Rental Scammer - [email protected]

From: Alice Johnson - [email protected]
To: Con Warner
Subject: Re: $585 / 1br - 890ft² - Granite, Stainless. Stylish Apartment (nashville)

Hello,
I'm sorry for the delay! I have been very busy the last few days. The good news is that the unit is still available . There was a potential leaser who had serious interest in the unit, but he had bad marks on his credit report, so we need to start showing it again, as we want to get it leased ASAP. Considering you had emailed us initially, regarding the rental, we are giving you first right of refusal.

The unit is in great condition. We know a lot of prospective renters want to take a quick look at the property, regardless, our policy is not to divulge the address, as there are some lunatics in the world with bad intentions. The last time we gave out the address without verifying the prospective tenant. We don't want that to happen again. I’ll confirm what you probably already know this property is gorgeous! A property like this would typically go for much more, but again, we need to lease it immediately, which is why the lease rate is a tremendous value.

The utilities are intact and can be switched over to you once the lease is signed. You will be responsible for cable, internet, and phone - if you decide to have these services. Pets are allowed but just need to know the size and breed for our records. The rental term is 12-month lease, but can be switched to a 6-month lease, if that is more favorable. The only requirement is that you send us 30 days notice, when you want to move out of the unit.

If you would like to set up an appointment, go to the link below and request the free copy of your rental / credit report. The unaffiliated site will give you a free trial to redeem the credit score. The scores are insignificant – we realize many folks have had foreclosures, bankruptcy, etc. For insurance purposes, we are required to have a report on file from every prospective tenant. Here is the link: http://coolink.info/b1ef40ff40b7c92174e5000a7cef45ed8d

The only pages we require are regarding your rental history. You just need to bring that to your appointment to see the property.

My availability over the next few days is going to be constrained, but I will try to be available between 10am and 8pm. After you have completed the online process, let me know that you have a hard copy and I can schedule an appointment at the rental.
See you soon!

Alice Johnson

The link that you are asked to click is possibly a phishing site in which your personal details are harvested for identity theft.
Sometimes these links go to an actual credit report company that pays the scammer a small amount for your custom.
After visiting the site and replying to this person, the scam begins.

This person then asks 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 either to him, your friend or a family member.

Sounds safe. It's not!

At other times, this person asks for a deposit payment via Western Union or Moneygram with the promise that they will send the keys through a courier company.

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.

Totally agree! I knew this email sounded fishy and the listing included photos that appeared to be taken straight from an online catalogue. DO NOT APPLY FOR THE CREDIT CHECK. It's almost certainly a phishing scam.

I replied to this ad from craigslist: http://newyork.craigslist.org/que/abo/3254006408.html

I got the exact same email the previous person posted. Such a scam.

Yup just got this in LA:

Alice Johnson [email protected]
$1125 / 1br - 1BED/1BATH SOFT LOFT AVAILABLE FRIDAY (Hancock Park)

Hello,
My apologies for the delay! I was very busy last few days. The great news is that the unit is still available . There was a potential renter who had significant interest in the unit, but he got evicted from previous apartment, so we need to start showing it again, as we want to get it rented ASAP. Considering you had contacted us initially, regarding the rental, we are giving you first right of refusal.

The unit is in great condition. We know a lot of prospective renters want to take a quick look at the property, regardless, our policy is not to divulge the address, as there are some lunatics in the world with bad intentions. The last time we gave out the address without verifying the prospective tenant. We don't want that to happen again. I’ll confirm what you probably already know this property is gorgeous! A leasing like this would typically go for much more, but again, I need to lease it immediately, which is why the lease rate is a tremendous value.

The utilities are intact and can be switched over to you once the lease is signed. You will be responsible for cable, internet, and phone - if you decide to have these services. Pets are allowed but just need to know the size and breed for our records. The rental term is 12-month lease, but can be switched to a 6-month lease, if that is more favorable. The only requirement is that you send us 30 days notice, when you want to move out of the unit.

If you would like to set up an appointment, go to the link below and request the free copy of your rental / credit report. The scores are insignificant – we realize many folks have had foreclosures, bankruptcy, etc. For insurance purposes, we are required to have a report on file from every prospective tenant. Here is the link: http://coolink.info/2087940a4659 af15fe7ec019deb5dffe disabled link - Mike W

The only pages we require are regarding your rental history. You just need to bring that to your appointment to see the property.

My availability over the next few days is going to be constrained, but I will try to be available between 10am and 8pm. After you have completed the online process, let me know that you have a hard copy and I can schedule an appointment at the rental.
See you soon!

I also got this in LA. Raised some flags when "she" wanted a credit report. One of the pictures of the listing also had a watermark on it that was easily googled (and led to a relater listing in IL of all places). Thank God for this site for confirming it.

From: "[email protected]"

Hi,
I'm sorry for the delay! So many thing I had to do over the course of the last few days. The good news is that the property is still available . There was a person who had significant interest in the property, but he had bad marks on his credit report, so we need to start showing it again, as we want to get it rented ASAP. Considering you had contacted us initially, regarding the property, we are giving you first right of refusal.

The unit is in great condition. We know a lot of prospective renters want to take a quick look at the property, regardless, our policy is not to divulge the address, as there are some lunatics in the world with bad intentions. The last time we gave out the address without verifying the prospective tenant. We don't want that to happen again. I’ll confirm what you probably already know this property is gorgeous! A unit like this would typically go for much more, but again, I need to lease it asap, which is why the lease rate is a tremendous value.

The utilities are intact and can be switched over to you once the lease is signed. You will be responsible for cable, internet, and phone - if you decide to have these services. Pets are allowed but just need to know the size and breed for our records. The rental term is 12-month lease, but can be switched to a 6-month lease, if that is more favorable. The only requirement is that you send us 30 days notice, when you want to move out of the unit.

If you would like to set up an appointment, go to the link below and request the free copy of your rental / credit report. The scores are insignificant – we realize many folks have had foreclosures, bankruptcy, etc. For insurance purposes, we are required to have a report on file from every prospective tenant. Here is the link: http://moolink.info/f4caad15e4831 1063877be6c643 b6ca9

The only pages we require are regarding your rental history. You just need to bring that to your appointment to see the property.

My availability over the next few days is going to be constrained, but I will try to be available between 10am and 8pm. After you have completed the online process, let me know that you have a hard copy and I can schedule an appointment at the rental.
See you soon!

Alice Johnson

A sure giveaway is where it says the last prospective tenant had a problem with their credit report, but then "she" (he?) says it doesn't matter what your credit report says and they only need it for insurance purposes! WTF? How stupid do these scammers think people are? Anyway, I have looked for apartments maybe 4 times on Craigslist in the past 4 years (still not quite ready to move lol) and 2 of the 4 have been scammers including "Alice Johnson". Here's my response received 13 hours ago about an apartment in NYC (Queens to be exact):

Hello,
My apologies for the delay! I have been very busy the last few days. The good news is that the rental is still available . There was a person who had significant interest in the property, but he had bad marks on his credit report, so we need to start showing it again, as we want to get it leased immediately. Considering you had emailed us first, regarding the property, we are giving you first right of refusal.

The unit is in great condition. We know a lot of prospective renters want to take a quick look at the property, regardless, our policy is not to divulge the address, as there are some lunatics in the world with bad intentions. The last time we gave out the address without verifying the prospective tenant. We don't want that to happen again. I’ll confirm what you probably already know this property is gorgeous! A unit like this would typically go for much more, but again, I need to lease it right now, which is why the lease rate is a tremendous value.

The utilities are intact and can be switched over to you once the lease is signed. You will be responsible for cable, internet, and phone - if you decide to have these services. Pets are allowed but just need to know the size and breed for our records. The rental term is 12-month lease, but can be switched to a 6-month lease, if that is more favorable. The only requirement is that you send us 30 days notice, when you want to move out of the unit.

If you would like to set up an appointment, go to the link below and request the free copy of your rental / credit report. The scores are insignificant – we realize many folks have had foreclosures, bankruptcy, etc. For insurance purposes, we are required to have a report on file from every prospective tenant. Here is the link: http://tnylnk.net/871c50da0d6faf64d39191382451efb6

The only pages we require are regarding your rental history. You just need to bring that to your appointment to see the property.

My availability over the next few days is going to be constrained, but I will try to be available between 10am and 8pm. After you have completed the online process, let me know that you have a hard copy and I can schedule an appointment at the rental.
See you soon!

How stupid do these scammers think people are?

Welcome to ScamWarners lilith. Falling for a scam is not a matter of stupid or not stupid. Plenty of intelligent people fall for scams everyday for various reasons. If a scammer catches one person every day, that is a lot of stolen money in their pocket for doing very little.

Thank you for helping us expose scammers and educate potential victims.

Yep just forwarded the same gal over. Got the same shady email this morning - Thank you Scam Warners and thank you for this site!!! Good karma should be coming your way! I responded to this CL add yesterday:

http://newyork.craigslist.org/brk/abo/3268432929.html
$1785 / 2br - ***PRIVATE CORNER 2 BEDROOM APARTMENT W/ PARKING SPOT AND LAUNDRY (Boerum Hill)

Here's a copy of the email I received just now:
Alice Johnson [email protected]

10:36 AM (59 minutes ago)

to me
Hello,
My apologies for the delay! So many thing I had to do over the course of the last few days. The great news is that the unit is still available . There was a person who had great interest in the property, but he lost his job, so we need to start showing it again, as we want to get it leased ASAP. Considering you had emailed us initially, regarding the property, we are giving you first right of refusal.

The unit is in great condition. We know a lot of prospective renters want to take a quick look at the property, regardless, our policy is not to divulge the address, as there are some lunatics in the world with bad intentions. The last time we gave out the address without verifying the prospective tenant. We don't want that to happen again. I’ll confirm what you probably already know this property is gorgeous! A property like this would typically go for much more, but again, we need to lease it asap, which is why the lease rate is a tremendous value.

The utilities are intact and can be switched over to you once the lease is signed. You will be responsible for cable, internet, and phone - if you decide to have these services. Pets are allowed but just need to know the size and breed for our records. The rental term is 12-month lease, but can be switched to a 6-month lease, if that is more favorable. The only requirement is that you send us 30 days notice, when you want to move out of the unit.

If you would like to set up an appointment, go to the link below and request the free copy of your rental / credit report. The scores are insignificant – we realize many folks have had foreclosures, bankruptcy, etc. For insurance purposes, we are required to have a report on file from every prospective tenant. Here is the link: http://moolink.info/e8c9cf359ce5e8cd9086eb8b7321b13e

The only pages we require are regarding your rental history. You just need to bring that to your appointment to see the property.

My availability over the next few days is going to be constrained, but I will try to be available between 10am and 8pm. After you have completed the online process, let me know that you have a hard copy and I can schedule an appointment at the rental.
See you soon!

Got the same email from "Alice" for an apartment in the financial District in NYC...

Alice Johnson ? [email protected]
Sep 17 (1 day ago)

Hi,
I'm sorry for the delay! I was very busy last few days. The great news is that the rental is still available . There was a potential leaser who had significant interest in the unit, but he had bad marks on his credit report, so we need to start showing it again, as we want to get it rented ASAP. Considering you had contacted us initially, regarding the property, we are giving you first right of refusal.

The unit is in excellent condition. We know a lot of prospective renters want to take a quick look at the property, regardless, our policy is not to divulge the address, as there are some lunatics in the world with bad intentions. The last time we gave out the address without verifying the prospective tenant. We don't want that to happen again. I’ll confirm what you probably already know this property is gorgeous! A leasing like this would typically go for much more, but again, I need to lease it asap, which is why the lease rate is a tremendous value.

The utilities are intact and can be switched over to you once the lease is signed. You will be responsible for cable, internet, and phone - if you decide to have these services. Pets are allowed but just need to know the size and breed for our records. The rental term is 12-month lease, but can be switched to a 6-month lease, if that is more favorable. The only requirement is that you send us 30 days notice, when you want to move out of the unit.

If you would like to set up an appointment, go to the link below and request the free copy of your rental / credit report. The scores are insignificant – we realize many folks have had foreclosures, bankruptcy, etc. For insurance purposes, we are required to have a report on file from every prospective tenant. Here is the link: http://inchlink.com/3c24bb4fa4af17f8bb2c2d80124e50ba

The only pages we require are regarding your rental history. You just need to bring that to your appointment to see the property.

My availability over the next few days is going to be constrained, but I will try to be available between 10am and 8pm. After you have completed the online process, let me know that you have a hard copy and I can schedule an appointment at the rental.
See you soon!

Alice Johnson

I'm filing a report to Craig's List to see what they say/will do.

F. U. "Alice" or whomever you A-HOLES are.

Welcome to ScamWarners chaznyc and thank for posting this information. There isn't much Craig's list can do except kick off the post and maybe block the email address.

OK.. So I am the dumb and naive one who clicked on the link. It took me to what appeared to be an Equifax page (not sure if it was or not). There was no lock on the page showing that it was secure, which I didn't notice until after I entered my first and last names, and email address.

I clicked submit, and it took me to a page (which did have the lock, so I'm hopeful that it was a legitimate Equifax page that was secure and encrypted). I entered the whole sha-bang.. name, address, SSN, email address, birthdate, and phone number... CLICK.

At this point, my brain finally decided to turn back on. I realized what I had just done, and went back to the link in the email.. moolink.info?? That doesn't sound right. Panic. Sweaty palms. Racing heart. Did I just give a identity theft my life on a silver platter?

Within minutes from submitting that grip-load of information, I received an email from [email protected] saying that my email address had been updated. Apparently, I had an old Equifax account so when I entered my information Equifax recognized it and updated the email address to the one I had just entered. This gives me some hope that the page that I did enter all of my information on was legitimate, so maybe it's going to be ok?? (crosses fingers)

Now what do I do? Should I be preparing for my identity to be stolen? Enrolling in credit monitoring services with Identity Theft Protection and opening Fraud Alerts? Closing and reopening all checking/saving accounts and credit cards? Filing a criminal report? Alerting the passport office and Social Security Administration Fraud hotline?

Please help!!! Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

I just got same response for an apt in Queens, NY. Craigslist listing.

$955 / 1br - CHARMING APARTMENT AVAILABLE NOW - MOVE IN CONDITION (Fresh Meadows)

I also think this is a scam. Wouldn't give me a phone number. Also in Queens. Used 2 different email addresses: Linda Morgan <[email protected]> and Linda Morgan <[email protected]>.

$800 Spacious Studio * Near Express bus * Great Location (Fresh Meadows)

Hello ,

Thanks for getting back to me. I will be free to show the apartment after 2 P.M. today. I'll also be available any time after noon the rest of the week.

I should let you know that we are only scheduling appointments with prospective tenants who have provided us with their most recent credit score.

The reason for this is because your credit score is a simple financial indicator which will allow us to determine if you will be able to make timely payments.

Checking your score is free and only takes a few minutes, using the following link:
http://creditscorerequest.com/score/sco ... zrg,165314

Once you've received your score please e-mail it to me and then we can setup your appointment.

Thank you,
Linda Morgan
New Tenants Manager

She is in SF now too! Advertising for a 1+ bedroom in SOMA.

" Hi,
I'm sorry for the delay! So many thing I had to do over the course of the last few days. The good news is that the property is still available . There was a potential leaser who had great interest in the property, but he got evicted from previous apartment, so we need to start showing it again, as we want to get it leased as soon as we can. Considering you had contacted us initially, regarding the rental, we are giving you first right of refusal.

The unit is in excellent condition. We know a lot of prospective renters want to take a quick look at the property, regardless, our policy is not to divulge the address, as there are some lunatics in the world with bad intentions. The last time we gave out the address without verifying the prospective tenant. We don't want that to happen again. I’ll confirm what you probably already know this property is gorgeous! A property like this would typically go for much more, but again, we need to lease it asap, which is why the lease rate is a tremendous value.

The utilities are intact and can be switched over to you once the lease is signed. You will be responsible for cable, internet, and phone - if you decide to have these services. Pets are allowed but just need to know the size and breed for our records. The leasing term is 12-month lease, but can be switched to a 6-month lease, if that is more favorable. The only requirement is that you send us 30 days notice, when you want to move out of the unit.

If you would like to set up an appointment, go to the link below and request the free copy of your rental / credit report. The scores are insignificant – we realize many folks have had foreclosures, bankruptcy, etc. For insurance purposes, we are required to have a report on file from every prospective tenant. Here is the link: http://tnylnk.net/ff27b0a75cb1a1a07774a5e597927321

The only pages we require are regarding your rental history. You just need to bring that to your appointment to see the property.

My availability over the next few days is going to be constrained, but I will try to be available between 10am and 8pm. After you have completed the online process, let me know that you have a hard copy and I can schedule an appointment at the rental.
See you soon! "

Good luck house hunting!

@Alucit

I signed up for the credit report as well and I'm really worried now. The emails I've received from equifax seem legitimate but I don't know if my information was transferred to a 3rd party first. Please help.

They sent me the same thing... But I didn't go through with putting in my name or anything just went to the site and basically left it and sent "her" an e-mail telling her i already pay for this service and I could bring it from me credit card. So i think i'm ok since all i did was go on to the site but didn't put anything in. I think my only mistake was I gave them my cell number to call me about the appointment.