I am reporting this as a courtesy and to remind many others to keep your wits about you...
leaving the postal express in the 10100 block or W Flamingo around 2:45
PM....I was walking to my car and a white Ford Edge pulled up and I
hear "Scuzi, Sir. do you speak Italian?" First thought don't fake
it...just say "no". ..I'm-ma lost and I don't speak much
English he said panicked" ..
Clearly a young visitor in trouble...he needed directions to our airport but also had to return a rental car first. I offered to drive him to the nearest exit - then he pulled into a space and got out of the car. Nicely dressed and friendly my guard came down. He explained that he was at a trade show for Giorgia Armani at the Bellagio Resort. I am pretty aware of most conventions in town, but didn't doubt this. Then he offered me a $1500 Armani Jacket as a thank you - he did not want to pay the duty on it. "I'm thinking I see about 6-8 other bags and no luggage in the back of the SUV. When I said no thank you , he produced a passport, and hard copy ticket and an AVIS rental form showing the rental being $728. He admitted he was short of cash and wanted me to give him $600 for the jacket.
I said "polizia" Police in Italian and the began to walk away. That's wen I knew I was nearly had. I would never part with that kinda cash - even if I had it in my pocket. He targeted me because I was driving a luxury sedan and dressed in fashionable clothes.
I've read about this similar scam in many other cities after my experience.