Rental Scammer - [email protected]

Od: Edwin Beesenk <[email protected]>
Do: Michelle Banks
Wys?ane: 8:45 czwartek, 2012-3-15
Temat: Apartment in 11th arrondissement,Paris. 1 bedroom

Hello,
I'm a civil engineer presently relocated to England and my one bedroom apartment in Paris is up for rent. I got a contract job in a construction company in London so the apartment will be available for a while as the first phase of my contract is one year.
Its a fully furnished apartment with a complete bathroom, WI-FI Internet service,telephone, and a kitchen totally equipped with electrical oven, microwave,washing machine,refrigerator, washing machine and dryer.

The price of the apartment is 700EUR for a month (All utilities inclusive). If you are interested get back to me so I can provide you with more details and also the rental application form.

Regards,

Edwin.

The thief will tell you that you can rent his accommodation only if you can prove that you have genuine interest. He will ask you send money by wire transfer (normally Western Union) to yourself or a member of the family to show that you have sufficient finances and that you are not a "time waster".

Another variation of this scam is that you need to send (by Western Union) money in order that the keys and other documents can be couriered to you

He will ask you to send him the transfer details.

Make no mistake ! Western Union 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. You will never get to see the accommodation or your money 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 Gumtree or similar listing sites. If you receive any requests from 'Landlords' asking for some kind of payment by Western Union 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.

Datum: Thu, 5 Apr 2012 11:03:45 +0200
> Von: Edwin Beesenk <[email protected]>
> An: Michelle Banks
> Betreff: Re: Apartment in Kreuzberg,Berlin. 1 bedroom

> Hello Michelle
>
> Thanks for your reply. Hope you do understand how important the upkeep of
> the apartment is? I have attached some pictures of the apartment, I took
> them a day to my departure. I'm now in London, here's my number,
> +447011148178 you can call me at your convenience so we have a little
> talk.
> The apartment is located on Grossbeerenstrasse, Berlin 10965, Germany. The
> apartment is a very desirable location in the heart of Kreuzberg. Local
> shopping is plentiful and varied as well as offering a host of
> restaurants,
> bars and cafes. The buzzy and popular Bergmann Strasse with its trendy
> shops and buzzy cafes is a short walk of only 5-600 metres.
> At the end of the road is the beautiful Victoria Park with its national
> monument. This monument provides an excellent viewpoint over much of the
> southern portions of the city. An artificial waterfall originates at the
> foot of the monument and continues down the hillside to the intersection
> of
> Grodbeerenstraße and Kreuzbergstrade. Additionally, the local wine
> Kreuz-Neroberger is cultivated here.
> Underground trains: U 7 (”Yorckstrade”), U 6 (”Mehringdamm”)
> Suburban trains (S-Bahn) (”Yorckstrade”): S 1 (Oranienburg Potsdam), S
> 2, S
> 25.
> Only one S-Bahn stop to the new major mainline station for South Berlin
> “Suedkreuz”
> Only 5 S-Bahn stops (changing trains at “Friedrichstrade”) to the
> central
> station ”Berlin Hauptbahnhof”
> Nearest Metro / Subway: Mehringdamm - 500 Meters
>
> Here below is a copy of the rental application form, if still interested
> fill it out and get back to me. *Note:* the keys and necessary documents
> will be sent to your present address filled on the form.
>
>
>
> *APPLICATION
> TO RENT*
>
> OCCUPANCY DATE DESIRED:
>
> PERSONAL INFORMATION:
>
> Last Name: First Name: Middle Initial:
>
> Date of Birth:
>
> Telephone Number: Alt. Telephone Number:
>
> The total number of proposed occupants including yourself:
>
>
> RENTAL HISTORY:
>
> Current Address:
>
>
> EMPLOYMENT INFORMATION:
>
> Job Title:
> Company Name:
> Length of Employment: Supervisor/Mgr.
> Name:
> Employer Address &
> Contact
> Information:
>
>
> REFERENCE:
>
> Name: Phone Number:
> Address: Relationship:
>
>
> I hereby represent that all of the above information is true, accurate and
> complete.
>
> DATE:
> ..........................
>
> Thanks,
> Awaiting your reply.
>
>
> Edwin.
>

Dear Michelle,

Thank you for your post.You saved me. I hope others google this idiots name. Please see this idiot's emails to me, he just copied and pasted:

Hello Eric,


I'm now in London and wont be able to meet up with you for a viewing. There's no one presently occupying the apartment so it is locked up and I have the keys with me here. It is only my ex-wife that has access to the apartment and she's also out of town spending some time with her parents.
Also, I don't use any housing agent as I've had bad experiences with them in the past when I rented out my apartment. As reference you can contact Mr Petrov who stayed in the apartment for 6 weeks around October/November last year through [email protected] He is a Russian and he was visiting Hezeliya with his family to prepare and attend a wedding ceremony. Also you can contact Anna Deschatres who used to be my neighbour before she moved to Malaysia this February. Her email's [email protected] and phone number +60146428730 Feel free to contact them any time at your convenience.


Here's my number, +447011148178 you can call me at your convenience so we have a little talk. Hope to hear from you soon.


Regards,


Edwin.






On Thu, Apr 12, 2012 at 12:19 PM, [email protected] <[email protected]> wrote:

Dear Edwin,

Thanks for your prompt reply. The pictures look great, the location seems great, and the price is right however, before I commit I would need to have someone actually visit the apartment. Is that possible?

Eric.

Sent from my Verizon Wireless Phone


-----Original message-----

From: Edwin Beesenk <[email protected]>
To: xxxxxxdeleted intentionallly
Sent: Thu, Apr 12, 2012 07:27:11 GMT+00:00
Subject: Re: Apartment in Central Hezeliya. 3 bedroom


Hello Eric,


Thanks for your reply. Hope you do understand how important the upkeep of the apartment is? I have attached some pictures of the apartment, I took them a day to my departure. Rent from August 19 to September 30 is okay by me. The rent for your total stay is 13,300ILS (August 19th to September 1st = 3800ILS, September 1st to 30th = 9500ILS).
The apartment is located on Medinat Hayehudim, 5432, Herzliya, Israel. The apartment is located in Herzliyah Pituach by the Sea. 100 metres from the beach, near marina and shopping mall, the apartment is furnished in modern style and is fully equipped. Balcony has full Mediterranean view. Located on a quiet-tree lined street, near grocery store, synagogue, restaurants, hotels, nightclubs and bars.


Here below is a copy of the rental application form, if still interested fill it out and get back to me. Note: the keys and necessary documents will be sent to your present address filled on the form.




APPLICATION TO RENT

OCCUPANCY DATE DESIRED:

PERSONAL INFORMATION:

Last Name: First Name: Middle Initial:

Date of Birth:

Telephone Number: Alt. Telephone Number:

The total number of proposed occupants including yourself:


RENTAL HISTORY:

Current Address:


EMPLOYMENT INFORMATION:

Job Title:
Company Name:
Length of Employment: Supervisor/Mgr. Name:
Employer Address &
Contact
Information:


REFERENCE:

Name: Phone Number:
Address: Relationship:


I hereby represent that all of the above information is true, accurate and complete.

DATE:
..........................


Thanks,
Awaiting your reply.




Edwin.








On Wed, Apr 11, 2012 at 10:10 PM, <[email protected]> wrote:

Dear Edwin,

Thanks for the quick response. I will be going to Israel from August 19-September 30 on a work assignment and I will be bringing my wife and three little ones (5,3,and1). I am looking for a 3br to accomodate us that is a short walk from the beach.Do you think there is a match? If so, please provide some additional pics and the total price for the dates above.

Thank You,
Eric.





-----Original Message-----
From: Edwin Beesenk <[email protected]>
To: deleted intentionally>
Sent: Wed, Apr 11, 2012 3:46 am
Subject: Apartment in Central Hezeliya. 3 bedroom





Hello,
I'm a civil engineer presently relocated to England and my three bedroom apartment in Hezeliya is up for rent. I got a contract job in a construction company in London so the apartment will be available for a while as the first phase of my contract is one year.
Its a fully furnished apartment with two complete bathroom, WI-FI Internet service,telephone, and a kitchen totally equipped with electrical oven, microwave,refrigerator, washing machine and dryer.


The price of the apartment is 9,500ILS for a month (All utilities inclusive). If you are interested get back to me so I can provide you with more details and also the rental application form.

Regards,


Edwin.

Same MO for me -- what a jerk. Thanks for saving me guys. Hope this saves more people:

Hello xxxx,

Let me know any questions you have but to proceed you'll have to get back to me with the application. Hope to hear from you soon.

Regards,

Edwin.


On Mon, Apr 23, 2012 at 9:37 PM, xxxxxxxx> wrote:
Hi Edwin,
Thanks for the pictures, I’ll discuss with my wife and get back to you this evening with more questions.
As I mentioned in the housing wanted ad, we’ve been travelling a lot for the past few years, and can provide references from very satisfied renters. We’re very respectful professionals who will keep your belongings in great shape. Do you use a cleaning service? If so, could you please let me know which one? We would also be interested in weekly (or biweekly) cleaning.
Thank you,
xxxxxxx

From: Edwin Beesenk [mailto:[email protected]]
Sent: Monday, April 23, 2012 3:27 PM
To: xxxxxxxxx
Subject: Re: Apartment in Central Singapore. 1 bedroom

Hello xxxxxx,

Thanks for your reply. Hope you do understand how important the upkeep of the apartment is? The size of the apartment is 50sqm. I have attached some pictures of the apartment, I took them a day to my departure. Rent from October 1st 2012 till September 30th 2013 is okay by me, the apartment is available. Amenities in the building includes a swimming pool and a fully equipped gym.
The apartment is located on Prinsep Link, Singapore 187468, Singapore.Near the city area with the major shopping areas within walking distance. Eg Orchard Road, Suntec City, Raffles Place, Plaza Singapura etc. 4 MRT(train)stations` interchanges are within walking distance with lots of public bus stops around too. There are supermarkets, lots of 24hr eateries, wet markets, restaurants, pubs, cafes within 5mins walk.

Here below is a copy of the rental application form, if still interested fill it out and get back to me. Note: the keys and necessary documents will be sent to your present address filled on the form.


APPLICATION TO RENT

OCCUPANCY DATE DESIRED:

PERSONAL INFORMATION:

Last Name: First Name: Middle Initial:

Date of Birth:

Telephone Number: Alt. Telephone Number:

The total number of proposed occupants including yourself:


RENTAL HISTORY:

Current Address:


EMPLOYMENT INFORMATION:

Job Title:
Company Name:
Length of Employment: Supervisor/Mgr. Name:
Employer Address &
Contact
Information:


REFERENCE:

Name: Phone Number:
Address: Relationship:


I hereby represent that all of the above information is true, accurate and complete.

DATE:
..........................

Thanks,
Awaiting your reply.


Edwin.




On Mon, Apr 23, 2012 at 8:56 PM, xxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:
Hi Edwin,
Thanks for your reply – we’re still definitely interested in a sublet. Can you please send some pictures, address, apartment size, amenities, and any other important details (is the apartment subsidized housing etc.)?

Kind regards,
xxxxxxx

From: Edwin Beesenk [mailto:[email protected]]
Sent: Monday, April 23, 2012 2:49 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Apartment in Central Singapore. 1 bedroom


Hello,
I'm a civil engineer presently relocated to England and my one bedroom apartment in Singapore is up for rent. I got a contract job in a construction company in London so the apartment will be available for a while as the first phase of my contract is one year.
Its a fully furnished apartment with a complete bathroom, WI-FI Internet service,telephone, and a kitchen totally equipped with electrical oven, microwave,refrigerator, washing machine and dryer.

The price of the apartment is 2000SGD for a month (All utilities inclusive). If you are interested get back to me so I can provide you with more details and also the rental application form.

Regards,

Edwin.


Removed poster's name and email address - Jillian

Thanks all for the warning...
Here is my last Edwin email:
Hello Erica,

Thanks for your reply. Hope you do understand how important the upkeep of the apartment is? I have attached some pictures of the apartment, I took them a day to my departure.
The apartment is located on Grossbeerenstrasse, Berlin 10965, Germany. The apartment is a very desirable location in the heart of Kreuzberg. Local shopping is plentiful and varied as well as offering a host of restaurants, bars and cafes. The buzzy and popular Bergmann Strasse with its trendy shops and buzzy cafes is a short walk of only 5-600 metres.
At the end of the road is the beautiful Victoria Park with its national monument. This monument provides an excellent viewpoint over much of the southern portions of the city. An artificial waterfall originates at the foot of the monument and continues down the hillside to the intersection of Grodbeerenstraße and Kreuzbergstrade. Additionally, the local wine Kreuz-Neroberger is cultivated here.
Underground trains: U 7 (”Yorckstrade”), U 6 (”Mehringdamm”)
Suburban trains (S-Bahn) (”Yorckstrade”): S 1 (Oranienburg Potsdam), S 2, S 25.
Only one S-Bahn stop to the new major mainline station for South Berlin “Suedkreuz”
Only 5 S-Bahn stops (changing trains at “Friedrichstrade”) to the central station ”Berlin Hauptbahnhof”
Nearest Metro / Subway: Mehringdamm - 500 Meters

Here below is a copy of the rental application form, if still interested fill it out and get back to me. Note: the keys and necessary documents will be sent to your present address filled on the form.

The guy gets around eah:)

Hi guys,
Edwin is Edward too now:

Hello Paulius,

I understand your concern and I can assure you that you're in safe hands. This is not the first time I'm renting out my apartment. As reference you can contact Mr Petrov who stayed in the apartment for 6 weeks around March/April through [email protected] He is a Russian and he was visiting Paris to prepare and attend a wedding ceremony. Also you can contact Anna Deschatres who used to be my neighbor before she moved to Malaysia this July. Her email's [email protected] and phone number +601129011730 Feel free to contact them any time at your convenience.

Also if it makes you feel more comfortable, here's my company information.

Architecture Design & Construction Ltd
79 Vallance Road
Aldgate
London
E1 5BS United Kingdom

Here's my Boss/supervisor's contact details:

Rob Branki

Tel: +447035989219
Email: [email protected]

I'll speak to him on Monday about you contacting him but I'll advice you send an email first as he might not respond to an unknown call...and please no intrusive or embarrassing questions, it's not like I'm comfortable bringing my personal issues to my supervisor. I just want to be as transparent as possible here.

*With all these if you still don't feel comfortable renting the apartment, I wish you the best in your search.

Awaiting your reply.
Regards,

Edwards.




On Sat, Sep 15, 2012 at 11:38 AM, Paulius J <[email protected]> wrote:

Dear Edward,

I cannot pay the rent for an apartment I haven't been to. Sorry to waste your time.

Regards,


From: Edward Beeks <[email protected]>
To: Paulius J <[email protected]>
Sent: Saturday, September 15, 2012 11:32 AM

Subject: Re: Apartment in 3rd arrondissement,Paris. 1 bedroom

Hello Paulius,

I went through your filled form and I'm satisfied with the information you provided. I will have the keys and document of the apartment which has all the information of the apartment,the exact address and amenities sent to your present address...xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx...after you've made the deposit payment.

Here's my number, +447011148178 you can call me at your convenience so we have a little talk.

To reserve the apartment you'll make a deposit payment of the first month's rent (700EUR) plus a basic security deposit of 400EUR (Which is refundable at the end of your stay if nothing is damaged in the apartment).

The total deposit to reserve the apartment is 1100EUR (First month's rent + basic security deposit of 400EUR) . The payment would be made through western union money transfer using my information...

Name: Edward Beeks
Address: 52 Studland St, London, W6 0JS,England, United Kingdom

I have attached a scanned copy of the photo page of my passport as a form of identification. Please find attached.

Get back to me with the details of the transfer when you're done.

Awaiting your reply soon!
Best regards,

Edward.

It's Amsterdam now, apparently. Glad I came across this post before I wired funds.

Hello,
I have a fully furnished one bedroom apartment for rent in a secure neighborhood in Amsterdam. The apartment is within easy access to public transportation, many places of interest and other side attractions. The Apartment is equipped with all necessary facilities such as satellite TV, DVD player, telephone, electrical oven, microwave, dish washer, refrigerator, washing machine and dryer. The kitchen also has all necessary kitchen utensils (Cutlery, Pots, Pans, cups, bowls, etc). Linens, towels, and bed sheets are also provided. Wifi internet service is readily available and accessible.

I'm a civil engineer presently relocated to England, I got a contract job in a construction company in London so the apartment will be available for a while as the first phase of my contract is one year. I'm open to both short and long term rentals though.

The price of the apartment is 850EUR for a month (All bills inclusive). Get back to me if you're interested so I can provide you with more details, some pictures and also the rental application form.

Regards,

Edward

Here's the follow up I received today

Hello XXXXXXXXX,

I went through your filled form and I'm satisfied with the information you provided. I intended sending along with the keys, the document of the apartment which has all the information of the apartment,the exact address and amenities to your present address...[xxxxxxxxxxx]...after you've made the deposit payment. Anyways the exact address of the apartment is Singel 29, Amsterdam 1012 WE, Netherlands. It intersects Koggestraat.

Here's my number, (+44)7011148178 you can call me at your convenience so we have a little talk.

To secure the apartment you'll make a deposit payment of the first month's rent (850EUR) plus a basic security deposit of 400EUR (Which is refundable at the end of your stay if nothing is damaged in the apartment).

The total deposit to secure the apartment is 1250EUR (First month's rent + basic security deposit of 400EUR) . The payment would be made through western union money transfer using my information...

Name: Edward Bern
Address: 23 Pentonville Rd, London, N1 9JR, United Kingdom

I have attached a scanned copy of the photo page of my passport as a form of identification. Please find attached.

Get back to me with the details of the transfer when you're done so I can confirm the transfer.

Awaiting your reply soon!
Best regards,

Edward.

I have also just received an email from Edward Bern, this time offering an apartment in Tel Aviv. Here is his message:


From: "Edward Bern" <[email protected]>
Subject: Apartment in Central Tel Aviv. 2 bedroom
Date: December 28, 2012 1:12:23 AM PST
To: [email protected]

Hello,
I have a fully furnished two bedroom apartment for rent in a secure neighborhood in Tel Aviv. The apartment is within easy access to public transportation, many places of interest and other side attractions. The Apartment is equipped with all necessary facilities such as satellite TV, DVD player, telephone, electrical oven, microwave, dish washer, refrigerator, washing machine and dryer. The kitchen also has all necessary kitchen utensils (Cutlery, Pots, Pans, cups, bowls, etc). Linens, towels, and bed sheets are also provided. Wifi internet service is readily available and accessible.

I'm a civil engineer presently relocated to England, I got a contract job in a construction company in London so the apartment will be available for a while as the first phase of my contract is one year. I'm open to both short and long term rentals though.

The price of the apartment is 6000ILS for a month (All bills inclusive). Get back to me if you're interested so I can provide you with more details, some pictures and also the rental application form.

Regards,

Edward

I am currently in touch with this guy, but I haven't got anymore more out of him than anybody else has.
- Fake phone nos, Job details in UK, Boss's name etc..

He's using the name Edwin Bensen in this case.

I got him to send me a "scan" of his (Dutch) Passport ID page.

He is persistent, despite me dropping hints that I am wise to the scam!
I am wondering what else I might say to get him to give away some personal Info, or would you advise against it?

We would advise against it. He is a criminal, and it's not wise to make him angry when he knows who you are.

He has absolutely no reason to share any personal information. The passport will be stolen from a previous victim (it may or may not be edited) and he has absolutely no connection to the property listed. Chances are good that he is sitting at a computer in Africa or Malaysia, far out of reach of your local law enforcement.

Thanks Dotti,

Best to just cease contact with him. Although at least I managed to waste some of his time.

This is a bit off-topic, But he doesn't know who I am - Even if he had my email address, he would need to put some time into that to actually trace me to a real identity, depending of course, on his resources and desire.
As far as I can make out, the new two-way anonymous mail from craigslist has even kept my email from him.

FYI -- Just encountered this guy myself, this time under the email address [email protected], which didn't come up in any Google results. Hopefully now it will.

He reached out to me with this email response to a Craigslist post:

Hello,

I have a fully furnished one bedroom apartment for rent in a secure neighborhood in Kreuzberg. The apartment is within easy access to public transportation, many places of interest and other side attractions. The Apartment is equipped with all necessary facilities such as satellite TV, DVD player, telephone, electrical oven, microwave, dish washer, refrigerator, washing machine and dryer. The kitchen also has all necessary kitchen utensils (Cutlery, Pots, Pans, cups, bowls, etc). Linens, towels, and bed sheets are also provided. Wifi internet service is readily available and accessible.

I'm a civil engineer presently relocated to England, I got a contract job in a construction company in London so the apartment will be available for a while as the first phase of my contract is one year. I'm open to both short and long term rentals though.

The price of the apartment is 550EUR for a month (All bills inclusive). Get back to me if you're interested so I can provide you with more details, some pictures and also the rental application form.



Regards,

Edwin

Looks like he is still up to his tricks,

Here is the email I received when I was looking for an apartment in Berlin. His email address is now [email protected]

"Hello,
I have a fully furnished one bedroom apartment for rent in a secure neighborhood in Kreuzberg. The apartment is within easy access to public transportation, many places of interest and other side attractions. The Apartment is equipped with all necessary facilities such as satellite TV, DVD player, telephone, electrical oven, microwave, dish washer, refrigerator, washing machine and dryer. The kitchen also has all necessary kitchen utensils (Cutlery, Pots, Pans, cups, bowls, etc). Linens, towels, and bed sheets are also provided. Wifi internet service is readily available and accessible.

I'm a Canadian civil engineer presently relocated to England, I got a contract job in a construction company in London so the apartment will be available for a while as the first phase of my contract is one year. I'm open to both short and long term rentals though.

The price of the apartment is 600EUR for a month (All bills inclusive). Get back to me if you're interested so I can provide you with more details, some pictures and also the rental application form.

Regards,

Craig."

My reply:
Hi Craig,

Thank you for your reply. Your apartment sounds great, where in Kreuzberg is it? It would be great to get some photos etc.

Warm regards,

Olivia

His last email:
Hello Olivia,

Attached below are some pictures of the apartment, I took them a day to my departure. As you can see from the pictures, the apartment is clean and well maintained so I hope you understand how important the upkeep is?
The apartment is located on Eisenbahnstraße, Berlin 10997, Germany. The apartment is located in the lively district of Kreuzberg with many cafes, restaurants and bars around. The sightseeing attractions East Side Gallery (Berlin Wall) and Oberbaumbrücke are close-by. The metro stations Görlitzer Bahnhof and Schlesisches Tor U1 are just 5min walking distance away. The Ostbahnhof railway station is very easy to reach, and there is a bus (the 265) outside the apartment. Carpark is not problem in the street. The building is very quiet and in a very central location.
The Eisenbahnstraße begins at the Lausitzer Platz where every Friday an organic farmer's market with fresh products of the region take place. There you can find such things as: a vegetarian restaurant (Café V) a very beloved ice cream café (tanne B) with Bioeis and ice cream for vegans, and many other restaurants and the beautiful Emmaus church. In the middle of the street is the Markthalle IX where every friday and saturday there is a street-market. The street ends at the Kopenickerstrasse (very close to the apartment), on the corner to the Heeresbäckerei and next the short Brommystraße.
To walk or jog, there are two parks in the neighborhood: the Grörtlitzer Park ( 500m) and the Treptow Park (2km.)
For food-shopping, there are three well-known supermarkets nearby. Also at the other side of the Lausitzer Platz, in the Skalitzer Straße you will find a organic food store (Naturkost).

Pasted below is a copy of the rental application form. If you're still interested, you'll have to fill it out and get back to me. Please note: the keys and necessary documents of the apartment will be sent to your current address provided in the Application.


RENTAL APPLICATION


OCCUPANCY DATE:

PERSONAL INFORMATION:

Last Name: First Name: Middle Initial:

Date of Birth:

Mobile Number: Alt. Telephone Number:

Current Address:


The total number of proposed occupants including yourself:


EMPLOYMENT INFORMATION:

Job Title: Company Name:

Length of Employment: Supervisor/Mgr. Name:

Employer Address &
Contact Information:


REFERENCE:

Name: Phone Number:
Address: Relationship:


I hereby confirm that all of the above information is accurate and complete.


DATE:..........................


Thanks,
Awaiting your reply.


Craig.