Yesterday morning I was just getting the day started, sitting at my desk at the bank, reviewing some reports when an older man who spoke broken English with a heavy accent came walking quickly in, asking me for a loan.
He shows me an national ID that looks like it was made in the 1930's because it was so yellowed and looked very fragile. He explains to me that he is from Ecuador and that he was in America doing some contract work. Then he tells me he needs a loan to get a ticket and pulls out a sheet of paper w/airline information. "Help, please help, I very much need a loan please," he says to me as he hands the sheet of paper over to me. According to the slip of paper he needs about $1100 to return to Ecuador, one way. I had to explain that I can't give a loan to someone whom I know is not from the US and is about to leave the country again on a one-way ticket.
He shows me an national ID that looks like it was made in the 1930's because it was so yellowed and looked very fragile. He explains to me that he is from Ecuador and that he was in America doing some contract work. Then he tells me he needs a loan to get a ticket and pulls out a sheet of paper w/airline information. "Help, please help, I very much need a loan please," he says to me as he hands the sheet of paper over to me. According to the slip of paper he needs about $1100 to return to Ecuador, one way. I had to explain that I can't give a loan to someone whom I know is not from the US and is about to leave the country again on a one-way ticket.
So then he pulls out a bunch of gold jewelry out of his pants pocket. "Here, here, this can help with my loan," he informs me, reaching across my desk with the gold bits and chains. I have to explain that we're not a pawn shop - he has to go to a place where they pay cash for jewelry. "What can I do? What can I do?" he begs. I tell him if he needs cash he will have to find someone who will buy the jewelry, but that I can't do it. Sadly he puts the gold back into his pocket and looks even more desperate.
Then he asks me if I can help him find some guy who has two ID's w/two different names - the one he remembers is Robert Harrison. He doesn't work at the bank, but Ecuador guy thinks that Mr Harrison has some sisters or female cousins who bank here - doesn't know any names. "Please help, Must find Robert Harrison, can you help?" he asks me. When I ask what he needs to contact this man for he informs me that he gave Mr Harrison his Passport, his Visa, and his book of US Contacts and now he can't find the guy. "I have a phone for him but lots people answer and no one knows where he is," he informs me. I explain to the man that his Harrison guy may have possibly defrauded him and could be using these identities for illegal activities. I ask if he needs to speak to the police and he says "no thank you" and quickly leaves.
Banks are fun!
1 comment:
Holy crap.
Either that guy is the WORST scammer in the world, or he's the unluckiest guy in Southeastern Wisconsin!
Who the hell gives someone his passport?!
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