Rental Scammer - [email protected] (Moved)

So I need an apartment for 2 weeks while I'm in London so I decided to go on craiglist to look. I found one and emailed this guy, he returns my email, says his name is John Beckton.

The flat turns out to be 190 pounds a week which is really really low, he also wants to do a western union wire transfer to get him the money. I actually give him my number at one point, and he calls me. He says he's from london and moving to scotland, but his accent is really thick he honestly kind of sounds Jamaican.

His emails also have some spelling errors and some terrible punctuation, here's an excerpt:

"We are a very Successful family and Money isn't the Problem, that was why I made the Flat very CHEAP...I need to know the person that will occupy my apartment, i.e the person that will take care of my apartment like theirs Home... I`m letting the flat out because am presently in Scotland working on my other properties and I have a new Home here already then I`ll be starting a new life in Scotland with the family..."

As I write this I'm feeling more and more like this is a scam, but what do you think?

Hi massimo, and welcome to Scamwarners!

Based on what you've posted my mind leans towards scam as well. "really really low" price + Western Union raises flags in my mind, as well as the fact that the grammar and sentence structure isn't consistent with somebody from London (or Scotland or Jamaica for that matter).

If you could, please post a full email from him, including the headers. If you don't know how then let us know which provider you use and we can explain. Also, please make sure you remove your personal details like name and email address before you post. Given that, it will be easier for us to see for certain if it is a scam.

Hello massimo

As Jim is suggesting, just mentioning that you should part with your money via Western Union is a big Red Flag

Western Union and MoneyGram transactions are intended for transactions between yourself and people you know and trust. The transaction details should never be disclosed to a third party.

Make no mistake ! Western Union and MoneyGram Transfers can be picked up virtually anywhere in the world and with the minimum of identification. They are almost impossible to trace once the money has been collected.

Please go ahead and post the mail that you have received - all you need to do is to remove your own details before submitting.

I use gmail and i'm not sure what the easy way to post our email conversation is.

Just copy and paste the headers and text of the email into your post. You will want to include the full headers, but remove your own information (e.g. your email address) --just select your info and type X's or hit delete.

To show the full headers:

1. Log into your Gmail Account
2. Open the Email whose headers you want to view
3. Click on triangle to the right of the “reply” button on the top right corner of the email.
4. Now click the “show original” link.
5. This will bring up a new window with headers and the body of the message.
Illustrated guide: [url]http://docs.department23.co.uk/Gmail.pdf
[/url]

FYI the little bit you posted above is not consistent with a British author. The errors and phrasing are 100% typical of an African author--and since this particular scam format typically originates in Africa, I am absolutely certain it is a scam. If the scammer is not using gmail or hiding behind a proxy, we will probably get a location in Africa or Malaysia (where several African scammers are currently operating) from the headers.

Even so, posting the script used as well as any phone numbers and email addresses used by the scammer can help many others to avoid being scammed--so please do post them.

This is in reverse order... not sure how to do it otherwise. I also noticed on the first email his signature says the jack Anderson family but then on the very next email he changes it to John Beckton.

Hello John,

I'm becoming concerned that this is a scam, mainly because you want all the
money up front and through western union. At this point I do not want to
rent your flat unless we can use a safe method of payment or have me pay yo=
u
on arrival.

Sorry I just don't want to take the risk,

Max

On Fri, Aug 27, 2010 at 4:35 PM,
> Hi John,
>
> Been really busy the past few days but just wanted to assure you I receiv=
ed
> this email and will be filling out the form as soon as I can.
>
>
> On Thu, Aug 26, 2010 at 12:08 PM, John Beckton <
> [email protected]> wrote:
>
>> Hi Max
>>
>> It was nice talking to you, at least that gives a bit of assurance and
>> confirm your interest on the apartment. I couldn't hear you well over th=
e
>> phone aswell that's why i suggest putting everything in writing to you. =
I
>> was suggesting you could send the money inform of a western union transf=
er
>> and remove the charges from the money being sent to me which should not =
be a
>> problem as i don't want to cost you more than the agreed fee. However i =
have
>> included in this mail, your booking form so please read carefully and fi=
ll
>> in all the necessary spaces and send me back the document for me to sign=
and
>> confirm your stay..I have also included all the details you will need to
>> send the money and please take the transfer charges out of the money you=
are
>> sending to me and not from your own pocket..Please also when replying le=
t me
>> know your arrival dates and time so i can arrange and plan ahead on pick=
ing
>> you up from the airport.
>>
>>
>> I will be waiting to read from you as soon as this is done..If you need =
to
>> call me for any reason or any confusion my number is +447940593603.. I w=
ill
>> be waiting to read from you..Guarantee you a relaxing and comfortable
>> holiday
>>
>> Regards
>> John Beckton Family
>> [email protected]
>>
>> ------------------------------
>>
>> *To:* John Beckton <[email protected]>
>> *Sent:* Wed, 25 August, 2010 20:05:44
>>
>> *Subject:* Re: Paddington two bedroom
>>
>> My number is ********. I forget what you have to dial before that but
>> it's a US number. Call me anytime within the next few hours and i'll ans=
wer.
>>
>> On Wed, Aug 25, 2010 at 11:19 AM, John Beckton <
>> [email protected]> wrote:
>>
>>> Hi Max,
>>>
>>> Yes the time different is a lot but i shouldnt be a problem really,
>>> please give your number and a perfect day and i will make sure i call y=
ou
>>> around 11am in your own time..its 19:11 here right now so if you reply =
to
>>> this mail as soon as possible, i can still call you today if you want m=
e to.
>>> I dont have a paypal account as i dont do much of online shopping and i=
dont
>>> think e-wallet is very common here in the United Kingdom.. If you drop =
me
>>> your number and give me a date and time to call, we can talk and arrang=
e
>>> best way to do this. I will be expecting your mail.
>>>
>>> Regards
>>> John Beckton
>>> ------------------------------
>>>
>>> *To:* John Beckton <[email protected]>
>>> *Sent:* Wed, 25 August, 2010 18:14:56
>>>
>>> *Subject:* Re: Paddington two bedroom
>>>
>>> John,
>>>
>>> It would be good to speak to you at some point. Since I live in
>>> California, the time difference is 8 or 9 hours, it would be best if we
>>> spoke during my morning and your night. Do you just want to set a time?=
I'm
>>> flexible, sometime around 11am my time in the next few days would be
>>> perfect.
>>>
>>> As for payment, I guess wire transfer is ok. Is it possible that we can
>>> do it through something like paypal or an e-wallet? That's the only oth=
er
>>> thing that comes to mind.
>>>
>>> So just send me an email with a time so we can talk.
>>>
>>> - Max
>>>
>>>
>>> On Tue, Aug 24, 2010 at 2:48 PM, John Beckton <
>>> [email protected]> wrote:
>>>
>>>> Hi Max
>>>>
>>>> Thanks for your swift reply, i understand your twin brother living wit=
h
>>>> you in the property and i dont think that should be a problem as the
>>>> apartment is big enough for at least 4 people as long as its kept tidy=
and
>>>> clean..I have confirmed your dates in my diary and yes the apartment i=
s
>>>> available for your desired dates. Picking you up shouldnt be a problem=
for
>>>> me as this will make it easier for me to give you the key and also sho=
w you
>>>> round the house. As explained in the advert, the area is very peaceful=
and
>>>> within walking distance of Marylebone station, Baker street station an=
d
>>>> Oxford Street. Situated behind the Westminster Council House and Maryl=
ebone
>>>> Library. Excellent resourses surrounding, leisure centre, shopping wit=
hin
>>>> walking distance. Close to Regents park and Hyde park.
>>>>
>>>> I would have love to send you the booking form now but as you havent
>>>> decide what best way to make payment as you are not in the United
>>>> Kingdom..Best possible option better for someone outside the United Ki=
ngdom
>>>> is to wire the payment through western union money transfer or please =
share
>>>> any other idea you have with me..Let me know what best way you prefer =
as all
>>>> this will be included in the booking form which i will send to you and
>>>> should be signed and completed to confirm your vacation. The booking f=
orm
>>>> contains property full address, renters full name, phone numbers and
>>>> address (me) and other terms and conditions which will be read and sig=
ned by
>>>> you.
>>>>
>>>> P.s: This is a link to view the flat properly on google, you can direc=
t
>>>> it up, down, left right so you can know your new enviroment. Copy and =
Paste
>>>> this on your toolbar and click on street view to get a video picture o=
f the
>>>> property
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?f=3Dq&sou ... code=3D&q=
=3D25+Harewood+Avenue,+Paddington&sll=3D53.800651,-4.064941&sspn=3D11.45842=
9,39.506836&ie=3DUTF8&hq=3D&hnear=3D25+Harewood+Ave,+Paddington,+Greater+Lo=
ndon+NW1+6,+United+Kingdom&ll=3D51.525967,-0.165095&spn=3D0.011775,0.038581=
&z=3D15&iwloc=3DA&layer=3Dc&cbll=3D51.523739,-0.165089&panoid=3DoOz3fVOiZux=
Z4t3_976ydA&cbp=3D12,267.03,,0,22.12.
>>>>
>>>> I was thinking of calling you so we can talk and explain things better
>>>> and moreover that will feel more comfortable for me and you but i dont=
know
>>>> what time you are free or willing to talk
>>>>
>>>> Regards
>>>>
>>>> John Beckton
>>>> [email protected]
>>>>
>>>> ------------------------------

>>>> *To:* John Beckton <[email protected]>
>>>> *Sent:* Tue, 24 August, 2010 21:30:13
>>>> *Subject:* Re: Paddington two bedroom
>>>>
>>>> Hello John,
>>>>
>>>> I'm definitely interested. However, I'm not exactly what you may feel
>>>> like you are looking for. There will be two people staying at your apa=
rtment
>>>> for the 2 weeks, myself and my twin brother. We are both 22 years old.=
We
>>>> are clean, I've been living on my own for the past 4 years and we are =
both
>>>> responsible individuals. I just want to make sure you are ok with our =
age.
>>>>
>>>> We will be arriving on the morning of the 20th of September, and leavi=
ng
>>>> the morning of October 4th. We are coming from the US, I'm coming from
>>>> California and he's coming from Chicago.
>>>>
>>>> As for getting you the 480P, what do you think is the best way to go
>>>> about it?
>>>>
>>>> Thanks,
>>>> Max
>>>> On Tue, Aug 24, 2010 at 11:49 AM, John Beckton <
>>>> [email protected]> wrote:
>>>>
>>>>> Hi Max
>>>>>
>>>>> Thanks very much for contacting me and yes the apartment (Paddington)
>>>>> is available for your desired dates which is approcimately a week to =
2weeks
>>>>> according to your mail ,The Apartment is 190p/week Tax, internet acce=
ss and
>>>>> bills inclusive, but of course monthly fee is 760=A3 p/month which do=
nt apply
>>>>> to you in this case, .. =A3100 security deposit is also needed which =
will be
>>>>> paid back to you on our arrival nigth all this expenses includes you =
and
>>>>> your family... I don't want any problem for myself, We are a very Suc=
cessful
>>>>> family and Money isn't the Problem, that was why I made the Flat very
>>>>> CHEAP...I need to know the person that will occupy my apartment, i.e =
the
>>>>> person that will take care of my apartment like theirs Home... I`m le=
tting
>>>>> the flat out because am presently in Scotland working on my other pro=
perties
>>>>> and I have a new Home here already then I`ll be starting a new life i=
n
>>>>> Scotland with the family... It`s not compulsory that I let out the fl=
at but
>>>>> if i can get a reliable and tidy person that will take care of my fla=
t for
>>>>> me I can let it out... So you`ll need a total of 480=A3 (380+100) to =
secure
>>>>> the apartment for your arival... Your Refundable Security deposit wil=
l be
>>>>> refunded on your night of arrival.
>>>>>
>>>>> I can offer you a pick up from the airport (if you coming from outsid=
e
>>>>> the UK) which i think will be much easier for you as i will just driv=
e you
>>>>> and your family straight down to the appartment. If all this suit wha=
t you
>>>>> are looking for can you mail me back so we can discuss money issues a=
nd i
>>>>> will be glad to give you my number then and send you necessary docume=
nts
>>>>> electronically. Please get back to me on how long you want the apartm=
ent for
>>>>> and what exact date you willl like to move in, please also let me kno=
w if
>>>>> you coming from outside the UK and where. We guarantee you and your f=
amily a
>>>>> comfortable and accomodating apartment.
>>>>>
>>>>> N:B: I have attached different pictures of the apartment as a file in
>>>>> this mail
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> Thanks
>>>>> Jack Anderson family
>>>>> [email protected]
>>>>>
>>>>> ------------------------------

>>>>> *To:* [email protected]
>>>>> *Sent:* Mon, 23 August, 2010 20:15:30
>>>>> *Subject:* Paddington two bedroom
>>>>>
>>>>> ** CRAIGSLIST ADVISORY --- AVOID SCAMS BY DEALING LOCALLY
>>>>> ** Avoid: wiring money, cross-border deals, work-at-home
>>>>> ** Beware: cashier checks, money orders, escrow, shipping
>>>>> ** More Info: http://www.craigslist.org/about/scams.html
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> Hello,
>>>>>
>>>>> This as an email regarding the two bedroom apartment listed here:
>>>>> http://london.craigslist.co.uk/vac/1913676624.html
>>>>>
>>>>> I'm trying to find an apartment to rent for a 2 week vacation from
>>>>> September 20th to October 4th. If your apartment would be available f=
or that
>>>>> date, could you send me pictures of the apartment so I can see what i=
t looks
>>>>> like?
>>>>>
>>>>> Thanks,
>>>>> Max
>>>>>

Hello again!

He says a few things in the emails that are very common to scammers. "Thank you for your swift reply" is one of them. The change in email signature is very telling as well. Please follow Dotti's instructions on how to display the full headers of one of his emails (pick any of them), because there is more info we can derive from them.

PLEASE NOTE: In answer to your last email to him, he will probably suggest that you send a Western Union transfer to a family member or friend to "show that you are good for the money," and just send him a scan of the slip to prove it. DO NOT DO THIS. WU security is a bit lax in west Africa, and a scammer is able to pick that money up with little more than the MTCN you provide him.

Well, these search results say it all:

http://www.google.com/search?q=%22if+i+can+get+a+reliable+and+tidy+person+that+will+take+care+of%22&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&aq=t&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a#q=%22if+i+can+get+a+reliable+and+tidy+person+that+will+take+care+of%22&hl=en&client=firefox-a&hs=tMr&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&prmd=df&filter=0&fp=7db4f7af4a13aa89

Note how all of the search results are for scam listings, and every one of them contains the highly unlikely phrase: It`s not compulsory that I let out the flat but if i can get a reliable and tidy person that will take care of my flat This is not a common phrase or expression--seeing it re-used here is proof positive of the scam.

Please drop this scammer as he has your real infomation, and don't tell him what he did wrong, as it is better if he makes the same mistakes again.

Thank you for your swift reply

LOL this is a phrase that my scammer said in an email too. Weird to see it here.

Dotti, that is very clever to write that phrase in google, I will keep that in mind next time.