Heidi Norton
Since 1999, an urban legend has been circulating online that thieves are using drug-filled perfume bottles to render their victims unconscious in public places, especially parking lots. The story usually involves two men approaching women to ask what perfume they're wearing, before offering them a sample of discounted perfume that is actually a powerful drug like ether or Axter. The victims are then robbed of their valuables. While Snopes and other fact-checking websites have repeatedly debunked this claim, it continues to resurface on social media platforms, especially Facebook, and has evolved to include new locations and variations. Despite the lack of official reports or witness accounts, the persistence of this hoax underscores the importance of critical thinking and verifying information before sharing.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Nature of the claim | Criminals are using free perfume samples to drug people in parking lots and then rob them |
| Targeted victims | Women |
| Locations | Shopping mall parking lots, Wal-Mart parking lot, Lidl car park, ASDA car parks, Westfield (New Zealand) car parks, Home Depot, Aldi car parks, Tesco and Asda, Bank parking lot, Wildhorse Marketplace parking lot, etc. |
| Drug used | Ether, Axter, Burundanga, or an unknown substance |
| Modus Operandi | Criminals approach victims and ask what kind of perfume they are wearing, then offer them a discounted sample to smell |
| Outcome | Victims allegedly lose consciousness and wake up robbed of their valuables |
| Fact-checking | Snopes, SteamboatToday.com, and other sources have debunked the claim, calling it an urban legend or hoax |
| Police reports | No official reports of such robberies, except for one in 1999 that may have sparked the legend |
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What You'll Learn
The origins of the urban legend
Over time, the details of the story evolved and spread across the internet. The location changed from a bank parking lot to various shopping mall and supermarket parking lots, including Walmart, Lidl, and Aldi. The substance used to knock out the victims also varied, with some versions mentioning ether, a powerful anesthetic, while others specified Axter or left the drug unnamed. The original email warnings advised recipients to beware of such scams and urged them to pass on the message to their female friends and family members.
The legend gained traction and persisted due to the lack of official police reports or witness accounts to contradict the claims. Additionally, the story played on people's fears and encouraged a sense of vigilance. Despite being debunked multiple times by Snopes and other fact-checking organizations, the urban legend continued to resurface and spread through social media platforms, particularly Facebook. Each time it re-emerged, the story would adapt to the current cultural context, such as referencing popular stores or drugs.
The "perfume scam" urban legend is a prime example of how a single incident can evolve into a widespread belief through the power of the internet and social media. It also highlights the impact of fear-mongering and the desire to keep loved ones safe, even if it means spreading unverified information. While the legend has been repeatedly debunked, it continues to capture the public imagination and resurfaces periodically, impacting public perception and behavior.
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The science behind the claims
The claims that people are being drugged in parking lots by fake perfume have been around since 1999. The story usually involves a woman being approached by a stranger offering a sample of discounted perfume, which is actually a drug that renders the victim unconscious, after which they are robbed. While these stories have been widely circulated on social media, particularly Facebook, and via email warnings, there is no scientific evidence to support these claims.
The drug most commonly mentioned in these stories is ether, a common anesthetic used to knock out surgery patients. However, the idea that ether can instantly render someone unconscious with a mere whiff has been debunked. Any healthy individual would have to abuse ether for some time to become physically incapable or unconscious. Additionally, there have been no substantiated reports of such attacks, despite the widespread circulation of these stories.
While it is true that scent companies do hire people to sell their products in parking lots, their behavior may be misconstrued as suspicious due to the persistence often required in such sales tactics. This could contribute to the perception of a scam or hoax, as there is no evidence to suggest that these company-hired individuals are involved in any criminal activity.
The claims of people being drugged and robbed in parking lots by fake perfume samples are, therefore, unsupported by scientific evidence and are considered an urban legend or Internet hoax. While it is always important to be aware of one's surroundings and exercise caution, the idea that a mere whiff of a drug-laced perfume can instantly knock someone out is not based in scientific fact.
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The role of social media in spreading the story
Social media has played a significant role in spreading the story of people being drugged in parking lots by fake perfume. The story, which first emerged as an urban legend in 1999, has evolved and spread widely through platforms like Facebook.
Facebook users have shared stories of being approached in parking lots and offered discounted perfume samples, only to find themselves robbed or assaulted after losing consciousness from the drugged perfume. These posts often include warnings to "pass this along to your women friends" and "be aware of your surroundings." The stories are shared with a sense of urgency and a desire to protect others from potential harm.
While Snopes and other fact-checking websites have repeatedly debunked these claims, the story continues to circulate and evolve. For example, the drug used in the perfume has been identified as Axter in some versions of the story, while in others, it is said to be ether or an unspecified drug. Despite the lack of official reports or corroborating evidence, the story persists and spreads through social media, often shared in good faith by users who believe they are raising awareness and keeping their friends safe.
The spread of this story on social media is a prime example of how misinformation can proliferate in the digital age. It also highlights the challenges of distinguishing between fact and fiction online, as well as the potential consequences of spreading unverified information, even when it is done with good intentions.
In summary, social media has been a key vector for disseminating the story of people being drugged in parking lots by fake perfume. While the story is false, it continues to evolve and spread, fueled by a combination of well-intentioned users and the engaging nature of the narrative.
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Similar hoaxes and urban legends
Another urban legend claims that cigarette brands such as Marlboro, Camel, and Kool are owned by or connected to the Ku Klux Klan and are intended to harm Black people. This claim has no credible evidence to support it.
There is also a long-standing internet urban legend about strangers approaching women in parking lots and offering them discounted perfume samples laced with drugs, rendering them unconscious, and then robbing them. This legend has been widely shared on social media platforms, particularly Facebook, and was first debunked by Snopes in June 2000.
Other variations of this perfume hoax include claims that people are receiving deadly perfume samples in the mail and that attackers are using business cards or pieces of paper laced with burundanga, a disorienting and disabling drug. These warnings are considered semi-hoaxes, as there may be a small element of truth to them, but the details are often exaggerated or misleading.
It's important to verify information from trusted sources before believing or spreading such warnings, as they can cause unnecessary fear and misinformation.
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The impact on individuals and communities
The claims that people are being drugged and robbed in parking lots by criminals using fake perfume samples have been widely circulated on the internet and social media since 1999. While these stories are examples of an urban legend or hoax, they have had an impact on individuals and communities.
Impact on Individuals
Individuals who encounter these stories may experience fear, anxiety, and paranoia, especially when they involve specific locations, such as shopping malls, supermarkets, or parking lots. They may become cautious or suspicious of strangers approaching them in these settings, even if the intentions are harmless or legitimate. This heightened sense of vigilance can lead to increased stress and a constant feeling of being on edge.
Additionally, individuals may feel compelled to share these warnings with their friends, family, and communities out of a sense of duty or concern for their safety. This act of sharing can contribute to the perpetuation of the hoax and further spread fear and anxiety among others.
Impact on Communities
The circulation of these stories can create a sense of distrust and suspicion within communities. People may become more wary of strangers, especially in the mentioned settings, leading to a breakdown of social cohesion and a decrease in community engagement. It can foster an environment where individuals are less likely to offer help or engage in friendly interactions, as they fear being perceived as potential threats.
Furthermore, the focus on warning specifically "women friends" or "all your women friends" contributes to a culture of fear and vulnerability for women in public spaces. This narrative reinforces gender-based fears and can limit women's sense of safety and freedom in their communities.
Impact on Behavior and Interactions
The widespread belief in these stories can lead to changes in behavior and interactions in public spaces. Individuals may become more cautious and vigilant when approached by strangers, especially when offered something to smell or purchase. This heightened awareness can lead to missed opportunities for social connection and trust-building within communities.
Additionally, the sharing of these stories may cause individuals to be more inclined to question or intervene when they observe similar scenarios, as seen in some of the accounts where individuals warned others about potential scammers. While this can be a positive aspect of community lookout, it can also lead to false accusations or misunderstandings, impacting the reputation and well-being of innocent individuals.
In conclusion, while the stories of people being drugged and robbed by fake perfume samples are hoaxes, they have had significant impacts on individuals and communities. They have influenced emotions, behaviors, interactions, and perceptions of safety in public spaces, particularly among women. It is important for individuals to remain informed, critical, and vigilant while avoiding the perpetuation of unfounded fears and stereotypes.
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Frequently asked questions
No, this is an urban legend that has been widely circulated on the internet and social media since 1999. There is no evidence to support these claims, and the drug ether, which is often mentioned in the stories, cannot render someone unconscious with a mere whiff.
The scam involves someone approaching individuals in parking lots, usually women, and offering them discounted perfume or asking if they want to smell a perfume they are selling. The perfume is said to be laced with drugs, such as ether, that will render the victim unconscious, after which their valuables are stolen.
The stories often include specific details such as locations, times, and even the names of the drugs involved, which can make them seem more credible. Additionally, the warnings are often presented as personal accounts or forwarded emails from friends, adding to their perceived legitimacy.
