Bro. Stewart, my answer to your question is to ALWAYS exercise caution when OUTSIDE of the Lodge........not every Man who identifies himself as a Mason is a LAWFULLY RECOGNIZED MASON, so, when unsure, you are best to shake his hand, exchange greetings, and go on your way........and, if he IS a Lawfully Recognized Mason, he won't approach you in a public place, and ask you any information that he KNOWS should only be "received in the way it was imparted"..........always respect the obligation you took, by only using modes of recognition, grips, and catechisms when among BRETHREN ONLY..............this way, you know you won't say anything out of turn..............Bro Jones