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ProbablyAtDialysis t1_itqe6z0 wrote

It could be to scope your phone / watch / let your guard down.

It could also be a genuine question.

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TrentonMakes t1_itqfccm wrote

Genuine question most times because a lot of them don’t have watches or phones, so they really have no idea what time it is. The other is to catch you off guard when you inevitably look down when you’re face down on your phone.

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Scrungii t1_itqfm0m wrote

Yeah I figured it was genuine as how else would they know, but it happened decently regularly and then the one yesterday when the guy clearly could have checked the time himself had me wondering. But he just straight up didn't do anything next so idk

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Aromat_Junkie t1_itqfpf6 wrote

Literally a classic tactic to steal watches.

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porkchameleon t1_itqh16v wrote

> People keep asking me for the time in train stations

Train stations should have a clock posted somewhere since trains run on some kind of schedule, no? Point them to those.

EDIT: on the street I just tell them the year we are in (just make sure to specify A.D.)

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CassetteTaper t1_itqh5ur wrote

It's like the gum trick. If a person is willing to stop and engage they are marked as an easy target.

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WestPhillyFilly t1_itqhcnv wrote

I was waiting at a red light on my e-scooter, when the guy in the passenger seat of the car next to me yelled "hey man, do you have the time?" so I told him "5:15!" or whatever it was, and that was the end of that interaction.

I was also confused; doesn't like every car have a clock on the dashboard or radio or wherever?

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dreadpiratesmith t1_itqi64s wrote

To check out your phone and see if it's worth stealing and if you're an easy victim for stealing.

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justaphage42 t1_itqk336 wrote

Yeah, I've had people ask me the time and also the weather in the park where I normally walk my dog. Never caused any further issues that I usually answer. It's unclear if they're after anything further or just the way I act/my possessions suggest I'm not worth stealing from.

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WanderlustFella t1_itqmux3 wrote

I would venture to say its both. Social engineering is a disguise of genuineness. Sure there are some that might ask legitimately for the time. I mean shelters have a curfew so if you don't make it there on time, your locked out. However there are certainly those that are asking to check out your wares. Maybe even just a question just to see who will answer them.

"Hey you got the time?" Based on if and how you answer the guy has a good idea if you are friendly and perhaps naive. Certainly asking for a dollar after that would be just as harmless.

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TJCW t1_itqo1gi wrote

I was told by a cop that so many bad things happen with someone asking you for the time or for a cigarette. You do not need to engage.

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johnkrukslovechild t1_itqp10i wrote

You just need to develop that 1000 yard stare that says "don't talk to me, I know every scam there is, you missed your bus/need money for carpool/blah blah blah".

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DonQOnIce t1_itqpel1 wrote

I can look at the time on my watch without even stopping or missing a beat and I will and report it if asked. But don’t ever stop and take your phone out to tell someone the time.

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hairlikemerida t1_itqqwjf wrote

Because they are trying to rob you.

Why on earth would someone ask someone else for the time in a train station…where there are clocks everywhere?

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MagnusUnda t1_itqs4cl wrote

Once I responded “I don’t know” (did not have watch on, but admittedly had my phone in my pocket) and was promptly called “a racist motherfucker”

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napsdufroid t1_itqs5ih wrote

This is why it pays to wear a cheap watch

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davkar632 t1_itqtexv wrote

Preamble to a scam or robbery. They’re trying to get you to engage in conversation. “Sorry” is the only correct response in this situation.

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JWTowsonU t1_itquzsd wrote

I say “I was hoping you knew the time”

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NotSureNotRobot t1_itqv36k wrote

Q. “Can I ask you a question?”

A. “You just did. Good day.”

A2. “No”

A3. No answer, just keep walking

I always choose A3 although A and A1 are what I say to myself after.

I don’t engage at all anymore. Once a guy asked if he could ask me a question and I said, “sorry man, can’t help you” and he followed me while berating me for assuming he needed help. I turned around and said, “ok, so what do you need?” And he said, “you know what?! Fuck you man!” and stormed off.

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jamin_g t1_itqyi1f wrote

Only one of two possibilities seems likely,

time travelers from another land, or foreign agents trying to meet an informant.

Only other option is activating some sort of deep alpha programming to control the world.

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z7q2 t1_itqyywv wrote

Just wander off while singing the Chicago song:
"Does anybody really know what time it is? Does anybody really care?"

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Surfingtheseas t1_itr0bk7 wrote

Speak in a different language next time. Cant engage if they dont understand

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loveyourground t1_itr0br0 wrote

There was a woman sitting outside my office other day who asked me for a cigarette while I was walking in. I told her I didn't have one and she proceeded to tell me to go fuck myself. I guess I got off easy, lol 🥰

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ElvisAndretti t1_itr0lry wrote

I can now (officially) say “Retired, don’t know, don’t care.”

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teknos1s t1_itr0vcm wrote

What I don’t get is ppl asking for directions. Like bro you literally have a computer with gps in your pocket. Just the other day someone asked if there was a coffee shop in the neighborhood. Like, maybe google maps it?

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OstrichMeniscus t1_itr1kfc wrote

I was asked yesterday at the train station but I’m pretty sure there are zero clocks there other than scheduled times for arrivals

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TJCW t1_itrgxxs wrote

By asking you a question like that, you will take a second to look down or be taken back for a second which makes you vulnerable for an attack.

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