So! This morning I woke up to the Most UNBELIEVABLE email. Which after reading it, I KNEW it was a scam..
Now.. I've heard of these scams before but never thought that people would actually do this. Let me just tell you a little bit about it. A Person by the name of "Jermiah Tolson" (not sure if thats his real name) listed one of my listings on hotpads.com "For Rent" for $700 (which is WAY below market). Verifying that old Saying "If it seems to good to be true..It probably is!" Someone then followed up with him because they were interested. The "owner" of the property then emailed the interested party back saying that he has been transferred to Salem, Oregon, and that to get the property, they would need to send money to him. He would then have the keys sent off to them after receiving the deposit and first months rent. Very interesting RIGHT?? If the guy moved to Salem, Oregon why wouldn't he let one of the agents or brokers in the area list the property for him. SMH! I was PISSED when I read this because somewhere out there, I'm sure there are more misrepresented listings for this property!!! Now my question to you is..WHAT CAN I DO?? What do you do if someone is using your property in a scam???
Let me know Real Estate World!!
And inform your buyers to beware!!
Check the email below!
EMAIL 1:
From: Jeremiah Tolson <jeremiah_tolson@yahoo.com>
To: XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Sent: Wednesday, October 26, 2011 5:12 PM
Subject: Re: HotPads.com Inquiry about (Property address was Here)
The reason why our house is up for lease is because I got transferred from my place of work to Salem Oregon, I will be away with my family for at least 4 to 5 years because of the love I have for them, I have decided not to sell our house and also assuring them that we only have few years to spend here and will be willing to lease it out to person/family who is willing to assure us of taking absolute care of our home and pay their rent on time. I will start by telling you more in regards me and my family. I have a daughter named Amanda (13yrs), and a beautiful wife Lene and they are with me here. I work as a Robotic Programmer & Welder/Fitter here in Salem Oregon and got married to a lovely wife who is a member of Joyce Meyer Ministries. We will be very pleased if we can find the right tenant to rent our home, a person who is good in cleaning and does not tolerate anything that has to do with dirt... we also would like to know more about you and your family, your renting experience and how long and when you plan moving into our home. If interested Kindly get back to me for the application form and the next step to take concerning shipping the keys and documents to you.
Thanks
Subject: RENTAL APPLICATION FORM
To: XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Date: Sunday, October 30, 2011, 10:21 PM
Thanks for your response. I do not understand what you mean by: We do not ant to pay more than 1200.00 month in rent, please clarify. You will be able to go look at the exterior view of the house for now and when we are through with the application process, we will ship the keys to you prior moving in and when you look at the inside you wish not to continue i will definitely refund any deposit you made upfront. Below is the application form for you to fill. If interested Kindly confirm your interest by filling the form below:
I really know that God has lead me to a wonderful family like yours, as we are planning on selling our home initially thinking that no one can take care of our home when we are gone but with the help of my wife, we are able to think properly before selling our home and have found out that renting it will be the best option for us as we plan on coming back to our lovely home. You have also said a lot that pleases us and we have also seen how wonderful you and your family can be when you move into our home. My concerns has been solved by you and we believe that all you said should be done the right way in ensuring that we trust you of becoming our tenant. We also plan on making our tenant family friends when they move in.
If all arrangement goes well, we will have the entrance keys and other relevant document in a hard copy paper shipped to your present home address for you to move in at your convenient date. Our home is beautiful and need no amendments. All you have to do is bring in your belongings and maintain the utilities for us. We also have Internet cable in the house, and will like you to take absolute care of our house when you move in.
Applicants' Personal Information
1) Your Full Name:
2) Sex:
3) Phone Number:
4) Present Address:
5) Previous Address:
6) How long at this address:
7) How old are you:
8) Are you married:
9) Do you have a pet:
10) Do you have a car:
11) Occupation:
12) Credit Score:
13) Reason for relocating:
14) How many people will be living in the house:
15) When Do You Intend Moving In:
16) How long lease are you signing:
17) How many months do you intend to pay prior moving in:
Looking forward to hear from you with all this details so that I can have it in my file in case of issuing the receipt for you and contacting you. I will be shipping the keys and some document for you to sign and fax them back to me. when you receive the package, you will go and view the property very well and then either you hold the keys or you send it back to us when you are ready to move in.
Regards,
Mr. Tolson
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