I was approached yesterday as I was just exiting my vehicle at the Wells Fargo Bank off of MacArthur Blvd. Across from JW Airport in Orange County, Ca. The man asked me if I was Italian or spoke Italian. I told him no and he asked if I could help him with directions to the airport. He preceded to get out of his Dodge Magnum, not sure of color as I'am color blind.
He told me that if I would not be offended he would like to give me some Armani clothing as he was leaving back to Italy immediately and did not have the money to pay the taxes on the clothing. He said he was a fashion desinger for Emporio Armani and that he had just left a fashion show in Las Vegas at the Bellagio Hotel. He said he slept with a women the night before who had robbed him of his Rolex, $3000.00 in cash and credit cards. He said he needed $250 to change his flight to leave right away. That's how much the airline was going to charge him to change date he said. He showed me passport and airline tickets from British Airways. He showed me two leather and one suede Reportage Armani jackets and told me they were valued at $4,000 and that I could have them, even if I did not help him. He told me several times that it was his problem and if I did not want to help him I could still have the clothes. He was very convincing, even though I was very skeptical. He showed me pictures in his cell phone of his wife and son. Feeling sorry for this nice, young man I gave him $200 cash and told him that is all I had. He was grateful and even gave me a hug. He told me that he would wire the money back to me as soon as he got back to Italy via Western Union. I was not sure if he was truly honest or not, but I was convinced just enough to help him as I'am one to always help one in need if I can. I thought maybe the clothing was fake and that I may never see the money back but even so the clothing was worth $200. He then asked me for directions to the airport again and I said it was across the steet. He then said no, I need to go to LAX. I said how did you get to Newport Beach if your going to LAX and he said he was lost. I then gave him directions and we were both on our way. I then began to think about everything he had told me and began to realize that it all did not make sense. It was too late at that point. When I got home I did a search on the Reportage clothing and found other reports of being ripped off! My heart sank! He was such a nice guy! I thought! Luckily I can afford to lose the money, but I feel sorry for those he will con and cannot! I hope this report will help others as he is very good at what he does!!
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