Auto-rickshaw drivers in Bengaluru have begun using emotional tactics instead of just scams to earn money. A recent post on the ‘Bangalore’ subreddit brought attention to this new approach, resonating with locals who have faced similar situations.
Reddit user @smart_zombie2 warned under the headline “Watch out: Auto drivers using emotional tactics” about their experiences: “It happened to me 4 times in the past month. You get into an auto and suddenly the driver starts crying, saying things like ‘My wife is in the hospital and I can’t afford treatment,’ ‘We’re expecting twins and struggling financially,’ ‘My mother is critically ill and we’re short on money for her treatment.'” Initially sympathetic, the OP admitted giving money the first time but grew suspicious when it happened again during another ride.
Beware: Emotional scam by auto drivers
byu/smart_zombie2 inbangalore
“I gave money the first time, but when it happened again in a different ride, I became suspicious,” they expressed, highlighting how such scams undermine trust in real cases of need.
The post gained attention quickly, with others joining in. One commenter expressed regret that these actions are causing people to question those genuinely in need. Another humorously mentioned that the practice of displaying photos of wives expecting twins has been ongoing in the HSR Layout area since last year. The funny part is they all use the same set of photos! They’re not even clever enough to vary their scam.”
Thinking back on their own experience, a third commenter shared, “It happened to my mom when she was visiting me. She rarely takes autos, so I thought she might have been tricked. However, she had a strong feeling that it was fake, so she responded, ‘I will pray for you tonight.'”
Certainly, this emotional manipulation in Bengaluru’s bustling streets proves that even kindness can be exploited for personal profit.
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