I'm sure it must be a scam, although I don't know exactly what it is because I always cut it short.
Walking in Dubai Marina I've been stopped now about ten times by a car pulling up alongside.
"Scusi. Can you please tell me the way to Sheikh Zayed Road, there are no signs"
The passenger is always Italian, presentable, friendly.
I tell him how to get to SZR.
Profuse thanks, then "Where are you from?"
"Ah, Australia. Melbourne or Sydney? I have a brother in Melbourne".
When I say Sydney they usually ask whether I know Machiavalli restaurant - one of my favourites as it happens.
They go on to say they've been working in Oz, more often than not as interior designer at the Versace hotel on the Gold Coast. But...they've changed occupations and now are in Italian fashion and can make me an offer which presumably is too good not to accept.
That's when I tell them I'm not buying and say ciao.
I wonder how the scam plays out. Anyone know?
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7 comments:
I don't think it's really a scam so much as a hard sell of 'designer' copies. I went through the whole performance once, tried on two jackets, bought nothing and walked away. I was conscious throughout of my wallet, just in case it was a very elaborate pickpocket routine.
So no, I don't really get it either.
gulfnews had covered the scam in xpress on july 14. As expected the suits are counterfeits but then you are buying them off the street. I think that's about it, you think you are getting a bargain but its not worth it. Plus the article says that the scammers mostly operate in Bur Dubai and Deira so it seems they are expanding. Google gulfnews ramadan alert top 5 scams for the full article.
http://neilandcaz.blogspot.com/2010/12/hawkers-in-abu-dhabi.html
Festival City, ACE car park,
"Scuse, I canna find the Airpot...."
I thought it was Nino Culotta.
A terrific part of Dubai's history I believe....
Thanks all. I'm disappointed that's all it is, it's very unimaginative.
Yeah, I had them last year in the Springs village. I enjoyed the conversation as I speak Italian. It's a well known confidence trick. The old - establish rapport then, I just happen to have some suits/ speakers/ jewellery etc as you helped me I can help you - trick
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