Italian Guy Named Carmine Reportage RGA Italy Leather Jacket Scam; TO GOOD TO BE TRUE! - CVS Parking Lot Sherman Oaks California

I can't believe I was so stupid. This is exactly why I won't trust people anymore. This guy "Carmine" pulled up to me in a blue Chrysler Pacifica asking for directions to LAX. I told him and proceeded to walk away. He then said he hated to bother me any further, but he pleaded for my time. I said fine. He proceeded to give me a story of how he and his "model" (a 20 something good looking guy in the vehicle with him) were on their way to LAX to return their rental car and to catch a return flight to Italy. He showed me his passport and rental agreement (showing $597.xx).

He went on to explain that they had been in Las Vegas for some fashion show at the Belagio showing off some new line of Georgio Armani leather coats for the upcoming fall and winter collection. He had spent most/all of his money gambling and drinking the night before and only had $60US and 100 Euro in his wallet which he showed me and that this would not be cover his $597.xx rental car cost.

He showed me 4 leather jackets and said he would give them to me if I would give him $600, because he would be unable to contact his business in Italy at such a late hour (1:30pm PST which would be 9:30pm in Italy on Sunday) for some money to be sent to pay for his rental. [I did not think through the entire scenario...rental contracts have to be secured with a credit card for an amount of the expected rental costs, therefore this amount would have already been held by credit card and no cash or further payment would have been due]

Like a dope I had him follow me to the bank where I withdrew $500 (maximum daily withdrawal amount set by my bank---thank goodness, or I would have given him the $600.)

He examined the jackets again which looked, felt and smelled like leather) and then gave him the $500. He went on his way. As I am writing this 90 min after the exchange I am kicking myself for having been drawn in by such a slick and fast character. What creeps these two characters were.

I sure hope they get caught and are prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law and that someday I will be able to recoup my loss. I still don't know what the jackets are made of, but if I could, I would shove them down his throat.

Brent
Sherman Oaks, California
U.S.A.