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Do you let randos in public who ask use your cellular phone?
- Thread starter enigmatic_alex44
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iunderstoodthereference.gif
I used to let people use it, yeah, never had any issues or anyone trying to rob. But this in the time of "dumb phones" which were quite cheap and didn't hold much stuff on them. Now with smartphones, their price and the whole crapload of information and things linked to it I wouldn't dare to risk it.
Kudos. I didn't think anyone would.
Extra Sauce
Member
Now that cell phones are worth hundreds of dollars, I can't imagine lending mine to a pure stranger.
This happened to me in a hospital and made me kind of look at it from a different viewpoint.
I took a bus to the hospital by myself because my stomach was really hurting. Was in there for hours and when I finally got discharged my phone was dead and the bus was no longer running. Absolutely nobody in the waiting room would let me use their phone to call a cab and it made me honestly feel like shit until one of the nurses finally let me use hers.
I took a bus to the hospital by myself because my stomach was really hurting. Was in there for hours and when I finally got discharged my phone was dead and the bus was no longer running. Absolutely nobody in the waiting room would let me use their phone to call a cab and it made me honestly feel like shit until one of the nurses finally let me use hers.
crazy monkey
Banned
yes for old ladies and needy.
TheBaldEmperor
Member
No.
No.
No.
No.
No.
Pop On Arrival
Banned
I have a panic attacks when I see people reaching for my phone. The amount of shit that I've got saved there that would just absolutely humiliate me if it ever got out is staggering. No way I'm trusting that shit to a friend, let alone a fucking stranger.
Did once, never again. I was at the downtown Disney parking lot with a friend, when a sobbing girl walked towards us asking to make a phone call. She was in her twenties and didn't look suspicious. I let her use my phone, so she called her "dad" and said these guys were following her (we were the only guys around) and then asked what part of the parking lot we were in. She then asked to make another phone call (probably to stall for time), so my friend just grabbed the phone from her and we left. Sounded like she was trying to call the cops/security on us, either that or she's just crazy.
Only once I did but it was in an area where there were people/police, and I was right next to him the whole time. He had trouble getting in touch with his ex or some chick, and he kept calling some other number. I had to wipe my phone afterward because you have no idea where people's hands have been.
Jeffolation
Banned
Sure. I'll also let strangers hold my wallet and never hesitate to share my medication with anyone who asks.
jeremy1456
Junior Member
I'm kind of surprised that you couldn't ask the front desk person to call someone for you.
Easy way for a thief to steal your phone.. hand phone over, he/she runs off. It's happened.
I really can't afford to replace it. That's an 700 dollar device that I'd have to replace if they steal it.
How can you not understand why some one would be worried? Especially if the phone is not a small thing for them.
AtomskEater
Member
I have in the past, but now that I have a smartphone that I paid out of pocket for I wouldn't.
They had this shitty old phone that wasn't working. They gave me a number for the cab, because they had a yellow pages there, but nothing else.
jeremy1456
Junior Member
Oh okay that makes sense. I just imagined that you could ask the person at the front desk to call someone if you're in line to be checked out.
industrian
will gently cradle you as time slowly ticks away.
Only after receiving a $50 security bond, photographic proof of identity, their last three bank statements, and a stamped & signed Statement of Intent that has been signed by at least three referees.
Dreamgazer
Member
Didn't we have this thread not too long ago?
Only if they're okay with using speaker phone.
Only if they're okay with using speaker phone.
TimorousPanda
Member
Nah, I don't like having any of my stuff handled by strangers. I don't know if they're going to steal it or when the last time they washed their hands was. No thank you.
Astral Dog
Member
Im lucky i suppose, some nice people have let me use their phone if i cant.
jeremy1456
Junior Member
Would you be offended if someone input the number you wanted to call, and put it on speakerphone? Mentioning to you beforehand that was the only way they felt comfortable with you using it, of course.
Air Zombie Meat
Member
Unless there was an obvious emergency, no I wouldn't. Thats how people steal phones.
SquiddyCracker
Banned
Of course not.
Astral Dog
Member
No, but they sometimes call the number and give me the phone, i can see the risk giving it to an stranger though, this thread makes me think in such a situation.
jeremy1456
Junior Member
Even if their intent is not to steal your phone or any information from you there's still a risk.
I let a family member borrow my phone and they accidentally went into my contacts and called my landlord. It was like 2 in the morning so that was fun to explain.
HeartlessNobody213
Member
Only in an extreme case. I was in a car accident late last year and one of the people involved allowed me to use her phone since I didn't have one at the time. But for the most part no unless they don't mind me putting it on speaker.
Pagusas
Elden Member
I have a few times. Always at an airport, ussually someone from another country stranded or needing to make an emergency call. I dial the number to avoid any prank stuff like 911 calls, then hand them the phone but am watching it the whole time. If they run off with it they'll be locked out from it immediately (love find my iPhone for that) and I'll be tackling them. But never once had a problem. Always very greatful people.
BreezyLimbo
Banned
I had this punk ass kid ask me once while I was working. They were like 'CAN I BORROW YOUR PHONE' and I was like 'NOPE'. 'BUT I'LL STAND RIGHT THERE I SWEAR'. I continued to say no.
Coloress_Kafka
Member
I have a Windows Phone, I'm safe giving it to strangers. Their reaction would mostly be "The fuck is this cheap chinese shit...... Nokia, like Kia the car company makes this??"
bean breath
Member
"I just use it for music, it's not activated."
Spaced Harrier
Member
Like most human beings I judge based on the situation that I find myself in.
Two lost, stranded, Austrian teenage girls looking confused and frightened at a Bus stop. Yeah. I put on the maps app and handed the phone to them with out them asking.
The two teenage knackers the night before at the same bustop, yeah no chance.
In fairness one grabbed the phone from behind me (had headphones on) in the first place but his mate did actually ask me for it afterwards.
Then told me he wouldn't rob the phone anyway cause the screen was cracked.
Two lost, stranded, Austrian teenage girls looking confused and frightened at a Bus stop. Yeah. I put on the maps app and handed the phone to them with out them asking.
The two teenage knackers the night before at the same bustop, yeah no chance.
In fairness one grabbed the phone from behind me (had headphones on) in the first place but his mate did actually ask me for it afterwards.
Then told me he wouldn't rob the phone anyway cause the screen was cracked.
Eclectic Jabber Monkey
Member
Here in Calgary Canada there are a few still kicking around, usually in public locations, by convenience stores. Its usually people who look like they are lower income using it, so I think its good to keep a few of them around.
One night I was walking to my car after work and a woman pulls up beside me asking to borrow my phone. She was in a minivan, it was still running and she hadn't even put it in park. Uh no chance in hell lady. I told her to use the one by the 7-11 that was close by, not sure if she did or not.
timetokill
Banned
Nah, I'm not a fast enough runner.
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