A young Cuban woman living in South Florida has taken to TikTok to warn others after experiencing what she described as a "shocking" incident in a Hialeah parking lot.
In her video account, she explains that the event unfolded outside a store on 49th Street in Hialeah as she was placing her purchases in her car. At that moment, a man driving a Mercedes-Benz parked beside her and struck up a conversation.
"I've seen many videos about this and never thought it would happen to me," the visibly shaken Cuban woman shared. "I'm still trembling because it was truly shocking."
According to her story, the man claimed to be Italian and mentioned he had bought several perfumes that he couldn't take with him. He then offered her a supposed "deal": if she paid for one perfume, he would give her the rest for free.
"Don't fall for it, folks. Nobody gives away anything, especially not expensive perfumes," she cautioned.
The young woman declined the offer multiple times. The man persisted, suggesting she at least smell the perfume, but she refused and got into her vehicle. She observed that the suspect attempted the same tactic with another nearby car, where he was also turned down.
Although she admitted that the man didn't have the appearance of a criminal and drove a luxury vehicle, she emphasized that such situations could lead to scams or even more dangerous outcomes.
"When you smell that perfume, they drug you," she claimed, though she provided no evidence that the product contained illegal substances. Nonetheless, her message was clear: "Do not smell anything strangers offer you. Do not touch anything. Avoid chatting with unknown people even inside stores. We don't know who is who."
She also highlighted the vulnerability in parking areas, especially when they are sparsely populated. The incident occurred on a Sunday, a day when, according to her, there were few cars or pedestrians around.
This kind of warning has become common on social media, where users share similar experiences related to alleged perfume scams in parking lots. As of now, it is unclear if the incident was reported to the Hialeah Police.
Authorities advise against any informal transactions in parking lots, caution against accepting products from strangers, and emphasize staying vigilant in public spaces.
Protecting Yourself from Scams
What should you do if approached by a stranger in a parking lot?
Remain cautious and avoid engaging in conversations with strangers. Do not accept any products or offers, and if you feel unsafe, contact local authorities.
Why are parking lots targeted for scams?
Parking lots are often less crowded, making them attractive locations for scammers to approach individuals without drawing attention. It's crucial to stay alert and aware of your surroundings.