If you are an entrepreneur looking for funding, or an investor looking for opportunities, you may have heard of Anthony Ritossa, the chairman of the Ritossa Family Office and the founder of the Ritossa Global Family Office Investment Summits. He claims to be a family office influencer, an impact investor, a mentor, and a philanthropist. He also claims to represent over $4.5 trillion in wealth and to have facilitated over $2.8 billion in investments through his exclusive events that attract royals, sheiks, and ultra-rich individuals from around the world.
But before you get too excited and sign up for his next summit, you should know that Anthony Ritossa is not who he says he is. According to Vanity Fair, he is a con artist who has been exposed by various sources as a Wall Street washout, a deadbeat dad, and a serial liar who has been arrested and jailed several times by European authorities for fraud and other offenses. He has allegedly used fake credentials, forged documents, and fabricated connections to lure investors and sponsors into his schemes. He has also stolen money from his clients, partners, and even his own family.
How does he get away with it? How does he manage to fool so many people into believing his wild web of lies? Here are some of the tactics he uses to create the illusion of legitimacy and credibility:
- He uses fake titles and honors. He calls himself “Sir Anthony” and claims to be a Knight of Malta and a Nobel Prize nominee. However, there is no evidence that he has ever been knighted or nominated for any prestigious award.
- He uses fake endorsements and affiliations. He claims to have the patronage of Prince Albert II of Monaco and the support of various royal families and prominent brands. However, many of these entities have denied any association with him or his events.
- He uses fake testimonials and media coverage. He claims to have received positive feedback and recognition from various media outlets and industry experts. However, many of these testimonials are either fabricated or paid for.
- He uses fake social media accounts and bots. He claims to have a large and engaged following on social media platforms such as LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram. However, many of these accounts are either fake or operated by bots.
So how can you avoid falling victim to Anthony Ritossa or other fake family offices? Here are some tips to help you do your due diligence and protect yourself from fraud:
- Do your research. Don’t take anything at face value. Verify the identity and credibility of any person or company you are dealing with online. Check their website, social media profiles, reviews, references, credentials, awards, affiliations, etc. Look for red flags such as inconsistencies, discrepancies, errors, exaggerations, etc.
- Ask questions. Don’t be afraid to ask for more information or clarification. Ask for proof of their claims or achievements. Ask for references or testimonials from previous clients or partners. Ask for their regulatory status or compliance records.
- Seek professional advice. Don’t rely on your own judgment or intuition. Seek the opinion of experts or professionals who can help you evaluate the risks and benefits of any investment opportunity or partnership proposal. Consult with your lawyer, accountant, financial advisor, etc.
- Trust your gut. Don’t ignore your instincts or feelings. If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is. If something feels off or suspicious, it probably is. If you feel pressured or rushed into making a decision, take a step back and think twice.
Remember: family offices are not all created equal. Some are genuine and reputable, while others are fake and fraudulent. Be smart and cautious when dealing with anyone who claims to be a family office influencer or impact investor.