Thank you so much for this blog may I copy it and add it to my web site

Thanks for caring. I'm still going through it and ironing it out. It doesn't always post as it was written in Word. As I said, it's not just something that happens to greedy people looking for a quick buck, honest business people trying to be helpful to college kids are being vicitmized by the hundreds.

Interesting little game.  Not sure I would want to put that kind of time into it though.

AWESOME!!!

I've done the same thing with some scammers... most recently a person who posted a plasma TV on my local Orlando craigslist page, then claimed she was in England and wanted to sell it quickly and would ship it to me at a crazy low price (I guess selling it to someone IN THE U.K. made life too easy for her).  I love those ones, but when I offer to have my sister who 'happens to be in college and living right near you' pick it up personally and pay them on the spot, I never seem to hear back!

However, I've never seen anyone short of Dateline's Chris Hansen take it as far as you did.  Kudos for your research -- although I'm sure the satisfaction of ruining a scammer's day is all the recognition needed to keep you going!

You are too funny!  I played along with a scammer like that off ebay once.  I realized it was a scam as soon as he sent about $2000 over what the auction was for.  No one is that trusting of a stranger, he said it was for "shipping & customs" charges in his country.  I played along for awhile and then forwarded all the emails to the FBI. He even got a little nasty & desparate sounding towards the end.  The way to stop them is just to keep informing the public of their scams so that no one else falls for it.

Indeed it is. I enjoyed it most when they said the minister of finance was arrested and asked that I contact Western Union to straighten it out. As for James's comment about the time it takes; it's not for everyone. I don't spend that much time on it, and by getting to share my findings on this blog I feel it's worth it. Often in Washington it will rain non-stop for a month or more and I'm stuck at home. One can only send so many emails and listings to clients before they need a break.

This has given me a source of entertainment and cost me nothing. It's amusing to see how frantic they get when WU says they don't have the money. I just keep telling them it must be a mistake and send them back. As I mentioned in my previous blog, I've even had one tell me he would contact the FBI if I didn't send the money. I simply said thats great, because I gave the check to the FBI and they wanted to speak with him anyway. I even gave him their number. Needless to say, he never wrote back. It's almost as though they feel it really is their money because they rightfully conned you out of it and you have to pay it like you said you would! I suspect many times they have already have made plans for the money or possibly borrowed against it beliving it's on the way.

If you would like to read the most amusing tale of one such scam click on this link:

http://allreaders.net/allscams/thetaleoftunde.html

That was the one and only time I convinced a scammer to give up his own identity, address, and the fact that it was a scam. In the end he claimed to be giving up his dishonest ways. Posing as a young lady named Missy Prissy I baited him into falling in love, and we all know love is blind. You can even see the photo's he sent Missy, and you will be amazed when you see what kind of person is actually ripping Americans off for billions!

Glad to see a thorough post on this scam.  Thanks for the info!

-Eric C. Lowery, EquityShack.com, The Good Broker, LLC., Lawrenceville, GA

My previous blog post describes a different version of the scam that is also used a lot in the rental industry; it deals with those looking to rent a room. Many think no one they know would ever fall for such cons, but the truth is, they just would never tell you if they did. Odds are, we all know someone that got taken one way or another.

Often the way people are conned into sending the money is through what they believe is a third party. These emails are from another scammer that responded to the ad on craigslist:

 ______________________________________________________

Hello Mishy

Did you get the check of $3,900 from my Financier , My Robert Reyes ? I asked my shipper to contact you and kindly let me know when you will be able to forward my balance to my shipper when you get up this morning , I will like you to kindly help me forward the payment to them when you get up this morning . Please write to me when you get my email . please kindly make a withdrawal of the balance today when you get to the Bank , so that my items can be shipped down to you . I asked them to contact you about the payment .

Esther

Then you receive this from the bogus shipper (although it is the name of a real furniture oulet)

________________________________________________________________________

Phone # 206-666-2674                                 Ref #: 01815
 
Dear Sir/Ma,   
 
We are to contact you on behalf of our valued client (Miss. Esther Naomi ) concerning the payment of the delivery of her items . We would need a Deposit/Advance payment to secure her order with us,  She told us that she has sent you a check payment for the item including the Our shipping charges, We want you to send the payment to us via western union money transfer. We urge you to send the sum of $2,150.00 to our Secectary, then we can arrange for the delivery. We  request a time and date for the Delivery Of Her Items .

Considering the limited time that we have, Miss. Esther Naomi has instructed us to expect the cost of the shipping charges from you this week, all instructions and information to send the funds to has been sent to Miss. Esther Naomi  which we believe its already given to you. So you get back to our client asap so he can provide us the information to get the funds picked up so we can schedule a delivery time with you soon.We will contact you to schedule the delivery date of the furniture at your convenient time. At Ashley-Ships , we are proud of our past, encouraged for our future and genuinely excited to make Delivieries for the most important people there are - you. 
 
Thank you,
 
Mr. Brian Brennan { Director }
Cell ; (601) 857-1171  

ROTFLMAO!  Michael, what is it with your fixation with scammers?  I'll always have to call you Michael and not Mike just to prove I'm not a guy ;)

Well, well,. its the legendary Ardell! I'll try to explain my motivation behind my unusual hobby as best I can. Many years ago my wife was ripped off for over $80,000 by a con artist mortgage broker (we had only just met one another at the time) and I saw the damage it did to her self esteem and confidence; I then developed a real hatred for all con artist. These email idiots I just get to run in circles since they're so far from home, but I waste their time, and it's time they would otherwise spend ripping off a real victim. I've even taught others to do it as you can see on the allreaders message board.

I've also had a client that was the victim of the "straw mortgage" scam and it ruined her life to the point where she lost everything she had, and then tried to kill herself. Many people are simply amused when they see on TV that some "dummy" lost their hard earned money to some low-life con artist in some type of scam; I don't find it amusing. Leading the con artist into thinking they have swindled me, only to swindle them in the end I do find amusing. Often they are very bold and a bit nasty when you don"t send them your money as you are told and I suspect many weak people are pressured into doing it; as you can see in the email I received recently when I requested to see ID prior to wiring the money.

 ________________________________________________________

From: Veronica Coley <veronica_luv147@yahoo.com>
To: mish550@aol.com
Sent: Wed, 12 Sep 2007 7:09 pm
Subject: Payment Status: DELIVERED,Delivery Time: 1:46:00 PM.Act Fast!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Its ok that you got back to me, And i want to tell you again you dont need to keep asking to scan my ID befor you can sent the balance of the money to my travelling agent ok. All what i want you to do when you got the check get it cash and get the balance sent to me Asap. Stop asking me for what is personal to me.

U keep asking all this annoyne Questions,  ok.When i try to no the status of the payment online here's what i was told. See it Below   US Postal Service Tracking Number: 03071790000167326473

So i want you to get back to me Asap. Hope to hear from you soon, Thanks for your understanding and caring.

Stay Bless ,  Veronica

It is amazing what lengths people will go to in order to rip off other people.  Anymore, cashier's checks are not that exciting to accept as payment.

Yes, they dont mean much anymore as trophys (I have over 60k in checks), but I do like to see the various qualities of forgeries out there. Some of the Visa Travelers Checks and US Postal Money Orders are of high quality and would likely fool anyone. It's just fun to waste their time when I have a spare minute. It makes them pretty upset at times. I got this email recently )I even had to censor it):

-----------------------

Re: TRACKING NUMBER FOR THE PAYMENT..............(7924 2038 7183)

Good morning Michelle How are you doing hope you are doing Great.Well i am very pissed,you made me fool a whole Company i passed the fuxxxxx information you gave me to the ticketing company and they sent their agent down to western union store to pick the founds with the printed western union form you sent me But to my Greatest sujrprise they told me That their is No Order in that Name

That the form was Fake  why all this bullxxxx what are you trying to do please if you know whats better then do it i need you to send the rest of that money Now to the Ticketing company's Info that i gave you ok do that Now am pleeding in Gods Name

Please try and do this for me so they can get all her flying Documents Ready so she can leave here and come to you Now ok please do this for me Now and the Phone Number you gave me i tgried calling the number But it has been disconected why is that well thats not a problem to me Just get the money sent today and i don't need any more of your fuxxxxx Jokes Ok am very serious Now Ok so go and send the funds Now Ok.Reply Now!!!!!!!!!!!!

--------------------------------

So as you see, I do have the pleasure of ruining their day.

------------------------------------------------

Hahaha... LOL. I love it, keep up the pressure on those bastards....

I have not encountered this particular scam yet, but I *every* day I get the lottery scam messages, sometimes even three or four a day... I keep a count on how much money I have "won", and by now I top $2870 MILLION! (Yes I am a "rich" man).

 I  also tried to misguide them, but was not so successful. Now that I've read yourblog I got a few good ideas how to approach tem next time...

Here is a copy of my email with a scammer. I'm glad people are sharing information about these people and hope that it helps minimize the scams. I thought it was odd that he gave so much personal information, but I'm sure they have a ring out there to answer all inquiries. We even checked out the street address, and it is valid. Nothing on the internet about the employer. After reading all the other info that people have posted, it's obvious it's the same scam.

 Hello..
 Thanks for the details on the house. I am a supervisor of a local construction company in Wales which specialises in construction of companies and houses.I am sent over to states to study Construction and house development so to improve our standard.I like you reserve
the place for me upon my arrival .
 Contrary to payment,all my expenses including house rent will be taken care of my the company .Be advised that my manager will be effecting payment with a certified cashier check drwan from a US bank worth $6,800(which is a relocation grant from my employment and i have decided to use it for the deposit, interiordecoration and getting furnitures for the place).You will then have to deduct an initial deposit of $1,495 (which is the move in cost).All subsequent monthly rent would be paid by me in cash. You will have to forward the excess funds on the check to the interior decorator(who will be responsible for shipping of furnitures, electrical appliances and other personal luggages). I hope this is clear between us? mail me back with your details:
 
your full name to be written on check:
Address to send to:
Your cell phone number
 
Below are my full details :
Name: Dawkin Rhodes Current Address:14B Cathedral Road Cardiff, CF11 9PH ,North Wales
Age:39
Marital status:Married
Profession: Estates Consultant
Sex:Male
Phone :+44-702-408-4960
009-44-702-408-4960
 Check below for my referal ,he his my current landlord ,you can ask him about my rental history and behaviour :
 
Name: George Honson
Same Address:14B Cathedral Road Cardiff, CF11 9PH ,North Wales
Email:gleslie443@yahoo.com
 
And also this is my Employer Contact information :
Wen Consultants Ltd.
Wendel Lazo
009 703 401 3193
sdll95@yahoo.com
 
I'm a Gentleman,dont smoke..
Your response will be appreciated.
Regards.

They do get creative. I got this one last week it's from yet another poor refugee trying to smuggle millions out of the country. I forwarded it the Bank of Scottland:

-------------------------

Hello my dear how are you? together with your work i feel all is fine.I am happy to read your mail once again, and i have had what you said. As i ealier told you the situation of the kind of enviroment i stay does not give me the opportunty to do such.   Besides, my picture is not a guarrantee for you to be convinced regardness to my fact, since we still have the opportunity to meet in America.

Here i attach with, the (BANK INFORMATIONS FOR YOUR VERIFICATION.) God will bless and reward you for every effort you are about to make to see me out from this horrible prison called refugee camp where i am
living today as a result of  the untimely death of my parents (may their gentle souls rest in peace).
I thank God for the life of Rev Rev .Emmanuel George the pastor of the church located in the camp where i recieve and send emails to you. When you call tell him that you want to speak with me so that he will send to me.

He is like a father to us here as his church assists united nations here in Senegal in taking care of refugees.i'm living in the females hostel.
Here  is the contact information of the bank in Scotland where the money was deposited by my late father is as follows,
 
NAME OF THE BANK - ROYAL BANK  OF SCOTLAND
NAME OF THE TRANSFER - OFFICER IS MR BRAIN WILSTON
TELEPHONE NUMBER IS   +44-7045-7323-74
FAX  NUMBER                   +44-70-45-723-797
 
EMAIL  ADRESS-(Royal_Bank_Scotland@mybestmail.com)
                           (royal_bank_of_scotland@ommail.com)
        
Already i have informed this bank about my intention to claim my late father's deposit of which my name appears as the next of kin. The only thing the bank told me is to look for a foreign partner who will assist me in the transfer due to my refugee status here in Senegal as a refugee i am not allowed directely claim of the money but through an apointed representative as the united refugee law governing refugee all over the world states.

Based on this information i will like you to send an email to the transfer department of the  bank today with this email addres (Royal_Bank_Scotland@mybestmail.com) Attentioned Mr Brain Wilston the foreign transfer officer of the bank telling him that you are my representative and that you want to assist me transfer my four Million US Dollars deposited by late father of which i am the next of kin. after you contact the bank you call me on phone today.
 
THE ACCOUNT INFORMATION ARE AS FOLLOWS.
ACCOUNT NAME IS  (DR MIKE WILSON )
AMOUNT $9.7(NINE.SEVEN  Million US Dollars).
NEXT OF KIN MISS (JULIAN MIKE).
ACCOUNT NUMBER (CTB791103546/CMT/91/S)
 
God bless you as you do this today,

Yours
Julian .

Here is a copy of my email with a scammer. I'm glad people are sharing information about these people and hope that it helps minimize the scams. I thought it was odd that he gave so much personal information, but I'm sure they have a ring out there to answer all inquiries.  Nothing on the internet about the employer. After reading all the other info that people have posted, it's obvious it's the same scam with same company & landlord's name but his name is different.

 Hello..
 Thanks for the details on the house. I am a supervisor of a local construction company in Wales which specialises in construction of companies and houses.I am sent over to states to study Construction and house development so to improve our standard.I like you reserve
the place for me upon my arrival .
 Contrary to payment,all my expenses including house rent will be taken care of my the company .Be advised that my manager will be effecting payment with a certified cashier check drwan from a US bank worth $10,800(which is a relocation grant from my employment and i have decided to use it for the deposit, interiordecoration and getting furnitures for the place).You will then have to deduct an initial deposit of $1,495 (which is the move in cost).All subsequent monthly rent would be paid by me in cash. You will have to forward the excess funds on the check to the interior decorator(who will be responsible for shipping of furnitures, electrical appliances and other personal luggages). I hope this is clear between us? mail me back with your details:
 
your full name to be written on check:
Address to send to:
Your cell phone number
 
Below are my full details :
Name: John  Weaser Current Address:35 Ynys Wen Booth House, Felinfoel Llanelli, SA14 8BE
Age:39
Marital status:Married
Profession: Estates Consultant
Sex:Male
Phone :+44-702-408-4960 (same number on the other scam)
009-44-702-408-4960
 Check below for my referal ,he his my current landlord ,you can ask him about my rental history and behaviour :
 
Name: George Honson (same number on the other scam)
Same Address:14B Cathedral Road Cardiff, CF11 9PH ,North Wales
Email:gleslie443@yahoo.com (same number on the other scam)
 
And also this is my Employer Contact information :
Wen Consultants Ltd. (same number on the other scam)
Wendel Lazo
009 703 401 3193
sdll95@yahoo.com
 
I'm a Gentleman,dont smoke..
Your response will be appreciated.
Regards.

Funny thing is, months after I posted this story, our very own NWMLS finally felt the need to bring this issue to agents attention. Here is what they had to say about it.

----------------------------------------- 

Beware of Scams on Craigslist

This person is using a listed property to lure potential renters, gather deposit money and then defraud. THIS HOME IS NOT FOR RENT. It is a scam.

From: Clementine Paradise (clementine.paradise@yahoo.com )

To: xxxxxxx Subject: Re: house for rent

Date: Sun, 20 Jan 2008 12:47:20 +0000 

Thanks for your email and interest in my house.May the peace of the Lord be upon you and your family.I am Clementine Paradise the owner of the House you are interest in located at Washinton. Presently am on a missionary work transfer to WEST AFRICA.I went there with all my family ,On getting here,i discoverd that my missionary work will last for 5 years so i decided to look for a responsible and caring person to maintain and take proper care of my House as i do.Please i want you to know that i am a kind and honest Man of God also i spent alot on my properties so i will want you to treat it as your own.

You will pay $700 /month, The money involved does not matters to me but i want you to keep it tidy all the time so that i will be glad to see it neat when i come for a check up. the house is located at 2017 Northeast 137th Street, Seattle WA 98125 Firstly,i will like you to go take a look at the exterior part of the house > because you will not be able to go inside to see the interior hence i have all the keys and security code here with me.you can get back to me if you are truely interested.

My house contains utilities such as:  Wardrobe,Double Bed,Sheets & Blankets with Air Conditioning in the Bedrooms, Furnished, TV, Iron, Sofa, DVD, Internet service and Air Conditioning in the Livingroom. Also, Washing Machine, Fridge, Gas Hob, Oven, Microwave, Plates & cutlery in the Kitchen, etc. 

Do get back to me if you are truely interested and sure of taking proper care of my house there is a rent application form which i will like you to fill it and send back to me. If you can do all this for me,then i will be willing to rent my house to you. Looking forward to hear from you. Your full information will be used to process all documents that will be comming together with the keys leading to the house and this will come to you through DHL courier service. Thank you and remain Blessed.

Clementine

xxxxxxx@comcast.net wrote:

Hello, I was inquiring about your house for rent. Is it still available? If so, I would like to arrange a time to take a look at it. It sounds really cute.  Thank you!

Posted January 21, 2008

Northwest Multiple Listing Service

-----------------------------------------------

Glad to know MLS is on top of things.

where do I forward scam emails?  FBI - what link?  I was responding to a scam today, but something kept nagging me until I searched for rental property scams and pulled up your blog.  Now, I just want to know where to forward his emails so he can possibly get caught.

 Vikki

Theres really no FBI Link to forward such emails to, there just to many of these for them to pursue. If the person contacting you claims to represent a particular company, then contact the company and they can complain to the Secret Service. On one such occasion I did do that, and once I tricked the fellow into revealing his true identity, he was arrested.

I owned a resturant and filed bankruptcy recently.  I needed desperately to sell the remaining equipment from the store.  I was approached with very similar offers all overseas want to buy the most expensive stuff.  They wanted to 'overpay' to convince me how serious the offer was?  I was to forward back a large amount to UK (for the shipping fee, that the buyer suddently knew even though they didnt know the weight or size?)  But they were sure the shipping/handling fee was very high.  I hadnt been online in years and nearly feel into this until all the questions started and the buyer wanted to know way more then needed to just buy some equipment.  Same hussle but just to sell some stuff on craigslist, I was flooded by these type emails.

 I ran a trace route on the emails IP's and found them all in South UK, interestingly the buyer claimed to be another person with a new email addy, which traced back to the same IP....fun fun.  IF you take a 'certified cashiers chk' NEVER send anyone the 'change' or you'll be paying it back yourself.

 JOE

Craigslist is a scam artist haven. When you advertise on there, it's like throwing meat into a tank full of sharks. I write these post to try and bring awareness to people. Glad you didn't fall for it.

What a bunch of lunatics!! I almost believed it but I searched for the company on google to see if it was real and low and behold I found this blog..  I am more than grateful that you have saved me from making a huge mistake! These people are nuts, writing me messages telling me I won the UK lottery... Well I never left the US something ain't right about that! Thank you again! I will post my own blog about my experience with these scammers and hopefully save a few more people as well! 

Nicole, you may wish to visit the site I've dedicated to 419 scammers. You'll get a clear picture of how pervasive they are. http://allreaders.net/allscams/lotteryscams.html

I also got the the e-mail, sounded fishy from the get go, so I googled the number, the address and the company and BAM, I found your wonderful website, thank you so much.

Well I'm glad I did some good. I recently ran another ad on Craigslist in an effort to rent my home out. I received about a dozen such solicitations in one day. Here are a few:

From: Ena Kenrich <naturalgift1@hotmail.co.uk>
Sent: Wednesday, April 25, 2008 5:58:52 AM
Subject: I'm Interested

Good Day,

I am pleased to contact you about your accommodation which you have for rent. I am 28 years old lady from a good background in UK. Do not smoke, drink nor a party type.I like reading, watching TV (mostly Discovery Programmes) and meeting people, working with Premier Oil & Gas Plc in
Republic of Ireland as a Geophysicist.

I will be coming to USA for a research project in less than a month, and which will last between 11 - 12 months. So, I need an accommodation to stay for the period of the research project, and I will like to secure an accommodation before my arrival.

Therefore, let me know if your accommodation is available for me, if yes, send its address with brief description of its vicinity to me. Also let me know the rent cost per month and security deposit.

Thanks for your co-operation,while I can't wait to read your prompt response.

Cheers,

Ena Kenrich,
Assistant Field Geophysicist
--------------------

From: Sarah Moak <shongatz@hotmail.com>
Sent: Thursday, April 17, 2008 7:33:22 PM
Subject: i am interested in your RENT‏

In search of  a room or an apartment ,i came across the posted rent advert & ll like to know if its still available .I am in London as at now where i just finished my professional programme and relocating.
 
I am  a friendly and easy going person who like to acquaint with people from diverse races ,background and origin. my hobbies include music, movies, computers, poetry and giving an helping hand to whoever that needs it. My interest is not limited in anyway and i love trying out new things .I will like to know the location of the room/apartment ,with more details about the actual amount to be paid.
 
kindly email me again with the below details so we can proceed and have some things done concerning the Rent.

1} RENT FEE\MO ?
2} MOVE-IN DEPOSIT ?
3} ADDRESS OF THE PLACE FOR RENT ?
4) WILL YOU TAKE A CERTIFIED CASHIER'S CHEQUE FOR MOVE-IN DEPOSIT ?
5} HOW LONG RENT LEASE DO YOU REQUIRE?
6) DO YOU HAVE PICTURES ?
7 ) HOW FAR IS THE STORES , BUS-STOP & TRAIN STATION FROM THE PLACE ?
8) RENT START DATE ?

I will be expecting to read answers to the above questions asap .
 
Best Regards.
Sarah.

---------------------------

From: nike joun titi4care_2006@yahoo.com
Sent: Thursday, April 17, 2008 8:50:42 PM
Subject: Roommate

Hi  roommate How are you doing ? i am from dallas, I speak both English and Spanish fluently, and i am 32years of age. I am currently working with the Federal Agency of Works and Natural Resources in Spain.I am currently on a reseach programme,and i am desperately looking for a place to stay.

I read your profile about the room and i would really want to secure the room before my arrival,and more so to know if it would be possible for me to pay for the room before my arrival,So i will like to know the total amount of the room per month and the utility included.All these information are very important so that i can submit my proposal to my Organization.

My Organization will be responsible for all the fees and the payment will be by United State  money order. I will need the following information to get the payment to you.

(1) Full name as it will appear on the payment.
(2) Address
(3) phone number
 
I would be glad to see your quick response.

-------------------

From: Wendy Vincent wendyvincent90@hotmail.com
Sent: Friday, April 18, 2008 1:44:00 AM
Subject: Roommate

Hi,
 
How are you doing? Guess fine I presume. Am writing you in regards to your advert on Craigslist.com and I'm interested in your room apartment, Am from canada and I will be having some seminars coming up soon in US. Right now am working for a Non Government Organization on a program on children with orphans and heart related probs.
 
My next program/seminars will be in US and I will need a room to stay for these seminars, so I want to secure a room before my arrival to the states. I can't wait to arrive to US cause I've heard a lot about US.Moreso I will be staying for the period of 12-13 months, Pls do get back to me with the room description, move in rent fees for the first month, Utilities and deposit if included. And if any picture of the room is available, kindly attach it with your reply please.
 
Hope to read from you. Have a wonderful and productive day.
 
Kindest Regards.
 
wendy vincent
--------------------------

From: "janeparker49@aol.com" <janeparker49@aol.com>
To: creelrealty@yahoo.com
Sent: Friday, April 18, 2008 3:20:13 AM
Subject: $1950 Executive Lease - Fully Furnished (Newcastle, WA.) (map) ----------------


Hello
How are you doing today?I'm Jane and 26 yrs I saw your advert on craigslist and am interested in been  your roommate.Do you still have it available? please get back to me ASAP Thanks

------------------------

From: Jarry John jarryjohn33@yahoo.com
Sent: Saturday, April 19, 2008 7:48:23 AM
Subject: am intrested

attn: i am interested in renting your Room and i am willing to pay whatever amount you are willing to collect for the Room.i won't be able to come by to see the place but Heres a little info about myself.

I am sandra martins,i am 29 years old,Am a Female Single.I am originaly from North Carolina but presently in W/Africa ,i hold a degree in BUSINESS AND RESOURCES MANAGEMENT FROM THE METROPOLITAN UNIVERSITY IN LONDON U.K,i worked for two years in UK before leaving for West Africa where i am at present with my mum who is on a missionary project here.

Consequent to this and in order to make arramgment in easier and quicker i am searching for Timeshare early and i saw your add on the web and i want to make a reservation for your timeshare.I can assure you that you will not have any regrets letting out this Room to me.

I am a quiet person and can get along well with any body,i am coming over alone,with no family or pets,i do not smoke and i drink very lightly.Please reply me as soon as you read this email.You can contact me via email.(sandra_martins2000@hotmail.com)...and if you have a yahoo messenger please feel free to add me to your list....Hope to hear from you soon....

regards

(Sandra Martins I've run into before while trying to rent property-see below)
-------------------

From: Sandra Martins <sandra34456@yahoo.com>
Sent: Mon, 3 Sep 2007 6:11 pm
Subject: I need a room/Things to know about the place

Hi There,
                           
           How re you doing? I hope all is well. I'm Sandra Martinez, am 26 yrs old and Am originally from Barcelona, Spain . Graduate of Huelva University on the Costa de la Luz , I have a master degree in  interior fashion and I work as a professional fashion designer. I moved to Phoenix , AZ two year ago for work and that's where am living.

I'm am not in the states right now, i am presently in West africa . I am currently working on contract for a company call (African Family Home Fashions) here in West Africa ( Nigeria ) which the contract will be ending soon. I will be returning to the states in two weeks time and I don't want to go back to my where am living in Phoenix because my house rent has expired there. I enjoy traveling, It is very interesting to get more knowledge about the new countries, new people and traditions. It's great to have such a possibility. As i was searching through the web i saw the advert of your room.

I would like to know maybe it's still available becasue i'm extremely interested in it. Here are the questions i would like to know about the room before planing to move in to the following questions below:
 
A}I will like to know the major intersection nearest your neighbourhood.like shopping mall,Churches,bus line e.t.c
 
B}I will like to know the total cost for the my initial move as in first month rent and if you accept deposit.
C}I will like to know if there is any garage or parking space cos I will have my own car come over.
 
D}I will like to have the rent fee per month plus the utilities.
E}I will like to have the description of the room, size, and the equipments in there.
 
F}I will also like to know Your payment mode.
G}I will like to know if I can make an advance payment ahead my arrival that will be stand as a kind of commitment that I am truely coming over and for you to hold the room down for me.

She is a volunteer at the sister's of the eucharistic heart of jesus convent,here in Barcelona , Spain . I have been wanted to relocated to the US longtime ago even while i was a little girl growing up and my mom is in support.It' been a long dreamed come true for me when i finnally settled in the US now. I have chosen your city for me to live when i arrive. I am easy to get along with and well mannered.

I do not use people's items without permission and consideration. Kindly get back to me ASAP with the your monthly rent and the deposit i need to pay to enable you turn down other interested parties and keep the place for me until i arrive,because i will like to pay for the deposit before my arrival and i will like to know the total amount the rent for a whole year would be,as i am more interested in a long term lease,but still open to any form of lease you want. But i will like to pay the deposit first of all before i arrive to show my seriousness and so that you can hold the place for me until i arrive.

I am single as i said and i am not attached to anyone at the moment. I do part time modeling; i call myself an amateur though,LOL,just something i take as a hobby and also i have a masters degree in interior fashion which i bagged from the Huelva University on the Costa de la Luz in Spain . I will be looking to pick up Fashion Designer jobs once i arrive in ur city, Fashion Designer is my life and i love it. I am new living all alone as i have lived with my mom alone in the past but i have no doubs in my mind about my ability to live peacefully with as i was raised to be a lover of peace.

A friend just introduced me to this thing and i really wish that i am able to find the good cultured kind of Place i am looking for here. I hope i am doing it right anyways.LOL. Well,i think we will get along well because am a easy going person who respects ones privacy,like i said i dont do drugs or smoke but i drink only occasionally,i strongly believe there will be any problems living with me as i was raised by strong catholic Christain parents and have inbibed such good qualities from childhood.

I will love to see your pics and those of the place as well.I'll be so glad if you can reserve the room for me and remove all your the adverts abt the place as i'll love to rent the place. Get back to me ASAP
 
Thanks and have a good time.

Warmest Regards,
Sandra

----------------------------

As you can see, it just never ends. It's the closest thing to a job these people have. I read a blog awhile back that made me laugh. The writer said that any agent not advertising their clients properties on craigslist was doing a disservice to their client. Thats funny.

Thank you all, for this web-site and sharing your experience about scammers.

Today I've got a scam from Mike Lexy.It is very similar to the story provided here by Michelle. I didn't want to play game with this scammer, so I've just responded that I would not deal with his cheque, etc.

Here you can read what kind of scam I've got on my simple advertisment for appartment rent. May be it could help to somebody to avoid having deal with this kind of scammers!!!!

"Hello larisa,
     I got your mail. Thanks for geting back to me so quick and I am extremely interested in ur property and i don't want you to rent it out to any other person,You seem to be a very good and nice person. I want you to know that i'm a very straight forward and honest person.Contrary to payment,all my expenses including house rent will be taken care of my the company .Be advised that my company manager will be effecting payment with a certified cashier check drawn from a US bank worth $6,400(which is a relocation grant from my employment and i have decided to use it for the deposit, to book for my flight back to the states).You will then have to deduct an initial deposit of $749.00(which is the move in cost).You will have to forward the excess funds on the check to My Traveling Agent, I will be paying ahead my arrival for a month, which is very important and that will secure the Place for me, and as soon as I arrive others important things will be taken care of before moving in the Place.
So i will inform him to issue out the check to you, so that the check can stand as the payment for the property.
All you need to do now is to send me your details Below:
 
FULL NAME TO BE ON CHECK:
CONTACT ADDRESS WITH YOUR ZIP CODE:
PHONE NUMBER :
YOUR NEAREST AIRPORT:
 
so that i can forward it to my company manager who will issue the check out to you.As soon as i get these info i requested for, i will forward them to my company manage immediately. As soon as you recieve the check you will deduct your move-in cost ($749.00)out of it you will now help me forward the remaning balance to my traveling Agent so that i can use it to book for my flight back to the states.
I just want to make sure i get the room before i get back to the state. I will like stay there for a year even more that till when i will have my own personal place but I will prefer a year lease.
 
Check below for my referral ,My current landlord ,you can ask him about my rental history
and behavior :
 
Name: williams cole
zip code SA14 8BE
Email:lexymike@yahoo.com
 
Employment Verification:
Wen Consultants Ltd.
The company's web site is under construction for update and it will be unvieled on 01 of April
2008.
Wen Saint
Cell 1:  (+44) 7033260111
 (+44) 7031917677
(+44) 7031827081
My Informations.
Full Name: Lexy Mike
Zip code 14 8BE
Age:45
Drinking: No
Pets: No
Date of birth: 10th of Oct 1962
Socially Marital Status: Married
Children: I have no kids
Religion: Christianity
Occupation: Estate Consultant
Phone:Cell 1: +44 70 45 744484
Cell 2:  + 44 703 195 7888
Am cool headed and easy going person with no criminal record and i like to have a roommate or neighbor's who is very responsible and understanding,someone i can really get a long. As soon as you get this mail pls get back to me with the info i requested for so that every thing can be done fast.
Take care and I will be looking forward to hear from you soon.
Thanks and have a good time.
Warmest Regards,"

You Saved Me!! Thank You!

Here is the scam that I almost fell for until I saw that the guy was going to send me money and wanted me do do odd things with it for him. I thought I should check it out and yup it was the same scam. Starting with the most recent email I copied the dialogue below.

Oh Sorry Sirs, I am actually going to rent the apartment to my friend who works for the Government, splitting his time between the FBI and Interpol. He has already paid me. Good Luck Gettin Rich, Justin From: geo_willis@hotmail.com

To: justin4t@msn.com Subject: details... Date: Sun, 18 May 2008 12:30:35 +0000 Hello.. Thanks for the details on the house. I am a supervisor of a local construction company in Wales which specialises in construction of companies and houses.I am sent over to states to study Construction and house development so to improve our standard.I like you reserve the place for me upon my arrival . Contrary to payment,all my expenses including house rent will be taken care of my the company .Be advised that my manager will be effecting payment with a certified cashier check drwan from a US bank worth $6,000(which is a relocation grant from my employment and i have decided to use it for the deposit, interiordecoration and getting furnitures for the place).You will then have to deduct an initial deposit of $867 (which is the move in cost).All subsequent monthly rent would be paid by me in cash. You will have to forward the excess funds on the check to the interior decorator(who will be responsible for shipping of furnitures, electrical appliances and other personal luggages). I hope this is clear between us? mail me back with your details: your full name to be written on check: Address to send to: Your cell phone number Below are my full details : Name: younces Kes Current Address:35 Ynys Wen Booth House, Felinfoel Llanelli SA14 8BE Age:39 Marital status:Married Profession: Estates Consultant Sex:Male Phone :+44-702-408-4960 009-44-702-408-4960 Check below for my referal ,he his my current landlord ,you can ask him about my rental history and behaviour : Name: George Honson Same Address:35 Ynys Wen Booth House, Felinfoel Llanelli SA14 8BE Email:gleslie443@yahoo.com And also this is my Employer Contact information : Wen Consultants Ltd. Wendel Lazo 009 703 401 3193 sdll95@yahoo.com I'm a Gentleman,dont smoke.. Your response will be appreciated. Regards.

From: justin4t@msn.com To: geo_willis@hotmail.com Subject: RE: $867 / 2br - Luxury 2BR 2BA, ShortTerm, 1st Month Free (North Austin) (map) Date: Sat, 17 May 2008 23:28:32 +0000 1. 3rd floor, vaulted ceilings, 2BR 2BA, 1124sf, view of cattle ranch from balcony, swimming pools and full amenities, clean, bright, safe area, close to Mopac & Toll-45 & La Frontera Shopping Center etc. 2. $867 3. The Preserve at Rollling Oaks located ... 15450 FM 1325 Austin Tx 78728 (close to everything North Austin) 4. Move in June 1st 2008 and stay until 9/21/2008 or longer 5. Pictures are listed on Craigs List 6. I own the lease but will be able to add you once you visit the complex office and are qualified through their standard leasing proceedure Kindly Get back to me ASAP I can't write these responses fast enough... the apartment is gaining a lot of attention, let me know what you would like to do Date: Sat, 17 May 2008 16:13:56 -0700 From: geo_willis007@yahoo.com Subject: $867 / 2br - Luxury 2BR 2BA, ShortTerm, 1st Month Free (North Austin) (map)

To: justin4t@msn.com Hello, I will like to know if the property you listed is still avaliable.If yes. pls do give me the following information. 1.A brief discription of the apartment 2.Cost for one month rental + Deposit? 3.Location of the apartment 4.Your available date to move in? 5.Do send me the pictures for proper viewing sine am not in the state. 6.Let me know if you are the owner and about your lease agreement and also i will fill the application after i arrive in the state. kindly get back to me before the end of the day.

Glad to help. Here is a recent from a scammer that sent the check last week and never heard back from me:

----- Original Message ----
From: Sarah Moak <shongatzzz@hotmail.com>
Sent: Saturday, May 17, 2008 10:09:42 AM
Subject: CHEQUE/PAYMENT DELIVERED ( RENT ) !

Good Morning,
 
How are you doing today and hope you having a cool weekend ? Was just kind of worried when i look up to my emails all the time without a message from you. ll really appreciate if you can update me with the situation of things. I will be expecting a reply today please, OK.
 
Have Fun !
Sarah Moak.

---------------------------------------

----- Original Message ----
From: CreelRealty <creelrealty@yahoo.com>
To: Sarah Moak <shongatzzz@hotmail.com>
Sent: Saturday, May 17, 2008 11:59:33 AM
Subject: Re: CHEQUE/PAYMENT DELIVERED ( RENT ) !

I'm so sorry luv, didn't hear from you from so long, and didn't receive a check in a timely manner, so I rented the room to someone else. I can mail your check back to you.

------------------------------------

----- Original Message ----
From: Sarah Moak <shongatzzz@hotmail.com>
To: CreelRealty <creelrealty@yahoo.com>
Sent: Saturday, May 17, 2008 1:32:36 PM
Subject: RE: CHEQUE/PAYMENT DELIVERED ( RENT ) !

Hi,
 
I understand your plight and immediately you receive the cheque, deduct what you have lost and have my remaining money sent to me via western union as explained. I am very sorry for the pain caused and i hope thats Ok by you.
 
Thanks,
Sarah.

--------------------------

From: CreelRealty <creelrealty@yahoo.com>
To: Sarah Moak <shongatzzz@hotmail.com>
Sent: Sunday, May 18, 2008 10:52:41 AM
Subject: Re: CHEQUE/PAYMENT DELIVERED ( RENT ) !

Well Sarah, I don't really see a need for all that trouble. I'll just return the check to you and we can call it even. I'm simply to busy to go to Western Union, after all, your the one that delayed and caused the trouble. Keep in mind, I don't know you, or work for you. You've really imposed on me quite enough, so I'll merely mail the check back. 
 -------------------------

To see other variations of this scam, and to understand just how big it is, visit http://allreaders.net/allscams.html

On Tue, May 27, 2008 at 9:11 PM, Weaser Kent <littlewhite122@hotmail.com> wrote:
Hello,
 
Thanks for the details on the Property, i am satisfied and will like to go ahead with the renting process,i will like you to go ahead and please reserve the property for me.
So i will be needing the following informations so that the check for payment of the deposit $2900 can be processed and posted to you soon.
 
FULL NAME TO BE ON CHECK:.......................
CONTACT ADDRESS WITH YOUR ZIP CODE:.............
PHONE NUMBER :.............................

I received this mail for my propery rental AD

Weaser Kent <littlewhite122@hotmail.com> wrote:

Hello,
 
Thanks for the details on the Property, i am satisfied and will like to go ahead with the renting process,i will like you to go ahead and please reserve the property for me.
So i will be needing the following informations so that the check for payment of the deposit $3590 can be processed and posted to you soon.
 
FULL NAME TO BE ON CHECK:.......................
CONTACT ADDRESS WITH YOUR ZIP CODE:.............
PHONE NUMBER :...................................
YOUR NEAREST AIRPORT:..........................
 
I will also want to notify you that i have in the mean time arrange with an interior decorator who will be handling the purchase of furnitures,entertainment system and other appliances that i will need in the property,they will as well be incharge of moving down my luggages down to the states.
So the check of $8900 will be sent over to you which is a relocation grant by my employer, and all you need to do is deduct the deposit $3590 and you will forward the rest to the Decorators so i can have the place all prepared for my arrival. All applications and lease will be signed as soon as i arrive.
 
Also for familiarization I am Weaser Kent,I am 45 yrs of age,a British citizen,I work with Wen Consultants Ltd. (UK), as a Estate Consultant, I am a Christian, reserved in Nature, Non smoker also i don't keep pets.
 
I look forward to meeting you and hope to have a good relationship as a tenant with you.
I await the details.
you can reach my at this number Phone: Cell 1: +44 703 190 0802
+ 44 703 190 0807
 
Below is my present landlords information for reference :
Name: Kolo Miguel
Same Address35 Ynys Wen Booth House, Felinfoel Llanelli SA14 8BE
Email:kolomiguel@yahoo.com
 
Cheers

I also received this same e-mail from Weaser Kent.. Thanks for this blog...very helpful

I also received the same e-mail from Weaser Kent. His name should be WEASEL not Weaser.  Thanks for this blog. 

Thanks for the details on the Property, i am satisfied and will like to go ahead with the renting process,i will like you to go ahead and please reserve the property for me. So i will be needing the following informations so that the check for payment of the deposit $2400 can be processed and posted to you soon.

FULL NAME TO BE ON CHECK:....................... CONTACT ADDRESS WITH YOUR ZIP CODE:............. PHONE NUMBER :................................... YOUR NEAREST AIRPORT:..........................

I will also want to notify you that i have in the mean time arrange with an interior decorator who will be handling the purchase of furnitures,entertainment system and other appliances that i will need in the property,they will as well be incharge of moving down my luggages down to the states. So the check of $7900 will be sent over to you which is a relocation grant by my employer, and all you need to do is deduct the deposit $2400 and you will forward the rest to the Decorators so i can have the place all prepared for my arrival. All applications and lease will be signed as soon as i arrive. Also for familia