[johnniewalker]

So, today I arranged to meet with a forum member to buy some camber plates.

I got to the meeting point (esso gas station at steels and yonge) 20 minutes earlier. I went into the shop and got myself some chips and a drink while i waited. Went back to my car and sat there to enjoy my snack.

Suddenly, a guy (white male aged 30-40) driving a lincoln SUV parked next to me. He spoke to me through the windows, I couldn't hear what he was saying, and I thought he was the member i was supposed to meet. However, when i got close to his passenger side window to talk to him he told me that he was lost. He said he needs to go to the airport.

I tried to help him, and started to explain how to get to the airport.

"So this is steels, Basically you just need to go east until you see 404 south ....."

Then, he interrupted me. He basically took control of the conversation, explaining to me how he got lost. This is his story:
that he was at a fashion show hosted by Harry Rosen. and the show is over and he is on his way to the airport to catch a flight to italy. (At this point i didn't suspect anything yet).

He explained to me that he had the new collection of Jackets from Giorgio Armani, and that he could not bring them along with him because he will have to declare 3k in duties. He had around 5 or 6 leather jackets for men. each cost around $2000+ according to him. He even told me to touch the material (but i had now clue lol). In total, he said the collection worth around 15k. but he will give me the entire collection for the price of one the cheapest one (1200). just to get rid of them.

At this time, I realized what was all about. And by coincidence, the forum member arrived. So i said, "ohh my friend just got here. Gotta go". And i ignored him.

After that, he drove away. The forum member and I carried on with our business.

I wanted to report this to the police, but i didnt remember his plate, just remember that it was XXMT 403. Plus, I didn't have any prove that he was scamming. But I am 100% sure it was a scam.

Be aware guys !

[GreekboyD]

I had this EXACT same scenario happen to me about 10 years. The guy had a total Fabio look to him with the long hair and tanned skin.

[bobblehead]

I was approached too @ HD on Alness/Steeles about 2 months ago. I just finished shopping there and going to my car and two guys started to tell me the same story as you have described. The driver says they are boarding the plane in about 2 hrs time and have to dispose of the clothing items. Since I have no interest whatsoever of their story and knowing it's a pure scam or they are trying to unload stolen items, I told them I hate Italian fashion. They then started to drive off. I remembered they were driving an older mini van (dodge / chrysler)

I can relate to the OP story.

[AP2]

Never know these guys are still around. I believe it was hi-fi equipment/health supplements back in the days.

[GreekboyD]

Originally Posted by AP2

Never know these guys are still around. I believe it was hi-fi equipment/health supplements back in the days.

Nothing beats my buddy going to NYC about 10 years ago and paying $300 to a dude on the corner for a "sick ghetto blaster" as he put it. Went back to the hotel, opens the box and finds a brick taped to the styrofoam.

[Volasko]

Originally Posted by GreekboyD

Nothing beats my buddy going to NYC about 10 years ago and paying $300 to a dude on the corner for a "sick ghetto blaster" as he put it. Went back to the hotel, opens the box and finds a brick taped to the styrofoam.

Hahaha this one wins!

[bobblehead]

the dead giveway of their scam. No car rental company out there will have a (probably) 10 year old mini van to rent.

[Laguna3]

I think everyone has experienced the White Van speakers scenario.

[GreekboyD]

Originally Posted by Laguna3

I think everyone has experienced the White Van speakers scenario.

Oh ya man. Classic.

[BRAISKI]

Originally Posted by Laguna3

I think everyone has experienced the White Van speakers scenario.

Ahhh yes... I haven't heard of them lately lol

[CarbonTT]

Originally Posted by bobblehead

I was approached too @ HD on Alness/Steeles about 2 months ago. I just finished shopping there and going to my car and two guys started to tell me the same story as you have described. The driver says they are boarding the plane in about 2 hrs time and have to dispose of the clothing items. Since I have no interest whatsoever of their story and knowing it's a pure scam or they are trying to unload stolen items, I told them I hate Italian fashion. They then started to drive off. I remembered they were driving an older mini van (dodge / chrysler)

I can relate to the OP story.

that happened to me as well in the same exact location .. first he made a comment about the car I was driving then carried on .. I caught on pretty quick though... epic fail

[mabman]

This same scenario happened to me a few months ago in the Rona parking lot on Shepherd (nearer Yonge St.). I could tell, eventually, it was a scam, b/c when I started to give them directions to the airport (which they asked for) they couldn't have cared less - they only wanted to unload their merchandise. I wasted no time in saying "no thanks" and got into my car and drove away. If you live by the motto "if its too good to be true, then its probably not" you'll do fine.

[surendrant]

Same EXACT convo happened to me outside extreme fitness at Markham and lawrence in Scarborough. These guys trying to hustle people from Toronto? Good luck!

[johnniewalker]

Originally Posted by Laguna3

I think everyone has experienced the White Van speakers scenario.

I have too, but the white van guy was terrible at telling stories. I knew it was a scam right away and just ignored. This guy instead, he at least got me to talk to him, i think the excuse of being "lost" is what got me.

Originally Posted by mabman

This same scenario happened to me a few months ago in the Rona parking lot on Shepherd (nearer Yonge St.). I could tell, eventually, it was a scam, b/c when I started to give them directions to the airport (which they asked for) they couldn't have cared less - they only wanted to unload their merchandise. I wasted no time in saying "no thanks" and got into my car and drove away. If you live by the motto "if its too good to be true, then its probably not" you'll do fine.

Yeah, True. Only thing that makes me sad is that next time if someone is really lost and actually needs my help. I might think is a scam too. lol

Originally Posted by surendrant

Same EXACT convo happened to me outside extreme fitness at Markham and lawrence in Scarborough. These guys trying to hustle people from Toronto? Good luck!

I worry, there is a reason why these scams have been out there for such a long time. Maybe some people actually do get scammed.

[GreekboyD]

Oh ya man. They work. Another buddy of mine was at the Eaton Centre years ago and called me asking if I wanted a notebook. I said no and he said he was getting a "great deal" for $400. I told him it sounded like a scam but he said it was legit. He brings the box over to my place and I can see the outside of it has a scanned image rather than the way a "real" box looks. He starts feeling uneasy after I mention that and hands me the box to open it. Inside I found 4 'Toronto Sun' newspapers cut in half with some styrofoam.

No notebook.

[Mspeed_1]

yep, it's a scam. Same exact thing happened to me and a buddy at work's parking lot. This guy in a Hyundai Tucson, named "Francisco" said he's lost getting on the highway, and then proceed to tell me his story about Armani clothing. Said it cost him over 1200 each, but would sell for 300 each. My buddy, italian guy also said, i'll give you 30 bucks, that's it, he said deal LOL

[techwiz]

This happened to me a few months back at Keele and Finch. The guy said he came from Yorkdale and got lost on the way to the airport. He was pretty friendly, but after I told him I didn't have any cash on me, he tried to finish off his story quickly so he could move on to find the next victim.

[CarbonTT]

Originally Posted by techwiz

This happened to me a few months back at Keele and Finch. The guy said he came from Yorkdale and got lost on the way to the airport. He was pretty friendly, but after I told him I didn't have any cash on me, he tried to finish off his story quickly so he could move on to find the next victim.

my problem was it was hard for me to say I had no money when I was driving an Aston Martin (I actually had no money on me) lol

[Kyter]

Same thing happened to me while I was on my way into Rona by Erin Mills town center.

Was driving a ford edge, same Italian fashion show story. Tried to flatter me with compliments, always pointed to the car. Was tough walking away from his persistence.

I helped him with directions to the airport then walked away.

EDIT: He was also selling jackets to avoid duty.

[adriang]

I had one for buying an iPhone at canadian superstore at duff/steeles about a year ago.. Guy asked me
If I wanted to buy an iPhone... I told him I just bought one... He Drove away without really caring or saying anything..

I believe he was driving a minivan I'm not sure anymore

[johnniewalker]

Originally Posted by GreekboyD

Oh ya man. They work. Another buddy of mine was at the Eaton Centre years ago and called me asking if I wanted a notebook. I said no and he said he was getting a "great deal" for $400. I told him it sounded like a scam but he said it was legit. He brings the box over to my place and I can see the outside of it has a scanned image rather than the way a "real" box looks. He starts feeling uneasy after I mention that and hands me the box to open it. Inside I found 4 'Toronto Sun' newspapers cut in half with some styrofoam.

No notebook.

Some people learn the hard way. As a member said before, Always remember, "too good to be true". and we'd be fine.

Originally Posted by Mspeed_1

yep, it's a scam. Same exact thing happened to me and a buddy at work's parking lot. This guy in a Hyundai Tucson, named "Francisco" said he's lost getting on the highway, and then proceed to tell me his story about Armani clothing. Said it cost him over 1200 each, but would sell for 300 each. My buddy, italian guy also said, i'll give you 30 bucks, that's it, he said deal LOL

You friend gave him 30 bucks, or he bought one for 30 ?

Originally Posted by Kyter

Same thing happened to me while I was on my way into Rona by Erin Mills town center.

Was driving a ford edge, same Italian fashion show story. Tried to flatter me with compliments, always pointed to the car. Was tough walking away from his persistence.

I helped him with directions to the airport then walked away.

EDIT: He was also selling jackets to avoid duty.

could be the same guy. and yes, he kept giving me compliments about my car. I was like
but when i knew he was a scammer, i was a bit disappointed, maybe the compliments were not true ?

[KCX_335xi]

Wow, crazy story.

I've gotten letters from a prince in Nigeria indicating he has some BIG money for me....No idea how they got my home address......