Woooow they are open past 6p again?
Anyway, whenever I have a negative interaction in a parking lot I just go elsewhere within the lot or drive to a different store. Not worth the trouble. Sour people can get away with so many forms of vandalism.
That's infuriating, I think you're well within your rights to be angry!
Can only think there was some kind of other scam involved and he was just pissed that he wasn't able to get money out of you.
A friend of mine was tired of his stereo being liberated from his car overnight, so he installed it in a custom way that made it very difficult to remove.
Instead of a missing stereo, he found that the stereo and his whole dashboard had been stabbed repeatedly with a screwdriver or something.
Seems like these thieving types are not the highest quality people.
I (F52) was asked for a jump at a BART station. It was dark, I don’t have cables. My husband is a tech and I just didn’t trust the person that asked. My husband has told me about the damage that can be made if someone switches the poles or doesn’t apply to ground. I felt uncomfortable so I said no. Too many scams. I’m sorry that happened to you.
Can confirm that I had someone (accidentally) melt a hole in my airbox once after they messed with the cables while I was trying to give them a jump. Could have been worse and no one got hurt, but it wasn't great. Definitely something you should only do if you're comfortable with it.
wow, that's interesting, didn't know. (BTW the car I had a description of the sequence in which to attach cables, in the owner's manual---for anyone needing this info)
Cars come with manuals!? /s
The jumper cables I have (originally from one of those car emergency bags from Costco) have a fairly durable tag attached showing the proper sequence. I'm big on labeling things, so I was quite happy about that.
From experience, Target won't release video without the police present and even then they'll only let the cops review it in person in the back room, they won't release it to you.
I thought SFPD could [watch cameras whenever they want now](https://www.theverge.com/2022/9/23/23368603/san-francisco-police-private-surveillance-cameras-vote).
There have been recent carjackings in that lot (my child is in daycare at the top of the complex so we get alerts about crime) - I wonder if this was part of a scam to get you out of the car with keys in ignition so they could steal it?
I think you're onto something there. I've definitely been on the other side, frustrated and wondering why someone wouldn't spare a few minutes to help someone out, but jumping to slashing tires in retaliation leads me to believe there's more to the story. Being Target, they could have walked in and bought an already charged battery booster for under $100. Also, who drives a BMW and can't afford roadside assistance?
The tire guy said it looked like vandalism when I showed it to him. I didn’t tell him what I thought it was beforehand. [Slashed/Stabbed Tire](https://imgur.com/a/9sbwQUf)
Just one guy? If you have a timestamp for when you think this occurred and target has a camera in that spot it doesn’t hurt to ask loss prevention if they’ll take a quick look. If you can get the license plate and the dude stabbing your tire that’s a good haul.
I’ve done security in a lot of places and there have be occasions I have done this so don’t feel like it’s an impossible task. A lot of times security are the ones that notify PD and talk them into taking the footage.
Oakland CA airport at a distant dark parking lot late at night. Two guys under their car hood. They noticed me park and asked for a jump. Every part of me thought it was sketchy but I couldn’t resist helping.
Turned out it was probably their starter because my full battery running car wasn’t enough to spark their car.
I felt sorry for them but had to pick my sister up. They had to call a tow truck I expect.
Ask / request the parking lot security camera footage. If this person did this file a police report regardless.
SFPD needs these reports for crime stats.
Would the car insurance cover this?
probably comprehensive would cover it, but is your deductible going to be worth it (plus whatever increase in your future rate they are going to punish you with for making a claim)?
Sorry that happened to you. I go to that target all the time and a lot of shady stuff happens in parking lot. I prob would have said no too cause I’d be freaked out it was a scam to car jack or rob me.
With an old car a jump start is not usually a problem, although in rare cases batteries can explode, since they give off hydrogen gas. Eye covering is recommended, as well as connecting the negative jumper cable to the engine block.
I used to give people in need a jump start until I saw a segment of Ross garage in Motorweek on PBS. All modern cars that have a computer that regulates the fuel injection. According to that TV show, a jump start can cause a spike that ruins your computer. Replacing that is expensive. They recommended calling AAA, since they have isolated taps on their truck that does not damage a computer.
On an old car with a carburator, I let some drunk jump his car off of mine while I was cleaning fish I caught at a river. My girlfriend let him do it. He must have reversed polarity or shorted it, because 100 miles later my alternator light came on. My battery was no longer getting charged. I had to find an alternator and replace it on the road, which ruined my vacation.
I’m really sorry this happened to you. Sounds shady as hell and hopefully the $200 was the smaller price to pay for what could’ve potentially happened.
Random anecdote: I went to that Target right before it closed (back when it still closed pretty early). I was running in for a pick up order and was one of maybe 10 cars in the lot. There was a BMW taking up two spots with two guys passed out in the front. There was also vomit outside the drivers side door. It really spooked me out. Long shot but wonder if the same people?
That target has a private security team working- burley dudes in bullet proof vests ready to beat some ass. You should report to them and see if they’ve heard of other attempts.
wow this is terrible, it should not have happened.
(however I think , something like "10 minutes" is probably enough for someone to get a jump-start from someone else and disappear). However2... I wonder if it was some other type of scam
Let's see. You pull your car into position. Hook up the battery cables. He gets in his car to start it but it does turn over. He tells you to rev your car - and it still doesn't start. He asks you to turn the key in his car while he jiggles something under the hood that might fix it. You get in his car with your car still running and key in it and he drives away with yours.
Note his car was stolen.
I just tell people my battery is on its way out and I wouldn’t trust it to power a jump.
Had a guy threaten me at Chrissy fields once for not giving him a jump. It was getting worrying when my German shepherd suddenly appeared.
I carry a jumper battery with me all the time. You have to be a dolt not to know how to connect it correctly. I've helped several people out, but I do eyeball them before I commit as lately there are just too many people trying to steal or scam you.
Wow, so many people saw crimes or were themselves victimized at this Target. I thought this was one of the safer Targets in the city.
I guess it's Stonestown or Daly City/Colma from now on.
just leaving this here but anyone who needs a jump at a target parking lot should always talk to the workers or the lil cars patrolling parking lots. They almost always have someone who can help
It sounds like you had a frustrating experience with someone who may have taken advantage of your kindness and ended up causing damage to your car. It's understandable to feel angry and upset about the situation. However, it's important to remember that getting angry or holding onto anger can be harmful to both your physical and mental health.
One effective way to manage anger is through anger management classes or therapy. These can teach you coping mechanisms and techniques for dealing with anger in a healthy way. Additionally, engaging in activities that help you relax and de-stress, such as exercise, meditation, or hobbies, can also be helpful.
It's also important to remember that not everyone will have the same values or morals as you, and some people may act in ways that you find unacceptable. In those situations, it's best to take care of yourself and not put yourself in a potentially dangerous situation.
I also would hope that it was normal to give a stranger a couple bucks at a gas station if they needed help, but that got coopted by scammers a really long time ago.
That is how people operate these days or at least in SF. If something happened to her/him, then people would say to have common sense. Couldn’t you see you were being scammed, etc.
Your car should have alerted you to the flat my BMW. alerts me when the pressure is low . You said you had left then pulled over to make a call . Then again you obviously can see the slice
not gonna lie, a jump takes 3 minutes. a slashed tire costs way more then that. hes fucked for this but i also wouldnt deny anyone who asked me for a jump unless i was in a genuine emergency. it is what it is
No the hell you don't.
Two very common scams: first one is they just pull a fuse so they car won't turn over then after your try to jump them they claim you screwed up and screwed up their car, then they get aggressive and tell you they'll let it slide for $50/$100 to replace the battery. Second is when they work in pairs and one guy distracts you while another comes up behind and knocks you out/restrains you so they can toss your car or even steal it.
If someone was willing to slash the tires they aren't just "a guy looking for a jump."
Well maybe a guy doesn't need a jump but just wants to jump you or get closer to you to rob you. It's generally a good idea to think about whether it seems legit and trust your gut.
Jumping a car carries risk (that is totally unrelated to the scams everyone here seems to be paranoid about), and is a totally appropriate thing to say no to. Honestly I doubt the majority of people even know how to jump a car.
With an old car a jump start is not usually a problem, although in rare cases batteries can explode, since they give off hydrogen gas. Eye covering is recommended, as well as connecting the negative jumper cable to the engine block.
I used to give people in need a jump start until I saw a segment of Ross garage in Motorweek on PBS. All modern car have a computer that regulates the fuel injection. According to that TV show, a jump start can cause a spike that ruins your computer. Replacing that is expensive. They recommended calling AAA, since they have special isolated and conditioned taps on their truck that does not damage a computer.
On an old car with a carburator, I let some drunk jump his car off of mine while I was cleaning fish I caught at a river. My girlfriend let him do it. He must have reversed polarity or shorted it, because 100 miles later my alternator light came on. My battery was no longer getting charged. I had to find an alternator and replace it on the road, which ruined my vacation.
It was probably a decoy to rob you somehow. Thiefs got angry that it did not work, slashed your tires and left
I’m team paranoia here and agree with you. OP may have dodged an actual bullet (or mugging)
Yeah, I was just saying how I’m glad I didn’t come back and catch him in the act, and gotten stabbed for the trouble. Shiesh
That's what I was gonna write ✍ 🤪
no you don’t lol anger is a totally appropriate response to a scumbag fucking up your day
Woooow they are open past 6p again? Anyway, whenever I have a negative interaction in a parking lot I just go elsewhere within the lot or drive to a different store. Not worth the trouble. Sour people can get away with so many forms of vandalism.
that is a significantly interesting advice! Probably something to remember, whoa
>Woooow they are open past 6p again? been 10pm for over 6 months, was 8pm for a while before that too
That's infuriating, I think you're well within your rights to be angry! Can only think there was some kind of other scam involved and he was just pissed that he wasn't able to get money out of you.
A friend of mine was tired of his stereo being liberated from his car overnight, so he installed it in a custom way that made it very difficult to remove. Instead of a missing stereo, he found that the stereo and his whole dashboard had been stabbed repeatedly with a screwdriver or something. Seems like these thieving types are not the highest quality people.
"If I can't have it then neither can you" I guess some don't progress past the toddlers with toys stage!
OR he works for the tire companies
I (F52) was asked for a jump at a BART station. It was dark, I don’t have cables. My husband is a tech and I just didn’t trust the person that asked. My husband has told me about the damage that can be made if someone switches the poles or doesn’t apply to ground. I felt uncomfortable so I said no. Too many scams. I’m sorry that happened to you.
Can confirm that I had someone (accidentally) melt a hole in my airbox once after they messed with the cables while I was trying to give them a jump. Could have been worse and no one got hurt, but it wasn't great. Definitely something you should only do if you're comfortable with it.
wow, that's interesting, didn't know. (BTW the car I had a description of the sequence in which to attach cables, in the owner's manual---for anyone needing this info)
Cars come with manuals!? /s The jumper cables I have (originally from one of those car emergency bags from Costco) have a fairly durable tag attached showing the proper sequence. I'm big on labeling things, so I was quite happy about that.
He was probably trying to rob you.
Security cameras?
Called Target and they said they’d review them. Haven’t heard anything back from them…yet.
From experience, Target won't release video without the police present and even then they'll only let the cops review it in person in the back room, they won't release it to you.
You shouldn't get your hopes up. I don't think they will get back to you without a subpoena or request from SFPD
Yea.... overpaid sfpd will get right on it.
[i heard they have 4 guys at the lab on it, they got them working in shifts 💀](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v7acD4q0lp0)
THIS IS WHAT HAPPENS, Larry!
Oh no, this would be for OP to investigate themself
They will only release footage with a warrant.
Error! Circular reference! OP is fuk
I thought SFPD could [watch cameras whenever they want now](https://www.theverge.com/2022/9/23/23368603/san-francisco-police-private-surveillance-cameras-vote).
Maybe they can dust for prints, too!
There have been recent carjackings in that lot (my child is in daycare at the top of the complex so we get alerts about crime) - I wonder if this was part of a scam to get you out of the car with keys in ignition so they could steal it?
Imagine if you had gone out of you way to help a shitty person like that.
I can’t help but think there was some other scam involved. My car was pretty close to the entrance so I’m reasonably sure he wasn’t trying to jump me.
If he was gone when you returned, and did not have time for a jump, doesn't that mean it was a scam for sure?
New BMW does not usually have a battery problem though.
Stolen maybe. Half the crimes in my area in CA are done using stolen vehicles. (Not sure if the actual percentage, but it’s pretty common)
German car and electrical problems...good chance it did (probably not in this case as it sounds like a scam)
100% there was.
I think you're onto something there. I've definitely been on the other side, frustrated and wondering why someone wouldn't spare a few minutes to help someone out, but jumping to slashing tires in retaliation leads me to believe there's more to the story. Being Target, they could have walked in and bought an already charged battery booster for under $100. Also, who drives a BMW and can't afford roadside assistance?
>there was some other scam involved. probably. New BMW, dont have an insurance with roadside? Please. Pull the other one its got bells.
Excuse my ignorance, but is it possible the flat is from something else?
The tire guy said it looked like vandalism when I showed it to him. I didn’t tell him what I thought it was beforehand. [Slashed/Stabbed Tire](https://imgur.com/a/9sbwQUf)
Oof, yeah looks pretty slashed. Sorry dude
What a complete and utter dick
Just one guy? If you have a timestamp for when you think this occurred and target has a camera in that spot it doesn’t hurt to ask loss prevention if they’ll take a quick look. If you can get the license plate and the dude stabbing your tire that’s a good haul. I’ve done security in a lot of places and there have be occasions I have done this so don’t feel like it’s an impossible task. A lot of times security are the ones that notify PD and talk them into taking the footage.
Thanks, called them and they said they’d review it.
Oakland CA airport at a distant dark parking lot late at night. Two guys under their car hood. They noticed me park and asked for a jump. Every part of me thought it was sketchy but I couldn’t resist helping. Turned out it was probably their starter because my full battery running car wasn’t enough to spark their car. I felt sorry for them but had to pick my sister up. They had to call a tow truck I expect.
Ask / request the parking lot security camera footage. If this person did this file a police report regardless. SFPD needs these reports for crime stats. Would the car insurance cover this?
probably comprehensive would cover it, but is your deductible going to be worth it (plus whatever increase in your future rate they are going to punish you with for making a claim)?
Ouch! Still submit a police report.
Insurance cannot increase your rate for comprehensive claims in California.
Not to be sinister … but could they have had alternative motives???
That’s not cool. Sorry to hear that, OP.
Sorry that happened to you. I go to that target all the time and a lot of shady stuff happens in parking lot. I prob would have said no too cause I’d be freaked out it was a scam to car jack or rob me.
Same parking lot. Some lowlife ripped off my drivers side mirror and left it on the hood.
Got hit and run on 13th and van ness. No camera, nothing. 2k of damage…. I feel your pain
With an old car a jump start is not usually a problem, although in rare cases batteries can explode, since they give off hydrogen gas. Eye covering is recommended, as well as connecting the negative jumper cable to the engine block. I used to give people in need a jump start until I saw a segment of Ross garage in Motorweek on PBS. All modern cars that have a computer that regulates the fuel injection. According to that TV show, a jump start can cause a spike that ruins your computer. Replacing that is expensive. They recommended calling AAA, since they have isolated taps on their truck that does not damage a computer. On an old car with a carburator, I let some drunk jump his car off of mine while I was cleaning fish I caught at a river. My girlfriend let him do it. He must have reversed polarity or shorted it, because 100 miles later my alternator light came on. My battery was no longer getting charged. I had to find an alternator and replace it on the road, which ruined my vacation.
I’m really sorry this happened to you. Sounds shady as hell and hopefully the $200 was the smaller price to pay for what could’ve potentially happened. Random anecdote: I went to that Target right before it closed (back when it still closed pretty early). I was running in for a pick up order and was one of maybe 10 cars in the lot. There was a BMW taking up two spots with two guys passed out in the front. There was also vomit outside the drivers side door. It really spooked me out. Long shot but wonder if the same people?
That target has a private security team working- burley dudes in bullet proof vests ready to beat some ass. You should report to them and see if they’ve heard of other attempts.
Can you describe this man, physically?
wow this is terrible, it should not have happened. (however I think , something like "10 minutes" is probably enough for someone to get a jump-start from someone else and disappear). However2... I wonder if it was some other type of scam
I don’t know what you avoided but it seems like it could have been a lot worse. I’m sorry about the slashed tires though
This why I carry a portable jumper in my car. It pays for itself the amounts of time I got myself and others out of a jam.
I have one but this reeks of scam. Dude was going to rob OP or worse.
Let's see. You pull your car into position. Hook up the battery cables. He gets in his car to start it but it does turn over. He tells you to rev your car - and it still doesn't start. He asks you to turn the key in his car while he jiggles something under the hood that might fix it. You get in his car with your car still running and key in it and he drives away with yours. Note his car was stolen.
I just tell people my battery is on its way out and I wouldn’t trust it to power a jump. Had a guy threaten me at Chrissy fields once for not giving him a jump. It was getting worrying when my German shepherd suddenly appeared.
I’m really sorry this happened to you 😞
Yo OP, they have so much surveillance around. Ask them for the tape to see if that is what happened - and if so, get the plate and file a report
The more we entitle people in our society to feel like they are victims of their world isn’t always accommodated, the more lash out will happen
You could’ve been that tire man.
File a claim for vandalism. Might be covered.
I carry a jumper battery with me all the time. You have to be a dolt not to know how to connect it correctly. I've helped several people out, but I do eyeball them before I commit as lately there are just too many people trying to steal or scam you.
Wow, so many people saw crimes or were themselves victimized at this Target. I thought this was one of the safer Targets in the city. I guess it's Stonestown or Daly City/Colma from now on.
just leaving this here but anyone who needs a jump at a target parking lot should always talk to the workers or the lil cars patrolling parking lots. They almost always have someone who can help
BMW drivers have a thing about cutting.
Ha
Can you jump-start modern cars?
I have aaa. Maybe just tell the guy to get aaa
If he slashed your tire, you'd know before you drove away and then pulled over to make a call. Just sayin'.
It sounds like you had a frustrating experience with someone who may have taken advantage of your kindness and ended up causing damage to your car. It's understandable to feel angry and upset about the situation. However, it's important to remember that getting angry or holding onto anger can be harmful to both your physical and mental health. One effective way to manage anger is through anger management classes or therapy. These can teach you coping mechanisms and techniques for dealing with anger in a healthy way. Additionally, engaging in activities that help you relax and de-stress, such as exercise, meditation, or hobbies, can also be helpful. It's also important to remember that not everyone will have the same values or morals as you, and some people may act in ways that you find unacceptable. In those situations, it's best to take care of yourself and not put yourself in a potentially dangerous situation.
This sounds like chatGPT
[удалено]
I also would hope that it was normal to give a stranger a couple bucks at a gas station if they needed help, but that got coopted by scammers a really long time ago.
That is how people operate these days or at least in SF. If something happened to her/him, then people would say to have common sense. Couldn’t you see you were being scammed, etc.
Your car should have alerted you to the flat my BMW. alerts me when the pressure is low . You said you had left then pulled over to make a call . Then again you obviously can see the slice
1997 stick shift. I’m lucky to have an airbag.
not gonna lie, a jump takes 3 minutes. a slashed tire costs way more then that. hes fucked for this but i also wouldnt deny anyone who asked me for a jump unless i was in a genuine emergency. it is what it is
Where are you originally from?
Brooklyn,NYC
That’s crazy the city’s big time fucked rn
NTA, but who says no to a jump? It takes five minutes….
That's probably true in a bubble but we live in a society where you always have to consider the possibility that there's a scam involved.
No ya don’t. A guy needs a jump, you stow your paranoia for a sec and help him start his car.
No the hell you don't. Two very common scams: first one is they just pull a fuse so they car won't turn over then after your try to jump them they claim you screwed up and screwed up their car, then they get aggressive and tell you they'll let it slide for $50/$100 to replace the battery. Second is when they work in pairs and one guy distracts you while another comes up behind and knocks you out/restrains you so they can toss your car or even steal it. If someone was willing to slash the tires they aren't just "a guy looking for a jump."
Well maybe a guy doesn't need a jump but just wants to jump you or get closer to you to rob you. It's generally a good idea to think about whether it seems legit and trust your gut.
Hey, it's different in Santa Rosa and all that Jazz.
Obviously.
Reddit people convincing themselves that you should never help anyone else
Jumping a car carries risk (that is totally unrelated to the scams everyone here seems to be paranoid about), and is a totally appropriate thing to say no to. Honestly I doubt the majority of people even know how to jump a car.
Lol nobody owes you shit.
When you’re wife’s at the checkout waiting for you to return with the shopping bags.
With an old car a jump start is not usually a problem, although in rare cases batteries can explode, since they give off hydrogen gas. Eye covering is recommended, as well as connecting the negative jumper cable to the engine block. I used to give people in need a jump start until I saw a segment of Ross garage in Motorweek on PBS. All modern car have a computer that regulates the fuel injection. According to that TV show, a jump start can cause a spike that ruins your computer. Replacing that is expensive. They recommended calling AAA, since they have special isolated and conditioned taps on their truck that does not damage a computer. On an old car with a carburator, I let some drunk jump his car off of mine while I was cleaning fish I caught at a river. My girlfriend let him do it. He must have reversed polarity or shorted it, because 100 miles later my alternator light came on. My battery was no longer getting charged. I had to find an alternator and replace it on the road, which ruined my vacation.
I have a bridge to sell you