"Tony" was actually out riding his bicycle on Portland St a little after 4 AM this morning. I am always up at that time, having coffee on my front porch. Since I have "met" him before, I recognized him. I have been approached by him previously and have been told his story. I can only assume that I am now immuned to his tactics since I know what he is up to and turned him down a few weeks ago with his request for needed cash. It does not seem like time is an issue with him so everyone needs to be alert at all times of the day. While he was riding his bike, he was very busy looking around for signs of early life. I would be more concerned with being approached by a total stranger at that time of day, and not the scam reason behind that. Like some previous "eye witness" reports of him coming out of the dark worries me more than that reason behind his "visit". Everyone needs to be on their toes 24 hours a day. Have a wonderful day !!! Jean

From: "lisa eddy" <leddy@verizonmail.com> To: "Wackerbarth, Susan" <wackerbarths@einetwork.net>, neighborhood@highlandpark.pgh.pa.us Subject: Re: [Highland Park] Tony--towing car scam Date: Mon, 25 Jul 2005 06:24:59 -0500

Just this morning as I was leaving my house on Negley (around 6:25 am) the same thing happen to me. Tony introduced himself as a neighbor who lived at 914 Negley, has two kids, etc. etc. I told him I had no money and he did back off... He was rather convincing and polite..but he's still around.

----- Original Message ----- From: "Wackerbarth, Susan" <wackerbarths@einetwork.net> To: neighborhood@highlandpark.pgh.pa.us Subject: [Highland Park] Tony--towing car scam Date: Sun, 24 Jul 2005 14:02:43 -0400

...

Thank you so much for everyone who posted about the gentleman (Tony) who was approaching folks with a story that he needed about 10 bucks for towing. Last night (Saturday 7/24) when I pulled up to my apartment (between Jackson and Stanton on Heberton), he came out of the shadows. It was 12:30 a.m.!! He gave me his story and I told him I'd been to Sandcastle all day and had no cash but wished him well. I didn't know if I should call and report it to someone--he seemed harmless and backed away as soon as I let him know I wasn't going to give him anything. I was so grateful to have the information from this list to know he was scamming. I admit it was very unnerving, though, as a single woman, that late on a Saturday night. It was the first time (in ten years) I'd felt my street was unsafe. I would be willing to describe him to police if anyone thinks that is a good idea.

Suzi W.

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