Casing my house? Scam? Debt collectors?

So I live at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac. People turn around in it sometimes, but it's still fairly quiet. You can't see my property from the main street, as it's in the wrong part of the fishbowl.

I've got a Grand Cherokee that's not worth much cash, but has sentimental value to me parked on the side of my driveway. It's fairly obvious I don't drive the thing.

I have had a weird number of what I consider mildly sketchy dudes (think bad used car salesman sketchy) pull up and ask about it during the day when I'm home. My car and now my truck are always in the driveway, and some of the neighbors are older and always home. One time a guy got weirdly aggressive about it until I opened the door and started walking towards him. Told him I wasn't interested in selling, and he kept saying "but you don't drive it". I think this was actually the second time he had stopped by.

About six month ago some guy came to the door and asked if my former tenant lived here. I asked him why and he said he was looking for the guy I had been renting the house to about a year ago. I still get this guys mail occasionally, no idea what's going on there. I asked him why he wanted to find him, and he told me he had papers for him. Told him I don't know where he is, but he doesn't live hear anymore. Guy asked to see my ID to verify, and I told him to there was no way it was happening. He didn't give me much of a bad vibe, and I'm pretty quick to get sketched out. I'm pretty sure he was actually working for the court, as I recall he actually gave me a card and whatnot. I just sort of chalked it up to general weirdness and wasn't surprised because I had gotten so many past due notices for the renter.

My house isn't exactly the kind you would want to rob. My dog barks at anyone that comes to the door, there's a security camera, neighbors are always home, the house is modest and looking in the window you aren't going to see anything all that tempting except maybe the flatscreen (and it's not all that big). My schedule is chaotic, I don't leave expensive crap in plain view, I keep the yard maintained and it's easy for the neighbors in the back to see in. Always lock the windows and doors, leave lights on at night.

So I'm thinking this is probably people trying to track down the renter, seeing that I'm not a 70 year old man, and realizing he's moved. Except that one douchebag that came back twice and got mouthy with me. If anything, it's probably just people wanting to buy the Jeep cheap, flip it and make a buck, but it still weirds me out the frequency that it's happening when you can't see it from the main street (which isn't all that busy either).

One more thing to add, the guy today yelled out "Hi neighbor!" when he rang the bell. That struck me as odd. I've never seen him, or his car before. I've certainly never met him. Did a little Google and apparently process servers will call out your name since you're more likely to respond to it than some random stranger. I just cracked the door so the dog couldn't go at him, he backed up a few paces, then said "I don't need to come in" (like I'm going to let him) and then when I told him the Jeep wasn't for sale walked back to his car. The only other thing is that they all use the same line, "I've noticed that your Jeep has been sitting there for a long time". Shoot, I guess that's what I would probably say too, but I sorta doubt these people continuously cruise my cul-de-sac since there would be absolutely no reason.

I'm sure I'm being paranoid. Still thought I would ask.

a reply to: Domo1

Hm I don't know. I would be more assertive with them though. Sounds like a form of harassment to me. Let the dog decide.

a reply to: NarcolepticBuddha

With the exception of the one dude, they've always been very polite and never bother me again. I don't want to be a dick to some dude that's legit wondering, but I think you might be right.

The dog sounds aggressive when he barks, but he loves everyone if they pet him for a second. He would probably help load a burglars truck if I wasn't home.

Appreciate it.

a reply to: Domo1

Recently I had a couple literally open my front door at my apartment and come in to say hello. They were probably just handing out church flyers or something.

I told them to get the hell out! I thought I was being robbed.

They apologized and sorry sorry sorry.

But the thing is, I have been held at gunpoint before.

Be a dick sometimes. It could save your life. Nobody that isn't your actual neighbor has any business snooping around a cul-de-sac.

a reply to: Domo1

i dont understand why it is so hard for you to just clean the jeep up and move its position a bit so it doesnt look neglected and attract the attention you dont want it attracting.....

i also dont see how it is so strange to you that when people see you neglecting a jeep it sometimes makes people want to take it off your hands and show it some appreciation...

a reply to: NarcolepticBuddha

Be a dick sometimes.

I'm actually pretty abrasive and curt in situations like this. Did Loss Prevention (back when you could tackle and cuff people) so I'm not shy about getting in someone's face.

I think next time I'm going to just ask them if they really want the Jeep or are trying to find dude.

Weirdly enough i actually had cops show up to my place looking for a dude that used to live at the apartment I was renting TWICE a year after I'd moved in. That made more sense, my name wasn't on the title. I might tell that story after a few beers, ended up knowing the cop.

a reply to: NobodiesNormal

Jeep is clean, runs great, don't have a very large driveway. It's parked on the side of the driveway, that's how I suppose they can tell it's been sitting. The grass is always cut underneath and around it.

It's not neglected. It's just not used very often. Gets oil changes, runs like a champ.

Just loose the hounds on em .

HAHA, IKR. I had this one guy come up to the house trying to solicit bleach, and my dog almost made him fall off the porch because he tried to go through the door. Guy was like, yeah I read your sign, here's my business card. If I want bleach, I will just go to all for a dollar. lol

I think it is odd that they all seem to be interested in a vehicle that is not that visible from a very quiet road. Perhaps they are all from the same 'team' and that is how they all know about it, yet seem unrelated to you. Have you thoroughly searched the vehicle? Perhaps someone hid something there at some points not and now they are trying to retrieve it without anyone knowing. You could always make a sign and leave it in the vehicle window stating it is not for sale, this might head them off before they get to your door and annoy you. This sort of thing doesn't happen much in my country so the whole thing is strange to me, and so suspicious.

a reply to: CthulhuMythos

Perhaps they are all from the same 'team' and that is how they all know about it, yet seem unrelated to you.

That actually makes a lot of sense. I wouldn't be surprised if there was a group of people that were all flipping cars and driving around neighborhoods looking for vehicles they figure they can snatch up cheap and then sell for parts or profit.

originally posted by: NobodiesNormal
a reply to: Domo1

i dont understand why it is so hard for you to just clean the jeep up and move its position a bit so it doesnt look neglected and attract the attention you dont want it attracting.....

Sorry what?,

It is his vehicle parked on his property, why the hell should he.. I had a similar situation a few years back where I had a motorcycle that was sitting for a bit and these weird passive aggressive types would attempt to do me a favour of taking it off my hands, they actually had to come onto my land to get to my front door so I would always have something that made them think twice about coming back...

Long and short if there is history with a tenant then expect the unwanted calls, if it is people trying to blag the Jeep off you then simply say "sorry it is not for sale, I use it to film scat porn and it stinks" that should put anyone straight off and if it doesn't let the dog have a play..



RA

Folks have always drove around looking for "junk cars" (or what they think is). Looks like the tradition is back . A friend and I once bought a 61 and 62 T-Bird for 200 each exactly that way . Just knocked on the door and inquired about them . They were in an old barn...

I just dont understand why you wont sell me the Jeep if it does not get used often, especially if it runs great. I offer my apologies for wierding you out; I just like the Jeep and am looking for a second daily driver vehicle.

a reply to: slider1982

I use it to film scat porn

Stop watching me

a reply to: Domo1

Sounds like a good vehicle.. Suggestion. Put a sign on it mate.
"No offers, don't come to the door." "Not for sale"

Might take 5 minutes of your time.

kind regards,

bally

a reply to: bally001

That's actually a good idea. I feel like it's going to look trashy (or trashier) sticking a sign on the thing. I've actually got it parked well, it gets washed when I wash whatever I'm currently driving, but still.

that's just odd to me......how about putting up " smile,your on camera " signs ...or "no soliciting " signs . ?

If your in the states, walk out there armed. Have that bang bang on your hip, and arrive in "Ill humor". Your unwanted car salesmen as you call them will get the message. Or go out the door with religious literature in your hand and tell them you would love to have a sit down talk with them, about saving their souls and hell & damnation. They want be back.