Anisha Riggs
There have been several reports of people being robbed in parking lots by thieves using rigged perfume bottles to knock out their victims. The scam typically involves a person or group of people approaching individuals in parking lots and offering them cheap perfume to sniff. However, the perfume is actually a strong substance like ether, which causes anyone who breathes the fumes to pass out. Once the victim is unconscious, the thieves take their wallet and other valuables. While some people believe this to be an urban legend or a hoax, others claim to have been approached in parking lots and warned about the dangers of perfume scammers.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | Parking lots |
| Target | Women |
| Method | Robbers use perfume samples to render victims unconscious |
| Modus Operandi | Ask victims to sniff perfume samples, which are actually ether |
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What You'll Learn
Thieves using perfume to render victims unconscious
There have been several reports of thieves using perfume to render victims unconscious in parking lots. The scam typically involves one or more individuals approaching unsuspecting victims, usually women, and offering them perfume samples to smell at discounted prices. In reality, the bottles contain ether or other strong substances that cause people who inhale the fumes to lose consciousness. Once the victim is unconscious, the thieves take their wallets, cash, and other valuables.
This scam has been reported in various locations, including Walmart parking lots, Governors Square, and mall parking lots. In one instance, a woman was asked to sniff a bottle of perfume that was being sold for a discounted price of $8. When she awoke, she found that her car had been moved to another area, and her wallet was missing $800.
It is important to note that while these incidents have been reported, there is also skepticism about their veracity, with some claiming that they are urban legends or hoaxes. However, whether true or not, these stories serve as a reminder to be cautious when approached by strangers and to beware of your surroundings. It is always essential to be aware of one's surroundings and to trust one's instincts when encountering suspicious individuals or situations.
To protect yourself from potential scams or robberies, it is advisable to avoid interacting with individuals who approach you in parking lots or other isolated areas to offer perfume samples or similar deals. If you encounter such a situation, it is best to decline politely and move towards a busier area. Additionally, spreading awareness by sharing information about these scams with friends and family can help others stay vigilant and potentially avoid becoming victims.
While the use of perfume as a tool for robbery may be rare, it is always better to be cautious and informed to ensure your safety.
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$6.97 $12
Scammers selling cheap perfume in parking lots
This scam has been reported by multiple individuals who have encountered suspicious individuals trying to sell them cheap perfume in parking lots. Some people have also received emails warning them about this scam and urging them to beware of such situations. The email forward describes a similar scenario where scammers offer perfume for sniffing at a discounted price, and upon inhaling, the victim loses consciousness, allowing the scammers to steal their valuables.
It is important to note that while this scam has been widely reported and discussed, there are conflicting accounts of its veracity. Some sources claim that it is an urban legend or a hoax, while others assert that it is a real danger. For example, Steamboat Springs police Capt. Joel Rae stated that he had heard of the scam but that no one locally had reported being a target. Additionally, Snopes.com, a fact-checking website, investigated the claim and concluded that it was unlikely to be true, noting that the original story may have been fabricated to explain a theft.
Despite the conflicting evidence, it is always important to remain vigilant and aware of potential scams and dangers. If you encounter someone trying to sell you cheap perfume in a parking lot, it is best to avoid the situation and report any suspicious behavior to the authorities. It is also crucial to be cautious when approached by strangers offering deals that seem too good to be true, as this is a common tactic used by scammers.
To protect yourself from such scams, it is advisable to be cautious when approached by strangers offering cheap perfume or other similar products in parking lots. Do not let them get too close, and refrain from sniffing any samples they offer. If you feel unsafe, trust your instincts and walk away. Additionally, be wary of aggressive sales tactics and always be aware of your surroundings. By being vigilant and cautious, you can help keep yourself safe from potential scams and theft.
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Victims recount experiences
While there are no direct accounts of victims recounting their experiences, there are several reports of people recounting their encounters with potential scammers and warnings for others to be aware of such scams.
One such account describes a woman who was asked to sniff a cheap bottle of perfume being sold by another woman in a mall parking lot. The seller claimed it was her last bottle of an expensive perfume that she was selling for a bargain. The buyer blacked out after smelling the "perfume" and woke up to find her car moved and her wallet missing.
Another similar account describes a woman who was approached by two men and a woman in a parking lot. They asked her to smell a cheap bottle of perfume. However, she had received an email warning about such scams and walked away. She then warned another woman who was walking towards the scammers.
A third incident describes a man whose wife was approached by a man in a parking lot who asked her if she liked perfume. The man left when he saw the woman's husband.
Several other people have also reported being approached in parking lots by people selling cheap perfume and warned others that these are scams.
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Warnings to beware of scammers
There have been numerous reports of scammers and thieves targeting people in parking lots by offering them perfume to smell. This scam typically involves one or more individuals approaching unsuspecting victims, usually women, and asking them to test or purchase perfume at a discounted price. In some variations of the scam, the scammers claim to be selling high-end perfume at a significant discount, often stating that it is their last bottle. Unsuspecting victims, enticed by the offer of a bargain, agree to smell the perfume. However, the substance is not actually perfume but rather a strong chemical, such as ether, that causes the victim to lose consciousness. Once the victim is unconscious, the scammers steal their valuables, including wallets and money.
This scam has been reported across various locations, including Walmart parking lots, Governors Square, mall parking lots, and Wildhorse Marketplace. In some cases, the scammers work in pairs or groups, with both men and women involved. They often use aggressive sales tactics and may approach people near their cars or between parked vehicles.
To protect yourself from falling victim to this scam, it is important to be vigilant and aware of your surroundings when in parking lots. Here are some specific warnings and precautions to keep in mind:
- Be cautious if someone approaches you in a parking lot and offers you perfume to smell, especially if they are insistent or pushy.
- Maintain a safe distance from individuals trying to sell you something, and do not approach their car or any secluded areas.
- Refrain from smelling unknown substances, especially if they are offered by strangers.
- Trust your instincts. If a situation feels suspicious or uncomfortable, walk away and go to a busy, well-lit area.
- Be aware that scammers often prey on people's curiosity and the desire for a bargain. Remember that if an offer seems too good to be true, it probably is.
- Spread awareness by sharing information about this scam with your friends, family, and colleagues, especially those who may be particularly vulnerable.
By being vigilant, aware, and cautious, you can significantly reduce your risk of falling victim to this type of scam. Always trust your instincts and prioritize your safety when approached by strangers in parking lots or similar public spaces.
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Similar scams in other locations
Parking Lot Scams in the UK
There have been reports of parking lot scams outside a zoo in Bristol, England. In this scam, an imposter parking attendant collected parking fees from zoo visitors, pocketing a fortune over several years. This scam highlights the importance of verifying the legitimacy of parking attendants and fees before making payments.
Distraction Theft Schemes
These scams can occur anywhere, including parking lots. In one instance, a friendly couple asked for directions and used a map to hide their theft of a purse from a car. In another case, an overly helpful stranger in a grocery store parking lot attempted to gain access to someone's home. These scams emphasize the need to be cautious when approached by strangers and to protect personal belongings, such as purses and wallets.
The White Van Scam
This scam typically targets older individuals in parking lots. A scammer approaches with a story about potential vehicle issues and offers their services as an auto mechanic. However, they sell poor-quality items or boxes filled with rubbish. This scam takes advantage of people's trust and lack of mechanical knowledge.
The "You Hit My Car" Scam
This scam involves scammers approaching individuals in parking lots, claiming that their car was hit or scratched. They may even show matching scratch marks on their vehicle as proof. This scam preys on people's fears and concerns about potential accidents.
The Post-it Scam
This scam involves placing a post-it or a similar object on someone's rear window, taking advantage of the driver's instinct to exit the car to remove it. While the driver is distracted, an accomplice steals the vehicle. This scam highlights the importance of securing one's vehicle before leaving, even for a brief moment.
These examples demonstrate the diverse nature of parking lot scams and the need for vigilance and awareness in various locations.
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Frequently asked questions
You shouldn't smell perfume in parking lots because it might be a scam. Criminals may approach you with a seemingly good deal on a bottle of perfume and ask you to smell it. However, the bottle contains ether or another substance that will knock you out, after which they will rob you.
The scammer will usually approach their victim and ask about the perfume they're wearing or if they would like to sample a cheap bottle of perfume. If the victim falls for the scam and sniffs the bottle, they will pass out, after which the scammer will rob them.
Be cautious if someone approaches you in a parking lot and offers you a deal on perfume. Do not sniff any bottles they offer you, and walk away from the situation as quickly as possible. If you receive an email warning about this scam, take it seriously and spread the word to your friends and family.
Yes, some companies, such as Scentura, do hire people to sell perfume door-to-door or in parking lots. However, their salespeople may employ aggressive sales tactics, so it's important to be aware of this and make an informed decision.
If you see someone being approached by potential scammers, you can warn them about the scam and advise them not to fall for it. You can also report suspicious activity to the authorities and provide as many details as possible about the suspects and their vehicle.
