Dude! I got scammed again! By the guy mentioned in Time Out, no less. On top of that, it's the same guy who hit me up on 9th Street and elsewhere, years ago
Well, I didn't actually get scammed, but the guy hit me up, and it's easily the third time over the last 17 years I've been living here. I must have this sign on my forehead that says "Sucker" or "Easy Mark" or "A Quick $5 here." I let him spiel away and listened politely even after I recognized him, which I did right away, and let him get all the way through to the pitch for cab fare before I told him, "Gee, I'd love to help you out, but I don't have any cash with me." It was really hard not to laugh in his face.
Sadly, he wasn't even working it that well tonight. I've been impressed with his spiel other times, but it was the end of the day and it showed. Either that, or I'm a much tougher audience now. I'm betting that's it. The most telling thing he does--and I saw it the last time, too--is that when you turn him down, his whole persona collapses and he just switches off and walks away. There's no wrap-up for the benefit of other people on the street, no attempt at continuity of character. Tonight, I actually saw him get into a cab not five feet from me after I said no. I've been scammed by a real pro, and this guy ain't it. (Someday, I might tell that story here. Someday, hell might freeze over.)
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