Trying to be a good Samaritan, I fell for this con. I stopped for gas on my way to work and was approached in a silver Dodge Charger by two younger Italian men in their early twenties. Thinking they were just asking for directions, I walked over to them to see what they needed. They proceeded to tell me a story about how they had lost their money gambling then a couple of Colombian girls they had apparently hooked up with the night before stole their wallet and they were set to fly out that day and needed money to pay for the rental car they had. They had said that it was too late in Italy to have the money sent Western Union. They proceeded to show me a passport, the car rental receipt, and pleaded with me to help them out. They told me that they worked in the merchandising industry out here setting up Giorgio Armani stores. They had three jackets that they told me they were given as their bonus for setting up the store and they were willing to give me if I would lend them the money they needed to get the car taken care of. They told me that they would send me the money Western Union as soon as they got back. Yup, sure they would. Looking into this when I got home quickly saw that this is a scam that has got other people in the same area. If you see these two seemingly endearing people, politely decline, they proceed to write down their license plate number and report them. I am sure that I am not the only one who would be grateful.
Scott
Mission Viejo, California
U.S.A.