Question to hobbyists

[Chops52]

I was checking to see how many here have been stopped by police. I am only curious because last night I did something I never do and went somewhere I did not know. I was stopped by a yellow truck. All he had was a sheriff sweater on. He said I was the tenth guy and the women inside was under arrest. He said they would not book me if I give them the court costs. He took 100 as a down payment. I saw no police vehicles. I went to atm and grabbed more money. By the time I got back they were gone. I contacted on the phone number and they were called away and no longer needed to pay them. I am not sure if that has happed to anyone with police or just an elaborate scam. Just curious what you all know.

[Lolove]

Sounds like a total scam .

[Lolove]

Also stopped like how ? Flagged down ? Lights ? Many people have been getting ripped off or robbed . Seems people are traveling here and taking advantage of the eagerness of men seeing new ladies in town

[farmstud60]

Sounds like a total scam

[north65]

Yea, I’m chiming in as scam also. As Lolove asked, how’d he stop you? Kinda sounds like he approached you in a parking lot the way you described unfamiliar area you went to

[Chops52]

Yeah the truck stopped behind me in the parking lot. He then said I recognize you. I said no you don't. Asked why I was there I did not lie. He said the lieutenant would come get the money from me. He said the other truck they flagged down "had warrants" so they wanted him. Then asked me to get them the court costs. I left did not go and get money but came back 10 minutes later. The other truck they stopped was gone they were gone. If they actually arrested anyone the car would have been towed. I just wanted to make sure my instincts were tight when they took my money but let me go. That seemed illegal.

Side note. I never saw any police light or actual police cars ever

[ttobin84]

I feel for you Chops, My moneys on, you just got scammed. Don’t take it personal, most of us have been there in one way or another. I’m no lawyer, but I would think a legitimate officer of the law would never request or accept money from someone they stopped.

[Gizmo4]

100% scam. Nothing about that is correct. Not to critique but common sense goes a long way here. They don’t take down payments. They don’t let you leave to go to an atm. If you ever wonder if they are real, simply call 911 and tell the person on the other end what’s going on and they will tell you if it’s legit or not

[Chops52]

My guess is that is someone called 911. If it was a sting they would have stayed all night long. Not left ten minutes after letting me go. I should have figured but I was scared shitless regardless of my brain telling me it was not real.

[farmstud60]

What it really sounds like is that they either had a girl say she would be there or just faked a girls profile. They then had times set up for guys to come. As you drove in or texted you were there they pulled up behind and pretended to be cops. Cops never ever take money on legit sting operations. They were just after as much cash as they could get. Should have just taken off.

[Chops52]

I have to say it was well rehearsed they did a good job. Asked if I had guns in the vehicle etc. I never saw a badge just the sherif on his sweater. The fact I was never pulled out of the car should have given me a clue but I was freaking out a little at the time.

[ragnardanneskjold]

Who were you going to meet so no one else tries to meet this person?

[Chops52]

Heather on sip sap. Here is number I am sure it will be changed by now. I never use sip sap not sure why I thought it was a good idea that night
(402) 487-5883

[SWIAHunter]

Law enforcement doesn't ask for money. If that was the case you'd be paying "down payments" on traffic tickets also.

[DesWad]

Yep, scam. It would have been more profitable for them if they were able to get a deposit up front in addition to the "court costs."

That's a tough one man especially if there was more than one of them and they looked more likely to handle you. If you tell them "to f-off" do they pull a gun or lay into you? At least you are only out a hundo.