Tuesday, February 1, 2011

Is Someone Impersonating Cyrano's Chef?!

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(Photo of Didier Durand via the Chicago Sun-Times)

Could this possibly be true?!

Was passed along this email by an Ultimate Insider, which was randomly and allegedly sent to him by Cyrano's owner/chef Didier Durand:

"Apologies for having to reach out to you like this, I made a trip early this week to London, UK and had my bag stolen from me with my passport and credit cards in it. The embassy is willing to help by letting me fly without my passport, I just have to pay for a ticket and settle Hotel bills. Unfortunately for me, I can't have access to funds without my credit card, I've made contact with my bank but they need more time to come up with a new one.

"I was thinking of asking you to lend me some quick funds that I can give back as soon as I get in. I really need to be on the next available flight. I can forward you details on how you can get the funds to me. You can reach me via email or May field hotel's desk phone . . .

"I await your response."

This is absolutely nuts and we haven't been able to get in touch with anyone at the restaurant. I do seriously hope this isn't Durand, but just in case this is true maybe someone can help.

UPDATE: Durand's email was hacked, so if you got this email or something similar it is a scam!

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

Are you serious? This is the first time you've ever seen this scam? It's been going around the internet for at least three years.

312 Dining Diva said...

Nope. I haven't seen this one. I've gotten many of those "Nigerian scams," but this is the first time I've gotten one from someone who I know.

Always good to remind the people! ;)

Anonymous said...

Thanks, you - I got that email and was concerned. ~anthony

Krista from Passport Delicious said...

Having just been through this with Lufthansa last week (long story), I can tell you without a doubt that no international flight will let you on without a passport. You need to get an emergency passport from the embassy first. So definitely a scam!