HOLIDAY "PERFUME" SCAM

BE ESPECIALLY ALERT in parking lots during the holiday season. A woman was recently approached at about 3:00 p.m. in a Wal-Mart parking lot by two males, who asked the woman what kind of perfume she was wearing. Then they asked if she would like to sample a fabulous imported name-brand scent they were selling at a fraction of the usual retail price. She refused to smell the sample that was sprayed in front of her. Had she not turned away and held her breath, she might have woken up to find that her wallet, purse, credit cards, and other valuables were gone – because the "perfume" was actually ether, a powerful anesthetic!

Don’t fall victim to this kind of assault. Exercise caution in parking lots and malls, and report suspicious persons to local law enforcement. If you have witnessed an incident or situation that concerns you, you can also let us know by replying to this message or by using the Senior Alert reporting form on our Web site. Enjoy a safe and happy holiday season!

Greg Abbott
Attorney General of Texas