He walked in with such authority on surveillance video; cool, calm, and collected.
But, police say he's a fake, sly enough to convince the woman behind the counter of the check cashing store that he was a real armored truck driver.
"He knew the routine like the back of his hand. He walked in asked for the amount. He looked official. I can't blame my employee," said Victor Lorenzo, the check cashing store's owner.
Victor Lorenzo owns "Lorenzo's Enterprise" in Long Island City.
He says the man asked for the pick-up, filled out the paperwork then walked out with nearly $15,000 last Friday.
Police say several hours later a GARDA uniformed guard came in for the scheduled pickup.
That's when it hit her: the first man was a fake!
"It's a lot of money for a small business. In this economy it can break us. We'll get through this," Lorenzo said.
Lorenzo says his employee had not yet been briefed on what to do or ask for.
She didn't ask for ID.
But, he wouldn't get into the details because of the police investigation.
In case you're wondering, these guards are the real deal.
They carry loaded guns and loads of cash.
They also wear the trade-marked uniform with the distinctive patch on the sleeve of the World Wide Armored Currier Company.
Ezra Cohen owns OK Uniform Company which supplies gear for law enforcement and security.
But to get your hands on the uniforms, he says you have to be screened.
"He is supposed to show a photo ID not just a driver's license but a company ID," Cohen said.
Late Thursday afternoon at the GARDA facility, police searched for the suspect.
Workers at the facility couldn't believe the man got away with it.
Anyone with information in regards to this incident is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477). You can also submit their tips by logging onto the Crime Stoppers website at WWW.NYPDCRIMESTOPPERS.COM or by texting your tips to 274637 (CRIMES) and then entering TIP577.
