An Italian man with a thick accent called me over to his car (silver Chrysler Pacifica) asking first if I spoke Italian and then for directions to the Lincoln Tunnel. He claimed he was from Milan and trying to get back to Newark Airport for his flight.
He said he just finished an expo at the Jacob Javitts Center, that he worked for Giorgio Armani. He showed me his passport and "ticket" and said he stopped me because I looked Italian.
I gave him directions and began to walk away. He called me over and said he was very greatful for my help and wanted to thank me. He exited the car and asked what size jacket I wear.
He then told me he had 3 coats in his car that were a bonus from his boss and that he didn't want to pay the tax on bringing them through customs. He claimed they were my size and was willing to give me 2 coats for free if I pay "half-price" for one coat.
He had 2 black leather coats, one long, one short and one tan-colored suede jacket. All the coats were in plastic with R.G.A. Markings/insignias. He claimed the coats retailed $1800, $1500 & $1400 respectively.
He said that the $700 he was asking for would pay for his rental car. He drove me to the nearest bank where I took $700 out of the ATM and exchanged for the coats. I thanked him and wished him good luck in catching his flight.
Then he asked if I would like a cashmere suit he had in the back that was also my size. He said it retailed for $1000 but would give it to me for $300. I told him I couldn't take out any more money from my account. He kept insisting I purchase the suit not reacting to my comments that he had little time to catch his flight to Milan. Once I got home I realized my huge mistake.
He was approximately 5'9"-5'10" tall with dark brown hair and eyes. His hair was short and spiky in a European style. He was wearing a grey wool coat (black & white weaving) and, now that I think about it, brown sneakers - like Vans or similar. He also was smoking Marlboro Red cigarettes (even offered me one). I do not recall the name he gave but he looks like a typical Italian man with a very convincing accent, even incorrectly pronouncing english words and using Italian words to describe what he "didn't know."
I assume he targeted me because I was dressed in jeans and sneakers with no designer label clothing on. Also I had just left a restaurant after having multiple glasses of wine, imparing my judgement to say the least.
He is very charming with a disposition that is very disarming, watch out!!
0 comments