by Con Warner
Sun Oct 02, 2011 5:35 am
Although at first, it appears that there is no clear evidence of a scam here, the script pasted below has been in use since at least December 2009. You can see it evolve if you click click here.
The wording has recently been used to advertise 123 Thompson Street and then again number 124 with the name "Heather Fitzgerald". Unfortunately I do not have the email address for that one. If you are reading this and have an email from "Heather", please let me know.
This person asks for a deposit payment via Western Union or MoneyGram with a promise that he will send the keys through a courier company.
Sounds safe. It's not!
At other times, he will ask for proof that you are able to pay the deposit and rent due to a string of time wasters.
This proof is in the form of a Western Union or MoneyGram payment to a lawyer,a friend or family member.
In either case, if payment is made and you give this person the details, they will collect the money.
You will not hear from them again.
If you are reading this because you are looking for property to rent, and you are in contact with this thief you are probably searching Craigslist, Gumtree or similar listing sites. If you receive any requests from 'Landlords' asking for some kind of payment before viewing, then it will also be a scam. Please forward the mail to me at the address in my signature line and I will investigate and list them if necessary.
The wording has recently been used to advertise 123 Thompson Street and then again number 124 with the name "Heather Fitzgerald". Unfortunately I do not have the email address for that one. If you are reading this and have an email from "Heather", please let me know.
From: Aimee Kareem <[email protected]>
Date: Thu, Sep 15, 2011 at 11:11
Subject: Re: Interested in your apartment
To: Con Warner
Hi,
Thanks for the keen interest and there's no problem if you want to share the apt with me in
as much you are neat and capable to secure the room.
The apt is located at 120 Thompson Street, New York, NY 10012, it is also in prime Soho
location with very low maintenance. This bright unit has high ceilings and it is a 3 bedroom with sunny west exposure. There are hardwood floors throughout, California closets, and light!
The co-op allows co-purchasing and is friendly Located in the heart of Soho's shopping and
restaurants and close to major subway and bus lines. Four block from Washington Square
Park/Nyu/ and so much more. Rent is reasonable at only $950 per month Including Utility bills and $950 refundable Bond deposit for the apartment.
My full name is Aimee Kareem, i'm flexible, very quiet but friendly. I'm also a member
of the near by food coop and try to lead a healthy lifestyle. I hope we are at the same
maturity level, stable occupation, responsible, reliable,respectful.
The bedrooms is furnished..it's also have a private bathroom,a deck, bedspread,and also in
the sitting room their is a plasma tv, internet access,fully fitted kitchen,central heating,
tasteful bespoke lighting,washing with dryer machine, microwave oven and a parking space. Let me know if you are interested so that we can proceed in making your reservation.
I will be looking forward to read from you soon.
Cheers,
Aimee Kareem
P.S: Pictures of the apt is attached to this email for your perusal.
This person asks for a deposit payment via Western Union or MoneyGram with a promise that he will send the keys through a courier company.
Sounds safe. It's not!
At other times, he will ask for proof that you are able to pay the deposit and rent due to a string of time wasters.
This proof is in the form of a Western Union or MoneyGram payment to a lawyer,a friend or family member.
In either case, if payment is made and you give this person the details, they will collect the money.
You will not hear from them again.
If you are reading this because you are looking for property to rent, and you are in contact with this thief you are probably searching Craigslist, Gumtree or similar listing sites. If you receive any requests from 'Landlords' asking for some kind of payment before viewing, then it will also be a scam. Please forward the mail to me at the address in my signature line and I will investigate and list them if necessary.
