New law in CA. Refusing to "high five" crankers at the ATM?

[Yiogo]

Steve in VT, gave great advice. Next time retreat to your vehicle, lock the doors and make the call to 911. Predators don't like situational awareness. Yiogo

 

[photoman]

Were they trying to "jack me"?

We will never know. One thing we do know... You failed the test!

Personal and shared space: boundaries

 

[Ironhand]

Sounds like a 'gypsy' tactic to me, usually followed by being robbed either by sleight-of-hand or by force.


Since it was 6:30AM you can pretty much bet that they'd been up all night long, too. 'Tweakers' can be dangerous so hopefully you won't leave your heater in the car ever again.

 

[Neumann]

The whole idea behind shaking hands is to show you are not armed - goes back centuries. If someone grabs your right hand, you can't reach a weapon, even if you have one, without some delay. A similar ploy is to ask for a light (cigarette). You were right to stand off. The circumstances would put me in the "orange alert" mode or higher. When approached with an inappropriate request, I tell them to "move on" - and prepare to take more affirmative action.

 

[CBA44]

The whole idea behind shaking hands is to show you are not armed - goes back centuries. If someone grabs your right hand, you can't reach a weapon, even if you have one, without some delay. A similar ploy is to ask for a light (cigarette). You were right to stand off. The circumstances would put me in the "orange alert" mode or higher. When approached with an inappropriate request, I tell them to "move on" - and prepare to take more affirmative action.

'Hello Newman' Compilation - YouTube

 

[GKC]

I never use outside ATMs. For one thing, not only are you a potential mugging target, but identity thieves can install skimmers on them to steal your info. That is much harder to do on inside ATMs, where someone might see them monkeying with the ATM.

You need to locate several indoor ATMs and use those...around here, most convenience stores have them inside. I also use drive up ATMs at banks. (Ever wondered why there are Braille instructions on a drive up ATM? )

When going into and out of convenience stores, I have seen individuals loitering about, and some of them are panhandling. I ask the clerk to call the police when I see it happening...virtually all cities have laws against that.

 

[JackRipper]

I'm from California. May I ask what city did this happen in?

 

[Chuck1217]

My first thought when reading the OP was- prostitute- and the guy by the car her pimp. But the high-five thing confused me- unless she was making conversation, trying to feel you out. Pretty weird situation, glad it worked out. As for atm's I do the same as others, primarily drive-ups. But I keep an eye on all rear-view mirrors the entire time. Don't like using them in convenience stores, but has been necessary- when I do, you can bet I won't be shaking anyone's hands, high-fiving- thaat's my strong-hand, I may need it.

 

[Bell Charter Oak Holsters]

The old fashioned "pigeon drop" well known to old flat foots from the inner cities of America working street crime, confidence operator, pick pocket squads or public morals units (prostitution).

You got lucky...this time. Personal defense begins between the ears and doesn't do much in a backpack or when left home in the sock drawer. Live and learn, don't assume anything. It was 6:30 am....guess the lovely couple you encountered were just early risers? Not. Glad your both safe brother.

Cheers;
Lefty

 

[Ivan the Butcher]

I know it isn't normal, but in 34 years of married life, I have used an ATM ONE time, and the wife has used ATMs ZERO times. This greatly lowers the risk of being robbed at one. Banks are on almost every corner, so even if my employer did a direct deposit of payroll, I get cash from a person, not a machine. Or we use a credit or debit card when cash is not the way things are going. I"M SO 20th CENTURY! Think about removing unsafe events from your life, and beside those bank tellers all need their jobs. Ivan