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Weirdest Experience of the year...

  • 07-05-2010 12:16PM
    #1
    Scráib
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 593 ✭✭✭Scráib


    I was walking back to the office after lunch when this Renault Megane pulls over beside me(nearly running me over in the process). It's an Italian lad who starts on to me about how he works for Brown Thomas and how he's flying back to Italy just now.

    He has loads of clothes in the back of the car, and he says he's trying to get rid of them for cheap because he can't carry them on the plane. I instantly think 'Conman', and start to look closely at the car, noting the 'enterprise rent-a-car' keyfob and the amount of briefcases etc. in there. He sees I'm not convinced, shows me a pass card and a passport

    Then he shows me the jackets and a suit which appear to be very, very nice, says I can have them for 378 quid. To which I say I don't have that much, I tell him I can get 110. So he sells me two jackets for 110 quid, thanks me, and drives off.

    I'm now sitting in the office, after closely examining the jackets they seem to be real Emporio Armani, genuine leather... and I'm wondering if I just wasted 110 euro or if I just scored the deal of the century... The jackets look & feel like real leather...

    What the hell? :eek:


«1

Comments

  • #2
    Zombienosh
    Closed Accounts Posts: 6,911 ✭✭✭Zombienosh


    maybe stolen? an italian job?


  • #3
    Mick Shrimpton
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 283 ✭✭Mick Shrimpton


    Its a scam.


  • #4
    Larianne
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 35,954 ✭✭✭✭Larianne


    This has happened loads of times before.

    You have been conned.


  • #5
    baaaa
    Closed Accounts Posts: 606 ✭✭✭baaaa


    You got a serious deal if you think knockoff leather jackets rock.


  • #6
    GavRedKing
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 53,267 ✭✭✭✭GavRedKing


    Good knock off's or dodgy merchandise OP. I remember something similar reported to a radio station phon in Cork in the last 18 months, guy shows up with a rent a car, think it was an Audi and was offering what looked like the bargain of the century, all Italian designer gear.

    Weird alright though.


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  • #7
    WindSock
    Closed Accounts Posts: 18,239 ✭✭✭✭WindSock


    Would you have thought about buying them if they were displayed in a shop for that price?


  • #8
    NothingMan
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 11,178 ✭✭✭✭NothingMan


    Not conned too badly. Even a no name leather jacket would cost more than €60. 2 for €110 is not bad, even if they're not real. If they are then all the better. Try google Armani tags or something and see if there's anything to look out for for authenticity.


  • #9
    Leilani Fit Pocketknife
    Posts: 0 ✭ Leilani Fit Pocketknife


    Well known scam, those suits will fall apart shortly. Or blow up.


  • #10
    stovelid
    Closed Accounts Posts: 27,252 ✭✭✭✭stovelid


    Long-running scam.

    They're hardly Armani, but if you like the jackets, what of it?

    Of course, if you suddenly don't like them because they're fake, you're a bit of a silly-billy aren't you. :P


  • #11
    ejmaztec
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 24,261 ✭✭✭✭ejmaztec


    Don't these jackets dissolve in the rain?


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  • #12
    Hank Scorpio
    Closed Accounts Posts: 11,631 ✭✭✭✭Hank Scorpio


    I knew a chap who bought a XPS Dell PC off some lad in a van and when he got home it wouldnt turn on. So he opened it and it was full of milk cartons lol


  • #13
    InkSlinger67
    Closed Accounts Posts: 1,756 ✭✭✭InkSlinger67


    Ahh yes, the old "I'm-in-a-rush-for-a-plane-and-need-to-sell-my-clothes" trick! Will terrorists ever learn?


  • #14
    petes
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8,382 ✭✭✭petes


    InkSlinger67 wrote: »
    Ahh yes, the old "I'm-in-a-rush-for-a-plane-and-need-to-sell-my-clothes" trick! Will terrorists ever learn?


    Not if there are enough dumb people still out there buying off them they won't!


  • #15
    Diageio_Man
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 420 ✭✭Diageio_Man


    ha ha that chap is a scam artist. Heard about it before he came up to me and my mate at the walkinstown roundabout. we were on our way into town about to get the bus, so we said to him we lived in town that we were really intrested in his stuff so he gave us a lift into town to get our ''money''. jumped out of the car in town thanked him for the lift and told him we just scammed him ha ha. ohh how we laughed at the c*nt that day. we were very proud of ourselfs that day.


  • #16
    ejmaztec
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 24,261 ✭✭✭✭ejmaztec


    The missus was very tempted in England, when some guy was flogging bottles of "Channel No 5" for a quid out of an old suitcase at a market. She laughed at him when she noticed the spelling on the label.

    About an hour later, we saw two cops chasing him.


  • #17
    baaaa
    Closed Accounts Posts: 606 ✭✭✭baaaa


    Same thing happened to my friend about 8 years ago,I'm laughing now cause I remember the state of the jacket he got,a long matrix type leather knock off,and him a 20 stone pure mullah farmer that never even heard of the matrix or goths.
    The minute some people see leather they go weak at the knees for some reason.


  • #18
    Gillington
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,555 ✭✭✭Gillington


    Yeah one of them lads approcahed us before,we were standing outside work but in our normal clothes,we looked at the gear and all,looked grand but there was no way we were buying.Said he;s heading for the plane this minute blah blah.He came back the next day and was talking to someone else,we walked over and he jumped in the car and drove off


  • #19
    Scráib
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 593 ✭✭✭Scráib


    A quick Google and now I see this is a worldwide thing. Now I'm just plain embarassed! Should have know that would happen.

    Only silver lining is that I didn't pay his first price. But I'm still an idiot for today!


  • #20
    stovelid
    Closed Accounts Posts: 27,252 ✭✭✭✭stovelid


    Scráib wrote: »
    A quick Google and now I see this is a worldwide thing. Now I'm just plain embarassed! Should have know that would happen.

    Only silver lining is that I didn't pay his first price. But I'm still an idiot for today!

    If you liked the look of the jackets (and they're not completely shit quality), you didn't do too badly for 110 quid?


  • #21
    jimmycrackcorm
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 14,406 ✭✭✭✭jimmycrackcorm


    Pennys are doing the same jackets for €20.

    I had a guy try the same on me - but I had actually read about the scam on Boards not long before it happened.


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  • #22
    petes
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8,382 ✭✭✭petes


    ejmaztec wrote: »
    The missus was very tempted in England, when some guy was flogging bottles of "Channel No 5" for a quid out of an old suitcase at a market. She laughed at him when she noticed the spelling on the label.

    About an hour later, we saw two cops chasing him.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YllyBr_4Kxk


    Tommy Hilfinger :)


  • #23
    biko
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 81,219 ✭✭✭✭biko


    Yeah he tried to scam me a few months back. Strange "Italian" accent too.


  • #24
    pickarooney
    Moderators, Arts Moderators Posts: 35,930 Mod ✭✭✭✭pickarooney


    baaaa
    20 stone pure mullah farmer that never even heard of the matrix or goths.
    The minute some people see leather they go weak at the knees for some reason.

    Join the dots.


  • #25
    baaaa
    Closed Accounts Posts: 606 ✭✭✭baaaa


    :eek:


  • #26
    PK2008
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,219 ✭✭✭PK2008


    You get nowt for nowt OP, primo scamola

    If the Prince of Nigeria sends you an email offering you 200 million nigerian dollars delete it


  • #27
    Scráib
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 593 ✭✭✭Scráib


    stovelid wrote: »
    If you liked the look of the jackets (and they're not completely shit quality), you didn't do too badly for 110 quid?

    Ah I was conned, pure and simple, I don't think I'd even be able to wear them without remembering how I was idiotic enough to buy them in the first place.

    It's a learning experience, but I should have learned this one years ago.


  • #28
    AssaultedPeanut
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 806 ✭✭✭AssaultedPeanut


    Happened to 2 security guys in my old job a few years ago except with laptops.

    Some guys pulled up outside the security booth, showed them a brand new laptop straight out of the box. His van was full of the boxes, so they bought one each off him for a couple of hundred euro. And they sped off. The guards were delighted with themselves

    They'd bought themselves some lovely brand spankin' new eircom phonebooks so they did. What a steal


  • #29
    PK2008
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,219 ✭✭✭PK2008


    Scráib wrote: »
    Ah I was conned, pure and simple, I don't think I'd even be able to wear them without remembering how I was idiotic enough to buy them in the first place.

    It's a learning experience, but I should have learned this one years ago.

    Just throw a bit of fake tan on, rent a car and well... use your imagination.


  • #30
    Holsten
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,971 ✭✭✭Holsten


    This happened to me too.

    I laughed and drove off.

    Actually sounds like the same guy.


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  • #31
    NothingMan
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 11,178 ✭✭✭✭NothingMan


    I'm off for my lunch now, i'll take a stroll by College Green looking in need of some leather and if he pulls up to me and punch him in the face just for you Scráib. Or just pretend I like the jackets and have a look, then shout "Sketch, Guards!" and run off with a free jacket.


  • #32
    jcrowbar
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 343 ✭✭jcrowbar


    Fell for the old Italian jacket con myself a few years ago. I do look good in a pvc jacket though :rolleyes:

    This is worth a read: Irishtimes.com - Scams and cons: don't be fooled by the usual suspects


  • #33
    Abrasax
    Closed Accounts Posts: 977 ✭✭✭Abrasax


    They do this all over Europe, but the stuff can be pretty high quality at times.
    When Armani etc. are getting contractors to do this stuff they'll give the material, buttons, labels,lining etc. to several differebt contractors at once and take the goods from whichever contractor finishes quicker or with the best quality. So there's a possibilty the the goods are bona fide in part.
    Season wise, they'll be up to date.
    Quality wise is a different story. Just examine the stitching for quality and straightnes, see if the lines on the garment line up, check the separates sections are symmetrical, smell the leather to make sure it's the real thing etc.
    You could have a bargain.
    And haggle, always haggle. You'll probably get him down to about 50 to 66.6% of the original asking price.
    Got the tips from a mate who worked in the garment industry, who told me what to look out for.
    Bought an Armani leather jacket one time and brought into another friend in a shop who couldn't tell it from the real thing.
    And just wipe the fact you're supporting mafia enterprise from your mind in order to complete the transaction with a clean conscience.


  • #34
    Pherekydes
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 16,227 ✭✭✭✭Pherekydes


    Same thing happened to a friend and me in Paris many years ago. I wasn't interested in the slightest but my pal bargained him down to a pittance for what looked like a beautiful leather jacket, but then he just walked off! LOL, the Italian was pissed off.

    Afterwards, my pal said he had no intention of buying, but just wanted to see how low he would go.


  • #35
    Kasabian
    Closed Accounts Posts: 3,688 ✭✭✭Kasabian


    Why would people buy leather jackets


  • #36
    Pot Noodle =
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 955 ✭✭✭Pot Noodle =


    I got 2 for €70


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  • #37
    ironictoaster
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,183 ✭✭✭ironictoaster


    Same thing happened to my friend a few years back. Some stranger selling a laptop in a laptop case for €60. He ended up paying €60 for a cheap laptop case and an argos catalogue...


  • #38
    Danbo!
    Closed Accounts Posts: 3,942 ✭✭✭Danbo!


    been going on for a while.
    http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2055118764

    And this guy also said he knew it was a scam but it seemed like a good deal.
    http://www.irishtimes.com/blogs/pricewatch/2008/01/14/leather-scam/

    Doesnt anyone watch the real hustle?? Its worth it just for Jess :cool:


  • #39
    mathie
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,103 ✭✭✭mathie


    Holsten wrote: »
    This happened to me too.

    I laughed and drove off.

    Actually sounds like the same guy.

    Sergio Georgini?


  • #40
    Erica<3
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 384 ✭✭Erica<3


    could be just trying to sell his clothes. or yeah, it could be a scam, but you could smell the leather, good quality real leather has a particular smell off it.


  • #41
    Abrasax
    Closed Accounts Posts: 977 ✭✭✭Abrasax


    lonad wrote: »
    Why would people buy leather jackets

    To hook up with grinds teachers.


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  • #42
    McNulty737
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 226 ✭✭McNulty737


    I remember around 2 years ago a red van pulled up beside me and sitting in the front were two absolute tinkers. The driver asked me the way to the nearest tesco, so i pointed him in the right direction and he goes 'tanks, tanks....cmere listen do you want the bargain of your life?'. I just said no thanks and walked away because stranger pulling up to you randomly on the street with bargain = scam (especially if theyre travellers).


  • #43
    --LOS--
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 11,028 ✭✭✭✭--LOS--


    Scráib wrote: »
    Ah I was conned, pure and simple, I don't think I'd even be able to wear them without remembering how I was idiotic enough to buy them in the first place.

    It's a learning experience, but I should have learned this one years ago.

    What's the problem, you liked the jackets to begin with, you don't like them now coz they're not the real deal? If you couldn't tell the difference yourself, what difference does it make even if they aren't real leather, you didn't really pay real leather prices for them.


  • #44
    [Deleted User]
    Posts: 17,378 ✭✭✭✭ [Deleted User]


    I just feel sorry for the sales rep who is genuinely on the way to the airport and needs to get rid of legitimate gear...
    These stories just create an unfair stereotype. :(


  • #45
    Liam Byrne
    Closed Accounts Posts: 18,163 ✭✭✭✭Liam Byrne


    creggy wrote: »
    Same thing happened to my friend a few years back. Some stranger selling a laptop in a laptop case for €60. He ended up paying €60 for a cheap laptop case and an argos catalogue...

    That's not quite the same, tbh.

    In the OP's case, he bought the jackets that the hustler showed him.

    Maybe that's the same as getting an Advent instead of an Acer, but it's definitely not an Argos catalogue.

    I would even argue that some of the high-street shops are bigger hustlers, selling stuff for way over a reasonable price just because of the brand name, and as pointed out earlier the brand name outsources them anyway.


  • #46
    Ann22
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8,005 ✭✭✭Ann22


    No different than buying them at any market Scráib. If you like them fcuk it. You got two lovely jackets that you like for €110. You did alright. Your man's probably pist off he didn't get more out of you. In fact in actuality you scammed him:).


  • #47
    weiland79
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,318 ✭✭✭weiland79


    Sounds good to me. I bought a 'geniune leather' Gstar jacket off ioffer last year. Turned out to be plastic so if they actually are made from leather i would say result!


  • #48
    blubloblu
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,226 ✭✭✭blubloblu


    This scam is decades old.


  • #49
    ya-ba-da-ba-doo
    Closed Accounts Posts: 884 ✭✭✭ya-ba-da-ba-doo


    creggy wrote: »
    Same thing happened to my friend a few years back. Some stranger selling a laptop in a laptop case for €60. He ended up paying €60 for a cheap laptop case and an argos catalogue...



    How could you be so thick as to not look at the laptop you're buying, especially in dodgey circumstances?


  • #50
    tony1kenobi
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,750 ✭✭✭tony1kenobi


    ejmaztec wrote: »
    The missus was very tempted in England, when some guy was flogging bottles of "Channel No 5" for a quid out of an old suitcase at a market. She laughed at him when she noticed the spelling on the label.

    About an hour later, we saw two cops chasing him.

    Did the guy look like Jason Statham?


  • #51
    stovelid
    Closed Accounts Posts: 27,252 ✭✭✭✭stovelid


    ejmaztec wrote: »
    Don't these jackets dissolve in the rain?

    Nah, you're thinking of Replicant tears.


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