How the scam works:
Ladies, this one is especially for you, though men also fall for it too. It is also known as the Leather Jacket Scam and can happen anywhere - in a mall, on the street, in the parking lot, etc.
A man with a European accent approaches you, sparking up a conversation. He mentions he is from Italy and is in town for a fashion show. He says the show went very well, but he still has some high-end designer clothes that he can’t really take back to Italy, because the customs taxes would be high.
Very convincing, while holding a passport in his hand, he says he is willing to sell the clothes for less than half of their price. Conveniently, he has the clothes “right there”, in his “rental” car’s trunk. You pay a few hundred dollars, are happy with the brand name clothes you bought, and go home. What you don't know is that the clothes are actually imitations made in China, for which they paid $30-$40/piece.
How to avoid:
Never believe anybody who sells stuff in parking lots. In this specific case, don't fall for the passport he holds in his hand, or even the rental car.
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