She had just finished filling her car with gas at a mini-mart on Rainier Avenue when a man approached her with a story that touched her heart.

He was in America, having traveled from Africa to attend his uncle’s funeral. And he was about to receive a large inheritance that he wanted to donate to local churches.

She could help with those donations – and even donate some money herself.

He was in a hurry because he had to fly back to Africa that night. He was short on cash because a taxi driver took his $300 when he dropped him off at the gas station.

The 80-year-old and the 50-ish man who spoke with an African accent drove together to the Safeway on South Second Street, where they met another man, according to the Renton Police report of the incident.

They needed to establish trust, because of the large amount of money involved.

She withdrew $10,000 from her bank, which was combined with cash the men already. She then drove each man around the block, while the other waited in the parking lot with the cash.

Then it was her turn to drive around the block alone as the two men stood in the parking, holding the cash, so they could establish trust with her.

When she returned, they were gone, along with her $10,000.

She never intended to give the men her $10,000 but she was willing to go through the exercise to establish trust.

She reported the incident as informational only; she didn’t want to be a victim.

Terri Vickers, a spokeswoman for the Renton Police Department, said there’s no single answer to “what to do if approached” if facing a similar situation or possible scam.

“There are a thousand possible variables and as many ‘right’ answers,” she said.

“Older people are often reluctant to be ‘rude,’ so they may be more likely to listen a stranger’s story, whether in person or on a phone scam, than someone younger,” she said.

For sure, anyone should always be aware of their surroundings, even strangers, she said.

“If approached by someone they don’t know, it’s probably best to decline to engage in conversation,” she said. “If given a ‘story’ – whether it’s money needed for gas, food for hungry children, donations to charity – just say no.”

Or suggest that those in need call 911 for emergency services or 211 for community resources, she said.

The Washington Secretary of State’s website also has a list of legitimate charities and organizations for those who want to do a good deed, she said. It’s https://www.sos.wa.gov/charities/search.aspx