TrentonMakes t1_itqfccm wrote on October 25, 2022 at 3:30 PM

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.

Scrungii t1_itqfm0m wrote on October 25, 2022 at 3:32 PM

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

justaphage42 t1_itqk336 wrote on October 25, 2022 at 4:01 PM

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.

WanderlustFella t1_itqmux3 wrote on October 25, 2022 at 4:20 PM

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.