A Chicago man who operates a fragrance-focused YouTube channel is accused of orchestrating a scam that left retailers with luxury perfume boxes filled with modeling clay instead of expensive cologne, prompting Cook County sheriff’s investigators to launch what they dubbed “Operation Eau de Fraud.”
The investigation began in March after Nordstrom alerted the Cook County Sheriff’s Police Organized Retail Crime Unit that luxury fragrances returned by mail had been tampered with. According to the sheriff’s office, the original bottles had been removed from their boxes and replaced with modeling clay while the packaging was carefully resealed to appear unopened.
Investigators reviewed financial, internet, shipping, and other records before identifying the alleged suspect as Phillip Carter, 30, of Portage Park.
Carter placed orders for thousands of dollars worth of high-end fragrances and would request a return after they shipped. But before sending them back for refunds, he allegedly removed the original bottles, replaced them with either modeling clay or used fragrance bottles, and resealed the boxes.
Investigators also discovered that Carter operates a YouTube channel where he showcases an extensive collection of cologne bottles, according to the sheriff’s office. In his videos, Carter encourages viewers to subscribe to his channel and make monetary donations because it gets him “one step closer to getting you guys free fragrances.” As of Friday, 3,210 people were following his channel.
On July 22, investigators executed a search warrant at Carter’s apartment in the 5200 block of West Hutchinson Street, where they arrested him.
During the search, investigators allegedly recovered 714 fragrance bottles with an estimated retail value of $250,000, along with resealed boxes ready for shipment, packages containing modeling clay instead of fragrances, additional modeling clay, a heat gun, glue, and packaging materials.
The Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office approved three counts of mail fraud against Carter on July 23. He was also charged with three misdemeanor counts of theft by deception. The charges are not detainable and Judge James Costello released him pending trial.
Here’s one of Carter’s videos, “I Have 1000+ fragrances, these are the BEST so far (Part 1),” which has been viewed 2,900 times:
