I was approached in parking lot of store by a man (Italian Accent) requesting assistance and directions to the Airport. He exchanged information gaining my confidence and ensuring his STORY was very realistic. He was in a rented car and was a number of miles away from Airport in wrong direction. I provided directions after which he INSISTED on providing me with some of his PRODUCT --- Leather or Suede Jackets still in the garment bags and tote bag. He insisted that the jackets were Italian Leather and Suede with Retail value of about $800.00 each. The product felt good and authentic to the touch and were XL which was what I wear. He gave me 2 jackets, one suede and the other Leather for my assistance and thanks for getting him back on track. I should have quit while I was ahead, but he made a request.......................
He had paid for his Hotel accomodations, Airfare and rental car in advance but when he had gone to use card to purchase a gift to take home for his SON (A tablet at cost of 500.00). He offered me 2 additional jackets if I would purchase the tablet for. I considered that even if the jackets were all knockoffs they looked authentic and were worth assisting him with the $500.00 purchase. He indicated that he had been in touch with his Bank in Italy but nothing could be done until Monday (this was a Saturday early evening when he approached me). Story sounded realistic and I could see if he was on the road for a number of weeks (as he had indicated). I was out $500, but had 4 very passable Leather and Suede jackets.
We were walking back out to. the cars when he made a further request - $500 Cash as his card was at limits unti l he could arrange transfers from his deposit accounts. He offered me a couple of Women's jackets for this additional help, but I provided him $100.00. I figured I was assisting a foriegn businessman in tight and leaving that night and that my $600 payments were covered by 4 very authentic looking jackets. I offered to lead him to airport, but he insisted he was catching something to eat before he returned his rental car and caught his flight 2 and 1/2 hours later.
I followed him at a distance and he did return the car to the airport and I went home where I researched the company on line to dwetermine various scams using these Products. He had given me a Business card shpwing ROMA_MILANO ITALY with phone number and email.
I tried the email which was returned as an invalid address. The GUY was very professional and knew all the angles for a good scam. I tried on all the jackets and they fit nicely and even as DUPLICATES or MOCK UPS they looked good. As a police officer I know likes to say "This Scammer could sell ICE To an Eskimo" He fooled me BIG TIME !!!