is so tight I am gonna stretch my legs"
I too was wating for a punchline re forum member's appearance. I am sorry to see this happened. I guess the responses above would be foolish. It would scare me. Suggestions from bigger/stronger and smarter folks will chime in.
Sorry!
Eric
<< <i>
<< <i>couldn't deny I was from the show >>
My usual response, no matter the situation: "Sorry, I can't help you." and move on. >>
that was mistake 2
mistake 1 was carrying to coin papers out.
EAC 6024
If he was out to rob you, you might have had about 2 seconds to react if he was experienced. If he was looking to follow you home, he wouldn't be asking questions, and might have a hoodie or dark glasses to conceal his identity.
On one of the first baltimore shows I did 6 years ago, Adrian was hailing a cab and I was standing with our inventory next to the trash bin by the entrance doors. A hobbly black man approached me from my left with an elongated penny from the show and asked if i could tell him more about it. I replied that our cab dropped us off in the wrong location and I had no idea about the penny and that I was unaware about what kind of show was going on in the convention center. I then caught the reflection in the glass from behind me. Another guy was within inches from me and I quickly turned around and stared him rigt in the eyes which were no more than a foot and a half away from mine. I knew what was going on and he knew that I knew. I stared that punk straight in the eye and said " go ahead. Try me.". Now, if i had thougt of something better to say i would have but those were the first words out of my mouth. He then turned around and took off briskly. I turned back around and the other guy was gone.
Close call. Dont trust anyone. I know now not to stand outside until a cab is ready. You have to be extremely vigilant. Be safe. See everyone at baltimore tomorrow.
<< <i>It is good to be careful. However, from what was given, I'd say 20% chance that he was up to no good. If he was looking for trouble, dark glasses and being rid of the rolling suitcase would make more sense. What kind of thief goes in with a rolling suitcase and asking questions? There is a chance, but I'd guess 20%.
If he was out to rob you, you might have had about 2 seconds to react if he was experienced. If he was looking to follow you home, he wouldn't be asking questions, and might have a hoodie or dark glasses to conceal his identity. >>
rolling suitcase to blend in.
he talked like he could be a local, no discernable accent.
I'm thinking he's a follow-me-home guy or a guy feeling up the show for some grab-n-go since he asked if it was busy. he gets out 3 or 4 questions and one was "is it busy?"
<< <i>"Yup, I'm working security at the show, it is so tight I am gonna stretch my legs" >>
That's good, or you might add: "Now I'm going out to the police firing range for practice."
An authorized PCGS dealer, and a contributor to the Red Book.
<< <i>Sounds more like a lonely guy trying to strike up a conversation to me. Coin collectors aren't the most sociable folk, but its certainly possible that he saw the newspaper under your arm, knew a little about coins and was just trying to make a friend. >>
Thanks. I cannot believe the paranoia thats running rampant.
Just for the record, I talk to as many folks as I run into or come in contact with. Its called, being friendly.
The name is LEE!
<< <i>At our coin club meeting last week, the police officer who heads our show security gave an educational presentation on security, this after one of our club members had his home robbed while he was out. The police officer is from the robbery division and he had some real horror stories. You really have to be extra careful concerning your valuables. He recommended a concealed weapon license. >>
And how would a concealed weapon have helped your club member who was robbed while he was out?
<< <i>
<< <i>At our coin club meeting last week, the police officer who heads our show security gave an educational presentation on security, this after one of our club members had his home robbed while he was out. The police officer is from the robbery division and he had some real horror stories. You really have to be extra careful concerning your valuables. He recommended a concealed weapon license. >>
And how would a concealed weapon have helped your club member who was robbed while he was out? >>
A concealed weapon only helps during a robbery. While he was away from his home, there was a burglary which is different from a robbery.
Worry is the interest you pay on a debt you may not owe.
"Paper money eventually returns to its intrinsic value---zero."----Voltaire
"Everything you say should be true, but not everything true should be said."----Voltaire
<< <i>
<< <i>
<< <i>At our coin club meeting last week, the police officer who heads our show security gave an educational presentation on security, this after one of our club members had his home robbed while he was out. The police officer is from the robbery division and he had some real horror stories. You really have to be extra careful concerning your valuables. He recommended a concealed weapon license. >>
And how would a concealed weapon have helped your club member who was robbed while he was out? >>
A concealed weapon only helps during a robbery. While he was away from his home, there was a burglary which is different from a robbery. >>
The club member had a security system at home. but it had some vulnerabilities, which were exploited by the burglar. The home defense system has since been upgraded.
I never suggested a concealed weapon license would've protected against the burglary while he was out, just that the police officer recommended it as a protection against the sheer viciousness of criminals.
Another thing the police officer said is that after attending a show with your purchases: go straight home -- don't stop to eat somewhere, etc., as we know from many coin show theft stories posted here.
<< <i>
<< <i>
<< <i>
<< <i>At our coin club meeting last week, the police officer who heads our show security gave an educational presentation on security, this after one of our club members had his home robbed while he was out. The police officer is from the robbery division and he had some real horror stories. You really have to be extra careful concerning your valuables. He recommended a concealed weapon license. >>
And how would a concealed weapon have helped your club member who was robbed while he was out? >>
A concealed weapon only helps during a robbery. While he was away from his home, there was a burglary which is different from a robbery. >>
The club member had a security system at home. but it had some vulnerabilities, which were exploited by the burglar. The home defense system has since been upgraded.
I never suggested a concealed weapon license would've protected against the burglary while he was out, just that the police officer recommended it as a protection against the sheer viciousness of criminals.
Another thing the police officer said is that after attending a show with your purchases: go straight home -- don't stop to eat somewhere, etc., as we know from many coin show theft stories posted here. >>
Depeninding n your distance from th show I would say go home via a circular route through a few neighborhoods if you worry about being followed.
<< <i>
<< <i>
<< <i>
<< <i>
<< <i>At our coin club meeting last week, the police officer who heads our show security gave an educational presentation on security, this after one of our club members had his home robbed while he was out. The police officer is from the robbery division and he had some real horror stories. You really have to be extra careful concerning your valuables. He recommended a concealed weapon license. >>
And how would a concealed weapon have helped your club member who was robbed while he was out? >>
A concealed weapon only helps during a robbery. While he was away from his home, there was a burglary which is different from a robbery. >>
The club member had a security system at home. but it had some vulnerabilities, which were exploited by the burglar. The home defense system has since been upgraded.
I never suggested a concealed weapon license would've protected against the burglary while he was out, just that the police officer recommended it as a protection against the sheer viciousness of criminals.
Another thing the police officer said is that after attending a show with your purchases: go straight home -- don't stop to eat somewhere, etc., as we know from many coin show theft stories posted here. >>
Depeninding n your distance from th show I would say go home via a circular route through a few neighborhoods if you worry about being followed. >>
Oh yeah, the police officer went on about how his robbery div. people do surveillance on suspects, and when the suspects are followed how they allude the police following them. He suggested that if you believe you are being followed, say on a freeway, then slow down and speed up periodically, take an exit ramp then an entrance ramp, etc. Then call the police if you are still being followed and tell them where you intend to pull over and to meet them.
<< <i>Thats just about the time I would say, "Ill give you all the info you need, my patrol car is just over this way." >>
Don't forget that impersonating law enforcement is illegal in most states.
Authorized dealer for PCGS, PCGS Currency, NGC, NCS, PMG, CAC. Member of the PNG, ANA. Member dealer of CoinPlex and CCE/FACTS as "CH5"
<< <i>
<< <i>Thats just about the time I would say, "Ill give you all the info you need, my patrol car is just over this way." >>
Don't forget that impersonating law enforcement is illegal in most states. >>
And lets not forget that looking suspicious and acting paranoid are cause for alarm.
``https://ebay.us/m/KxolR5
<< <i>
<< <i>Thats just about the time I would say, "Ill give you all the info you need, my patrol car is just over this way." >>
Don't forget that impersonating law enforcement is illegal in most states. >>
Of course, trying to fool the stranger with such comments will only invite them to call your bluff.
<< <i>
<< <i>
<< <i>
<< <i>
<< <i>At our coin club meeting last week, the police officer who heads our show security gave an educational presentation on security, this after one of our club members had his home robbed while he was out. The police officer is from the robbery division and he had some real horror stories. You really have to be extra careful concerning your valuables. He recommended a concealed weapon license. >>
And how would a concealed weapon have helped your club member who was robbed while he was out? >>
A concealed weapon only helps during a robbery. While he was away from his home, there was a burglary which is different from a robbery. >>
The club member had a security system at home. but it had some vulnerabilities, which were exploited by the burglar. The home defense system has since been upgraded.
I never suggested a concealed weapon license would've protected against the burglary while he was out, just that the police officer recommended it as a protection against the sheer viciousness of criminals.
Another thing the police officer said is that after attending a show with your purchases: go straight home -- don't stop to eat somewhere, etc., as we know from many coin show theft stories posted here. >>
Depeninding n your distance from th show I would say go home via a circular route through a few neighborhoods if you worry about being followed. >>
Just avoid gated ones in Florida.
Empty Nest Collection
I knew it would happen.
<< <i>I wish someone would try that with me.
``https://ebay.us/m/KxolR5
<< <i>
<< <i>Sounds more like a lonely guy trying to strike up a conversation to me. Coin collectors aren't the most sociable folk, but its certainly possible that he saw the newspaper under your arm, knew a little about coins and was just trying to make a friend. >>
Thanks. I cannot believe the paranoia thats running rampant.
Just for the record, I talk to as many folks as I run into or come in contact with. Its called, being friendly. >>
this guy sidled me.
he was looking for someone, saw me, made a decision, and eased up next to me. it was all in his body language and face.
I talked with some guy today in DC and at the Baltimore show (yes both in the same day) He asked at the show where I lived. Not suspicious, he was a curious local wondering where the other local lives. big deal. (didn't tell him specifically. MD near DC is enough) I'm not worried about everyone.
but this one guy yesterday was up to something, and he wasn't selling papers on the corner this morning, noon nor afternoon.
<< <i>Another thing the police officer said is that after attending a show with your purchases: go straight home -- don't stop to eat somewhere, etc., as we know from many coin show theft stories posted here. >>
my plan is go someplace where you can take inside what you need to take inside and bore them into leaving you alone.
plus there is that suggestion that the police can't offer:
Officer: "do you know how fast you were driving?"
me: "no."
Officer: "120 mph"
me: "oh no."
me: "that may not have been fast enough."
Officer: "where's the emergency? is someone dying? why were you looking for me to arrest you?"
me: "oh. it's not that officer, I just came from the coin show."
Officer: "So?"
me: "I was trying to shake any tails, duh."
you can go "directly home" without going "directly home." lose them in traffic, at lights, etc.
It was probably a politician
``https://ebay.us/m/KxolR5
<< <i>Some Suspicious Man Talked To Me Outside the Balt. Show
It was probably a politician
ask him to change the law regarding fineness of gold and silver products to include other metals (e.g. platinum, palladium, copper) and remove the word "jewelry" and change it to any metals associat4ed trade association including but not limited to jewelry, precious metals, collectibles, collectible coins, etc. and add wording to cover the marked 900 fine trade dollars
see this thread
<< <i>I believe the story and also believe we should follow our instincts. I can understand why the guy sucks at selling newspapers, if he sells newspapers. >>
I was in the same area this morning but did not run into this supposed newspaper seller or anyone else selling newspapers. I'm thinking scam artist.
Just after the Noon public opening I had an encounter that left me scratching my head. Someone overhead me ask the price of a sovereign at a dealer's table and proceeded to tell me he was trying to unload some. When I asked where he was set up it turned out he was not a dealer with a table. Maybe he was legitimate but something did not seem right. I politely said "No Thanks" and moved away.
https://www.pcgs.com/setregistry/gold/liberty-head-2-1-gold-major-sets/liberty-head-2-1-gold-basic-set-circulation-strikes-1840-1907-cac/alltimeset/268163
March of Time - 27 Centuries in Gold
https://coins.www.collectors-society.com/WCM/CoinCustomSetView.aspx?s=36590
<< <i>Officer: "do you know how fast you were driving?"
me: "no."
Officer: "120 mph"
me: "oh no."
me: "that may not have been fast enough."
Officer: "where's the emergency? is someone dying? why were you looking for me to arrest you?"
me: "oh. it's not that officer, I just came from the coin show."
Officer: "So?"
me: "I was trying to shake any tails, duh." >>
True story:
Metro cop: Do you know why I pulled you over?
Me: No.
Metro cop: Do you know what the speed limit is?
Me: 35.
Metro cop: It's 30.
Me: Oh.
Metro cop: Do you know how fast you were going?
Me: 35.
Metro cop: I clocked you at 45.
Me: Is that so?
Metro cop: I'll let you off with a warning this time.
that said it's not necessarily suspicous nor unheard of that someone at a show hears something and wants to make a side deal.
did the dealer hear it? I'm surprised the dealer didn't say something if the dealer heard it.
<< <i>You can never be too cautious. Your encounter is exactly what i would expect from someone who has something bad in mind. Important...Did he have an accent that was obvious?
On one of the first baltimore shows I did 6 years ago, Adrian was hailing a cab and I was standing with our inventory next to the trash bin by the entrance doors. A hobbly black man approached me from my left with an elongated penny from the show and asked if i could tell him more about it. I replied that our cab dropped us off in the wrong location and I had no idea about the penny and that I was unaware about what kind of show was going on in the convention center. I then caught the reflection in the glass from behind me. Another guy was within inches from me and I quickly turned around and stared him rigt in the eyes which were no more than a foot and a half away from mine. I knew what was going on and he knew that I knew. I stared that punk straight in the eye and said " go ahead. Try me.". Now, if i had thougt of something better to say i would have but those were the first words out of my mouth. He then turned around and took off briskly. I turned back around and the other guy was gone.
Close call. Dont trust anyone. I know now not to stand outside until a cab is ready. You have to be extremely vigilant. Be safe. See everyone at baltimore tomorrow. >>
Be safe and listen to very good advice from Poorguy!
<< <i>Thats just about the time I would say, "Ill give you all the info you need, my patrol car is just over this way." >>
I don't know whether you're serious or joking.
I've been sworn LEO (Deputy Sheriff) for 10 years. I would NOT advise that - EVER!! Not surprisingly, a lot of criminals HATE cops. If you I.D. yourself as one, and they believe you, and they've been itching to get back at a cop, they'll figure that you have no communication and that they can get the drop on you - an easy score against a cop.
The first rule of being an off-duty LEO is to NEVER telegraph it!! No tactical hats, clothes, nothing, never say it and even make sure that your family and friends know to NEVER I.D. you as a cop in ANY situation. I just can't stress enough how utterly foolish it is to EVER imply to a possible dirt bag (or anyone) that you're an LEO. If you are an LEO and it hits the fan, by staying low profile you still retain speed, surprise and violence of action which are critical to winning an altercation. More importantly, staying covert helps you avoid an altercation and to be a good witness.
If you're not an LEO and you say that you are, and the person is violent and bent on getting even with a cop, you're unarmed and totally SOL unless you're very accomplished in un-armed combatives which is still no sure bet that you'll prevail. In short, by doing what you suggest, you're just asking for it - esp. in a place like Balto. City.
When I go to the Balto. Show (or anywhere, for that matter) I'm very well armed and well trained. In MsM's situation, I'd be polite, put some space between us, watch the person's hands, scan for possible accomplices, disengage from the person as soon as possible and would not go to my car but would go into a public building and would be sure that the person was long gone before coming back out. Be polite, firm, respectful and be gone. The person may have been fine. Who knows? I always assume the worst and hope for the best.
I grew up in Balto. My father shot and killed an armed robber in his store about 8 blocks from the Balto. City Convention Center. Balto. can be a rough town. Be alert, be careful and trust no-one that you don't really know.
Needless to say, don't have any numismatic literature, items, bags, etc. showing at all.