One Man's $1.1M COVID-19 Scam
Joey Cipolla was living the high life — driving exotic cars, flying his own plane, and flaunting a 12,000-square-foot mansion in an affluent Chicago suburb. But Cipolla's extravagant lifestyle had a dark side, funded by deceit and fraud. As federal prosecutors lay out their case, the full extent of his scams and manipulation is coming to light.
The Rise of a Career Conman
Joey Cipolla's journey into crime started early, with a history of fraud and deception stretching back to the early 2000s. By 2008, he had already racked up 15 convictions across four states, primarily for writing bad checks to buy luxury vehicles. Despite spending time in Illinois and Michigan prisons, Cipolla returned to his fraudulent ways soon after his parole ended in 2014.
A Life of Luxury Built on Lies
Cipolla's most notorious schemes revolved around luxury car sales and the misuse of COVID-19 relief funds. Posing as a legitimate businessman, he defrauded customers on eBay, selling cars he didn't own or rolling back odometers to increase their value. These scams were only the beginning. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Cipolla applied for over $1.35 million in Paycheck Protection Program loans intended to help struggling businesses. Instead, he used $1.1 million of this money to fund his lavish lifestyle, purchasing a mansion, high-end cars, and designer goods.
The Talented Mr. Cipolla?
Victims of Cipolla's schemes have drawn comparisons between him and the fictional titular character in 'The Talented Mr. Ripley.' Like Ripley, Cipolla was a master manipulator, using charm and deceit to con his way into a life of luxury. Chicago restaurateur Dion Antic, one of Cipolla's victims, started a Facebook group called "Conned by Joey Cipolla," which now has over 100 members who share their experiences and frustration with his actions. Cipolla's behavior and the pain he inflicted on his victims have left many arguing that his potential 10-year prison sentence is too lenient.
The Downfall
Cipolla's illegal activities finally caught up with him when he was indicted on federal charges in April 2022. Despite his attempts to evade law enforcement — including a rooftop standoff at his home — Cipolla was apprehended and has been held without bond since. Cipolla pleaded guilty, and his defense argues that his actions were fueled by a cocaine addiction and claims that he has since turned his life around while awaiting sentencing. However, federal prosecutors remain unconvinced, citing his long history of deceit and the belief that he is unlikely to reform.
A Cautionary Tale
The story of Joey Cipolla is a reminder of how easily greed can corrupt and lead to a life of crime. While his defense insists he has changed, the scale and persistence of his fraud suggest otherwise. As his sentencing approaches, Cipolla's case shows the consequences of a life built on lies.
References: Scammer dubbed the 'real life Talented Mr. Ripley' who used $1.1million to fund his luxury lifestyle of fast cars, a 12,000sqf home and piloting hobby is unmasked | Serial Scammer Joey Cipolla Spends Stolen $1.1 Million COVID-19 Fund to Support Luxurious Lifestyle
