How do you handle strangers asking to use your cell?

[dazedxar]

I always let them use it, but I have to dial the number for them to make sure they need to make a call.

With how expensive iphones are, I would guess no one here allow any strangers to use their phone.

 

[Lyshen]

I don't, I carry change so I'd give like 50 cents and direct them to a pay phone.

Better to lose 50 cents vs $700+ dollar (depending which phone you have)

 

[dazedxar]

I don't, I carry change so I'd give like 50 cents and direct them to a pay phone.

Better to lose 50 cents vs $700+ dollar (depending which phone you have)

Lol do you live in middle America? There are no payphones in my state anymore (California)

 

[Lyshen]

Nope SoCal.

But to be honest last time someone asked was about a year go now. When it did though there was a pay phone within eye sight.

 

[Xerotech]

I rarely let people use my phone. If it is someone around campus, sure, but not a complete stranger. They can run with it and it is game over for you.

 

[mcdj]

"You don't want my phone. I have a communicable disease."

 

[DowdyFick]

I have my phone out in my hand most of the day. In 4 years I've never had a stranger ask to use my phone.... Maybe I'm scary

 

[PNutts]

I let a lady on the bus (no way for her to escape ) use my corporate issued HTC 8500 and I hated every second of it. There is no way I'd hand my phone to a *random* stranger regardless of whether it was a $20 flip phone or an iPhone. Of course if it was someone at the office I didn't know or a Vendor or anything that created a level of responsibility and obligation I'd hand it over in a heartbeat (and have).

 

[dukebound85]

Never been asked by a stranger. If I was, I would tell them no, like how I tell beggars no.

There are too many land lines in businesses that they can ask to use. Not going to hand over a sub 1000 dollar device and risk it being ran off with

Friends or coworkers are different....for obvious reasons

 

[wxman2003]

Would you let a stranger borrow your car? I can't see under any circumstance giving my phone to a stranger to make a call. If it's an emergency, I will make the call for them.

 

[swingerofbirch]

Never been asked. But I had to take a test recently at my college in the testing center for the first time. Didn't realize I wouldn't be allowed to bring my backpack or cell phone in. So, I had to leave it in another office in a closet, where other students had left their things. Made me a bit worried about it being taken. I was glad I didn't have my computer with me.

 

[SumYoungGai]

I work as a tutor, and kids ask for my phone to call their parents plenty of times. When I had an iPhone 5, i would give it out like candy, but it's different for my 5S.

 

[LostSoul80]

Just answer "No, sorry".

 

[alexlovesmacs]

I always tell them I use it as an iPod touch or tell them I don't have a SIM card in the phone.

 

[lyceumHQ]

Not a chance. If its an emergency i'll call for them. Other wise they can get their own phone.

 

[bunnicula]

Not an issue. Nobody ever asks me.

I would say no, however.

I'm not mean. I'd place a call FOR someone in an emergency. I'd put'em on speaker. Nobody's gonna take possession of my valuables, though.

 

[Samanosuke]

I work as a tutor, and kids ask for my phone to call their parents plenty of times. When I had an iPhone 5, i would give it out like candy, but it's different for my 5S.

I understand your situation... but otherwise no way in hell am I giving someone my phone.

 

[adam044]

There's still people out there that walk around without a cell phone?!

 

[justiny]

I have to apologize to the OP, as my intention isn't to hijack the thread...

But would anyone in this forum ever ASK to use a stranger's mobile phone?

I was at an international airport baggage claim and someone I didn't know asked, albeit politely, to use my phone for a phone call.

I told him my battery was dying (yeah, I lied). But I replied kindly in return.

I was kind of appalled of someone walking around a baggage claim with no luggage asking to borrow a cell phone to make a call.

 

[AlvinNguyen]

I understand your situation... but otherwise no way in hell am I giving someone my phone.

Actually one time I was helping my girlfriend with her car and accidentally left my phone on her car (the roof) and I used iMessage on my MBP to text her. After that we agreed to meet up a few blocks away as she was already on her way to work. When I got there she was no where to be found - so I had to ask a bunch of people to use their phone. Only 1 guy said yes and he dialed the number himself and held the phone towards me and put it on speakerphone (smart move on his part since he didn't know me and I don't know him). I appreciated his help because otherwise I wouldn't have been able to find her.

My gf was actually just down the street because she was trying to track down my phone (it fell off the roof of her car and was on the middle of the street by my house during rush hour traffic). She ran out and got it and it was undamaged - crazy good Slim Armor case!

 

[siurpeeman]

I work as a tutor, and kids ask for my phone to call their parents plenty of times. When I had an iPhone 5, i would give it out like candy, but it's different for my 5S.

your students/parents aren't exactly strangers now, are they?

 

[Carlanga]

The last time a stranger asked me was four years ago.

It all depends on the stranger, the last one I helped was an old lady, so yeah I don't think she would have gone running w/ the phone. A younger person w/out a phone is sketchy in this day and age.

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Never been asked by a stranger. If I was, I would tell them no, like how I tell beggars no.

There are too many land lines in businesses that they can ask to use. Not going to hand over a sub 1000 dollar device and risk it being ran off with

Friends or coworkers are different....for obvious reasons

I never tell beggars 'no' anymore. I find the mouthing from inside my closed window of "Sorry, I don't have change" seems to work much better. One time a beggar said that he appreciated the sorry.

 

[Jordan921]

Like others have said if it was an emergency I would make the call for them. I wouldn't just had my expensive phone over to a complete stranger.

 

[sillywabbit]

I always let them use it, but I have to dial the number for them to make sure they need to make a call.

With how expensive iphones are, I would guess no one here allow any strangers to use their phone.

Who DOESN'T have a phone now a days?

 

[snowcrash]

I work as a tutor, and kids ask for my phone to call their parents plenty of times. When I had an iPhone 5, i would give it out like candy, but it's different for my 5S.

Just curious on why it would be different between a 5 and a 5S?