Aggressive Timeshare people

So earlier today when I was walking into Planet Hollywood this guy starts approaching me, I tell him no thanks right away and walk past him thinking I've avoided him. About 20 seconds later someone grabs my arm and spins me around, I start to freak out and am expecting to probably defend myself or be robbed. When I look at the person who grabbed me it was the guy who tells me I will listen to his pitch or else. I tell him to go f*ck himself and shout for security. I then yell at the guy and told him that he assaulted me and that I will be getting the police involved.

Security came over after a few minutes of me and this guy yelling at each other. They wouldn't do anything until I tell them to call the cops, which took several tries. After 20 minutes or so the police show up and after several eyewitnesses also told them what happened they arrested the guy.

So I just wanted to let you all know to be careful out there at Planet Hollywood as it has become a war zone with the timeshare hawkers. Anyone else have any experience with the aggressive timeshare people?

 

I'm going there for the 1st time in 2 weeks and 3 days...IF any male grabs my arm and spins me around I will be head butting him. :evillaugh

 

I've never had any of them persist much past my initial 'no thanks buddy' but there's always one who doesn't get it. I'm pretty sure "Do Not Touch" is a golden rule, even for street salespeople and whoever is employer was wouldn't be impressed.

 

Good for you,smart also,I would have been on the lamb after I slugged the jerk . That part of the strip is really turning into a shithole between the timeshare guys and all the other hustlers.
Bring back the mob,no resort fees,free stuff all over and nobody ,but nobody bothered a tourist.

 

Was it an older guy with dark hair in his 50's? I noted something similar in my Super Bowl trip report. We were walking into PH by the Sports Book/ PBR entrance and this guy jumped aggressively right in front of me. I side stepped him and he tried again and I warned him that he was going to get knocked down. He muttered something about me now wanting free money and walked away. I have dealt with these people for years, but never saw someone so aggressive.

 

They have become more aggressive. I had a guy grab my shoulder at the Flamingo back by the hotel check-in. I caused a scene and yelled at him. No police were involved.

 

Yup it was an older guy. I read your report and after it happened I immediately thought of the board and the aggressive tactics. Hopefully the guy will be fired after being arrested

 

It's about time!

 

Nice restraint and outcome. I would have taken that guy out...

 

Hmmmm, will have to keep my wife's pepper spray handy.

 

I remember him being older, and a vague description. The thing that really stood out was the aggression. I too usually just give a "no thanks" and that is sufficient. I had until that incident never been chased down. I sure as hell hope he gets fired.

 

Another thing I'm noticing is the CD guys are getting aggressive too. At least the cops are arresting them today. I saw 5 of them being put in handcuffs. The cops were shutting down the porn slippers too

 

Yeah, they surrounded us Venice Beach style when we were walking away from New York, New York. Trying to get a $10 spot for CD's. I remember a friend telling me when I visited L.A. that most of them don't care if you really buy or listen to the music, its just an intimidation tactic to get money from tourists. This last trip was def bad for getting harassed by hawkers, they usually don't bother me. I am kind of glad to hear it wasn't just me.

 

My new tactic is not to make eye contact, keep walking, and just say "Sorry I am in a hurry"

 

That is always my policy. You may notice this time if you run into any of these hyper aggressive hawkers they are on another level. The CD guys had 5 or 6 of them and they basically just surround you as you are walking. They didn't cross the line physically, they just kind of swarm you. I had to say 3x no thanks. The kid was even trying to hand me one saying its "free music", I can only suspect that he wanted a tip for his "free gift".

I think it was all a bit extra crazy because it was Super Bowl weekend, at least I hope that is what it was!

 

I've been lucky enough not to encounter any aggressive timeshare people. I've met some persistent ones who have tried to get my attention a few times, but they've haven't gotten physical with me. Most of the time I completely ignore anybody who's trying to sell me something when walking I'm walking up and down the strip. Most of them don't take the time to even ask again seeing as how I don't slow down or even take the time to respond to them.

As for the people selling CD's, if you even respond to them just tell them "who the hell even uses cd's anymore?"

 

The CD folks that were the most aggressive were around NYNY and when people said no or walked away they cussed them out. Luckily it did not take long for the police to get rid of them

 

That's good to hear that the police were getting rid of them. Maybe I've just been lucky, I'm a fairly big guy standing around 6'5 so maybe they pick and choose their battles.

 

Watch out for the scam of fake folded up currency littered around the streets. You will think you lucked out by finding a benji, when it is really an ad an a window of opportunity for some scam artist to talk to you.

 

He'll probably get the Employee of the Month award! I'm very sure they encourage them to be very aggressive.