Millionaire Deceived Into Spending $5.4 Million on a Counterfeit Mercedes-AMG ONE | Carscoops

      The suspect is currently incarcerated for a different crime, according to police.

      15 hours ago

      by Stephen Rivers

      Michael Mente, CEO of Revolve, lost $5.4 million after falling for a fraudulent Mercedes-AMG One offer.

      The scammer pretended to be a French dealer, trying to sell the nonexistent hypercar.

      Mente discovered the fraud when Homeland Security informed him that his payment had been stolen.

      It's a tough reality to accept, but even the wealthy and financially savvy can become victims of scams. This is precisely the experience of Revolve CEO Michael Mente, who encountered this unfortunate truth. Recent court documents reveal that Mente was deceived in a scheme that resulted in a loss of $5.4 million. The scam involved a fake Mercedes-AMG ONE, which, as expected, was never delivered to him. Mente was not the only victim of this specific con artist.

      The individual allegedly responsible for the scam, Traveon Rogers, is a Texas resident with a history of crime. Authorities report that Rogers impersonated Jean-Pierre M.R. Clement, a supposed French car dealer, using this false identity to ensnare Mente in a deal.

      During Mente's search for a Mercedes-AMG One in 2021, Rogers’ attorney facilitated the introduction between the two. Acting as an exclusive dealer, Rogers claimed he had an allotment for sale. Mente, eager to acquire the supercar, agreed to pay $5.4 million and waited for the production and delivery of his coveted vehicle. However, neither materialized.

      Instead, in 2022, Mente was contacted by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, who informed him that his money was missing and that J.P.M.R. Clement was a fictitious entity. Documents obtained by the Denver Post reveal that Mente is now pursuing the recovery of his funds from Rogers, as well as seeking additional damages. Notably, Rogers’ attorney, Scott Oliver, who is based in Longmont, Colorado, stated that he was unaware of the scheme.

      “Rogers was quite a character. He clearly managed to convince people to part with their money and defraud them out of significant sums,” he mentioned. This isn’t the first instance of Rogers attempting a similar scam; in 2023, he was involved in another lawsuit for trying to sell a nonexistent AMG One, allegedly collecting $3.19 million in that case. A video of him has surfaced, showcasing various claims about his wealth.

      Moreover, he faces charges for forging contracts, falsifying banking documents, and impersonating representatives from Aston Martin and a Cleveland car dealership. As reported by Jalopnik, he has gained notoriety in online communities discussing his fraudulent activities, with investigations being shared on platforms like X and YouTube. This situation serves as a reminder that anyone can become a scam victim if they are not vigilant.

      The Mercedes-AMG ONE, central to this turmoil, is no ordinary vehicle. With only 275 units manufactured, it is exceedingly rare. Equipped with a 1.6-liter turbocharged hybrid six-cylinder engine derived from Mercedes’ Formula One vehicles, complemented by electric motors and a turbocharging system, it generates an impressive 1,048 horsepower. This German powerhouse can reach 62 mph in just 2.9 seconds. Initially priced at $2.7 million, the hypercar’s value has skyrocketed, with resale models currently commanding several million more.