This sounds like a serious scam.
While we are on the subject, another scam that I recently fell victim to at my local supermarket. Watch out for it! Here's how it works:
Two young females come over to your vehicle as you are packing your shopping away. They begin to wash your windscreen, and start larking around. They force you into the back of your car, and then one commits a lewd act on you, while the other steals your wallet.
I had my wallet stolen on July 10th, 15th, 19th, 21st, twice yesterday and once already this morning. I'm off out again in a bit.
steve