Same thing happened to me in Miami, on two occasions, on both a young man with an Italian accent driving an SUV, board me in the parking lot of Publix and Best Buy, wondering how to get to the airport, with the same story, but offering Emporium watches, were allegedly expensive (amazon $ 30-40). By I do not accepted the proposal and they went very up set, half an hour later I saw him again back to the parking lot, looking for a new victim.

One Italian guy popped up in Milpitas , CA in the parking lot of the GREAT MALL .
Saying that he need to pay tax if he takes the merchandise with him back to Italy .

Was offering to give three Emporio Armani jackets in exchange for an iPad . He is driving a Chevy equinox white diamond color ,Nevada Licence plate .

GOT ME FOR 100$ SAME STORY.. HOUSTON TX
BUT IT WASN'T JACKETS, NOW IT'S WATCHES

Happened to me today in MIami Beach. I didn,t fall for the scam.Remember if it sounds to good to be true-----

why is this still a thread? not fairfax related at all anymore..

OMFG..I am living in westwood area and I meet this dude at Rochester and kelton. He is driving a BMW.

They asked me for $2200 for 5 jackets. He even went to bank of america with me and ask me to pull the money out from my account. Is he insane?I bought nothing though~~

The Italian guy was in Kissimmee Florida today the 7-11 at Osceola and 17-92. Same story, same crap!

Houston, TX...scammer was at Exxon station off of Richmond and West Belt on the feeder. He was tall, skinny older gentleman with a fake looking tan and bright white teeth. I believe it was a white ford. Asked if i spoke Italian. I said no. I believe i was targetted because i am foreign. Gave me same talk about emporio, wanting to go back to italy, taxes and so on. He Had wallet with credit cards and italian passport. Was falling for it somewhat till red flags started popping up. First was brochure for Emporio for 2012 and 2013 versus something newer. I was filling gas and told him that i had to close the cap when the car was full ...when i was returning back to him i heard him talking to himself as if rehearsing what he was going to tell me. Told him i dont have cash. Wanted me to to bank and i said sorry i only have credit card and no debit card...that's when he choose to drive off and look for another victim.

One of the guys was in San Diego with the same story, asking first for a address, then do you speak italien, he gave me 4 jackets for free, but then the story for the custom, not having enough cash. I collected the jackets and gave him 50 $
At home I found out it were bad copies

One italian man approached me and asked for directions to the airport. Then he said he wanted to say thank you to me for that and gave me a fake ID. Vincenzo D. (no last name?). He told me a story about having an exposition in Sheraton and after went drinking and then went to casino where he lost all his money. showed his credit card (not working?) and passport. Then started to say that as a gesture of good will wants to give me all these leathers jackets. two for men, one for ladies, and a set of accessories (watch, wallet...)all original (well fake now) armani.
I reported this case to the police.

they can't speak english though and the spics can't translate the italia dialect

guess you'll have to allow them to sue the police for abuse and drop the charges huh ?

Oh my god. Now I feel horrible. I had a similar experience right outside of Alexandria recently. I was thinking something was wrong with this and did a quick search. This site was the first that came up.

I was in the Duke Street and 395 area, west of Landmark. I was going down Beauregard and saw two somewhat handsome and well dressed men standing outside their expensive looking car. They looked confused and frustrated so I pulled over to see if I could help.

They told me that they'd missed their flight back to Milan. They were supposed to drive to Dulles to return the car then hop on their plane and head home. One of them forgot to set the alarm and they overslept (guess they don't understand the concept of hotel wake-up service).

They were desperately trying to call the airline to rebook but their phone was dead and wouldn't charge. They'd stopped by one of those Middle easterner owned cell phone stores to see if they could help and apparently they were really nasty to the Italians as their English wasn't very good.

I immediately lent them my phone to make their call. After about 10 minutes of the one guy, Vincent I think he said, talking in Italian to the airline he looked relieved. He said they'd fixed the flight, got them new reservations, and only charged the 50 euros each for changing it. Unfortunately he didn't have the 100 euros for the two of them. They said that's roughly $150. They'd spent their remaining cash on dinner and gassing up the car the night before. And ATMs here in the States won't give cash advances on Italian credit cards.

I had only $37 on me but told them they could have it. They were thankful, a little too much so now that I think about it, but said they really needed the full amount. (They said it was $150 and I didn't know the exchange rate so I believed them figuring they were more worldly travelers than I was.)

Then Vincent signaled the other one. As he moved to the back of their car I have to confess I got nervous. Imagine my relief when he came back with two beautiful leather jackets.

Vincent, the only one who spoke English, explained that they were here in the States distributing Gucci jacket samples to various high end retailers on the east coast.

Normally they give them to the retailers and collect a deposit for the wholesale price and apply that to the retailer's account. They had three of them left over. One of the two he pulled out fit me perfectly. The other was a little larger and perfect for my husband. (I guess he saw the ring on my finger.) He said he'd make a deal with me. He'd give me both jackets for the $150. He could explain this to his boss back in Milan. He said normally these jackets retail for $500 - $600 in New York and even wholesale they're $200. The deposit they collect from retailers is $75 per jacket so the $150 would be the right amount their boss would be asking about.

I know a bargain when I see one so I said yes. We drove over to the bank on Beauregard and I pulled out $200: $150 for them and $50 for me to treat myself for finding such a great deal.

Fast forward to today. I took both jackets to the cleaners to have them dry cleaned; hubby and I had been at a cigar party and wore them and they kind of reeked.

I told the cleaner they were pure leather and to please be extra careful with them. He looked them both over and said, "I'm sorry but these are not leather. They are man made. And, they are not Gucci, they are Chinese made." I was stunned. I said are you sure?

He said he'd been an import / export wholesaler in San Francisco a few years ago and they would sometimes get these fakes shipped to them. He then showed me the stitching and explained how it was different from the real thing and he even removed the Gucci tag inside and revealed one from some no name company and it said: MADE IN CHINA. I was crushed. He then said he hadn't seen one of these in a while as US Customs had done a pretty big sting on importers of these a few years ago and pulled them off the streets.

I asked him how much they're worth. He said, "really, only about $20 each. And that's new. These would probably get maybe $10 used." That's $20 total. I was crushed. He then asked where I got them. I started with "two Italian guys in an expensive car..." and before I could go on he stopped me and said, "oh dear, they're back".

I rushed home and went online and did a quick search to verify what he said. This was the first website listed. I'm going to cry now. Should I tell my husband?

same thing happened to me, same guys now silver mini suv. same jackets as shown in the forum below. these men are now located in the bay area. i was in danville when this happened. I feel stupid, I just wanted to give the guy directions. I don't understand why people do things like this. One day hes gonna get caught. I'd take this to the police if I would have got his license plate number. I am now giving these jackets to goodwill, someone will make use of them.

He drove this time a silver Cadillac SUV, same thing showed me the airline tickets and was asking for directions to the San Diego airport, his name on passport is Arnulfo and says he is a designer, he had a I phone and a Bank of America ATM, I gave him 500 Dlls for 4 stinky PVC jackets, I hope he gets caught,this happen as I was getting out to the gym on balboa ave on March 3 of 2014

These creeps are now in San Antonio (unless there are several groups of these guys) in their black SUV. Stopped me as I was entering my bank. I speak a little Italian so at first I thought it was cool. Then came the pitch; as a retired Federal Investigator I was immediately suspicious. I went into my bank carrying three of their jackets....one guy followed me in, grabbed the package and took off! Sorry, did not get a chance to photograph them or the license plate of the SUV. Beware! In this life, you do not get something for nothing!!!

Same story, old guy white teeth, ask me if I speak italian, I said no he told me he would sell me a watch and if I bought him one he would give me the whole package (7 of them) emporio armani moda italia, I gave him 240$, he ripped me off, Im 16 FUCK HIM

These guys were in Walnut Creek Bart last night parking lot. Grease bags. Beware . Same story as in LA and fairfax. Run away!

> Two Italian guys driving a SUV pulled up
> to me at on hy 50 in Bolten ont.canada asking for
> directions. I thought I was doing a good deed and
> gave them directions. The one guy asks me if I
> speak italian and if I like Armani. After some
> pleasantries he offers to give me a jacket as a
> gift as he is driving to Boston to catch a flight
> back to Italy and has extra jackets. My
> instincts told me to walk away, yet I stood there
> while he gave me 5 leather jackets and how he did
> not want to pay for shipping these. He then asks
> me to help him with gas money as he only has
> Euros. He shows me his airline tickets, his
> passport. I gave him $200.00 while alarm bells
> are going in my head he switched the bag with all the jackets and noting fit on to all

Last night at 5pm, these two Italian guys in a white mercedes approached me at the Walnut Creek (California) Bart station. Asking for directions to SFO tried to pull off the same scam of giving away free jackets. I walked away. Too bad I didnt report it to the police. I wll if I see them again in this area. Please incform the police if you see two italian guys in a white mercedes SUV trying to give you "fake Armani" clothing. What a wast of my time>

They are still doing the same routine in Miami Beach in the first week of March. Exact same scam. Airport directions and Armani jackets.

These guys "tried" to scam me in Burlington, Ontario, red flags everywhere on these two clowns. Same as above, tried to sell some crap leather jackets in D&G bags to cover their Budget rental car. Drove away. Beware of two Italians.

Come on cuh
U just got screwed!!

Sadly I just fell for the leather jacket scam. I figured there was a high probability they were knockoffs when I bought them, but four jackets for $200, I thought how could you go wrong even if they are knockoffs. Everything these days no matter how crappy it is costs at least $50 bucks. Oh well I just hope they aren't toxic like some have suggested, though I doubt I will wear them since it is kinda like wearing a come scam me sign.

Maybe I will donate them to the local goodwill clothing dropoff.

Pasquale came back to his business in Livingston, NJ. 3/19/14

Hey Guys met these asshole in homedeopt parking lot middle village queens, just how they where talk i knew it was a scam ,but i made these two make big assholes out of themselves. i mean if your a big shot doing a fashion show a t the jacob javitz center what in the hell were you doing in a queens home depot parking lot, i hope they catch these fucks soon one was a old fat motherfucker the other fagety greasball fuk

"Francesco D" tried this on me today on Long Island. I didn't buy anything. He's in an SUV with Rhode Island plates.

in Miami 6 emporio moda italia watch for 400$ Italian guy in suv

One of them got me in Queens.
7 jackets for 300. Same story.
Never believe people and listen to your lady when she says something fishey.
I probably will donate them.
They are in queens now.

Same here Andrea guy. Directions to airport..I pod for his son. Gave him $300. :-(
Attachments:

Message from Palo Alto, CA:

Today I was walking out of a Wells Fargo, tucking my wallet away, when a man in a parked red Cadillac called out to me.

He asked in a heavy Italian accent, "Italiano o españole?"

And, wanting to help out somebody who was possibly lost or unable to understand something that had been written in our confusing language, I said, "Sí, español," and approached his car, which was parked right next to mine in a very open area.

He quickly slid out a business card and began telling me in his Italian Spanish that he was a designer for Giorgio Armani from Milano, Italy. I looked at the card. It was legit. Looked at his get-up. He was a well-built man, husky, with a decent tan and fading blue eyes. The man was wearing an expensive-looking leather jacket, an elegant shirt with a brown lines creating an ivy pattern, wore a large watch and, already looking at his wrist, noticed his recently-manicured fingernails.

The Italian told me his name was Guiseppe, just as it said on his business card, and I must embarassingly confess that for a brief moment I pondered the possibility that I had just been scouted off the street by a modeling agent. This notion was exaggerated after the man had asked where I came from, because of the European features of my face.

I told him I was half-German and half-Colombian.

"Ah! Colombino," he replied, as if it had all made sense to him. And asked if I was Catholic. I told him no. He sighed, without judgement, and told me he was Evangelic.

Now here, my dear correspondents of this thread, is where Guiseppe's somewhat obscured intentions appeared, if only a little.

He told me he was an Italian designer for Giorgio Armani, come to San Francisco for a fashion exhibition, and was currently on his way to the airport for a return flight to Milano. Unfortunately, he expressed to me, he had either not succeeded in selling everything at this exhibition, or he had purchased too many of the leather jackets that were inside the tote bag, now perched on the passenger seat of his car--I was unable to understand due to difficulties in communication, Italian and Spanish being only sufficiently similar for basic conversations.

Before anything else, I assessed the scene before me. Here was a true Italian, seemingly well-off, or at least dressed smartly enough that it would be difficult to suggest otherwise--and not just well-dressed by throwing a few scattered articles of clothing together, but sincerely assorted in good taste--sitting in a rented car with a Hertz GPS device bolted above the radio, an Italian passport in his lap with a few Euros peering out, and an over-stuffed tote bag staring at me from across the car.

Guiseppe then proceeded to ask me if I could do him a favor and I, always skeptical of such requests, prepared for whatever it might be that I would say the kurt no to, since I believe, as a writer, that any story that is too elaborate is, unfortunately, too good to be true.

He attempted to explain something about how at the airport, customs will impose such a large tax on the jackets, considered consumer goods, that it would be a great pain. Therefore, he wanted to sell me the jackets, all four for the price of one, "as a gift between brothers. You do me the favor and I will gift you the three jackets for free."

Somehow, this Guiseppe had managed to make himself seem like he was in quite a dire situation. I understood that this man was a designer who had somehow not succeeded in the transaction between money and Armani jackets and did not want to return home empty handed. Thus, he was politely willing to offer such a charitable price for the goods.

Suddenly, the adventurist in me was interested, more in how this strange interaction would proceed than in purchasing silly, overpriced jackets. After walking around his car and obstinately refusing to get into the passenger seat, I stood by the door as he pulled out a brown suede jacket. I verified that it was suede, looked at the stitching, examined the inner lining of the jacket--as everybody should when handling overpriced clothing--and was satisfied to conclude that it was indeed a real Armani jacket.

Seeing my favorable disposition, the man named the price for the four jackets: $600.

Well, only endowed with my bi-weekly job as a means of earning spending money, I honestly did not have that much in my possession and refused the offer. My expectation was that poor Guiseppe would thank me very much and be on his way, yet, to my surprise he began lowering the price. First to $400, then to $200, then, after asking how much I had, to $150. Well my dear readers, I must confess that I did not even have $150 to my name. I kindly refused and, again, the price was lowered, this time to $100.

A quick thought suddenly jumped upon me. I considered at that moment that, even if the story were too good to be true, and even if the jackets were not real leather or suede or even fake plastic, metal, stone, what-have-you, I would undoubtedly be able to sell the jackets for a considerable price more than I had purchased them at. I asked Guiseppe for an inventory of prices of each jacket in the bag and he obliged. They were $700, $800, $380 (for the suede), and $900.

It was then that I decided to withdraw the remaining $100 from my funds and noticed the small camera perched above the bank's entrance, facing our interaction. I quickly thought back to the many crime-catcher shows on television, how some perverted old man would arrive at the house of an underaged teenager and then was apprehended in a flash. How satisfying it was to watch justice served, a phenomenon that sadly occurs too little in this world. And, seeing the image of police rushing in to shackle a man to his demise on television, I very much was dissuaded from participating in such a sting operation and thought I should suggest to my friend, Guiseppe, that we move locations so as to avoid the cameras.

Upon returning to the parked car, I found the man smoking a newly-lit cigarette in the car. I must confess, upon retrospection, this one act should have been the incident that I most scrutinized, for, it is one thing to view a person as healthy and robust--and therefore certainly well-intentioned since the respect for oneself tends to flood over into the regard of others, and then to spin around once and see the same person inhaling the smoke, into their car, no less! It should also have crossed my mind, from personal experience, that a cigarette is most desired when one is most anxious, since tobacco is a temporary relaxant and calms the nerves. None of these thoughts crossed my mind, however, as I have the tendency to dash away prejudices and embrace people as they are. If this gentlemanly Italian wished to smoke, as they so often do in Europe, then, by God, he can have a smoke.

I suggested the movement of location, to which the man scoffed, but conceded.

300 feet later, I had given Guiseppe, by now regarded as somewhat of a close acquaintance to me, the five twenty dollar bills, and I was in possession of what I thought may or may not be four authentic Armani jackets. Holding out his firm hand, my friend thanked me, asked God to bless my family, nearly kissed me on the cheek, while I wished him a safe trip back to Italy--that sun-stained country that has always permeated the paradises of my imagination.

I placed the bag into the trunk of my car and entered the driver's seat, buckled my seatbelt, ignited the car, and, when checking the rearview mirrors for any obstructions, was shocked to see Guiseppe had altogether vanished! In an instant, like alcohol set ablaze. All the way home, a nasty feeling was settling itself into my stomach, which I suppressed with deep breaths and reminders that, even if fake, the jackets could be sold at a higher price than I had spent on them.

And that was the interaction I had with kind Guiseppe. Later, as I opened the trunk to examine my won treasures, I found that the Italian had given me only three of the promised four jackets, but the sinking feeling of betrayal was quickly buoyed by a feeling that I had, in fact, been the one to scam this Italian-in-a-pinch with my measly $100.

Eventually, searching for evidence of a fashion exhibition in San Francisco, I came upon this thread and spent nearly an hour reading over the various remarks. Some were quite disheartening, making me feel the fool for such an act, while others gave me hope that there may be some profit to come of this. Altogether, however, I saw how throughout the nation, from city to city, and even crossing borders into that frigid country to the north, humans like myself were succumbing to something. Be it the fragility in our uncontrollable lives that blinds us with the hope of stumbling across something truly fortuitous, or the hope of helping our kin out of the good of our hearts, we are connected, in our thoughts, in our hopes, and in our gullibility. Therefore, good people, tarry not; for something of this story shines bright above our downcast heads and brings our humanity to light. We are the proudly the strong-hearted and the weak-minded! Were it otherwise, God knows how dismal of an existence our dim lives would be. But the soul, the soul remains lighthearted, and so should you.

Just happen to me in London. An Italian man in suv, cost me £60 for 2 jackets.

I was at the Wells Fargo, Pleasant Hill CA and two italians guy in a Toyota Rav4 SUV offered me several jackets as a gift. They had just finished their job at Moscone Center SF working for George Armani and they had to catch a flight to Italy and they did not have any money to pay taxes on the jackets. They lost all their money, $14,000, in the casino and they needed a little over $800 to pay for the car rental.
Only one of the guys was talking to me and I offered him $200 and the guy asked me for $400 and I almost gave him the money. I told him to wait and I went inside the bank and I talked to the teller and I told her about these guys and she told me not to give them any money. I went outside and I told him that I couldn't withdraw any money for today and he told me to use the ATM and finally I told him no and I walked away.

Strucked again in San Diego, in a wells fargo in El Cajon Boulevard saw a guy talking to him, I passed by and he was telling him a story about some jackets and that he needed money to buy an Ipad for her daughter he paid $25 for 1 though, careful they are in San Diego now the guy name was Francesco

My husband was approached yesterday at a gas station in Burlington, Ontario. Man said he was a designer for Ferrari, gave him a business card with Luigi S written on it. Spoke Italian and basically asked for directions to the airport when he was supposedly heading home to Italy. He claimed he was lost and then asked if my husband was in the market for some great Italian leather jackets. Said that all he needed was some cash to buy his daughter a gift for when he landed in Italy. Sounds like the same scam over and over again. I am so surprised that some many people are falling for this.

Jus got em in toronto near the airport ... Same deal 2 guys 6 jackets wanted $800 have him $200 know their fake but already sold 2 for a 100 gave one to my mom as a gift so ur all depends how u look at the scam. No luggage in the trunk was an ez give away ... Gave me a Harry rosen buisness card with an email that didn't have .it at the end so it was also a give away

I think these dudes- or other guys associated with them- are back in NoVa. I was at Lowe's in Chantilly yesterday, and got approached by a very sharp dressed, fresh and clean looking Mediterranean man. He told me he and his cousin needed to fly back to Sicily for a friend's funeral. Said he worked for Armani, and would give me 3 designer purses and 2 dresses for free, if I could be so kind as to give him $300.00 because he lost the original plane tickets.
I told him I was sorry, but I don't even have that much money to give you, as I'm just a student at George Mason. He tried to get me to give him 100.00 instead, but same reply from me. He got an unhappy look on his face, said "thanks anyway", then rejoined his "cousin" in their expensive looking sports car.

What is with these dudes?? Why haven't they been caught yet? This thread was started two years ago, and they're still at large. B
Please be careful, people..they're good!

They are here in San Jose, CA today. haiz

In Cambridge Ontario today. Stopped me at a bank.
Offered to give me a jacket. Then two, then the third (suede) for $500. Then "How much you got? Which one you like most, I give you for what you got." The whole "I don't want to pay taxes" rubbish.
Slick act, I'll give 'em that. In a white SUV. Watch out.

Carlo Emporio spotted in Vancouver, BC. He stopped me from his car in the parking lot of Whole Foods on robson street a few months ago. He needed directions to Vancouver Airport. Then he wanted me to offer me a free suit for my troubles. Yeah uh NO thanks. Walked away. Still have his card because I knew I'd find him online somewhere. Card does say AE di Milano but he is full of shit.

I was stupid enough and i fell into this scam.

instead, I bought two suits and 5 jackets from them for $1100.
they told me it was armani collezoni, the tag says" AC made in itlay)

so... the brand is "AC made in italy" NOT armani!!!
however.... all those fit perfectly on me. especially the suits.

first they asked me for direction to the airport, i was so nice and asked them to come in while i print the map for them...then they started to tell me stories about the fasion show they just attended and they have some armani samples left.
they would sell them all to me for 3grand and then we made deal for 1100 -.-

may 17 2014 london ontario canada
same scam directions to airport in toronto
taxes to bring leather coats back to italy too high
here you have free coats for helping me
at fashion show returning to milan
want to buy i phone at airport for wife 700
you feel guilty about accepting for free
if they are what he says then 300 for 4 leather ? jackets seems reasonable
reportage RDG Italia collezione luxury
plate Ontario BRWT678 dark grey Hyundai Santa Fe rental company?

Anyone know where these guys are now? I'm seeing recent reports of California, Ontario, British Columbia. Just want to make sure I stay off the roads if they're anywhere around here.

I just ran into this guy on Monday May 19, 2014 in at a Target in Fairfield NJ. He tried to "give" me 4 leather jackets as a gift after giving him directions to Newark Airport. He said if he brought them back to Italy, he would have to pay huge tax. His name was Giuseppe Aurelio, a manger for Amani. He even gave me a business card....looked legit. He wanted me to get him some cash at the ATM. I offered him $20, and he said he was highly insulted, and got agitated. I told him to get away from my vehicle, with his jackets, I was late for an appointment. After going back and forth for 10 minutes, he took his jackets and left. I called the police, who stopped him later at another parking lot, but they let him go...he is still loose.

i thought i am helping, yesterday- 5/22/2014. same story in sunnyvale near bank of america. One guy in Porsche.

this time it is all oversized 2 fur jackets 2 leather jackets tester perfumes, shirt etc.
. initially i turned him down and ask him to find better buyer to get more money. but it costed me $200.

Same thing happened to my mother US 500 for 6 watches...mother fu...

Hi,

Same scam, guy approched me in Woodbridge Ont Hwy 7 and 27 LCBO.
White SUV Lic BFLD... something like that.

These guys have to go down the hard way.!!!!!

Watch out in Edmonton AB I was approached yesterday by one of these artists....Luckily I turned down the steal of a deal.....

Same story here 5 jackets for $800 at Bellevue Washington at Uwajimaya parking lot around 5PM on may 30, 2014.

But, I didn't buy from the weird guys. Be careful.

Wow so glad I followed my instincts. Same EXACT scenerio as most of these posts!
1. Guy ask for directions to airport.

2. Then as your about to leave he asks you if you want an opportunity to make money.

3. Says he's basically giving Armani Jackets for free.

4. Has you look inside his SUV (this guy was driving a Range Rover)

5. Shows you 3 "$7000 Armani Jackets"

6. Says he'll sell them for $400 because he doesn't want to pay some sales tax to export them. (something like $800)

7. Afterwards he says you can take it to any Macy's store and get $7000 out of them.

8. If you dont take his bait and see past his BS, he crys like a lil bitch and drives off lol
This happend in Los Angeles in Venice area. One guy, spanish or Italion, he spoke spanish but mumble some other language that may be italian. This guy drove a greyish Land Rover.

Same thing happened to my husband yesterday in Ottawa, Canada. Driver came up to him and asked directions to the airport and showed him an airline ticket to Italy. Thanked my husband for helping him and game him 4 "leather" jackets he said were valued at $2000 each. Then asked him if he had some money he could give him. He was headed back to Italy and had forgotten to get his wife a gift from Canada. My husband didn't have any cash on him and told the guy this. He said thanks anyway and on he went. Told my husband to keep the coats because he didn't want to have to declare them at customs. At first sight we thought they were real leather and decided to give the jackets to family members. Then we looked closer and found they were not real leather so we will send them to Goodwill. Someone will be able to use them.

Hello all,

Same deal, airport directions, "italian designer", free jackets for help, upsell you on one piece, avoid import duties, going back home to Italy, buy Ipod for kid BS.

I got caught because he sensed I was in a rush, I thought we were doing each other a favor, get swindled for $400 for 3 jackets.

Last seen working North on Yonge street Toronto by Lawrence Avenue in a Grey Santa Fe Hyundai.

Spread the word, don't let these bastards screw anyone else!

Same thing happened to me in Dublin, Ireland about 10 years ago. I already knew about the scam back then so wasn't suckered by it. It's just amazing how it's still going on.

This just happened to me in a small city outside Lagos, Nigeria. Good thing I checked this site before making any purchases though!

They are here in San Diego, he gave same story , italian,passport, rental bill,4 jackets, flying back to italy, taxes, gift , exchange for iphone 5 for his son, but didnt happen,i knew it was a scam, this happen at Balboa's home depot,antonio was his name

Was approached by one in Toronto this morning, near University and Dundas. He was driving a black Ford Edge and had the most fake Italian accent. Tried to speak to him in Italian but he only responded in English. Pretty freaking funny.

Just got me with the same story federal way, wa 6/8/2014
Stopped by asking of directions to the airport. Showed me them as a gift then asked if in favor I could pay for the car rental which he shoes and looked legit. Unfortunately I didn't have the money or time to get had by them. Wish we could shoot these people and leave them for the crows

John L. Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Just got me with the same story federal way, wa
> 6/8/2014
> Stopped by asking of directions to the airport.
> Showed me them as a gift then asked if in favor I
> could pay for the car rental which he shoes and
> looked legit. Unfortunately I didn't have the
> money or time to get had by them. Wish we could
> shoot these people and leave them for the crows


Excuse the misspelling iphone auto correct

This just happened to me in Toronto yesterday (June 9, 2014). So this must be a large sophisticated group of people pulling this scam off on a daily basis across major cities in North America.

I was walking up University Avenue near Queen Street, and a guy in a GMC SUV yells to me asking for directions to the airport. Thick Italian accent, and maybe a little too thick. I tell him the way, and he thanks me. Then he says, you were very nice, and did I know a Harry Rosen store (high end men's retailer in Canada), and when I say yes, he then tells me that he was from Milan, and that he was here for a trade show. Says he would like to give me some jackets because he would have to pay tax to bring them back to Italy. He then asked me what was my size (alarm bells already ringing here). I tell him my size (size in a suit jacket) and he looks confused (then says must be something like xl.). I think how can a Armani retailer not know a suit size? He is insistent though, and gives me his card which lists Francesco DeMartino and says Armani Collezioni. I am still not buying this, and he quickly rushes through the jackets saying they would retail for $1000.00 plus each. Again same story about taxes (which makes no sense as presumably he would have brought them to Canada and was only bringing merchandise back which he already owned). So he hands me the bag, and I am about to walk away really not wanting the jackets (thinking this is nuts) when here it comes...My son is turning 10 tomorrow, and how much is an Ipad Mini in Canada. $300.00 dollars I say, and then he says he would accept that for the jackets. So I say, thanks but no thanks hand the jackets back to him and walk away. I felt pretty stupid for wasting 4 minutes talking to him, but he was pretty slick. Then I see these posts, and am thankful of the old adage, if something appears to good to be true, it usually is.

This seems to be a big racket. Same story here too. I got conned here in Lynwood, Wa today. Two Italian guys in a Silver Infinity SUV with Oregon plates. I've attached their photos. But their are likely many others involved in this scam.
Attachments:

Karma is a bitch Wrote:
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> Beware these guys are in Toronoto, Ontario.
>
> My dad got dupped into buying a jacket for $100.
>
> This took place at the Newtonbrook Plaza at the
> intersection Cummer and Yonge Street.
>
> Same scam everyone is posting, 2 italians guys
> with rented suv claiming they need directions to
> airport.

Arlington, TX.
Same story.
One skinny guy. 5'7". Italian accent with Italian passport. Lot of tatoo. Black Ray ban.
Grey chevy SUV (rental car).

Asking for airport. Then try to give me 3 ugly jackets in fake leather with 90°F.. hahaha.
Trunk full of golden bags with cologne.
Then ask for money to help him.

Shit has been going on for ages....it's a gypsy scam.
Gypsy's are known scammers and known to be well dressed.
They are pushy and know how to play on your emotions...

They do "bodywork' scams in parking lots too pulling your dents and fucking up your car worse than before. They also do driveway asphalt scams and sweetheart scams.

They also pan handle but usually write out their request for money rather than actually voice it.
On a index card "I hav 3 brothrs, need help, mony plse, god bless"

They look italian or middle eastern or spanish but they are Romani Gyspsy scum.
Easy to spot cause they are always overdressed and have alot of jewelry...but when they open their mouths, they are always fast talking slick dudes maybe with a NY or Conn accent...



Beware.

Same shit Renton,Wa.

I didn't do bad though, $100 for 3 jackets and the things don't look 1/2 bad. I knew it was a scam and he knew I knew it was a scam. But still $33 for a damn nice jacket that actually fits well, I'm not pissed. Dude is driving a Silver infinity SUV asking for directions to airport... blah blah blah, you know the drill

Heads up! Italian guy in a black FIAT. He tried to sold me AE jackets, but I didnt buy it. You cant tell that is fake, but there were somethings that didnt look tight to me. He almost got me with the AE suit.

HE WAS ASKING FOR DIRECTIONS TOO.

I'm usually very careful about things like this but I got 4 suits, 2 wool coats, a cotton jacket and a shirt for $1300. I typically buy good clothes at stores like Harry Rosen and these pieces all seem very nice to me - fabric and style. Is the scam that they are actually so poor quality that they'll fall apart right away? This isn't a plastic jacket/polyester suit situation as far as I can tell. What am I missing?

all that is up here its true this just happen today one "italian" women was lost dint know how to get to the airport ask me for directions said she couldnt understand english spoke to me in some giberish sounded like spanish not italian so i spoke italian to her he had no idea what i was saying she continued talking she than ask if i like micheal korse said her account was frozen and had a family emergencie and needed to get back and was low on cash she emptied her mk bagg and threw in 5 more i told her i had no cash she insisted and went to the point on crying i felt bad and gave her 100 for 5 so called micheal korse i got home looked at the smelly bags and compared it to the 2 i have home i noted that they were fake

btw shes in nc driving around in a 2012 or 2013 ford escape if you see her punch her in the face fpr me >:(

I just had the same experience in Unionville Ontario in the parking lot by Whole Foods/LCBO. The driver supposedly spoke no English but was doing pretty well by the end of the interaction :-). He was lost getting to Pearson Airport - which of course seemed ridiculous considering where he was. Gave me his Armaniz card "Francesco De Martino" an Armani Manager. He was in Toronto for setting up a show & was returning to Milan today. For my kindness giving him directions he had a gift for me - 3 jackets which he didn't want to take back with him. His approach was a bit different. He gave me the 3 jackets & then mentioned he wanted to buy an iPad for his 6 year old daughter & asked if I could help him out. He was quite tentative about this part so I think he might be new at the game. At this point it was time to cut the interaction short.

Just happenned to me in an LCBO (beer and wine) parking lot in Ottawa.

Dude felt I was so generous and warm that he wanted to give me a gift. He was a designer from Ferrari... Who knew they made pleather jackets?

He said he wanted to get a gift at the airport in Ottawa... a computer for his daughter.. $300 for 4 jackets. But he just lost $9300 at the casino nearby.

He was playing the Italiano card... but I actually think he was Arab/Lebanese.... his english accent was not Italian.

Thankfully I got the willies before I handed him $60 for a whole bunch of jackets... F**ker.

same story the guy has a SUV says he's going to the airport then he tells me he's Italian and he barely knows how to speak any language he was trying to sell me I watched I told him I knew a lot about watches and that what she had wasn't even worth $50 on eBay he tried to tell me it was a different level of our money I told them I had for Armani watches Emporium Armani and other Armani watches exchange Armani he said this was the second level so I called his bullshit I showed him my Lamborghini Italian limited edition gt1 watch that's worth $5,000 of course I had my 45 in my pocket I was waiting for him to jump at it or something he would've had a little surprise or a big surprise when he knew he couldn't tell me any watches he said I don't want to do business with you I was laughing and then he wanted to sell me some perfume and the perfume was fake too nice try

Same story. 1.30 p.m. on downtown Oakville Ontario Canada. One guy " Francesco de Martino" , brand new SUV, lost, can't find his way to Toronto airport. Needs to catch flight to Milano. Has Armani Collezioni business card.

Wants to show me some merchandise.

I laughed him off and found this thread.

I'll e-mail the RCMP.

Samething happened to me in Bellevue Wa, I knew it was a scam so I wasted about 30 minutes of their time talking BS. Then I said no, that guy just jumped in the car and drove to oppsite direction of the airport.

Hello everyone, after reading your stories i got freaked out and now im wondering if the same italian guys could be the ones that approached my husband and i. Before we got approached , we were fixing a flat tire and one of them approached my hubby and they got him brainwashed. They were driving an suv black bothr guys had gray hair. I am in the florida state. Someone should keep a look out cuz they are gettin closer to their destination.

Omg same guy just got me for 200 4 watches should

These guys got me in Toronto mother fuckers

HEYA, FUCK A YOU EH? WE NOT A STEALA FROM A NOBUDDY. ESSA TOP QALTY A LEATHER DE ITALIA. YOUR ALL A MAKE A WRONG STORY BAFUNGOOOL OK

Hi last Friday July 4 2014 I was at cosco london ontario canad oxford and wonderland. Was met by this gentleman Ina suit ,told me he is representative of ferrari and asked me if I could direct him to the air port .then asked me if iam Italian I told him iam Brazilian and he told me he is leaving on the plane today ,then he proceeded to say that he has three jackets design by ferrari and other two Italian designer and he will give me two jackets if I buy the third one ,then he saya each jacket is 1200 dollar but he will give me the three if I pay half of one jacket price and I can keep the oter two ,ie he said for 600 dollar I can have the three ,I said I don't have cash ,then he say let's go to the ATM machine and get some money ,itold him I don't buy any thing from people I just met 5 minutes ago ,I hada box of ice cream bars. And told him here take my ice cream bar box and eat it to the way of the air port ,he was surprised and said no and when I asked him do you still want to go to the air port he says no I know the highway then he proceeded to drive to the other side of the mall to find more victims ,the man haas suit he is white and about 50 years old so be aware
Forgot to say he was driving a white SUV Nissan or something like that

Francesco De Martino just tried the same BS about needing directions to the Edmonton international Airport. Struck up a conversation in a Home Depot parking lot. In appreciation for directions, he wanted to give my wife and I some jackets and would gladly accept some money in return. Very smooth, but the story just didn't ring true - some nonsense about having to pay duty tax on merchandise returning to Milano. Told him thanks, but no thanks.

"Francesco De Martino" tried the same scam on me July 8/14 at a Shell station in Riverbend, Edmonton. Driving a blue Ford Escape. Asked for directions to EIA. Presented me with a business card saying he was a manager for Armani Collezioni in Milan, said he was here on business and just finished up 4 days with Harry Rosen, had a bunch of Armani leather jackets he didn't want to take back to Italy because he'd have to pay taxes of some sort and they were too large for Italians. Wanted to thank me for helping him and offered a leather jacket. Ultimately offered up 4 supposed Armani leather jackets for my kindness. All he wanted was a few hundred dollars.

Yep just happened to me. 70 for pretty nice jacket but I guess it's fake and probably pleather right? He pull up in a nice suv, asked if I spoke Italian, dressed really nice, handsome, said he was a rep/ designer from armani and didn't need these jackets he had three, he was flying back to italy. It was a good hustle. Whatever 70 for a nice jacket is the same you'd pay at kohls. I was at a burger king parking lot in Santa Clara ca

Actually in The Inferno the final circle of hell is reserved for those who betray their benefactors. Like Judas. So it's not quite the same.

Those two Italian guys are back in Brioklyn Midwood today. The same scenario. Call to police right away. Black Car.

Yes exactly just happened with me. I am so surprised that Police does not really care of that kind of scram. I think USA is a great county to commit a fraud. Big banks fraud people, small guys fraud people and government only promise hope and change.

Son of a bitch thought I was helping a guy out said he lost 9000+ euros at casino rama . only 1 Italian guy in a SUV asked directions to Pearson airport and his hard luck story of his loss and needed some cash as he maxed out his credit cards. he drove up to me at a gas station in Aurora, Ont. (Hwy 404 & Aurora rd. Area) personally I wouldn't wear or buy any designer anything as most of those products are made in third world countries that pay peanuts in wages, and your paying for the name, I'm still a Levis kind of guy.(although the kids I got them for should enjoy them)
So Mr. Luigi S. Designer of Milano Italy or any of your cronies (I don`t care about the money 300.00 its how you went about getting it) I hope our paths cross again I look forward to dragging you out of your vehicle and pounding the piss out of you, the only thing that will be left of you is the chalk marks that outlined your body. I don't like it when people mistake kindness for stupidity.
PS.
Remember Folks: No Good Deed Goes Unpunished!!!

I just came from the police precinct 61 in Brooklyn. I wanted to file a report for what have happened to me on Friday so lawyers can request video images from Chase bank of one of the guy and maybe push police to chase them up. I was naive. The supervisor of the police department told me that I am a liar and asked me to leave the precinct. I even showed them the website and pictures where people asking for help and asked him to do something to stop this crime. Two policemen were screaming at me and threatening me. They told me that if I would not leave they would arrest me. It was like a move "Godfather part 4".

What can I say? I guess in USA after 9/11 people have lost all rights to protect and defense themselves. Freedom of speech is gone as well. I was very surprised that they have not told me that I was a terrorist.

We are paying taxes to support banks and government, which turns any possible situation against us. I felt that I was living in Iraq and not in USA. Sorry I am wrong because in Iraq a robber can be sentenced to a death penalty but in USA for that kind of crime you get protection from police and government give you a bonus at the end of the year.

So I have filed internal complaint over the phone against the precinct, which I know will be deleted, or maybe will disappear with a time. So sad to see how this great country is falling apart and how government and financial institutions are turning people into their own slavers and promoting fraud and letting people with big monies cut good deals with courts and government and continue to stay in the business.

I lost trust, and I feel sad for people who deserve better life in the country they have built.

I hope this post will not be used agains me....but who knows...



Edited 4 time(s). Last edit at 07/20/2014 02:36AM by ElmarNY.

Can you file a report with police?

have you file a report with a police department?

I encountered 2 young Italian driving a big SUV near Leslie and York Mills yesterday. They claimed they were late for flight to Milan and were lost as they needed direction to terminal 3. I had my suspicion and was confirmed as soon as they tried to sell me Harry Rosen jackets. I googled this morning, apparently same scam happen all over North America. Please alert your friends.

Toronto, Canada

It could be a good idea to tell these 2 Ginos you're calling the police so they can send Italian speaking officer to help them.

I called to police and police never showed up. I am requesting a 911 transcript tomorrow to file a complaint with AG office. Police told me to stop beaching and if I would cause any problem to them they would arrest me. so do not bother to call to police. Go to court or attorney general.

Their new business card.
Attachments:

There was only one today - in a white Mercedes compact ..... and he got me for $400. Same story about the airline tickets and directions etc. I feel like a fool and thought I was doing the guy a favour. He had a phony business card (Ferrari clothing) and gave me the same line about the taxes at the airport. I was at the Home Depot in Aurora, Ontario

just happened to me too like 20 mins ago in downtown Chicago.

4 jackets for $400 I paid.. he first asked for $1200.

hmhm...

Please file a report with police. They will not be any help but at least you can record it.

I just ran into this Guy in the mercedez suv today at Southcenter Mall, Seattle WA. I called his bullshit. He asked for directions and then acted like he was giving away Armani jackets to return the favor..but not after asking me to buy an iPhone 5s for him with my credit card.and then crickets! I dropped the bags and left.

Just happened to me in chicago by lakeview neighborhood. By belmont & racine at 7/11 One guy in an SUV, asked for directions to the ohare airport.Then offered 5 brand new Armani jackets for 700.00. So I told him I wasn't interested so from 700 he lower the price to 200 and then the police got there and he started acting all nervous lol I only paid 30 dollars for 2 jackets but ppl be careful around here

Rafael Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Just happened to me in chicago by lakeview
> neighborhood. By belmont & racine at 7/11 One guy
> in an SUV, asked for directions to the ohare
> airport.Then offered 5 brand new Armani jackets
> for 700.00. So I told him I wasn't interested so
> from 700 he lower the price to 200 and then the
> police got there and he started acting all nervous
> lol I only paid 30 dollars for 2 jackets but ppl
> be careful around here


such bullshit!

all these fake stories are just lame

it must be some kind of miracle that every person somehow found this thread on an obscure website no where near where they live

shut the fuck up

go fuck yourself raqafi005@gmail.com

Italian guy at Gyle Edinburgh asked for directions to Glasgow and I got done by
Buying what I thought was Armani jackets. Can't believe I fell for it.

Scammers are in Regina. Scammed me at Northgate Shell station on Thursday July 31st. 2 guys saying from E & A Fashion Milano Italy.

Same old, ask directions to airport, avoiding duty, need some money..blah..blah..blah!!

Pretty much same thing at Longo's Grocery in Burlington, Ontario August 9, 2014 at 4 PM. Two guys, the driver never got out and never talked. Actually never looked at me except straight ahead. Other guy asked for directions to Toronto International airport. Driving a compact black SUV. Asked if I was Italian as his English wasn't so good. He had a passport book he never opened. Said he was at a show, mentioned Harry Rosen. Asked if I ever go to Italy? I said no, He said You come and we go out for coffee. You nice guy." He says he is from Milan. Then he mentions Ferrari and hands me a business card with Ferrari, Alpha Romero, Fiat, Maserati, and Lamborghini on it. GIANLUCA DESIGNER, GIANLUCA@LEBERO.IT, VIALE MONZA 106 MILANO ITALY, 01139025960301. Asks if I like Ferrari? He has some samples in the back he will give me for free cause I am a nice guy. He says you are big, what size are you? I say extra large maybe. He goes to back seat. Driver still looking ahead. Pulls out of bag in plastic wrap black jacket. Says "Feel, real leather, Costs me 1800 Euros," It is mine free. Doesn't want to pay duty taxes, Canada airport will rob him. That kind of stuff. Then he puts e more into a clothe bag, all different colours. One of the jackets he says is good suede. Shows me the invoice in Euros for coats. Then he shows me a picture of his pregnant wife. Asks if I am married , kids, etc. Says he wants to buy his wife a gift, An i-pad, maybe $800 and if I have any money. (I thought the jackets were free but flags were going up right after he showed me the jackets.) He asked what do I do for work? I told him Principal. He says oh and asks if I live here. I say no, up north. I wonder how come he just doesn't buy one i-pad himself? He mentions Ferrari so he must be able to afford an i-pad. I tell him i-pads are 400 to 500 dollars. He says that is good if I have the money. I say, OH, you want me to give you money? He says just to help get a gift for wife. She wants to take pictures with the i-pad. Starting to really smell a con now. I say I had no money, only have visa card. He says we can go to bank machine, I tell him no time as meeting someone for dinner and already late. I give him the four jackets back, He looks dejected. I close my car door and turn around and they are already gone. So I look up on the Internet and find this and say yea, those are the guys. Might be more than one scam artist group though as photos shown in earlier forum are not the same guys. If it is too good,it probably is.