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The world needs more good samaritans. Be respectful, honorable and good to each other should be mankind's main premises. However, when it appears that society is turning toward treating themselves well, criminals take their opportunities and advantages.

Has someone ever come to your house needing to use the phone? If so, you could be playing Russian Roulette. Home invaders use their charm and "innocence" to gain entry. These crimes are occurring more in rural areas. Older folks get victimized by conniving and violent thieves. Asking to use the bathroom or some water are other excuses that fool unsuspecting dwellers.

Another popular scam involves being encountered at a gas station. On one afternoon, you may pull up to a pump. You reach in to pull out a credit card. Just before paying at the pump, someone asks you for a favor. They offer to give you cash for putting their gas on your card.

You think for a minute. Well, you're not losing anything. You're getting cash. You do the favor and put the gas on your card. They hand you the cash. As you leave, they push the RECEIPT button on the pump. Your credit card receipt comes out. Your checking account information is at their mercy. Purchases all over the country now have your name on them.

Have you been tempted to pick up hitchhikers? Have you ever picked up hitchhikers? This is a common dilemma when spotting someone walking. Seeing a person all alone may make them appear as completely helpful. Be mindful. Hitchhikers are desperate individuals, whether with good intentions or not. Think for a second. Other than in an extreme emergency, why would someone walk along a highway? If someone looks to have injuries, assist them any way you can. If injuries aren't apparent, pull alongside them and call 911. There are officers always out patrolling. If they need help, let the authorities be the heroes. Picking up a hitchhiker can have tragic consequences.

Some crimes are painted to look as good deeds. A common occurrence is witnessing someone locked out of their car. Car thieves are known to pull their crimes with the assistance of duped citizens. When you see an individual using a slim-jim to get into a car, assume the worst. Have you ever been locked out of your car? Do you always carry a slim-im in your pocket? No. These are questions to ask yourself.

If an incident appears strange to you, call an officer. If not, you might play a role in a felony, either as the offender or as the victim.

Learn more about this author, Marcus Brooks.
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