Re: Beware - two italian guys in SUV - scam artists (emporio a collezione)
Posted by:
AG
()
Date: January 22, 2014 09:36PM
22 JAN 14 @ 1730
Same scam. Approached in Las Vegas, off Alta and Fort Apache by CVS. Asked for directions to airport as he had flight at 8pm (it was now 530), gave them, then asked if I had ever been to Italy. He gave me a business card with "Guiseppe Aurelio, Manager, G/A Collezzione", and was holding passport and rental papers in hand. Car started to beep as him when chatting as he was blocking parking area, so he pulls off to side.
Whole story about going back to Italy, talking about taxes and the like. I then say "the VAT is pretty high there" as I have done business in Italy. He was somewhat confused, so immediatly told me something wrong. He then opens the back door of his black Cadillac SUV (Cali tags) and starts showing me jackets that were mysteriously my size. Then shows me the tag on the bottom corner of each jacket, and the "made in Italy" on the label. I did smell leather, but it was a bit strong and off. He then put four jackets into a black bag, and asked what my wife's size was. Told him a 10, he was confused and then said "ah, like Sophia Lauren", really? Then shows me another jacket, puts it into another bag and hands it to me stating they are free for helping him out.
He then starts to get into whole story about his son turning 10, wanting to buy a gift for him. Then shows me his rental receipt for $1385 and asking for $400 to help him out and I could keep the jackets. How he won't have to pay the taxes and will have money when arriving in Italy to buy a gift. I knew it was a scam, as he went from "free gifts" to money for a rental car. I told him I didn't have that much in the bank, etc and he kept persisting. I told him I could give him around $50 for them, although I had no intention as I knew where this was going. I unzip my jacket and move it back to the side and he see's that I am carrying a firearm. His next words were, "you work for polizia?". I didn't answer and he starts with, "I really need to get to airport, my flight leaves soon". He grabs the bags and throws them into the truck, closes the door and hops into the drivers seat, closes door and pulls off rather quickly. Not speeding, but quick. Wow, thought you had a few hours...
Needless to say, I didn't buy any, but the scam is alive and well. BTW, used to sell those speakers (Pro Poly Series 2001's) back in Chicago for a few weeks back in the late-80's. It's all scripted, etc. Speakers cost about $80/pair, brochures said $2k. What you collected above the 80 was yours to split with you partner. Sales people will do anything, I'm just not cut out for it so didn't make a living out of it. Beware!