I got a call saying I was recommended to be a mentor...but I am very suspicious?

Question

I got a call by an agency saying that I was recommended by an old friend, whom I use to volunteer with to be a mentor in my area. I am very suspicious as the friend who recommended me...I haven't talked to in almost a year, I looked up the program, but am still suspicious as they want to meet me in a local coffee shop....wtf...this is very strange to me...

I can barely run my own life let alone others....they asked that I meet with them next week....I am trained in my current job to spot criminals when I talk to them...and all my instincts tell me I shouldn't go empty handed....yet I love to help people....should I go?

Answer 1

They are asking to meet on neutral ground. If you are suspicious call the headquarters of the agency or company that contacted you and check them out yourself, check them out with the local PD, and take a friend to the meeting with you.

I know that if I were in the position of trying to recruit volunteers for a program that involved such activities as mentoring I would ask people that I know for recommendations. I would also suggest talking over a cup of coffee in a public place such as a café. The intention is usually to use a neutral and public meeting place to create a "safe" environment

Answer 2

If u r so suspicious u shud not go empty handed and also not alone..I'd suggest u take one of ur collegue with u two is always better then one at times.

Also being recommended as a mentor is great, so if u think these people who r asking to meet up r criminals then don't even take chances. Listen to ur instincts and ur heart u'll always benefit by that.

Also did u ask them why they want to meet u in a coffee shop when they cud certainly have come and met u in ur office itself? Since ur in the force which protects people it's the ideal place to meet with the guys from the same force. Even private detectives who wanted to have a good word wudn't be so evasive.

I suppose ur doubt is right in it's place and u shud rather not go and see wat these guys do. Maybe when u don't showup they'd end up calling u again and then u can tell them to come down to ur office or where the mass force wud be there around u, then see wats their reaction.

Answer 3

HI,
I have to commend you for being a mentor, first off.
Second, you have these instincts for a reason. I, just like yourself, am in the same field and question everyone's motives as innocent as they might be. I would call the program where this sponsorship is supposed to be. If it is an individual..I'd pass on that one, with today's allegations. I know you have a big heart and would love to help someone, but you HAVE to LOOK out for your ASSETS first and foremost. YOU, as well as I know what happens in this line of work. SO, have a witness if you want to go and check things out...but I would highly recommend calling the organization first to verify.

Hope this helps : )
Thanks for what you're doing, wish there were more people out there willing to make a difference, who knows the world WOULD BE A DIFFERENT PLACE. : )

Answer 4

Chaplain John has it right
check them out as best as you can before hand and take someone with you if they are for real there will be no problem with you bringing a friend along.
I would be wary about going myself. Being a mentor is a great feeling I am involved in several mentoring programs but I chose the programs they didn't contact me and ask me to join.

Answer 5

Well, they did offer to meet you in a public place, so I would probably take them up on the offer and go.
However, the very SECOND they mention wanting money or your phone number or your credit card, I would get up and walk away.
It's not going to kill you to hear what they have to say, but I agree that it sounds very suspicious. Did you try to contact your old friend to find out why he or she recommended you?

Answer 6

I get emails from the British lottery telling me i won a billion pounds.

Answer 7

I agree with the others. I will add that to please check out this organization first before committing yourself.