DEL MAR, Calif. - A Del Mar business wants to warn others about a con man who could scam them out of thousands of dollars.
The family owners of Diamond Boutique in Del Mar said a man recently scammed them of almost $40,000 worth of watches and jewelry.
"It was well played," said Newsha Digius, one of the owners.
Digius said the man had an international passport and a credit card identifying him as Pedro Barbosa from Brazil.
"Presented himself as the interested, legit buyer," she said. "He was interested in Cartier and Rolex watches."
Dozens of high-definition cameras recorded the transaction, which took a while. Digius said the man bought two watches and some gold necklaces for almost $40,000. The store later found out the man was using a fraudulent credit card tied to someone else's account.
"We only found out about it when the cardholder called us," said a frustrated Digius.
Digius said San Diego police took a report and informed her the same man spent $1,000 at a nearby pizza restaurant.
"The frustration grew when we realized there was nothing we could do," said Digius.
The cardholder was reimbursed, but the Diamond Boutique has no safeguards against credit card fraud. Insurance only covers burglaries and robberies.
"It's lost revenue," she said. "It's lost inventory, and it's money out of your pocket."
Digius contacted 10News to spread the video of the man and warn other businesses that could come in contact with the man claiming to be Pedro Barbosa.
"So disappointing when people take advantage of you," Digius said.
