One of the first rules parents teach their kids: don’t talk to strangers — let alone get into their cars.
But a Local 6 special investigation showed that some students at the University of Central Florida hadn’t quite learned that lesson, after nine of 13 students willingly got into an unmarked van, filled out personal information sheets and handed over their cellphones to someone claiming to be a reality TV show talent scout.
Luckily for them, it was only Local 6 special projects producer Allison McGinley and not someone with more nefarious plans. However, it was still a concern for UCF Police Chief Richard Beary.
“The reality is there is always somebody out there trying to scam you, whether you are here at UCF, at the mall or at home,” Beary told Local 6.
McGinley handed students an application form that asked for a name, cellphone number, email address, Instagram and Twitter accounts, home town and even popular hangout spots, according to Local 6. According to Local 6, most of the students that were approached filled out the bogus application before investigative reporter Mike Holfeld came over to tell them what was really happening.
Not all the students were willing comply, however. According to the Local 6 video, one student refused to get into the van and stopped his girlfriend from getting in either. According to Local 6, when they were asked to hand over their cellphones, they said they couldn’t stay and left.
“They have to protect their information at all times and they have to be aware of their surroundings and understand that there’s always somebody out there that’s going to be trying to work a scam,” Beary told Local 6.
