I slipped the money from the ATM into my wallet as I hurried to my car. “Hey, excuse’!” I stopped. A young man yelled out his car window in the parking lot. “Can you a tell me to aeroporto?”
I answered using what broken Italian I knew. He was very grateful, and I told him my family was Calabresi. “Hey, me a too! My name is a Gianni!” He said. Gianni pulled his car over and told me he wanted to give me a present. He gave me his business card which read Giorgio Armani in big letters. Then he opened up his back door and showed my three “Giorgio Reportage Armani” leather jackets.
“I a give a to you. They are a worth $500 each. I don’t want to pay the taxes on them when I leave the country to fly back to Italy right now. ” He yelled. (I thought, why would HE pay any excise taxes for Giorgio Armani?)
He put a handled paper bag in my hand and folded the three coats in them. I started to laugh. Then my phone rang. It was my oldest son. “Sorry Brandon, I can’t talk right now, I am busy being swindled, ” I laughed.
I waited for the punch line, still smiling broadly.
“Hey, you a my friend. Take them as my gift.” Then he paused. “Oh, tomorrow is my son’s birthday and I would like to give him a present. Can you give me whatever cash you can?”
I doubled over laughing, still holding the bag. That was the worst con I heard in a long time. I opened the car door and stuck the bag in the back seat.
“Ciao,” I said getting into my car, still laughing.
So, what precautions should you take when approached by someone like this:
- If it is too good to be true, it probably is: As a CPA, I have conducted fraud investigations, or exposed deficiencies in internal control. So, I am skeptical in any bargain. You should always start from a skeptical frame of mind and make the other party earn your confidence. Start with “the smell test.” If your intuition is tells you “no,” go with it and don’t look back.
- Don’t venture outside of your expertise: The one thing that Gianni didn’t factor was that I don’t buy clothes. My wardrobe consists of birthday and Christmas presents. My wife buys things for me from time to time. But, I hate shopping, especially clothes. When my wife takes me to a mall, I bring a book and carry her packages. So, if you don’t know anything about an item, don’t buy it.
- Don’t let anyone pressure you: Gianna spoke very fast and tried to increase the tempo of the transaction in order to cloud my thinking. Most people will say, “I have another offer.” Or, ” This deal will not last.” Take a breath and step back. If the person continues to talk, shut him down.
- Look at all available data: If I had time, I could have looked closer at his card. Here is what I discovered after I left:
- He did not have an Armani email address. His email address is Armanirep@yahoo.it. It bounced when I tried it later.
- His address read Milano, but the phone number is in an American format 335-565-3504. The number was no good. An Italian number would have looked like +39 02 7602 1743.
- I found a number of scams on the Internet selling the same fraudulent brand. https://reviews.ebay.com/How-to-Spot-a-Fake-Armani-Men-apos-s-Leather-Jacket?ugid=10000000002354776
- Here is a similar incident to one who caved in. https://www.ripoffreport.com/organized-crime/rga-giorgio-armani-r/rga-giorgio-armani-reportage-l-2d487.htm
- Don’t be afraid to say no to a “great” deal: “Once in a lifetime chances” usually come by all of the time. As I said to my son who could not close a deal with his first car, “Good deals come by all of the time. If you miss one, look for the next. But, bad deals will hurt you a long time, financially and emotionally.”
As a CPA. I have seen many shady dealings in the last 30 years. I guess part of my CPA training help me become a financial skeptic. Don’t be afraid to look at something from many different angles. You can also call on your CPA or financial professional to help you.
Check Out The Podcast! Click Link Below!![Improving Business]()
Episode #2 The Story Of ThePhony Giorgio Armani Salesperson Scam Artist & HowTo Avoid Rip-off artists
Looks like he was in NYC today. I regret not walking away with the “free” merchandise before he asked for money…
Hey Ira,
Oh well. These are small cons, don’t let the big fish get to you. Thanks for reading.
Hey Ira,
Don’t beat yourself up. These guys are notorious of catching us offguard. I’m jaded and am always suspicious. Thanks for reading.
Same story few hours ago in Deerfield Illinois. 5/26/15
Hey What did the guy look like??? I was just scammed in Arlington Heights. He was driving a black Jeep with New York License plates! Please reply back. Thanks.
lol short guy?
i got him too in calgary
but this time i got 4 free jackets 😉
but it was funny how he pause after talking so much and said that its his sons birthday tomorrow 😀 😀
I was approached in Waukegan IL.
He almost had me because he started to drive away after i gave him directions. He genuinely seemed lost and confused.
Then he doubled back and asked me what my suit size was and the only suit he had in his car was the exact size I told him.
But the moment he asked for any money I handed him back the bag and sent him on his way.
Similar deal just happened to me. Same deal, ‘are you Italian?’ (I happen to be of that ancestry). Yes, the same card with a yahoo.it email. He was gonna give me the suits and it didn’t smell right. I said no thanks and drove off. Oh yes, on the way to the airport also.
Hi Ran,
Thanks for reading! Yes, I guess they smell Italian-Americans coming around. One of the reasons why I was laughing at this guy was because it was so transparent and I knew I had an article in the works. I could have made him famous! (or infamous).
The LA CPA
Happened today in Los Angeles. Same deal: on the way the airport, you look italian, card with Yahoo address. I almost fell for it then the light bulb went on. Thanks for posting! Steve
Cool Steve! I am getting replies like this more and more. Maybe if enough people hear about it the guys will go away.
lol short guy?
i got him too in calgary canada just two days ago
hes here now 😀
but this time i got 4 free jackets 😉
but it was funny how he pause after talking so much and said that its his sons birthday tomorrow 😀 😀
Exactly the same “Italian” looking for the airport, with the same card as described above, approached me from his car while I was putting things in my trunk at a Costco this morning in Los Angeles. ‘Because I was so nice, he wanted to give me a present.’
“Whata size shirt you wear?” I laughed, wagged my finger at him, “No, no, no,” got in my car and drove away.
Just met Francesco M in Toronto today, along with his silent passenger in a pearl-white SUV, on their way to the airport after Fashion Week. Same pitch and email address (armanirep@yahoo.it).
Amazing. Well, the more people know about these guys, the less likely they will succeed. I hope you toyed with him. That is half the fun. I hope to run into them again and lead them along on video. They I will send it to the police.
The same guy in the same white SUV I met this afternoon in New Jersey. This is a mf. he ripped me off. 🙁
Sorry to hear about that, Tom. Anyway, you got something for your money, just probably not the true value. We all make mistakes, just we try not to make life-changing mistakes, so you’re ok.
Today around 2 pm here in West Side LA. THE precisely same scenario. The guy in a car asking how to get to LAX (an airport). Then he turns to very grateful dude, he parks a car. A business card with Armani is next. A leather jacket and something else. Then he asks for “some” money for a gift to his relative in Italy. Please be aware. Don’t be stupid.
I’m glad you didn’t fall for it. More and more people are reading this article and stating the same thing. The most recent was from Canada.
Thanks for reading. Hope you have time to read more articles. There are a number of them on fraud.
-The LA CPA
Wow, I fell for Marco’s pitch a few days ago in Edmonton, AB Canada. Of course he and his driver was on their way to the airport.
Caught me very off guard. Well, I guess there’s a lesson to be learned for me 🙁
I’m still struck by how someone can sleep at night ripping people off this way.
Too bad. I hope he didn’t get much. This is first time I have heard of them going international. I write these article to help make people more alert. You are more aware, now. Just remember, if it too good to be true, it probably is. Good deals are always around the corner, but once you engage in a bad deal, you can’t un-ring the bell.
Thanks for reading.
-The LA CPA
lol short guy?
i got him too in calgary
but this time i got 4 free jackets 😉
but it was funny how he pause after talking so much and said that its his sons birthday tomorrow 😀 😀
how much did he get u for?
This just happened to my husband in the grocery store parking lot. He did buy the jackets but he got 6 for $200 so even though they are fakes we just chalked it up to being gullible-trying to help someone., the jackets are as good as the $50-$60 ones you buy at some of the dept stores so not calling police. The whole story was the same-trying to find the airport-very polite, first offered him two for free for being nice, then showed my husband is rental car receipt, just wanted help with that, wanted $400 but husband said he only had two. As always, buyer beware and be wary of anyone that comes up to you in a parking lot or grocery store.
Hi Kim,
Thanks for reading. By the way, what city did this happen? So, far I think we have LA, NY, and Toronto.
The LA CPA
And Washington. I just had it happen to me today, but he was wanting 1200$ to cover his 35% tax for bringing back his other items to Italy. He said oh here’s four, three free and you pay for one and I laughed at him like dude do I look like I have 1200 extra bucks? I offered him ten bucks and he left quicker than a fart in a wind tunnel. I just dealt with a good phone scam earlier today too…!
Great job Justin. I like your expression for how fast he left. I’ll use it. Thanks for reading. For more business advice, check out our podcast at http://www.improv-ingbusiness.com
South Bay Los Angeles: February 2014
Same script, with a total of six “Mia gift to you… 1,600.00 Euro GA Collezzione” leather jackets in my hand before asking for the cash for number seven. The business card from Milano looked impressive, but was printed in U.S., not the same size cut as the cards I’ve seen in Italy and throughout Europe. Great show though, had fun… can’t wait till the next one! Ciao-
Hey Christophe,
Well, that is a new one. You actually understand business card sizes. It just shows you how a little knowledge can give you an edge.
Thanks for writing.
The LA CPA
I got the pitch in the Bay Area at a gas station across from Santana Row where the designer stores are located.
“How do I get to SFO?” I said use your GPS, he shows me his phone with no service. “I can only use wifi” Then he starts telling me about 6 suits he wants to give me and also one coat for my lady. Says he has a flight to catch in 4 hours and he needs to give someone a gift. He at first tells me he was the president of Armani and he makes tons of money, he doesn’t need these.
He then compliments me on my Persol glasses and says “Italian YES!”
I asked for his business card it reads
Giorgio Armani, Via Monte Napoleone 354 Milano Italy
Cell +39 339-4594690
Office +39 02-5940600
E-mail DOMENICOLEONE@Gmail.com (yea, a gmail account but he works for Giorgio Armani…)
(In the top right corner) Representative: Domenico.L
I have worked in the print world for years, this card was a cheapo delux if I have ever seen one. Bright white card stock and a crap weight at best.
The guys was trying to hustle me harder than anyone in the world. He shows me the bags in his rental and also said he would throw in a jacket for my lady. He pulls out this kinkos looking photo copied handout and shows me the line items of the products. Everything is 1,600 -1,200 with one item being 875. He tells me pay me what you think is fair for the 875 and you can have everything. He said he doesn’t want to pay the VAT tax. I told him hey I have no cash, he then says “I can take credit card.”
I looked up that email on http://www.google.it and the guys google+ profile comes up. I’m 75% sure it was him and it says the guy is a web developer.
That was fun, better luck next time!
Well John,
Congratulations on being added to the prestigious alumni of those who have foiled the Armani scam. I wrote the article quite a long time ago to warn people. The only downside is if we all fell for the scam, we would all be dressed alike with cheap-ass coats. We could have started a circus.
Best,
The L A CPA
I want to report to scammers who tried to scam me in southtown shopping center in Bloomington,MN at about 1:30pm on june 17,2015
they pulled up in a Gray Suv and asked me how to get to the MSP international airport. the guy wanted to offer me 4 sport jackets if i bought one of them, I told them I’d pass on that offer. I got their “Fake” business card the guy gave me.
the card says General Manager: L. Domenico
GIORGIO ARMANI
354, Via Monte Napoleone Mobile: +39.331.7648760
MILANO ITALIA 20162 Office: +39.02.88838888
e-mail: domenicoitalianfashion@gmail.com
I reported this to my local FBI.
At least you still have your money.
Thanks for writing. If you want to hear my story, check out our podcast on Itunes or https://www.ricknorriscpa.com/podcast/the-phony-armani-rep-scam/
Check our my story on the podcast.
https://www.ricknorriscpa.com/podcast/the-phony-armani-rep-scam/
I literally ran into this situation one hour ago.
This happened right in front of where I work, Sunset Gower Studios in Los Angeles. I was just taking a walk to get some air and this guy pulls up onto the lot and stops me. This is how it all went down-
Marco Impronta: Excuse me? Airport? LAX?
Me: LAX?
MI: Yes, I need to go LAX. I have flight today and am lost.
So I give him directions.
MI: You are so nice. You look Italian. You like Armani?
Me: It’s fine. And I’m not Italian. Thanks, though. I think.
At this point, he gets out of his dirty grey Range Rover and hands me his business card. It’s got a purple border on it. Fancy.
MI: I am designer for Armani and leaving convention for Amani. You like Armani? I have 3 jackets I need to give away. I do not want to pay the tax.
He goes to his back seat and pulls out 3 jackets. All ugly, but whatevs, I know nothing about Italian fashion.
MI: These jackets worth 3k a piece. So 9k total. I pay only 1150 for all 3. But problem is tax. They will charge me half of the 3k per jacket in customs. So 1500 for each. I do not want to pay. I lose money then. So I give to you.
Me: Won’t you lose money anyway if you give these to me?
MI: I don’t care about money. I have lots of money.
Me: …..
MI: Listen. My dad owns big hotel in Italy. You can be my guest. So I will give you 2 jackets. And maybe you give me something for the third one.
Me: Can’t I just have the 2 jackets for free?
MI: I need your help. Take the 3. And give me whatever you have.
Me: I have no cash.
MI: ATM down the street.
ATM down the street huh? Pretty good for not knowing how to get to the airport.
MI: Look, you can take these to Bloomingdales at the Beverly Center and return them. I call manager and they will let you take them in and return. You will get 3k for each.
Me: Why don’t you do that then?
MI: I have flight.
Me: What time is your flight?
MI: 3:30
I look at my cell phone, it’s 2:20.
Me: You’re not gonna make your flight.
MI: Look, you are nice guy. Help me out. Whatever you can do. It can be gift for my son.
Me: Listen, why don’t I take those 3 jackets from you. Return them to Bloomingdales, collect all 9k, and then I will personally wire you every penny of that 9k, so you don’t have to. I’m a nice guy, remember?
MI: No no no. I don’t care about money. I just want present for son.
Me: What kind of present?
At this point, I take a hard look at the purple business card. Gmail? WTF? And instead of VIP, he put VIp. Total amateur work. This guy was a real dildo.
MI: Playstation. Maybe cost $399.
Me: With 9k, you can buy him like 2o Playstations. ….20. Let me help you with this, Marco. I want to get your son 20 Playstations.
He starts to put the jackets back into his dirty grey Ranger Rover.
MI: Forget. I think you were nice guy. I say ‘Hey, Marco, this guy will help you out’ but he no want to help me out.
I just put back in my earbuds, pat him on the back.
Me: Good luck!
Joe,
I get a lot of replies to this article. It looks like you had fun…something to tell your grandkids. Thanks for reading.
The LA CPA
Well it appears that he has made it to the Seattle area. This just happened to me in the parking lot where I work. Same name, same gmail address, same everything. I did not give him any money nor did I give him any merchandise. The stuff did look pretty good though. But what do I know. I am a blue color kind of guy.
Hi Jody,
I am hearing about these guys all over the country. I’m happy you didn’t fall for it.
I am also posting an article on IRS phone scams. You might want to read that, too.
Thanks for reading.
The LA CPA
This happened this afternoon at the Target store in Davis, Ca. Same guy described above was driving a black GMC suv with Pennsylvania plate and says he is lost and asks for directions to SFO (when you can clearly see the freeway from where I was standing). After giving him directions and the time it would take to get to SFO, he says that his has a present for me since I was so nice. He hands me some nice motorcycle leather jackets, apparently made in Italy (they were very nice) and that cost a fortune, and if I only pay him for one he gives me 4. I told him I didn’t have any cash on me. And after a long conversation about not having money, he drove away…
It happened to me in colorado and it’s new black SUV escaled with red Colorado plate.A white man with a white Eyelid from a side.
I have been getting responses from all over the country. I believe it is a ring. Many participants for a single scam.
Thanks for reading.
The LA CPA
Now in the Denver Metro area.
Thanks for writing.
The LA CPA
I got rapped by the same way and maybe the sane man today in Colorado.
I don’t what to say but I am stupid
I thought of taking thw jacket now to any donation company, hopefully someone will take benefits from wearning those jacket in the winter.
That is turning a not so great situation into a good one. Congratulations on your resilience.
Thanks for reading.
The L A CPA
Still, you know better now. We all make mistakes, just don’t make the real big ones.
Thanks for reading.
The L A CPA
This exact same thing just happened to me in front of a Best Buy in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. The guy was selling “Armani” watches and insisted he give me 6 free watches if I forked over 300$ for a present for his son. Parking lot transactions are never a good sign. I actually though that I may had passed on a good deal, until I saw all of these reports.
Hi Wayne,
Well, it wasn’t $3,000, so not a big loss; just a small lesson. I always believe that no deal is good enough to be a “once in a lifetime deal.” If I cannot be completely at ease with the transaction, I will pass. A good deal is always around the corner.
This is the first time I heard of them selling watches.
Thanks for reading.
The L A CPA
He took me for $200 for 4 vegan jackets, he flashed a wad of hundreds, said he was a Christian. He drove a white Cadillac Escalade in a parking lot in Boulder, CO.
I felt really good, then really bad, I thought I was smarter than that.
Hey Nial,
Don’t fret it. You at least got something. We are starting a podcast next week. I will discuss this “ring” on the December 22 podcast. Go to Webtalkradio.net and look for “Improv-ing Business” with Rick Norris and Brandon Norris.
The L A CPA
Happened to me today. Fatter built darkish skin man in brand new white Infiniti sub. Denver. Pulls up with same M.O. Airport…don’t want to pay tax….
Hey Hung,
Amazing. We are starting a podcast next week. I will discuss this “ring” on the December 22 podcast. Go to Webtalkradio.net and look for “Improv-ing Business” with Rick Norris and Brandon Norris.
The L A CPA
I just met this fraudster at Westminster Mall parking lot. Same scenario, ask for airport direction, gave me business card with gmail domain, offered me leather jackets for me and my mom.
I was smiling until he says “I give 3 for you but the fourth one for half the price”. That’s when my spider sense tingling.
I told him I don’t have the money and say I won’t be wearing this jacket until next year since it is burning as hell here in So Cal. Gave the bag back and tell him to have a nice flight. He then left with his brand new Ford SUV.
This is probably the first thing that happen to me here in US. I used to live in China for couple years back and this type of fraud happen all the time. To be honest, these jackets look like fake Armani jackets sold in those “tourist” spots back in China.
So it happened to me today in Seattle with the exact script. They drove white Cadillac SUV. Watch out everyone! And thank you for your post. I almost gave him money but my girlfriend stopped this happen when she saw your post online while I was chatting with him.
It Happened also to me, im italian, speak fluently, and in the beginning i was amazed, that something like this could happen in Encino CA, they are from Naples, the capital of counterfeiting, and different scam, if somebody catch them call the police, they are parasites of the society.
I’m glad I did not fall for this today. And this happened in Chicago Illinois same story needs help to the airport but had a new rental car and a iPhone but offers 3 jackets and a full cashmere suit for only $800 and what almost convinced me was the Giorgio Armani tags they had, with what he explained was a Armani account card with the tags that gives a little discount to any Armani store.
Just had a lovely encounter with him in Minneapolis.
Happened to me about 3pm, Monday, 15 Jun 2015. BP station north of the State Fair grounds, St. Paul (Falcon Heights), MN. Two European guys in a sporty white luxury SUV, with the same airport schtick. The driver/talker was maybe mid- to late-40s male; passenger was maybe late-30s. Spent a lot of time explaining directions and drawing a map before I got tired of the interaction… Said I had to go before they were able to get the scam pitch off the ground.
By the way, their low-rent business card said the guy was “L.Domenico”, at “domenicoitalianfashion@gmail.com” (bounced). He said the “L.” stood for “Lento.”
Here’s a photo of the card:
https://imgur.com/aYe0okt
Had I known, I would have secretly taken a photo of them while I claimed to search for a Google Map on my phone. Lesson learned for future encounters!
Wow, what a scam…I can’t believe this happens so often. This is crazy, great insight and important to heed some of this advise.
Back in Chicago same pitch, white jeep Cherokee Costco parking lot. Pretty good opening, almost had me.
You’re a survivor! Thanks, Brian, for visiting our page and writing.
I just ran into one of these guys over here at West LA. He asked for directions to LAX I just showed him the directions quick on my phone and tried to leave. He insisted I take his three XXL Jackets and pay for the last medium sized jacket for my girlfriend. I thought no way in hell would someone give these away and tried to get me to give him any amount I had I only had about $11 for lunch haha. In the end he left pretty mad and I just carried on to my job. I just kept wondering am I in danger is this guy going to stuff me in his car or are these jackets stolen and I will be blamed for it thankfully I didn’t fall for it.
Hi Lucius,
Always good to see someone beat this ring. We have had a lot of comments all over the USA and Canada. If you want to hear my full story on our podcast, “IMprov-ing Business, check us out.
You can hear it here: https://www.ricknorriscpa.com/podcast/the-phony-armani-rep-scam/ or maybe Itunes. Itunes may not go back that far.
Thanks for writing.
The LA CPA
Same scam happened to me at a bank parking lot in San Bruno, CA. He dresses very dapper and drives a brand new black SUV. Asked me for directions to SFO and then handed me his cheap business card with a gmail account (LOL!) and poor print quality brochure. He asked if I’m into fashion and if I ever heard or Armani and lambskin leather. I smelled that amateur scam miles away. Politely declined and walked away.
Nice move Magic! The more people are alerted about scams the less likely they will succeed. Congrats to the San Bruno Bean!
Thanks for reading. Check out our podcast: Improv-ing Business on our site and Itunes. We did one on this experience. It is more descriptive. https://www.ricknorriscpa.com/podcast/the-phony-armani-rep-scam/
The LA CPA
Wow. I’m so glad I didn’t get scammed.
Ran into this at Fremont, CA just 15 minutes ago. Some guy was at a parking lot at the Fremont Pacific Commons Movie theater. The power went out, so I couldn’t get tickets for the new James Bond movie, Spectre. So as I was getting into my car, a guy pulls up and asked me for directions to SFO and says he has a fight back to Milan. I give him directions and he parks his car and says he works at Armani in Milan and has a gift for me.
Long story short, he offers me 7 men’s coats and 2 women’s coats. Said he didn’t want to pay tax when he returned to Italy. Asked me for $900. I said no cash and no way. He said go to atm I can wait. I said I cannot give that much, he replied how much can you give me? I said possible $200 tops. He said sure. Give me. I said no and left.
Anyway, glad I don’t earn much money and totally hesitated in paying him. I figured, I’d rather keep my money and wear normal clothes than give up a portion of my paycheck to look good but not have enough money to budget out the rest of the month.
Hi Eric,
It seems like it is the same guy working SFO. There are others all over North America. Well, the more people that read this, the more he will be put out of business. If you want to hear the whole story, check it out on our podcast where I tell it,”Improv-ing Business”. You can find it on Itunes, Iglu and other directories or here: https://www.ricknorriscpa.com/podcast/the-phony-armani-rep-scam/
Thanks for writing.
The LA CPA
I ran into this ~30 minutes ago in Palo Alto, California. These guys are such scammers! Glad there’s a lengthy record of them on the internet. I wonder if its the same two people or there are multiple… sounds like they’ve been all over the US
I think it is an organization. These coats are made by someone and they get these guys to scam people to sell them. Our podcast and article have gotten a lot of attention so maybe we’ll put them out of business. What story did he give you?
Same thing happened to me tonight in Toronto, Canada, also in front of Best Buy store. The guy even showed me his passport that looked Italian – I didn’t spend much time studying it… maybe I should have. He drove a shiny black X5, told me he was off from a Harry Rosen fashion show. Left me his business card that read Sergio Galeotti. Incidentally Armani’s late partner had the same name.
Rick – thanks for this web page. Good reality check.
Thanks for writing Andy. I think it is a ring. Check out our podcast on this page which has the whole funny story.
The LA CPA
“Sergio Galeotti” tried this scam with me tonight at Avenue and Lawrence in Toronto. I was in a parking lot sending an email on my phone, and he pulled up in his SUV asking for directions to the 401 West. I gave him directions. A young guy around 30 years old with an Italian accent. He then gave me his business card and said he was from Armani in Milan and was visiting the Harry Rosen store.
He then said he had a sample in his car that he couldn’t take home with him and he would give it to me for free. Then he started to give me a second sample. Saying that they were both worth $1000. And then out came the third sample. And he asked if he could get $400 for the third sample. I told him I had no money on me. He then said he could wait for me to go to an ATM. By then I knew something was very fishy and I said I couldn’t pay him anything. It ended quickly and he was polite throughout. He then took off in the opposite direction in the parking lot (instead of going towards where I sent him).
I then looked closer at his business card. Manager was in English, and he had a yahoo account. I then googled for more info, and came up with this site.
Good try “Sergio” — LOL!!
Hi Andy,
Thanks for reading. Did you try the podcast on the same subject? I talk about the story in length. The link is on the bottom of the page, or you can find it on Itune, Stitcher or Iglu. I have gotten a lot of emails from Toronto. The scam is probably not done by the same guy because it happens in several US cities, also. Take care, and good decision.
The LA CPA
Marco Rossi is in Lake forest California.03-14-2016
Who’s that? One of the guys we have been tracking in this ring?
Just a couple of hours ago, I opened the garage to get the lawnmower out for the season and “Sergio Galeotti” is on my street (Yonge & York Mills area) and slows his new model white Jeep Grand Cherokee, with the passenger-side window down and calling to me for help. When I approach he asks me for the “four-zero-one” in an obvious Italian accent, and explains he needs to get to the airport (which is accessed via Highway 401). I give him directions and is very grateful and says if I’m ever in Italy he’ll help me too, he gives me his business card, but it’s this white card stock with “Georgio Armani” printed in larger letters in the middle of the card. As further thanks he wants to give me three jackets, but I tell him I don’t want his clothes and tell him to get going to the airport (it’s rush hour and heavy traffic). He insists on giving me the jackets, but I tell him I don’t want them and that he really should get going.
After the lawn looks pretty, I take a closer look at the card and it doesn’t look right, with a yahoo address and “Manager” as the title, so I look up the street address printed on the card “VIA MONTENAPOLEONE, 181” and the first link led me to this site.
I love the power of the Internet.
Congratulations Richard. Another successful reject of a con artist.
Thanks for reading. Check out our podcast on this page for the whole story.
The LA CPA
Yesterday I was waiting for ride to pick me up outside of work in Beverly hills (near Santa Monica / wilshire blvds) and a man with thin beard in white Buick SUV pulls up and asks for directions to the 405 because needed to goto airport.
He acted very gracious for directions saying you have a friend in Italy and then started to pull off, stopped and asked my jacket size telling me he is a designer for Armani and was at the store on rodeo drive and had leftover jacket he wanted to give me because didn’t want to pay taxes. ended up with three jackets in a a bag and then wanted to sell me a jacket for my girlfriend. I told him I have no money, he then started on about wanting to buy a gift for his son at airport, lost money in Vegas, only had euros, and had pulled out a card for 25% off Armani and nor dstroms, etc… I again said I had no money he said to drive to atm I told him no take these back and put the jackets back in his car… I asked him where his luggage was if going to airport and he got back in his car and started to take off..
I think may be working with a spotter also because as he was backing up a shorter dark curly haired lady appeared and she said chao to him and she sat down near me and I got up and walked away.
Hi John,
Nice work. Sounds like the same guy, but I didn’t see a woman. The luggage comment was excellent! I didn’t think of that. Instead, I thought, “Why would he be paying excise tax when the items belong to Amani?”
Thanks for reading. Check out the podcast story which is in more detail.
Thanks for reading.
The L A CPA
Dear Richard:
Thanks for validating my reactions this afternoon. Same con, maybe the same con man, Harry Rosen fashion show, looking for the airport, three jackets, Sergio Galeotti, all at Old Orchard Shopping Centre, Burnaby, B.C., Canada.
Hi Richard,
Thanks for writing. This is the first I’ve heard of BC. Check out our story on the podcast.
The L A CPA
mike June 07 2016 10:20 am
exact same thing just happened to me in a Canadian tire parking lot in Calgary Alberta Canada. he asked directions to airport said he had leather jackets he wanted to give me as a gift. that’s when he said his 10 year old daughter wanted a laptop computer for her birthday. so it just goes to show nothing in life is free.
I almost fell for it today as well, downtown Seattle about 3:00 6-20-16. 50ish well dressed stocky man with an Italian accent in a late model silver Infiniti suv…needed directions to I-5 south to get to sea-tac.. We were less then a block from freeway so that made me suspicious.
Gives me cheap “L.Domenico” Armani card, says I have a friend in Italy and asked if I like fashion.. Ok here we go I thought.. Wanted to give me four jackets plus one for my wife, asked me to feel materials and I even tried one on.. Said I didn’t have money, he asked what bank I have.. Showed me fake Armani folder with various prices ($2k jackets??) Then acted like he wanted to give me one jacket for my kindness.. I thanked him, then he wanted the last $50 bucks I had in my wallet..” I don’t want to pay taxes” I’m so glad I didn’t give him any $$, I thought about it then said” I gotta eat”. He kind of smirked and laughed.. Thanks for the heads up on this !!
Kirkland, WA
Same scenario, he was in mid 20’s.
black New SUV, nice looking Italian guy. almost fell for it, he offered me 3 jackets for $100 at the end but I said no. maybe it wasn’t so bad deal haha
Well i guess it was my turn now. First he asked me in a broken english if I spoke italian, when I said spanish he said a little…it turns out that he ended up speaking fluent spanish with italian accent. He offered me 6 jackets very well wrapped and with tags. Then he came up with the daughter’s birthday story and asked for money in which I returned the jackets immediately. It happened in Mississauga ON. West of Toronto. Same email and a very simple and crappy business card. Now relieved I didn’t fall for this
Happened July 27, 2016 in Belmont, CA:
Guy in Black SUV wanting direction to SFO even though the freeway is right in front of him. I was walking back to work. He was Italian, as I was speaking Italian with him (said he originally was from Sorrento/Naples – but living in Milan). He showed me his Passport – and said his name was “Domenico Lento” – along with the phony business card. He then pulled over the car – and said he wanted to give me a “regalo”/gift – and showed me the brochures of the Armani prices ($1,200, etc.) – he ends up putting four jackets in a bag – and says he didn’t want to pay VAT tax for bringing the jackets back to Italy. I sensed something fishy – especially when he told me to simply pay for one – and I could have all four. I told him I could not – plus the jackets were obviously fake (Chinese or something) – and told him I had to get back to work. He drove off.
Just ran into “L. Domenico” in the Home Depot parking lot in Bellevue, WA. Same exact scam, older Italian gentleman in a suit driving a white SUV, except I never even got to the part where he asked me for money because, come on, Home Depot… I don’t exactly wear suits working there.
Well, you won that round. Nice work.
Thanks for writing.
Check out our new podcast show–Rambling Business. Here is the ITunes link https://ow.ly/Mm5d305iwvR
#armaniscam #ramblingbusiness
The LA CPA
I fell for this as two guys stopped me in the Fred Meyer parking lot in Port Orchard, WA looking for the airport. They were in a white jeep and I should have known. They had an REI bag in the back also stating that they had been at Macy’s and heading to Milano. The script was the same as given above. The short fella with glasses kept dumping jackets in a bag after bragging about them. The chubby guy said the short guy was a taylor and he the general manager. They are going to get me tickets to a fashion show in December in Seattle. However the short guy was interested in Idaho and took notes while the chubbier guy said he did not like Spokane. You get allot out of these guys when you talk with them even though they are full of lies. The short guy said he had a german shepard and that the chubby guy had a shitzu. That is when the chubbier guy sort of stopped talking. My guess is that they are heading south last night to Tacoma. They did say they had to be at the airport around 11ish for a Delta Flight to NY. There was one at 12 ish but the alitalia flight the chubby guy said they were going to catch didn’t leave until late Monday. They would not wait a whole day if on business and that is when I knew later I was scammed. However they might have a problem now. These two were in their mid to late 40s or looked it. I am sure it was a rented car. 2 execs without a gps looking for the airport 60 miles away. They did not want to take the ferry so I think they are still in the area.
They are working the Chicago Northwest Suburbs as of last week. Lucky for stupid me, only gave him $50 for three jackets that I will donate. Should have know something was fishy when the jackets smelled like fish. A smooth operator driving a black SUV with Texas plates. Tons of cigarette butts in his ashtray.
Well, you probably got $50 worth. Don’t beat yourself up.
Thanks for writing. Check out our new podcast show–Rambling Business. Here is the ITunes link https://ow.ly/Mm5d305iwvR
#armaniscam #ramblingbusiness
The LA CPA
Well, don’t beat yourself up.
Thanks for writing.
Check out our new podcast show–Rambling Business. Here is the ITunes link https://ow.ly/Mm5d305iwvR
#armaniscam #ramblingbusiness
The LA CPA
Ran across the scam this afternoon in at the Target store lot in Mountain View, CA. Same story, lost, needed directions to SF Int’l Airport, GPS wasn’t functioning, wanted to thank me with 3 Armani jackets. He was a designer for Armani. And, of course, his son’s birthday is tomorrow and needed my help to buy some PlayStation gadget. I gave back his jackets. Great experience though, got to practice speaking Italian that I’ve been learning!
The info from his card for address, cell, & office number is identical to John’s post of 7/18/2014 but his name and email has changed. Here’s the whole fake scoop:
Luca Ferrante
Via monte Napoleone, 354 Milano Italy
Cell 39-339-4594690. Office 30 02-5940600
Lucadesigner@hotmail.it
Stay safe everyone.
HEy Victor,
Nice work. They like San Francisco! If you want more free advice check out our Rambling Business podcast on Itunes and Stitcher.
The LA CPA
I just ran into “Massimiliano” in the Ross parking lot in Vacaville California. He asked for directions to SFO airport and I was giving him directions and then he said he wanted to give me a gift for being so nice and was showing me leather jackets made of baby lamb and showed me authentication tags and stuff and showing me they’re worth over $1k a piece and wanted to give me 3 and said he just needed a little bit of cash in return. I thought to myself what the F kind of gift is that?! I said I would give him all I had which was $20 and he said oh man that won’t work. I said ok no problem and then he demanded $100 if I wanted the gift. I said no thanks keep your gift. He replied “These are worth over four thousand dollars and you can’t give me a hundred for all of it? you could sell one of them and you would make a lot of money!” then he opened his trunk and there was at least 10 huge totes full of stuff. I just can’t stand people who try to swindle for a living.
Hey Dillon,
Nice work. If you want more free advice check out our Rambling Business podcast on Itunes and Stitcher.
The LA CPA
Same exact process happened just 15 mins ago (12/28/16 @9:35pm PST) in a parking lot at Target on Fremont blvd in Fremont, CA.
The guy was tall with hair slick back, very well dressed in a white SUV. His name (fake of course) was Massimiliano. He even took out a lighter and light it up on the lamb skin leather jacket to prove it was real leather. What he didn’t know was my nickname being Sherlock. He didn’t write down the direction that required 3 highways. I noticed his car was not a rental. His card has a gmail address and it felt cheaply made for a designer. The jackets were thin and light with poorly made quality at the labels…etc etc. Also his vocal tone changed when pushing for the close as he kept asking me how much I have on me because I said these are not my style and they are too pricey even at his offer of $900 for all 6 of them. I am no expert in Armani but for a claimed $2000 jacket it looked cheap.
Two red flags if it happens to you: if you feel he rushes you like a pro salesman, 2 if it is too good to be true like the original poster mentioned.
Got scammed yesterday (3/30/2017), asked for directions to LAX I was currently in Brea California. Just like the above incident describes, slick did not write down directions. Same name Massimiliano with the business card. I am out about 680$ I feel like such a fool. Hope these guys get caught.
Hi Justin,
Sorry to hear that. We have gotten a lot of replies regarding the ring and maybe it will be stopped. Never thought of the idea of him not writing down the directions. That’s a good observation. Anyway, you got something in return, so it is not a complete loss. I always remember, “if it is too good to be true, it probably is.” Don’t beat yourself over it. Your comment will help others.
The L A CPA
Hi
Looks like Gianni is well travelled, but still geographically challenged, as I met him in Dubai yesterday looking for the airport. He’s probably read your report and followed your advice – he now has Italian phone numbers and Armani email address. Oh and his wife is due to have a baby in a few weeks, so he needs to clear his excess stock, not pay tax etc, so he can buy her a nice bottle of perfume…. sweet guy. Needless to say, I didn’t buy, just bye bye Gianni…..
Hi Tim,
Thanks for writing. Yes. You are the second person that reported the racket in Dubai. If you would like additional information regarding business and travel, check out our podcast, Rambling Business. It is on ITunes and many other places. https://ow.ly/Mm5d305iwvR
The LA CPA
Rosario Gianni is now in Dubai with the similar trick. His business card states “Responisble of Marketing Fashion Designer Manager” – Wow – I was excited. Now hi wife is pregnant and he appreciates some money to buy her a present ……
Someone should alert the true Armani shop about this gangster…
Hi Conny,
Yes. You are the second person that reported the racket in Dubai. Hope you didn’t buy anything. Thanks for writing. If you would like additional information regarding business and travel, check out our podcast, Rambling Business. It is on ITunes and many other places. https://ow.ly/Mm5d305iwvR
Seems like Marco Impronta is now at London. He drove a Benz and asked me to get onto his car and show him direction to Heathrow airport (as we were on a busy road). Same trick, ask for money of tax and his son’s 14th birthday. His name card writes Amani Collezioni Top Fashion Designer (LOL). The point is I am a student and am only 20. But it is scary that I actually entered his car. I may probably don’t have the chance to write here if he showed me a gun or ecstasy spray instead of a low-quality jacket. Huge lesson learnt
Hi Josh,
I think this is the first we heard of in London. Yes, safety first. But this is a good experience that you can measure the future ones. I assume you didn’t buy anything.
Anyway, check out our new podcast show: Rambling Business on ITunes and other networks.
Thanks,
The L A CPA
I am in Bristol, UK and I met Marco Impronta today, the same story…. I did not buy anything…
He also asked me to enter his car to show him the direction to airport ……
I hope this is a warning to all. That is a very unusual and scary proposition.
Thanks for reading. Check out our podcast on ITunes and dozens of other directories–Rambling Business.
The L A CPA
Thanks for reading. Check out our podcast on ITunes and dozens of other directories–Rambling Business.
The L A CPA
Yes, Marco Impronta is now at London. He drove an Audi. I am a student, too. The details seem the same with Josh. I entered the car too, but hopefully I thought it was inequitable between these “clothes” and what he wanted. So I didn’t lose any money. However, it is indeed a lesson.
Hey Chris,
Nice that you didn’t lose money. Attention all who are following this: Marco or Mario or anyone else in this ring have now got people INSIDE their car. PLEASE don’t enter a car! It only takes a gun to take you away.
Thanks for reading.
The LA CPA
Francesco is in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. He picked a horribly unfashionable mark in the grocery store parking lot. I know better than to wear a black belt and brown shoes; I just don’t care.
Same scam, same crappy card. Reminds me of the white van speaker scam I almost fell for as a teenager.
Hey Mike!
You’re the man! We have received a lot of responses all over the world and the more people are aware, the more we can inform people, the faster we can close this worldwide ring down. If you want more free business advice, check out our podcast on ITunes and most Podcast networks: Rambling Business.
Thanks for writing.
The L A CPA
Looks like I am the most stupid one here 🙁 Just happened to me around 6PM July 14 in Mountain View, CA, he asked me directions to SFO airport. I showed him on Google map, he was very grateful and said he was a designer from Italy (I should have searched his name right away on the Internet) and would like to gave me some jackets in return. Although I was not interested in them but he said he needed to pay taxes for them when entering Italy, so I eventually took them. And then he started to talk about buying a birthday gift for his daughter, an ipad pro!! Actually at first I didn’t know he was asking me to pay for it (due to his accent), I thought he just asked me to took him to the local apple store, I only realized that after he got on my car. Since I already took his jackets, I thought it was not good to refuse his request. And yea, the result is I bought for him an ipad and a $300 visa gift card from Safeway to pay for the tax.
I know I am so stupid, there are too many flaws in the whole process. And as I said I was actually not interested in his jackets, I was just trying to be nice and thinking I could make a new friend from Italy. Btw, before I was scammed by this guy, I was blamed by a woman in the name of God in the same parking lot just 2 minutes ago, because she asked me for money to buy milk and I gave her the only one dollar in my wallet. I tried to offer her food but she asked me to get money from ATM and I rejected it.
I’ve been to the US for 2 years, previously I didn’t realize such thing could happen here. From now on, I think I would never trust any person on street any more. I fought hard for myself to get my current life here and have never asked anybody for help on anything. If I want to help someone, I would rather help some poor and unfortunate children in my own country, not this well-dressed trash. Anyway, I will donate these jackets as somebody already mentioned in the comment.
Hi Jay,
Sorry to hear about your experience. Well, if it too good to be true, it probably is. Look out for swindlers in any country. I have report of scams occurring all over the world. Hold on tight to your wallet and don’t contribute to charities unless you have knowledge that they are legitimate. As far as homeless people, just offer to feed them (your original intention). We carry small crackers and meat dishes (Called Brunswick) that cost $1.00 at the 99 Cent Store to hand out to the homeless. I have them in my car. I never give cash. But, nevertheless, it is nice you will donate the jackets.
Thanks for reading and writing. Check out our podcast on ITunes: Rambling Business !
The L A CPA
Looks like I met another Marco in Rome, Italy. I was walking around the train station with my baggage, then a guy called “Marco Rossi” stopped his car and asked me directions to a highway because someone stoled his wallet so he didn’t have a phone. Then he gave me his business card, 2 Armani jackets as gift for my help but then he asked me 100 euros because he needed money for his car. Then I started to suspect and unfortunately I gave him 20 euros because at some point I believed him. But then at home I checked the card and all data looks false, the directions, the name and the phone numbers.
So I just found this and wanted to share, so you aware in case you are around Rome.
Thanks for writing Juan. We offer lots of advice and even stories of small businesses around the world. Check out http://www.RamblingBusiness.com