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  • Report:  #117740

Complaint Review: RGA Giorgio Armani Reportage

RGA Giorgio Armani - Jacket Hamden Reportage ripoff Connecticut

  • Reported By:
    Hamden Connecticut
  • Submitted:
    Sun, November 14, 2004
  • Updated:
    Wed, December 09, 2009
  • RGA Giorgio Armani Reportage
    Hamden, Connecticut
    U.S.A.
  • Phone:
  • Category:
*Consumer Comment: I had the exact same experience today but I think I got the better of it. *Consumer Suggestion: I got done too. In Sydney today. *Consumer Comment: got me in WHITTIER *REBUTTAL Individual responds: I've been hit *Consumer Comment: Got ripped in SYDNEY in silver Hyundai 4WD *Consumer Comment: Now operating in the UK! *Consumer Comment: Now operating in the UK! *Consumer Suggestion: Same story but in Paris!!! *REBUTTAL Individual responds: RGA Giorgio Armani - This b*****d did the same to me- italian, 3 hours away from air plane... no money for tax... *REBUTTAL Individual responds: RGA Giorgio Armani - This b*****d did the same to me- italian, 3 hours away from air plane... no money for tax... *REBUTTAL Individual responds: RGA Giorgio Armani - This b*****d did the same to me- italian, 3 hours away from air plane... no money for tax... *REBUTTAL Individual responds: RGA Giorgio Armani - This b*****d did the same to me- italian, 3 hours away from air plane... no money for tax... *Consumer Comment: HE IS IN LosAngeles NOW!!! *Consumer Comment: HE IS IN LosAngeles NOW!!! *Consumer Comment: HE IS IN LosAngeles NOW!!! *Consumer Comment: HE IS IN LosAngeles NOW!!! *Consumer Comment: RGA Rip off in Biggleswade, UK *Consumer Comment: RGA Rip off in Biggleswade, UK *Consumer Comment: RGA Rip off in Biggleswade, UK *Consumer Comment: RGA Rip off in Biggleswade, UK *Consumer Comment: RGA Reportage Armani Jackets *Consumer Comment: RGA Reportage Armani Jackets *Consumer Comment: RGA Reportage Armani Jackets *Consumer Comment: RGA Reportage Armani Jackets *Consumer Comment: I don't understand *Consumer Comment: I don't understand *Consumer Comment: I don't understand *Consumer Comment: I don't understand *Consumer Comment: I got suckerd too. *Consumer Suggestion: Same scenario, except that the guy was claiming he lost all his money - actually stolen, and he was flying back to Italy in 3 hours *Consumer Comment: Same here in Scotland *Consumer Comment: Armani con-man strikes in Sydney (again) *REBUTTAL Individual responds: i got scamed too *Consumer Suggestion: RGA Jacket Italian Gang.. BEWARE they are professional *Consumer Comment: Same in Australia, BEENLEIGH *Consumer Comment: Is This All the Same Guy *Consumer Comment: So maybe the dude's name is really Luca Rippa Uoff ?? *Consumer Comment: RGA Giorgio Armani / Another sucker born everyday... *Consumer Suggestion: Got done as well in Rydalmere Sydney *Consumer Comment: This same person has struck in Australia *Consumer Comment: Same experience today in a French center shopping park *Consumer Suggestion: May 2, 2005 - Same happen to me in Montreal *Consumer Comment: today, Dec. 11th - in Vienna, Austria *Consumer Suggestion: He's in Manhattan Beach now *Consumer Comment: The same dude in Norway?? *Consumer Suggestion: same story but in sweden *Consumer Comment: "Italian Designer" shows up in Shannon, Ireland !! *Consumer Comment: Also in The Netherlands *Consumer Comment: Italian Con Man in Cheltenham *Consumer Suggestion: RGA in London *Consumer Comment: He's in New Jersey got hit April 28, 2007 *Consumer Comment: He's in New Jersey got hit April 28, 2007 *Consumer Comment: He's in New Jersey got hit April 28, 2007 *Consumer Comment: He's in New Jersey got hit April 28, 2007 *Consumer Comment: I GOT DONE TODAY IN SPRINGVALE IN MELBOURNE *Consumer Comment: NOW IN DENMARK *Consumer Suggestion: Just got ripped off in Marina Del Dey California on the Fake Armani Jackets *REBUTTAL Individual responds: Same story, but i know his car number *Consumer Comment: Taken in Utah

Here he is! a big yuk! this guy really thinks he is cool.

Hey, I just fell for one too today. So sad to find out this way like everyone else.

Italian guy, Italian Accent, Italian Passport...... same story. . He said he was from italy and couldnt speak english very well.

Gotta go to Italy tonite and instead of paying taxes in Italy he would like to give me 3 mens Leather RGA jacket free if i bought 1 ladies jacket. Was selling it for $300 then i said i really dont need em. Then he convinced me...great gift.... blah..blah...blah... I said ok... I will give u $200. He agreed but still said he was losing too much and asked me to give him at least $220. He looked real innocent.

He was in New Haven, Connecticut area and was driving a blue suv (dont remember which one). It had a NJ plate... rental of course. I noticed he drove off right away after he got his cash.

I have never bought anything from people selling on streets, but the jackets really looked good and i thought they may make excellent gifts. This happened today Nov, 13 in Hamden, CT.... watch out guys.

Pat
New Haven, Connecticut
U.S.A.

59 Updates & Rebuttals


Dave

Sandy,
Utah,
United States of America

Taken in Utah

#60Consumer Comment

Wed, December 09, 2009

I got taken Nov. 20, 2009 in Draper,Utah in the bank parking lot.  NOT the same guy, but the identical story and merchandise.  He got $400 to make changes to his flight home because a girl ripped him off.  He told me the jackets were a gift and his dad would wire me the money the following Tues.  He said he was going to Las Vegas for his flight.  Then asked for anything else I had for food and gas to get him there.  I gave the last $7 that I had on me.  He was in a rental Murano with Nev. tags.  He also gave me a business card and wrote phone #'s for his dad and his cell phone (Italian phones).  I didn't waste any money on international calls.  There are more than one of them. Watch out.


Pvl

United States of America

Same story, but i know his car number

#60REBUTTAL Individual responds

Thu, November 26, 2009

New York, Brooklyn, Williamsburg

Same story... Today he was under Giuseppe name.
Sold me 7 Jackets for 400$ plus took an old Dell laptop for his daughter (Bruna, 10y. old).
Well that was my fault, but good experience for the rest of my life. "Free cheese in rats trap". I put down his car number: white Subaru YYS-73U. With this he can be tracked # caught. But i dont think he can be legally punished for that, as there was no violence.
There are hundreds of stores in New York  selling same crap.
Now i have to sell this junk to somebody else hehe....
Again good experience not to be so naive... Good Luck to everybody.


Fred

Huntington Beach,
California,
U.S.A.

Just got ripped off in Marina Del Dey California on the Fake Armani Jackets

#60Consumer Suggestion

Sun, July 15, 2007

The fake PVC smelly jackets are now being sold in the Mariona Del Rey Ca Area . Someone needs to call the health dept as thease jackets give off toxic fumes. They Im sure are '
being made by our wonderful friends in good old mexico. These Italian guys selling these things need to go to jail. They must work in groups all over the country. They got me for $200.00 and I received three wothless jackets that I had to put in my garage cause they stink so bad. I hope I see them again. They will be restrained and arrested.


Uwe

Hvide Sande,
Europe,
Denmark

NOW IN DENMARK

#60Consumer Comment

Thu, June 21, 2007

Young guy, 170 cm, small, German rental car from Munich "M", on his way to the airport, wanted to avoid tax, bla.bla.bla. "Helped" him an bought 1 suit an 3 jackets, stolen or copies from China, I dont know. Serious story...hahaha...he got me... Happend in the city of Bramming 21.6.2007


Tza

Melbourne,
Australia,
Australia

I GOT DONE TODAY IN SPRINGVALE IN MELBOURNE

#60Consumer Comment

Fri, June 08, 2007

i got done by the same guy also today 8/6/7
i was having my lunch when an italian guy approached me cause he didn't know where he was and needed directions.

this led to that, that led to this, and so forth
he told me the same story he told every1, i have to go to italy, i dont wanna take these with me, i wanna do this and that. same sh**

he wanted to sell me a armani suit for $1800 and he said he'll give me a couple of leather jackets for free

i said i dont carry that amount of money on me. anyway, straight to the point, i told him ill give him 600 and he wanted more, so it ended up being 800

as he started to count the money, i knew something was up, so while he wasn't lookin, i took another 4 jackets, so i ended up with 7 jackets and a nice suit,

even though i got ripped off with fake stuff, it still looks good, and im gonna sell them,
so stuff that italian rat


R

Teaneck,
New Jersey,
U.S.A.

He's in New Jersey got hit April 28, 2007

#60Consumer Comment

Sat, May 12, 2007

Okay, I got jacked by this con artist in New Jersey two weeks ago April 29, I guess he worked his way from New York where I just read the last report.

Same MO Italian working for designer going home etc, etc, etc, Smooth cat sold me three jackets $200. You know if it's too good to be true then it ain't true. oh yea I was in Home depot parking lot as well.

Feel like a sucker but the blow is not as bad as I'm in an international group of select suckers.

It was really had to walk away from this, one really has to just listen to that little voice in the head that says something is really, really wrong with this transaction.


R

Teaneck,
New Jersey,
U.S.A.

He's in New Jersey got hit April 28, 2007

#60Consumer Comment

Sat, May 12, 2007

Okay, I got jacked by this con artist in New Jersey two weeks ago April 29, I guess he worked his way from New York where I just read the last report.

Same MO Italian working for designer going home etc, etc, etc, Smooth cat sold me three jackets $200. You know if it's too good to be true then it ain't true. oh yea I was in Home depot parking lot as well.

Feel like a sucker but the blow is not as bad as I'm in an international group of select suckers.

It was really had to walk away from this, one really has to just listen to that little voice in the head that says something is really, really wrong with this transaction.


R

Teaneck,
New Jersey,
U.S.A.

He's in New Jersey got hit April 28, 2007

#60Consumer Comment

Sat, May 12, 2007

Okay, I got jacked by this con artist in New Jersey two weeks ago April 29, I guess he worked his way from New York where I just read the last report.

Same MO Italian working for designer going home etc, etc, etc, Smooth cat sold me three jackets $200. You know if it's too good to be true then it ain't true. oh yea I was in Home depot parking lot as well.

Feel like a sucker but the blow is not as bad as I'm in an international group of select suckers.

It was really had to walk away from this, one really has to just listen to that little voice in the head that says something is really, really wrong with this transaction.


R

Teaneck,
New Jersey,
U.S.A.

He's in New Jersey got hit April 28, 2007

#60Consumer Comment

Sat, May 12, 2007

Okay, I got jacked by this con artist in New Jersey two weeks ago April 29, I guess he worked his way from New York where I just read the last report.

Same MO Italian working for designer going home etc, etc, etc, Smooth cat sold me three jackets $200. You know if it's too good to be true then it ain't true. oh yea I was in Home depot parking lot as well.

Feel like a sucker but the blow is not as bad as I'm in an international group of select suckers.

It was really had to walk away from this, one really has to just listen to that little voice in the head that says something is really, really wrong with this transaction.


Firman

London,
Europe,
United Kingdom

RGA in London

#60Consumer Suggestion

Wed, April 18, 2007

Finally, I was scammed here in London on tuesday afternoon 17 April 2007. I was walking on the walkway in front of the Natural Museum at South Kensington on my way to Imperial College campus, when suddenly a man on a car parked nearby was calling me. "Are you from Italia?" he asked. "No, I'm from Indonesia". Then, "Sorry, my English is not good, but you look like Italian guy. My name Rozario. I love your country, Jakarta and Bali are beautiful, blah blah blah".

Then the typical story began. Initially I thought he wanted to ask about direction since he was opening a road map. He said that he has attended a fashion exhibition yesterday and plan to drive back to Italy right away.

Unfortunately, he said that he run out of money due to losing in a gambling last night. He pointed at the fuel indicator that nearly at E position. He also showed me brand new armani jackets (samples) that he would favorably give to me for free since it looks fit with my size if I can help him filling in some petrol to his car.

His way on persuading made me agree to go along with him to find a petrol station. When passing an ATM on the way through, he said, wouldn't it be much better if I draw some money and let him find gas station by himself alone. I couldn't be more agree. At first, I took GBP50 and gave GBP60 to him (10 pound from my wallet). He insisted that it would not enough and requested me to add GBP50 more. Then he said he will give 3 jackets to me. He said these jackets could worth thousand. I'm in doubt, to help this man by saying its enough or to take advantage but sacrifice more money.

Finally, I couldn't resist and then the transaction done. So, GBP110 for 3 jackets. When I checked, actually they are made in China. Then I found this website. Oh my God, I am a victim. Anyway, it's amazing indeed, this trick has been happening since several years ago and it's still working well. So, I remind you to be careful with Italian people who offering jackets on the streets.


Lucie

Cheltenham,
Europe,
United Kingdom

Italian Con Man in Cheltenham

#60Consumer Comment

Tue, February 27, 2007

Some friends of mine have just been conned into buying some leather jackets. The Italian bloke pictured was in Winchcombe, Gloucestershire which is a tiny village and told them the exact
same story he has told everyone else. He has shaved his head since the picture was taken but it was definitely him.


Israel Zaken

Bannockburn,
Australia,
Australia

Same in Australia, BEENLEIGH

#60Consumer Comment

Mon, February 19, 2007

What happened. I was filling up fuel at 7/11 when a car pulled up and asked me for directions, he wanted to go to brisbane airport because his plane leaves in an hour, he said he was lost and wanted directions, so anyway he goes on to tell me that he has just come from a fashion show at the Sheraton mirage.



He said that he wants to get rid of the jackets before he goes to itally because if not he will have to pay tax on them. He said the jackets were original and were worth around $2000 each. He had 4 jackets and offered me $1300 and I can have them all, I said I didn't have much money, he was very persistent, then eventually I gave in paying 150 dollars each for them.



I have had a look on the internet and they are worth substantially less


Chris

Santa Maria,
California,
U.S.A.

Is This All the Same Guy

#60Consumer Comment

Sun, February 04, 2007

Because if so, he sure gets around!


John

Leeds,
Europe,
Ireland

"Italian Designer" shows up in Shannon, Ireland !!

#60Consumer Comment

Fri, February 02, 2007

Our friend has now made his way to Ireland !!

He pulled over and asked directions to Dublin which I gave him and then proceeded to show me a suit which he said was left over from a Fashion convention which he didnt want to bring home along with other RGA Leather jackets due to the baggage charges recently introduced. Boy he was on top of his game. He offered me the suit for ?250 and said he would throw in the 3 leather jackets and a blue suede jacket for free. I got him down to ?200 and off to the ATM I went like an idiot !!



He seemed really really genuine. Drove a rental car...spoke Italian (I can speak a little) was well dressed and as already stated all the clothes looked to be of very high quality.



It was only when I went home yesterday that i noticed a tag on the inside of the suit trousers which had ZhioRatuer Clothing company or something.



It was then I knew it was all too good to be true and decided to look up this RGA lable. I feel like such a mug...............


Robert

Bedford,
Other,
United Kingdom

RGA Rip off in Biggleswade, UK

#60Consumer Comment

Fri, January 19, 2007

I got conned today by one of these scams. I parked outside a Halfords store in Biggleswade, Bedfordshire today and an Italian guy pulls up in a red Renault and asks how long it takes to drive to the airport from there. I tell him an hour and think no more about it. But then he reverses into a parking space and calls me over. Like an idiot I go to his car, where he shows me his passport (I don't know if it's real or not, I've not seen an Italian passport before!) Then he does the same story, been to a show, too many samples to take back to Italy, needs money to pay for the rental car and shows me relevant paperwork. I did start to wonder at this point, because when you rent a car they take payment before you collect the car, NOT when you return it. Anyway he says 'you are working man just like me. I want to give you present. I give you 4 jackets for 150,' then shows me Armani catologue and says they sell normally for up to 1000 or something similar. I start to think, I could maybe help this guy out and get a great bargain.



But fortunately, I didn't have my cashcard on me, then he offers to take me to cash machine, I explain I have no card on me. He asks how much cash I've got on me. I stupidly tell him. I had 20 and that was all. I had tried to explain this to him and get away from him but he was very convincing and he kept on offering better deals, dropping the price. I am very glad that I didn't have my card with me otherwise I may well have been tricked into buying a few of the jackets. As he finally grasped that 20 was all I had, he said 'I need some petrol(gas) money' and offered me one jacket for 20 which I bought. It looks pretty good and even if it's a fake I'm not worried. It does smell a bit odd, but it fits me very well. I still believed the guy's story as he drove off. It was only later that I started to think I may have been conned. It could have been a lot worse, I ended up with a reasonable jacket and didn't lose too much money, but these guys are very good at this trick, very convincing. Now I found this site, (just by typing 'RGA Reportage' into Google!) and all the stories here. I feel like a bit of an idiot, but at least I'm not the only one who fell for it. If I see this guy again, I shall tell him to clear off back to Italy and don't come back!


Robert

Bedford,
Other,
United Kingdom

RGA Rip off in Biggleswade, UK

#60Consumer Comment

Fri, January 19, 2007

I got conned today by one of these scams. I parked outside a Halfords store in Biggleswade, Bedfordshire today and an Italian guy pulls up in a red Renault and asks how long it takes to drive to the airport from there. I tell him an hour and think no more about it. But then he reverses into a parking space and calls me over. Like an idiot I go to his car, where he shows me his passport (I don't know if it's real or not, I've not seen an Italian passport before!) Then he does the same story, been to a show, too many samples to take back to Italy, needs money to pay for the rental car and shows me relevant paperwork. I did start to wonder at this point, because when you rent a car they take payment before you collect the car, NOT when you return it. Anyway he says 'you are working man just like me. I want to give you present. I give you 4 jackets for 150,' then shows me Armani catologue and says they sell normally for up to 1000 or something similar. I start to think, I could maybe help this guy out and get a great bargain.



But fortunately, I didn't have my cashcard on me, then he offers to take me to cash machine, I explain I have no card on me. He asks how much cash I've got on me. I stupidly tell him. I had 20 and that was all. I had tried to explain this to him and get away from him but he was very convincing and he kept on offering better deals, dropping the price. I am very glad that I didn't have my card with me otherwise I may well have been tricked into buying a few of the jackets. As he finally grasped that 20 was all I had, he said 'I need some petrol(gas) money' and offered me one jacket for 20 which I bought. It looks pretty good and even if it's a fake I'm not worried. It does smell a bit odd, but it fits me very well. I still believed the guy's story as he drove off. It was only later that I started to think I may have been conned. It could have been a lot worse, I ended up with a reasonable jacket and didn't lose too much money, but these guys are very good at this trick, very convincing. Now I found this site, (just by typing 'RGA Reportage' into Google!) and all the stories here. I feel like a bit of an idiot, but at least I'm not the only one who fell for it. If I see this guy again, I shall tell him to clear off back to Italy and don't come back!


Robert

Bedford,
Other,
United Kingdom

RGA Rip off in Biggleswade, UK

#60Consumer Comment

Fri, January 19, 2007

I got conned today by one of these scams. I parked outside a Halfords store in Biggleswade, Bedfordshire today and an Italian guy pulls up in a red Renault and asks how long it takes to drive to the airport from there. I tell him an hour and think no more about it. But then he reverses into a parking space and calls me over. Like an idiot I go to his car, where he shows me his passport (I don't know if it's real or not, I've not seen an Italian passport before!) Then he does the same story, been to a show, too many samples to take back to Italy, needs money to pay for the rental car and shows me relevant paperwork. I did start to wonder at this point, because when you rent a car they take payment before you collect the car, NOT when you return it. Anyway he says 'you are working man just like me. I want to give you present. I give you 4 jackets for 150,' then shows me Armani catologue and says they sell normally for up to 1000 or something similar. I start to think, I could maybe help this guy out and get a great bargain.



But fortunately, I didn't have my cashcard on me, then he offers to take me to cash machine, I explain I have no card on me. He asks how much cash I've got on me. I stupidly tell him. I had 20 and that was all. I had tried to explain this to him and get away from him but he was very convincing and he kept on offering better deals, dropping the price. I am very glad that I didn't have my card with me otherwise I may well have been tricked into buying a few of the jackets. As he finally grasped that 20 was all I had, he said 'I need some petrol(gas) money' and offered me one jacket for 20 which I bought. It looks pretty good and even if it's a fake I'm not worried. It does smell a bit odd, but it fits me very well. I still believed the guy's story as he drove off. It was only later that I started to think I may have been conned. It could have been a lot worse, I ended up with a reasonable jacket and didn't lose too much money, but these guys are very good at this trick, very convincing. Now I found this site, (just by typing 'RGA Reportage' into Google!) and all the stories here. I feel like a bit of an idiot, but at least I'm not the only one who fell for it. If I see this guy again, I shall tell him to clear off back to Italy and don't come back!


Robert

Bedford,
Other,
United Kingdom

RGA Rip off in Biggleswade, UK

#60Consumer Comment

Fri, January 19, 2007

I got conned today by one of these scams. I parked outside a Halfords store in Biggleswade, Bedfordshire today and an Italian guy pulls up in a red Renault and asks how long it takes to drive to the airport from there. I tell him an hour and think no more about it. But then he reverses into a parking space and calls me over. Like an idiot I go to his car, where he shows me his passport (I don't know if it's real or not, I've not seen an Italian passport before!) Then he does the same story, been to a show, too many samples to take back to Italy, needs money to pay for the rental car and shows me relevant paperwork. I did start to wonder at this point, because when you rent a car they take payment before you collect the car, NOT when you return it. Anyway he says 'you are working man just like me. I want to give you present. I give you 4 jackets for 150,' then shows me Armani catologue and says they sell normally for up to 1000 or something similar. I start to think, I could maybe help this guy out and get a great bargain.



But fortunately, I didn't have my cashcard on me, then he offers to take me to cash machine, I explain I have no card on me. He asks how much cash I've got on me. I stupidly tell him. I had 20 and that was all. I had tried to explain this to him and get away from him but he was very convincing and he kept on offering better deals, dropping the price. I am very glad that I didn't have my card with me otherwise I may well have been tricked into buying a few of the jackets. As he finally grasped that 20 was all I had, he said 'I need some petrol(gas) money' and offered me one jacket for 20 which I bought. It looks pretty good and even if it's a fake I'm not worried. It does smell a bit odd, but it fits me very well. I still believed the guy's story as he drove off. It was only later that I started to think I may have been conned. It could have been a lot worse, I ended up with a reasonable jacket and didn't lose too much money, but these guys are very good at this trick, very convincing. Now I found this site, (just by typing 'RGA Reportage' into Google!) and all the stories here. I feel like a bit of an idiot, but at least I'm not the only one who fell for it. If I see this guy again, I shall tell him to clear off back to Italy and don't come back!


Rodrigo

Budapest,
Europe,
Hungary

today, Dec. 11th - in Vienna, Austria

#60Consumer Comment

Mon, December 11, 2006

The same story...

Gas station, rental car (from Germany, with one old guy as passanger, could be his father), lost his money with 2 girls...

italian, fashion industry, blablabla

3 jackets, 250 euros and so on...



too bad I read this page too late!

Next step is to phone the police, I hope they will be interested enough in the case.


Stan

Sydney,
Australia,
Australia

Got ripped in SYDNEY in silver Hyundai 4WD

#60Consumer Comment

Wed, December 06, 2006

Like the bloke above.



I got done, got 8 jackets for $600. My mum is a seamstress and says the stiching is decent, and jackets are decent. Espcially for only $80 each. I figured they were fake.



He had a passport, QLD plates, rental call, he arrived in Australia on 11/10/06, so all the italian must be having a big laugh at us. Heavy accent, and ALOT of tatts.



I hate being ripped, might call the coppers, but still did well. One jacket for day for Xmas,and father in law, my bro, and 4 more for me.



Lucky I didnt pay the $1,000 he was asking for.


Ted

E. Palo Alto,
California,
U.S.A.

I got suckerd too.

#60Consumer Comment

Tue, December 05, 2006

Yes I too am a victim of the RGA/ Armani Mafia. What amazes me is that all individual incidents I read are quite the same. This guy who goes by the name of Luigi. He stopped me here in a shopping center in Milpitas close to north San Jose Ca. And told me that these jackets were the remainder from an exhibition. He wanted 700$ dollars. But I only gave him 400$for six jackets. I still got F- _-ed. I have not been able to sell these jackets. Looks like my friends are going to recieve more gifts for christmas this year.



This incident happened around June 2006. If I see this guy again I will definetly kick him in the face or any other of his gang.


Josh

Whittier,
California,
U.S.A.

got me in WHITTIER

#60Consumer Comment

Wed, November 22, 2006

the guy i ran into was at the washington mutual in uptown. between 5'6 and 5'8. short black hair with either dark or green eyes. was driving a new white dodge caliber (not to be mistaken for a magnum, though similar). His story was even better. he needed to directions to the airport and then decided he wanted to give me $2,000 jackets for free. then he said he needed to get to italy and only needed $180. it was an emergency, he lost his money in vegas - the usual. so i gave in. i would love to smash his head in right now


Thomas

Anderson,
South Carolina,
U.S.A.

So maybe the dude's name is really Luca Rippa Uoff ??

#60Consumer Comment

Thu, November 16, 2006

Jackets are probably from China, and may even be real RGA jackets that were booted out of the factory, or seconds with very minor flaws. Labor in China is cheap, cheap, cheap. Especially in the prisons.



An assocoiate bought *REAL* Eddie Bauer GorTex Jackets ($150 in USA EB store) for $20 from a vendor in China. The vendor probably paid $5 to $10. Which tells you why American companies are sourcing from China.


Fernando

Pittsburg,
California,
U.S.A.

I've been hit

#60REBUTTAL Individual responds

Thu, November 16, 2006

Okay ,,, this guy is Here in Concord Ca ... Same Sobb Story got me for 200.00. Guy is completely different and if you read these stories he is in mutiple areas at the same time ,,, So most likely it's a group ... So I got fooled bought 3 fake jackets for 200.00 ... If you see him Sock any of them in the Jaw for me.. He was driving a grey dodge cara-Van . Take he's cash and all I want is 100$


Greg

Rydalmere,
Australia,
Australia

Got done as well in Rydalmere Sydney

#60Consumer Suggestion

Tue, November 14, 2006

Got scammed in Rydalmere today. Standing at the back of my office on the phone, guy pulls up and asks if I spoke Italian... When I told him I couldn't he's english suddenly got much better.. Same story as in other reports, "just finished a fashion show at the convention centre, had to fly back to Italy that night and did not want to take the stock with him as he did not want to pay the taxes"> Trust me this guy is smooth!! I am a very street smart person and I don't believe I have ever been scammed before but this guy nailed me...



The story was he wanted $2000 for one suit and he would give me three leather jackets for free, we negotiated (as you do) and the deal ended up at three suits and eight leather jackets (everything he had) for $1800. I thought I had got him at that stage.. This guy had answers for everything, I asked him whose car it was? he showed me the euro car key ring. I asked him what airline he was flying, he pulled out plane tickets and a door card for the IBIS hotel. He was good, very good.



He was driving a small silver 4WD rego AL 60 D0 and if you are reading this "Marco" following your success I'm not unhappy about the deal, I quite like all the jackets and the suits but becareful because one day you will cross my path again and I will give you a free flight back to Italy.


Richard

Sydney,
Australia,
Australia

I got done too. In Sydney today.

#60Consumer Suggestion

Sat, October 28, 2006

Hi Guys,



I got done by this same scam too. Today 28/10/06 in Sydney. Same thing, a guy pulls into a service station and asks for my help. He was very slick and I was suspicious straight away and didn't really buy any of his story, but I bought some of his stuff anyway. He was driving a silver Hyundai Santa Fe (dont think it was a rental) number plate is NSW registration, AF 68 YN.



Hi story was the one that was he had been in town for a fashion show, and he is a designer for Armani and he had all these samples but didn't want to take them home because of all the Tax he'd have to pay. He had 8 leather jackets and said they retail for $800 AUD but if I bought one for $800 AUD he would give me all 8 of them (7 mens, 1 womens. Some were 3/4 length trench coat style, some just regular sized).



I said no thanks. But I saw he had 2 business suits as well. They were quite nice and he said they were worth $1200 each, and same thing. If I paid him $1200 for one, he would give me both suits, and the 8 jackets. I said how about $200 for both suits. He said, no, I can't do less than $400. I said, ok see you later. He said, let's meet halfway at $300 (my brother..haha). I said it's $200 or I'm on my way. He insisted for a bit, but in the end caved in at $200. I paid him $200 and when he saw the money in my money clip even asked "can I have $20 for gas". I said no way, you're now holding more of my money than I am!



He was pretty good and I'm sure would fool a lot of people. I was pretty sure the stuff was all fake, but the suits were quite nice. Not bad for $100 AUD each, and one fits me like a glove, the other is a little big, and both came in quite nice suit bags. So overall I was not too unhappy. Even a cheap suit in sydney costs $500AUD, and my real from the shop hugo boss suit cost me $1100.



At least he's going to some effort to scam people rather than robbing grannys, or stealing from people.



I would however be madly pissed off if I bought a whole lot of the stuff or hundreds of dollars.



This guy looks different to the one pictured above. He was youngish, I'd say mid 30s, or even late 20's, he had an italian accent, and even spoke italian, he was a smoker too, and a bit on the cuhbby side.


Edwin

Livermore,
California,
U.S.A.

RGA Jacket Italian Gang.. BEWARE they are professional

#60Consumer Suggestion

Thu, October 12, 2006

RGA Italian Gang

These Italian claim to be in need of help and would sell you 3 RGA jackets to compensate you. As I read several similar reports, this is been happening internationally. I hate myself for being stupid for helping someone today... It happened in Livermore CA, USA on 10-11-06, infront of HomeDepot.


Jordan

Hamilton,
Other,
Bermuda

I don't understand

#60Consumer Comment

Mon, October 09, 2006

An Armani jacket can cost up to 10,000 USD no one paid this for the fake one so I don't understand the complaint. Also buying things on the street doesn't quite give the experience the hallmark of authenticity. Where's the fire?


Jordan

Hamilton,
Other,
Bermuda

I don't understand

#60Consumer Comment

Mon, October 09, 2006

An Armani jacket can cost up to 10,000 USD no one paid this for the fake one so I don't understand the complaint. Also buying things on the street doesn't quite give the experience the hallmark of authenticity. Where's the fire?


Jordan

Hamilton,
Other,
Bermuda

I don't understand

#60Consumer Comment

Mon, October 09, 2006

An Armani jacket can cost up to 10,000 USD no one paid this for the fake one so I don't understand the complaint. Also buying things on the street doesn't quite give the experience the hallmark of authenticity. Where's the fire?


Jordan

Hamilton,
Other,
Bermuda

I don't understand

#60Consumer Comment

Mon, October 09, 2006

An Armani jacket can cost up to 10,000 USD no one paid this for the fake one so I don't understand the complaint. Also buying things on the street doesn't quite give the experience the hallmark of authenticity. Where's the fire?


John

San Francisco,
California,
U.S.A.

HE IS IN LosAngeles NOW!!!

#60Consumer Comment

Mon, October 09, 2006

sorry for my poor english. same thing happened to me on 10/7/06 in LA at westwood and sepulveda blvd. he is driving Infinity G-Coupe two-doors matellic (grey) color. he is around 25 and 5'7''. dark hair and grey eye w/ kind of thick eye-brow. weight is about 150 i guess and looks gay. his name is enzo Pollo. he said he is a model working for that giorgio armani. and from italy come here for a fashion show or something. he said he slept w/ a girl last night and the girl stole his wallet with credit cards inside. so he has no money to pay for the car he rent and thus he cannot leave the country.



he is flying back to italy in 3 hours. he has another show to walk in italy and if he cannot show up at that fashion show, he has to pay a lot of compensate money back to the company he is working for or something. so he shows me the car rental receipt and asks me if i can pay for it, and he will wire my money back to my account next day. he said his father tries to send him money through the western union but the bank is closed at that time.



that *&*& guys set up good. while we are speaking, his cellphone rings up and he said it's his dad from italy and his dad is so worry now. he even let me speak with his dad. his dad was like bagging me to help his son in the phone. also his brother from UK calls him while we are talking and he also let me speak with his brother and his brother says thank you and blah....blah...blah.. he shows me the italian passport too. and he shows me three reportage jackets and says his boss gives him as presents and each of them are like more than a thousand dollars. and he says he will give me all of those three if i pay for his car bill.



he looks so innocent and the story he said is so real. he is acting like he cannot speak english very well. or may be he really cannot speak english very well. his accent is like italian-i don't really know-that i had a hard time to understand what he is saying. i felt sorry for him because i myself is a foreigner and i cannot speak english well either. so i thought i should help him. so i let him borrow $300 and fill the gas tank because he has to return the car w/ full tank. cost me totally about $350. i don't have $300 cash in my wallet so he drives me to my home and i give him money right in front of my house.



by that moment, i should have realized that i'm being cheated because he is driving through streets in LA pretty well eventhough he said he has been only 5 days in u.s. he knows westwood blvd. i even asked him if he can find his way out from the residential area around my house and make it to the airport. and i stupidly give him my bank account number so that he can transfer money to my account. he gives me his italy phone number which is 393-389-869401. i don't know if it works or not. and he gave me a jacket and take back two for his father in italy. i let him keep two back because i don't really want those jackets. i just want to help him and all i want is my money back in next day.



that next day is today =( when i accidentally see this web page and after reading all these stuff, i realized that he got me good. that is so f**ked up my friends. my story is exactly the same as yours. we gonna do something with this or GOD will.



---this is for enzo pollo only---

i tell you enzo *&* pollo or whatever you name is. you might be reading this page one day and laughing at us. but think about it. you want money, then go work. you are young. you have two hands and two legs like us. you have a good freaking brain. and you use that brain to do bad things. look at yourself in the mirror dude. you are a f**king adult man. not a disable person. not a girl. even they work and earn money for living.



i don't believe you don't feel no shame dude. did you mother teach you to do those things? did you father allow you to do those things? think about your value dude. those money you cheated, we worked for them and we earned them. my question is did you?? i call myself stupid not because i got ripped-off but because i've helped and supported a shameless *&* like you.


John

San Francisco,
California,
U.S.A.

HE IS IN LosAngeles NOW!!!

#60Consumer Comment

Mon, October 09, 2006

sorry for my poor english. same thing happened to me on 10/7/06 in LA at westwood and sepulveda blvd. he is driving Infinity G-Coupe two-doors matellic (grey) color. he is around 25 and 5'7''. dark hair and grey eye w/ kind of thick eye-brow. weight is about 150 i guess and looks gay. his name is enzo Pollo. he said he is a model working for that giorgio armani. and from italy come here for a fashion show or something. he said he slept w/ a girl last night and the girl stole his wallet with credit cards inside. so he has no money to pay for the car he rent and thus he cannot leave the country.



he is flying back to italy in 3 hours. he has another show to walk in italy and if he cannot show up at that fashion show, he has to pay a lot of compensate money back to the company he is working for or something. so he shows me the car rental receipt and asks me if i can pay for it, and he will wire my money back to my account next day. he said his father tries to send him money through the western union but the bank is closed at that time.



that *&*& guys set up good. while we are speaking, his cellphone rings up and he said it's his dad from italy and his dad is so worry now. he even let me speak with his dad. his dad was like bagging me to help his son in the phone. also his brother from UK calls him while we are talking and he also let me speak with his brother and his brother says thank you and blah....blah...blah.. he shows me the italian passport too. and he shows me three reportage jackets and says his boss gives him as presents and each of them are like more than a thousand dollars. and he says he will give me all of those three if i pay for his car bill.



he looks so innocent and the story he said is so real. he is acting like he cannot speak english very well. or may be he really cannot speak english very well. his accent is like italian-i don't really know-that i had a hard time to understand what he is saying. i felt sorry for him because i myself is a foreigner and i cannot speak english well either. so i thought i should help him. so i let him borrow $300 and fill the gas tank because he has to return the car w/ full tank. cost me totally about $350. i don't have $300 cash in my wallet so he drives me to my home and i give him money right in front of my house.



by that moment, i should have realized that i'm being cheated because he is driving through streets in LA pretty well eventhough he said he has been only 5 days in u.s. he knows westwood blvd. i even asked him if he can find his way out from the residential area around my house and make it to the airport. and i stupidly give him my bank account number so that he can transfer money to my account. he gives me his italy phone number which is 393-389-869401. i don't know if it works or not. and he gave me a jacket and take back two for his father in italy. i let him keep two back because i don't really want those jackets. i just want to help him and all i want is my money back in next day.



that next day is today =( when i accidentally see this web page and after reading all these stuff, i realized that he got me good. that is so f**ked up my friends. my story is exactly the same as yours. we gonna do something with this or GOD will.



---this is for enzo pollo only---

i tell you enzo *&* pollo or whatever you name is. you might be reading this page one day and laughing at us. but think about it. you want money, then go work. you are young. you have two hands and two legs like us. you have a good freaking brain. and you use that brain to do bad things. look at yourself in the mirror dude. you are a f**king adult man. not a disable person. not a girl. even they work and earn money for living.



i don't believe you don't feel no shame dude. did you mother teach you to do those things? did you father allow you to do those things? think about your value dude. those money you cheated, we worked for them and we earned them. my question is did you?? i call myself stupid not because i got ripped-off but because i've helped and supported a shameless *&* like you.


John

San Francisco,
California,
U.S.A.

HE IS IN LosAngeles NOW!!!

#60Consumer Comment

Mon, October 09, 2006

sorry for my poor english. same thing happened to me on 10/7/06 in LA at westwood and sepulveda blvd. he is driving Infinity G-Coupe two-doors matellic (grey) color. he is around 25 and 5'7''. dark hair and grey eye w/ kind of thick eye-brow. weight is about 150 i guess and looks gay. his name is enzo Pollo. he said he is a model working for that giorgio armani. and from italy come here for a fashion show or something. he said he slept w/ a girl last night and the girl stole his wallet with credit cards inside. so he has no money to pay for the car he rent and thus he cannot leave the country.



he is flying back to italy in 3 hours. he has another show to walk in italy and if he cannot show up at that fashion show, he has to pay a lot of compensate money back to the company he is working for or something. so he shows me the car rental receipt and asks me if i can pay for it, and he will wire my money back to my account next day. he said his father tries to send him money through the western union but the bank is closed at that time.



that *&*& guys set up good. while we are speaking, his cellphone rings up and he said it's his dad from italy and his dad is so worry now. he even let me speak with his dad. his dad was like bagging me to help his son in the phone. also his brother from UK calls him while we are talking and he also let me speak with his brother and his brother says thank you and blah....blah...blah.. he shows me the italian passport too. and he shows me three reportage jackets and says his boss gives him as presents and each of them are like more than a thousand dollars. and he says he will give me all of those three if i pay for his car bill.



he looks so innocent and the story he said is so real. he is acting like he cannot speak english very well. or may be he really cannot speak english very well. his accent is like italian-i don't really know-that i had a hard time to understand what he is saying. i felt sorry for him because i myself is a foreigner and i cannot speak english well either. so i thought i should help him. so i let him borrow $300 and fill the gas tank because he has to return the car w/ full tank. cost me totally about $350. i don't have $300 cash in my wallet so he drives me to my home and i give him money right in front of my house.



by that moment, i should have realized that i'm being cheated because he is driving through streets in LA pretty well eventhough he said he has been only 5 days in u.s. he knows westwood blvd. i even asked him if he can find his way out from the residential area around my house and make it to the airport. and i stupidly give him my bank account number so that he can transfer money to my account. he gives me his italy phone number which is 393-389-869401. i don't know if it works or not. and he gave me a jacket and take back two for his father in italy. i let him keep two back because i don't really want those jackets. i just want to help him and all i want is my money back in next day.



that next day is today =( when i accidentally see this web page and after reading all these stuff, i realized that he got me good. that is so f**ked up my friends. my story is exactly the same as yours. we gonna do something with this or GOD will.



---this is for enzo pollo only---

i tell you enzo *&* pollo or whatever you name is. you might be reading this page one day and laughing at us. but think about it. you want money, then go work. you are young. you have two hands and two legs like us. you have a good freaking brain. and you use that brain to do bad things. look at yourself in the mirror dude. you are a f**king adult man. not a disable person. not a girl. even they work and earn money for living.



i don't believe you don't feel no shame dude. did you mother teach you to do those things? did you father allow you to do those things? think about your value dude. those money you cheated, we worked for them and we earned them. my question is did you?? i call myself stupid not because i got ripped-off but because i've helped and supported a shameless *&* like you.


John

San Francisco,
California,
U.S.A.

HE IS IN LosAngeles NOW!!!

#60Consumer Comment

Mon, October 09, 2006

sorry for my poor english. same thing happened to me on 10/7/06 in LA at westwood and sepulveda blvd. he is driving Infinity G-Coupe two-doors matellic (grey) color. he is around 25 and 5'7''. dark hair and grey eye w/ kind of thick eye-brow. weight is about 150 i guess and looks gay. his name is enzo Pollo. he said he is a model working for that giorgio armani. and from italy come here for a fashion show or something. he said he slept w/ a girl last night and the girl stole his wallet with credit cards inside. so he has no money to pay for the car he rent and thus he cannot leave the country.



he is flying back to italy in 3 hours. he has another show to walk in italy and if he cannot show up at that fashion show, he has to pay a lot of compensate money back to the company he is working for or something. so he shows me the car rental receipt and asks me if i can pay for it, and he will wire my money back to my account next day. he said his father tries to send him money through the western union but the bank is closed at that time.



that *&*& guys set up good. while we are speaking, his cellphone rings up and he said it's his dad from italy and his dad is so worry now. he even let me speak with his dad. his dad was like bagging me to help his son in the phone. also his brother from UK calls him while we are talking and he also let me speak with his brother and his brother says thank you and blah....blah...blah.. he shows me the italian passport too. and he shows me three reportage jackets and says his boss gives him as presents and each of them are like more than a thousand dollars. and he says he will give me all of those three if i pay for his car bill.



he looks so innocent and the story he said is so real. he is acting like he cannot speak english very well. or may be he really cannot speak english very well. his accent is like italian-i don't really know-that i had a hard time to understand what he is saying. i felt sorry for him because i myself is a foreigner and i cannot speak english well either. so i thought i should help him. so i let him borrow $300 and fill the gas tank because he has to return the car w/ full tank. cost me totally about $350. i don't have $300 cash in my wallet so he drives me to my home and i give him money right in front of my house.



by that moment, i should have realized that i'm being cheated because he is driving through streets in LA pretty well eventhough he said he has been only 5 days in u.s. he knows westwood blvd. i even asked him if he can find his way out from the residential area around my house and make it to the airport. and i stupidly give him my bank account number so that he can transfer money to my account. he gives me his italy phone number which is 393-389-869401. i don't know if it works or not. and he gave me a jacket and take back two for his father in italy. i let him keep two back because i don't really want those jackets. i just want to help him and all i want is my money back in next day.



that next day is today =( when i accidentally see this web page and after reading all these stuff, i realized that he got me good. that is so f**ked up my friends. my story is exactly the same as yours. we gonna do something with this or GOD will.



---this is for enzo pollo only---

i tell you enzo *&* pollo or whatever you name is. you might be reading this page one day and laughing at us. but think about it. you want money, then go work. you are young. you have two hands and two legs like us. you have a good freaking brain. and you use that brain to do bad things. look at yourself in the mirror dude. you are a f**king adult man. not a disable person. not a girl. even they work and earn money for living.



i don't believe you don't feel no shame dude. did you mother teach you to do those things? did you father allow you to do those things? think about your value dude. those money you cheated, we worked for them and we earned them. my question is did you?? i call myself stupid not because i got ripped-off but because i've helped and supported a shameless *&* like you.


Julien

93270,
Europe,
France, Metropolitan

Same experience today in a French center shopping park

#60Consumer Comment

Thu, October 05, 2006

I was going to heat in a small restaurant in Sevran - France with a collegue, when a car stopped them and the driver began talking to us. The car was a renting car (french car I think) and the driver Italian type. He said us he didn't speak French very well with him italian accent. As the others report he told us he had to go to airport to go back Italy. I said him, I would like speakin italian as he spoke french !!!!





The he showed us 3 leathers jackets and 2 costumes. On the seat of his car stood some Armani liflets and he told us he made a fashion show in Paris. He wanted 800 for 2 costumes and 2 leather jackets. My friend and I haven't this money but we were interested. We said no more money and he fall the price at 400 then 300.

We accept this price and go to search the money with him.... He took the goods in my car and go back. I'm very irrited to write this reports but it's the life. The goods are beautiful but it's unreal ARMANI. it's a really b**tard.... 300 in his pockets.


Matt

Manhattan Beach,
California,
U.S.A.

He's in Manhattan Beach now

#60Consumer Suggestion

Sat, August 05, 2006

I had the same experience yesterday at the Kinecta Credit Union in Manhattan Beach, CA. I didn't having a problem helping this guy out with some cash. This guy was GOOD. I would like to find him and put him in one of my movies as an actor!



Other than the fact that he removed one of the jackets (the best one) he agreed to give me from the bag while my back was turned at the ATM machine, I ended up with 2 jackets (and a fine cashmere suit.



I have friends in the fashion business so I showed the clothing to one of them and she suggested they were actually authentic. They appeared to be finely crafted clothing. And the suit fits. :)



She went on to tell me clothing like this is oftern stolen by the truck load in that business and sold on the street.


Matt

Sydney,
Other,
Australia

Armani con-man strikes in Sydney (again)

#60Consumer Comment

Fri, July 21, 2006

I had the exact same thing happen to me the other night in Bronte, Sydney.



It was raining, I got out of my car to get some cash and in a second a car pulled up and a guy with an Italian accent started the same whole spiel... Fashion show, gotta get back to Italy, doesn't want to pay taxes etc. I didn't want any jackets, I told him sorry but he was very persistent. He got out in the rain and showed me a thick wad of $50 to show that he "didn't need the money" (this just made me think he was extra dodgy). Nonetheless his persistance one out. I remembered my mum had given me $200 for my birthday to buy clothes. I hate shopping and still hadn't got around to it so thought maybe this guy was some weird blessing. I bought one jacket off him for $100, and still as I showed him how little money I had on my bank receipt and told HIM about MY baby boy (really) he tried to get me to pay $350 for the 6. I said no and as I got in my car he asked for that other $20 as well.



Now I have a jacket that smells very strong and is a size too big for me. I don't even wear leather jackets but I just thought the whole thing was so bizarre that it had to be true. In the pouring rain this dude was working pretty hard!


David

Boston,
Massachusetts,
U.S.A.

RGA Giorgio Armani / Another sucker born everyday...

#60Consumer Comment

Sat, July 15, 2006

Fair to say this Italian scam in International and its working. I was coming out of Home Depot in Boston and the same M/O was done with me. SCAM was running through my head the minute he said Hello...But when I saw the jackets and felt the quality of the jackets, I was really impressed, fake or not. Boston always had international trade conventions at the WTC so I got hooked, line and sinker! I liked the jackets so much I paid $300 for three nice leather jackets.



What I'm really kicking myself in the a*s was the fact that all these other guys got away with paying less than my stupid @ss. I have no regrets other than not offering less. I've bought designer leather jackets $500 plus before and the leather was not better than the ones I got duped with. If I were in a store and saw these nice jackets I wouldn't think twice. If anyone experience these guys, play dumb and offer low ball numbers if you like them, if not, give them the International Finger!


Ian

Kingsgrove,
Australia,
Australia

This same person has struck in Australia

#60Consumer Comment

Sun, June 18, 2006

Saturday 18/06/06 he said the same story'

"I am leaving Australia in 4 hours and don't want to return to Italy with all these Jackets so if you buy 1 jacket I will give you 4 jackets." Once I told him I didn't have that sort of cash on me he asked how much cash did I have and could I get some cash.

He was driving a rental car, rego THR-243 a red 4 wheel drive from eurocar rental.


Mike

Bridgend,
Europe,
United Kingdom

Now operating in the UK!

#60Consumer Comment

Sun, May 14, 2006

I have just come across the same scam operating in South Wales UK. I can't be certain it was the same guy pictured above as he had shaved his hair off, but the mole on his upper lip is very similar.



Basically he spun me the same line as has been used elsewhere - he had been to an exhibition at the Swansea Hilton hotel and had been given these five jackets instead of commission payment, but he needed cash to pay for his petrol to get home to Milan. Same thing, he showed me his passport and a picture of his wife (strangely this seemed to have been cut out in silhouette form). He was asking 250 GBP for all five jackets (the price of one he told me).



He seemed a little agitated when I questioned him on the leather which appeared more like plastic to me, certainly the suede & chamois coats had clear weave lines throughout them. He then did the lighter across the "leather" trick, to 'prove' they were genuine. Susspecting a scam I told him the most cash had available was 50 (still probably more than they're worth). Be warned though, these are made with leather scented plastic, but they are plastic nonetheless and the stitching in places was very poor quality. He showed me the small collar label on one jacket, which did appear to be genuine leather, although it was pretty clear that this was not the same material used for the jacket.



Needless to say, we didn't do a deal and he quickly scurried off. Upon my return home I Googled for 'R.G.A. Italy' and came across this site. I have since phoned the local Police who said they are aware of this character as also were the local Trading Standards office who had received several complaints about this guy.



He is currently driving a silver Volkswagon Golf TDi with Italian registration plates and from what the Police told me he is currently staying in the Bridgend area.



Do not be tempted or persuaded by his charm.


Mike

Bridgend,
Europe,
United Kingdom

Now operating in the UK!

#60Consumer Comment

Sun, May 14, 2006

I have just come across the same scam operating in South Wales UK. I can't be certain it was the same guy pictured above as he had shaved his hair off, but the mole on his upper lip is very similar.



Basically he spun me the same line as has been used elsewhere - he had been to an exhibition at the Swansea Hilton hotel and had been given these five jackets instead of commission payment, but he needed cash to pay for his petrol to get home to Milan. Same thing, he showed me his passport and a picture of his wife (strangely this seemed to have been cut out in silhouette form). He was asking 250 GBP for all five jackets (the price of one he told me).



He seemed a little agitated when I questioned him on the leather which appeared more like plastic to me, certainly the suede & chamois coats had clear weave lines throughout them. He then did the lighter across the "leather" trick, to 'prove' they were genuine. Susspecting a scam I told him the most cash had available was 50 (still probably more than they're worth). Be warned though, these are made with leather scented plastic, but they are plastic nonetheless and the stitching in places was very poor quality. He showed me the small collar label on one jacket, which did appear to be genuine leather, although it was pretty clear that this was not the same material used for the jacket.



Needless to say, we didn't do a deal and he quickly scurried off. Upon my return home I Googled for 'R.G.A. Italy' and came across this site. I have since phoned the local Police who said they are aware of this character as also were the local Trading Standards office who had received several complaints about this guy.



He is currently driving a silver Volkswagon Golf TDi with Italian registration plates and from what the Police told me he is currently staying in the Bridgend area.



Do not be tempted or persuaded by his charm.


Vincent

Amsterdam,
Europe,
Netherlands

Also in The Netherlands

#60Consumer Comment

Mon, April 10, 2006

I dont know if it's the same Guy, but someone did the same near Amsterdam. He had a car with Italian License Plate and had a Italian Passport with him and a id card from a fashion centre. He told me that these leather jackets were Sample models, and that he had to pay duty on them if he goes back to Milano. He asked 800$ for 8 jackets, but I wasnt intereseted at all, he told me he could as well throw them away because of the taxes (figurarly speaking) and that he could make me an offer I cant refuse. 400$ would be the price now. I still wasnt interested, but because I only liked 1 I would pay him 200$ for all 8 of them, he agreed after a while and also asked if I could give 220$, what I didnt do.



I cant say I got really ripped off, cause I bought 8 jackets for 200$, but after reading this I can say it probably isnt leather and/or Armani for sure.


Michael

Cranston,
Rhode Island,
U.S.A.

RGA Reportage Armani Jackets

#60Consumer Comment

Wed, October 26, 2005

Hello all, I too "THINK" that I have been ripped off by this scam. 2 guy's come to my office in Cranston Rhode Island. "Hey were from Italy" Blah Blah Blah I'm sure you read all of the above. So anyway, these guy's wanted $700.00 for 5 Jackets. 2 Womans and 3 mens I was a little skeptical at first, but then he showed me the passport, and this and that so I kind of believed them. But I only paid $400.00 for the 5 Jackets and I must say that they are VERY NICE JACKETS. So $80.00 for any leather jacket to me is a steal. Regardless of what leather Jacket you buy, if you find a very nice leather jacket for under $100.00 it's a good buy. Even if they are knock off's, they are still worth something. Heck, you can get a cheesy Starter jacket for over $100.00...So I feel bad for those of you who paid a ton of money for a few jackets but if you didn't pay much, you still got a good deal.



I still have not found proof that reportage means replica, I still have not found proof that the jackets are fake period. They are definetly real leather, so what's fake about them? The fact that the eagle is facing a different way? If that's the proof, then ok they are fake, but they are still really nice jackets. Why pay $1,000.00 for a jacket when you can get one similar that will keep you just as warm for $80.00



So all in all, if one of these Italian guy's comes to you with a rental car and a bunch of jackets, BUY THEM. They may not be real, but for a cheap price you could own something real nice that will keep you real warm. I'm just glad I didn't pay $700


Michael

Cranston,
Rhode Island,
U.S.A.

RGA Reportage Armani Jackets

#60Consumer Comment

Wed, October 26, 2005

Hello all, I too "THINK" that I have been ripped off by this scam. 2 guy's come to my office in Cranston Rhode Island. "Hey were from Italy" Blah Blah Blah I'm sure you read all of the above. So anyway, these guy's wanted $700.00 for 5 Jackets. 2 Womans and 3 mens I was a little skeptical at first, but then he showed me the passport, and this and that so I kind of believed them. But I only paid $400.00 for the 5 Jackets and I must say that they are VERY NICE JACKETS. So $80.00 for any leather jacket to me is a steal. Regardless of what leather Jacket you buy, if you find a very nice leather jacket for under $100.00 it's a good buy. Even if they are knock off's, they are still worth something. Heck, you can get a cheesy Starter jacket for over $100.00...So I feel bad for those of you who paid a ton of money for a few jackets but if you didn't pay much, you still got a good deal.



I still have not found proof that reportage means replica, I still have not found proof that the jackets are fake period. They are definetly real leather, so what's fake about them? The fact that the eagle is facing a different way? If that's the proof, then ok they are fake, but they are still really nice jackets. Why pay $1,000.00 for a jacket when you can get one similar that will keep you just as warm for $80.00



So all in all, if one of these Italian guy's comes to you with a rental car and a bunch of jackets, BUY THEM. They may not be real, but for a cheap price you could own something real nice that will keep you real warm. I'm just glad I didn't pay $700


Michael

Cranston,
Rhode Island,
U.S.A.

RGA Reportage Armani Jackets

#60Consumer Comment

Wed, October 26, 2005

Hello all, I too "THINK" that I have been ripped off by this scam. 2 guy's come to my office in Cranston Rhode Island. "Hey were from Italy" Blah Blah Blah I'm sure you read all of the above. So anyway, these guy's wanted $700.00 for 5 Jackets. 2 Womans and 3 mens I was a little skeptical at first, but then he showed me the passport, and this and that so I kind of believed them. But I only paid $400.00 for the 5 Jackets and I must say that they are VERY NICE JACKETS. So $80.00 for any leather jacket to me is a steal. Regardless of what leather Jacket you buy, if you find a very nice leather jacket for under $100.00 it's a good buy. Even if they are knock off's, they are still worth something. Heck, you can get a cheesy Starter jacket for over $100.00...So I feel bad for those of you who paid a ton of money for a few jackets but if you didn't pay much, you still got a good deal.



I still have not found proof that reportage means replica, I still have not found proof that the jackets are fake period. They are definetly real leather, so what's fake about them? The fact that the eagle is facing a different way? If that's the proof, then ok they are fake, but they are still really nice jackets. Why pay $1,000.00 for a jacket when you can get one similar that will keep you just as warm for $80.00



So all in all, if one of these Italian guy's comes to you with a rental car and a bunch of jackets, BUY THEM. They may not be real, but for a cheap price you could own something real nice that will keep you real warm. I'm just glad I didn't pay $700


Michael

Cranston,
Rhode Island,
U.S.A.

RGA Reportage Armani Jackets

#60Consumer Comment

Wed, October 26, 2005

Hello all, I too "THINK" that I have been ripped off by this scam. 2 guy's come to my office in Cranston Rhode Island. "Hey were from Italy" Blah Blah Blah I'm sure you read all of the above. So anyway, these guy's wanted $700.00 for 5 Jackets. 2 Womans and 3 mens I was a little skeptical at first, but then he showed me the passport, and this and that so I kind of believed them. But I only paid $400.00 for the 5 Jackets and I must say that they are VERY NICE JACKETS. So $80.00 for any leather jacket to me is a steal. Regardless of what leather Jacket you buy, if you find a very nice leather jacket for under $100.00 it's a good buy. Even if they are knock off's, they are still worth something. Heck, you can get a cheesy Starter jacket for over $100.00...So I feel bad for those of you who paid a ton of money for a few jackets but if you didn't pay much, you still got a good deal.



I still have not found proof that reportage means replica, I still have not found proof that the jackets are fake period. They are definetly real leather, so what's fake about them? The fact that the eagle is facing a different way? If that's the proof, then ok they are fake, but they are still really nice jackets. Why pay $1,000.00 for a jacket when you can get one similar that will keep you just as warm for $80.00



So all in all, if one of these Italian guy's comes to you with a rental car and a bunch of jackets, BUY THEM. They may not be real, but for a cheap price you could own something real nice that will keep you real warm. I'm just glad I didn't pay $700


Mike

Los Angeles,
California,
U.S.A.

RGA Giorgio Armani - This b*****d did the same to me- italian, 3 hours away from air plane... no money for tax...

#60REBUTTAL Individual responds

Sun, October 02, 2005

he said he got all of his items stolen to a girl he slept with ( fooled me good...)

He said money is not a problem for him , Sold his dad's name Luca Rippa... same cheap jacket saying the 3 jackets were 2005-2006 model, same s**t about him being a model..., this happened in Koreatown... which is in Los Angeles California...zip code 90006 i had to overdraft from my atm just to help that gay italian...

he still might be in Koreatown

this happened on Sept, 30th 2005



Also, his said his name is Danilo Rippa... and gave me a note with his address (not sure if its fake or real) DANILO RIPPA

cell: 011-39-328-33-45-002

home: 011-39-339-29-62-534



address: Via Guglielmo Marconi *Niz

Bologna (**Ko) Italia C.A.P. 60132

(im not sure if *Niz is correct or not.. * looked like Niz to me )

(im not also not sure if **Ko is Ko... looks like

Bo or Ro too)


Mike

Los Angeles,
California,
U.S.A.

RGA Giorgio Armani - This b*****d did the same to me- italian, 3 hours away from air plane... no money for tax...

#60REBUTTAL Individual responds

Sun, October 02, 2005

he said he got all of his items stolen to a girl he slept with ( fooled me good...)

He said money is not a problem for him , Sold his dad's name Luca Rippa... same cheap jacket saying the 3 jackets were 2005-2006 model, same s**t about him being a model..., this happened in Koreatown... which is in Los Angeles California...zip code 90006 i had to overdraft from my atm just to help that gay italian...

he still might be in Koreatown

this happened on Sept, 30th 2005



Also, his said his name is Danilo Rippa... and gave me a note with his address (not sure if its fake or real) DANILO RIPPA

cell: 011-39-328-33-45-002

home: 011-39-339-29-62-534



address: Via Guglielmo Marconi *Niz

Bologna (**Ko) Italia C.A.P. 60132

(im not sure if *Niz is correct or not.. * looked like Niz to me )

(im not also not sure if **Ko is Ko... looks like

Bo or Ro too)


Mike

Los Angeles,
California,
U.S.A.

RGA Giorgio Armani - This b*****d did the same to me- italian, 3 hours away from air plane... no money for tax...

#60REBUTTAL Individual responds

Sun, October 02, 2005

he said he got all of his items stolen to a girl he slept with ( fooled me good...)

He said money is not a problem for him , Sold his dad's name Luca Rippa... same cheap jacket saying the 3 jackets were 2005-2006 model, same s**t about him being a model..., this happened in Koreatown... which is in Los Angeles California...zip code 90006 i had to overdraft from my atm just to help that gay italian...

he still might be in Koreatown

this happened on Sept, 30th 2005



Also, his said his name is Danilo Rippa... and gave me a note with his address (not sure if its fake or real) DANILO RIPPA

cell: 011-39-328-33-45-002

home: 011-39-339-29-62-534



address: Via Guglielmo Marconi *Niz

Bologna (**Ko) Italia C.A.P. 60132

(im not sure if *Niz is correct or not.. * looked like Niz to me )

(im not also not sure if **Ko is Ko... looks like

Bo or Ro too)


Mike

Los Angeles,
California,
U.S.A.

RGA Giorgio Armani - This b*****d did the same to me- italian, 3 hours away from air plane... no money for tax...

#60REBUTTAL Individual responds

Sun, October 02, 2005

he said he got all of his items stolen to a girl he slept with ( fooled me good...)

He said money is not a problem for him , Sold his dad's name Luca Rippa... same cheap jacket saying the 3 jackets were 2005-2006 model, same s**t about him being a model..., this happened in Koreatown... which is in Los Angeles California...zip code 90006 i had to overdraft from my atm just to help that gay italian...

he still might be in Koreatown

this happened on Sept, 30th 2005



Also, his said his name is Danilo Rippa... and gave me a note with his address (not sure if its fake or real) DANILO RIPPA

cell: 011-39-328-33-45-002

home: 011-39-339-29-62-534



address: Via Guglielmo Marconi *Niz

Bologna (**Ko) Italia C.A.P. 60132

(im not sure if *Niz is correct or not.. * looked like Niz to me )

(im not also not sure if **Ko is Ko... looks like

Bo or Ro too)


S

Montreal,
Quebec,
Canada

May 2, 2005 - Same happen to me in Montreal

#60Consumer Suggestion

Wed, May 04, 2005

The same situation happen to me in montreal on May 2, 2005. I was park my car on my way to work and as i was getting out this guy in a small blue suv type veichle ( the size of a mazda tribute, not sure exactly) stopped and asked if i spoke italian, being from italian decent, I do. He told me he was in town for seven days for a fashion show, and was leaving that night. He said that he was informed that he would have to pay taxes at the duty at the airport for these items he had left over from the show and that he would rather give them to me, a fellow italian than give pay the taxes for them at the airport. By the way, our conversation was all in italian. He never broke out of character. I can't remember if he said that they were original Armani leather jackets, but he went on with how much they wouuld cost if I bought them at a store. I am usually very skeptical when someone wants to sell me something from a car, but he seemed like a really nice guy. This guy was about 5'6" tall. average build and seemed like he was balding, he called himself Eduardo. He said he would give me the three leather Jackets, if i only payed him half of the value of a forth leather jacket, which in the end he kept. He wanted $1000.00. I thought the jackets were of good quality, but now not so sure anymore, they do have a strong smell to them. Anyhow, i was only able to get $500.00, and i topld him that i can give him that or he can take the jackets back, which out of good faith, he left them in my car, before we went to the ATM. He took the money and asked if i did not have more in my pockets or wallet, I said i do not carry a wallet and thats all i had. I feel lucking haveing only given him $500.00. While we were in his car looking for an ATM, he was telling that he wanted my nuumber and he would give me his and that he would call me next time he is in town, which he said is twice a year and also mentioned if can give him direction to the airport afterwards. As soon as he got his money, he did have time to say any more outside of saying if i did not have more money, he took off. I then had a good feeling that i was being taken, but i still thought the jackets would have cost me more at the store. After, haveing read all these testimonies, I really feel that like a was really taken.



For anyone would it reading this and has not yet fallen for it. Please note: the symbol on the label may resemble the Emporior Armani label, but the birds head is revsred. Also, RGA which stands for Reportage Giorgio Armani, "Reportage" actually means Replica. Do not think, like i did at first that it may have been another line of clothing from Armani, like Emporior Armani.



I hope that this may help someone from falling for this scheme, which apprently is going on around the world. If you like what you see, pay what you think it would be worth, NOT what he is selling it to you to be.



Anyhow, I have learned a lesson and the jackets seem good. All was note loss. Just beware.


Vanessa

Gothenburg,
Europe,
Sweden

same story but in sweden

#60Consumer Suggestion

Sat, December 11, 2004

Today 10th of december 2004 it hapend to me!

4 jackets 2000skr! One italian guy, italian acent,hade to go bak to italy today he whanted the money to by some 'x-mass pressents for his wife...



in a red perguo car with swedish plats. Same story... bad english.. only her for the day..

my man needed a new jacket and i was stupid to go for it but i only payed 1700skr and they lock good.



He stoped me on the street and shoed me his cataloge and gave me a story that this is what he had left from a demostration from a shopp in town.... as if... anny way he riped me off and now i have 1700skr less to by my x-mass gifts for.

so her comes the bigg TIPP!!!!!!

dont ever by annything from anny one unless it's from a shop thay u know will be ther the following day....sorry bad english


Toni

Scotland,
Europe,
United Kingdom

Same here in Scotland

#60Consumer Comment

Thu, December 09, 2004

Today I was approached by a guy, claiming to be from Italy, and having to go back today. At first when he approached in his rental car... I am always the skeptic, i thought he was looking for directions somewhere, but then too I realised that he was trying to sell me something. I knew it was a scam then, but I went along. He told me about not wanting to pay taxes back home and everything, and how the airline was going to charge for extra baggage. He showed me the airline ticket and passport. I definitly knew it was a scamm then because he offered way too much information to be a legit salesman. At first he wanted '400 (about $6-700) I told him all i can afford is '50 ($85). I saw the goods and was saying to myself even if they were fake... I can still buy them really cheap (cheaper than what the legit knock off no name stores sell them for) and give them as presents to kids or people I wasn't spending a great deal on or cared too much about. We negoiated the price up to '125, as he didn't want me to call anyone to get someone to give me more money. So I said that I wasn't getting ripped off that much and paid the money for them.



I say to everyone reading this, but hasn't been approached yet, to just walk away. If it sounds too good to be true, then it is. Anyone cal forge Government documents...and have a sob story to tell to an ear that will listen.



Unless you know you are going to come out better then the con-man LEAVE!!!


Todz

PARIS,
Europe,
France

Same story but in Paris!!!

#60Consumer Suggestion

Tue, December 07, 2004

It was 3 years ago and ... 2 hours ago ... ;-)



3 years ago, same story, an italian guy in a french car (Renault Clio) who sold me 2 Leather RGA jackets for 900 Frs (~150$) ... no problem, I always have it : good quality!



And today in Paris, what was my surprise! : same story, 2 italians in a black nissan micra who tell me they have to go in Italy but they have some jackets to "give" me ... but I had no money ... ouin!!!



Do you think, it's real RGA jacket?

Ps : Sorry for my english!


Mo

Oslo,
Europe,
Norway

The same dude in Norway??

#60Consumer Comment

Fri, December 03, 2004

It is amazing to read that this happend to you guys. I feel so stupid after meeting this guy at the gas station here in >Norway. The guy said he couldn't speak Norwegian and not good english- At first I tought he was lost and was asking for directions. But I soon found out that he was going to sell me Jackets. He was in a hurry and couldn't take back his jackets back to Italy because of the taxes there. He said that one jacket had a price of NOK 7000 ( $1000) but I could buy both for the same price. I found it quiet suspicies, but the jackets were good lockin so I said I could take them for $140, he went for it and gave me both. Before he left, he asked for more ($20-30) but i said i didn't have any more cash on me. The "Italian" dude was driving a Small blue Ford car. He was wearing a suit and presented him self as a manager for an italian company. I met him at the ESSO gas station at H''vik just right outside of Oslo.



Now that I have read you stories, I feel so stupid beacouse he foled me. I hope that I have learn a lesson from this, but at the same time I want to warn others. I didn't loose much money since clothings in Norway is quiet expencive, but I'm sure that the pare I bougt are very fake.


Anon

Cali,
California,
U.S.A.

Same scenario, except that the guy was claiming he lost all his money - actually stolen, and he was flying back to Italy in 3 hours

#60Consumer Suggestion

Wed, November 24, 2004

I fell for this out here in LA. I feel like such an idiot. Same scenario, except that the guy was claiming he lost all his money - actually stolen, and he was flying back to Italy in 3 hours so he would give me the jackets free if i would help him out with the rental car, which was $440. The guy seemed so genuine and he even pleaded how he really needed the money and how bad he felt asking me and he would repay me by Western Union the next day. Well I must admit he is really good cause he totally made a connection with me and played on my emotions. He used my first name and showed me his passport and a picture of his son in Italy and described his family. There were so many warning signs that totally went past me, like why can't you call your family? Oh my cell doesn't work here. I should have told him to use pay phone. Why didn't you report theft to police. Oh police wouldn't understand I am a foreigner, etc. Looking back I feel like such an idiot. I think I am more mad at myself for falling for this. Of course I never heard back from him and stupidly I admit I gave him $500. I even drove to the ATM for this guy. I really cannot describe why I gave a total stranger $500, thinking I would get it back. But I have learned for this. I don't want to go to the other extreme and vow never to help someone in need again, but this is so sad how people like him can play on the kindness of others just for some money. It is really sad that money drives people this way. I was speaking with another guy who was ripped off the exact same way and he told me he believes in karma. What goes on comes around. For several days afterwards I was so pissed off and couldn't think of anything else. But now I really don't want to think about this pathetic person any more. My money is gone and luckily it wasn't in the thousands but I am going to go on and I still believe that there is goodness out there, but unfortunately there is evil as well.



To warn others, this guy is about 5'10'' around 24 yrs, slender build with noticeable freckles on his face. He goes by the name Luca Rippa and he shows you his Italian passport. He also has a Samsung camera phone with a pic of his 'son'. He drives around in a supposed rental white Chrysler PT Cruiser. He also tells you he can't speak English very well, he is a fashion model (HA!!!), he will give you Italian made jackets free (which give off a very strong odor), and get this he also told me he is a Christian and shows me his cross necklace. I really hope that he gets his judgement.


Joe

Nyc,
New York,
U.S.A.

i got scamed too

#60REBUTTAL Individual responds

Thu, November 18, 2004

i just got hit by the same guy on the corner of 42nd st & 5th Ave in NYC. Same story "I'm from Italy blah blah blah"....and he sold me 2 black leather & 2 suede jackets for $200.00. I walked away from him at least 8 times but he kept drawing me in...I got suckered.


Peter

Providence,
Rhode Island,
U.S.A.

I had the exact same experience today but I think I got the better of it.

#60Consumer Comment

Mon, November 15, 2004

Same scenario, guy in an SUV with Ohio plates pulls up with a story about being a fashion designer and not wanting to pay taxes on samples he had to bring back to Italy. Showed me a roll of cash (most likely a 50 wrapped around ones) and a passport. He wanted $480 for 3 jackets. I tried one on and really liked it. I told him I could not afford $480 but would pay $150. I went in the house and came back telling him my wife would not let me buy them (hehehe I am divorced. he said in Italy the man is the man...LOL He asked what I could pay for them, I said $50 he settled for $75. After he followed me to an ATM we made the exchange in the parking lot of the bank and then the cheap screw had the nerve to ask for $10 more dollars for gas. I kept one of the jackets and sold two to my brother in law for $50. All in all it was a good deal. Even if the were off the rack from Wal-Mart I made out.

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