3 of 18

Write now Article Tools

In today's world, we have to be especially careful about what we do and how we do it. It is a shame that a person has to be afraid to pull over and help someone that has a flat tire along the road. Unfortunately, that is the world we live in today. People are afraid to help others because it might be a scam in order to make an attack on someone.

The really sad part about things today is that even our elderly are targets. They are very vulnerable to getting "ripped off", injured or even killed. They were raised in a time that things were far different. You could stop and help someone if they were in distress without fear of an ambush.

Here are some tips to help you make the right decisions about helping:

1. The usual rules apply when it comes to opening the door to strangers. Pretend you are a kid that your parents have left home for the first time. If you don't know the person, don't open the door. If they claim to be the police, ask for ID. If they flash it in front of you so fast you can't see it, ask to see it again. If you still can't see it, tell them that you have not established who they are and that you are going to call 911.

2. If you want to help someone along the roadway, stop, roll down your window just about an inch, ask the person if there is someone you can call for them. If they say yes, either call on your cell phone or call when you reach home. Never pick someone up along the roadside if you don't know them. They may look innocent, but the truth is, you just never know. Letting your guard down for even a moment could cost you your life.

3. If you have a family member that is down on their luck, my suggestion is, don't let them move in with you. You may think that because they are your family, they would never hurt you or steal from you. The fact of the matter is, if desperate enough, even a close family member can and would harm you or steal from you. This happens more often than we would like to think about. Again, it is the world we live in and we have to be aware of every possibility.

It is, sometimes, very hard to say no to someone who appears in need of assistance. You don't always just have to say no. Help the family member by suggesting places he/she can go for help. Make the calls yourself if necessary. There are many homeless shelters that are willing to help. You don't have to take on the responsibility of another family member. It can be very dangerous.

Stay aware of your surroundings. Keep your eyes open for people that might not be as nice as they look. Doing good deeds is a wonderful thing. Just be cautious about it. Find ways to do your good deed without endangering yourself!

Learn more about this author, Dawn Hawkins.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

Add your voice

Know something about When good deeds make you vulnerable to criminals?
We want to hear your view. Write now!