Room for Rent and other rental scams
by Con Warner Sat Jun 09, 2012 7:20 am
Subject: RE: $200 / 3br - GORGEOUS 3BR/4BA SANTA BARBARA Home,WiFi,Jacuzzi,Spa, Sleep 10 (SANTA BARBARA)
Date: Thu, 7 Jun 2012 11:11
From: Collins James <[email protected]>
To: Con Warner

Hello,
Thank you for your patronage,we do have availability for your dates,the apartment is located 2409 Calle Linares, Santa Barbara, CA, United States USA, we charge $200 per night,it's one of the best you can get around here,to hold your dates you are to pay 50% of the total rental fee plus refundable security fee of $200 that will be returned to you at your departure if there is no damage in the Apartment and the balance of the rental fee paid upon your arrival,discount applies from customer's with 7 days stay and above, all Taxes , Bills , Car park Bills has been handled ,please check below for Apartment details and the price quotes,

No of ROOMs ; # 3

NO OF BEDS ; # 5

NO OF BATHS ; # 4

CAR PARK SPACE; # 2

PRICE QUOTE'S
3 NIGHTS = $600. %50 DEPOSIT = $300 . SECURITY FEE = $200 . DISCOUNT = $50

DEPOSIT PAYMENT = $500

RENTAL BALANCE =$250


All you have to do to hold the apartment is to pay a 50% of the total rental fee, plus the Refundable Security Fee which is $200. which will be given back to you on the day you departing from the apartment, Once you have made the payment I will issue you a receipt confirming your payments. our cleaners would come at intervals under your request to clean and attend to your needs.I will send you our Terms, Condition, booking form and agreement as soon I have your reply to know you are interested in the apartment.

Regards


This person asks for a deposit payment via Western Union, MoneyGram or bank transfer with a promise that you can have the keys to a property that does not belong to him.

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.
Last edited by Con Warner on Sat Jun 09, 2012 7:26 am, edited 1 time in total. Reason: Removed name.

Email: [email protected]

Latest updates regarding Internet Fraud: http://www.antifraudnews.com
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by Con Warner Fri Jun 15, 2012 8:26 am
Hello ,
Thank you for your patronage,the payment is to be sent via Bank transfer to the owner of the property Dr Harry DeCrescenzo, you are to get back to me with filled copy of the Agreement, I.D of the renter and arrival details as well as the deposit transfer receipt so we could finalize the booking process,the payment information is below..I have attached the agreement and booking form to you.
I want you to complete and return to back soonest. Also, to have the apartment reserved for you. you need to have the %50 deposit plus the refundable security fee which is $200
the total amount you are going to send is ($700) you can give me a call or leave me with voice message on 805 308 0224 if you have questions .

Account Name: Harry DeCrescenzo

Routing Number:296O75933

Account Number:709291143911

Acct type: Share builder account

Bank Name:Hiway Federal Credit Union

Bank Address:111 Empire Drive St Paul Minnesota 551O3

Email: [email protected]

Latest updates regarding Internet Fraud: http://www.antifraudnews.com
by ksingaraju Fri Jun 22, 2012 1:06 am
Con - Thank you so much for this forum, you saved my day. I almost fell into this trap today as I was planning to take my family on a beautiful vacation for the July 4th week. Here is the bogus email from Collins James about a vacation rental in the Santa Barbara area -
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Hello
Thank you for your patronage,we do have availability for your dates,the apartment is located 2417 Calle Linares Santa Barbara, CA 93109, USA, we charge $140 per night,it's one of the best you can get around here,to hold your dates you are to pay 50% of the total rental fee plus refundable security fee of $200 that will be returned to you at your departure if there is no damage in the Apartment and the balance of the rental fee paid upon your arrival,discount applies from customer's with 7 days stay and above, all Taxes , Bills , Car park Bills has been handled ,please check below for Apartment details and the price quotes,

No of ROOMs ; # 2

NO OF BEDS ; # 4

NO OF BATHS ; # 3

CAR PARK SPACE; # 2

PRICE QUOTE'S
2 NIGHTS = $280. %50 DEPOSIT = $140 . SECURITY FEE = $200 . DISCOUNT = $40

DEPOSIT PAYMENT = $340

RENTAL BALANCE =$100


All you have to do to hold the apartment is to pay a 50% of the total rental fee, plus the Refundable Security Fee which is $200. which will be given back to you on the day you departing from the apartment, Once you have made the payment I will issue you a receipt confirming your payments. our cleaners would come at intervals under your request to clean and attend to your needs.I will send you our Terms, Condition, booking form and agreement as soon I have your reply to know you are interested in the apartment.

Regards
by Con Warner Sun Jul 15, 2012 6:05 am
Hello ,
Thank you for your patronage,the payment is to be sent via Bank transfer to the owner of the property Dr Harry DeCrescenzo, you are to get back to me with filled copy of the Agreement, I.D of the renter and arrival details as well as the deposit transfer receipt so we could finalize the booking process,the payment information is below..I have attached the agreement and booking form to you.
I want you to complete and return to back soonest. Also, to have the apartment reserved for you. you need to have the %50 deposit plus the refundable security fee which is $200 the total amount you are going to send is ($700) you can give me a call or leave me with voice message on 805 308 0224 if you have questions .

Account Name: Harry DeCrescenzo

Address: 5O15 East 54th Street

Account Number: 0452761406

Routing Number: 091901192

Acct type: Checking acct

Bank Name: Citizens bank minnesota

Bank Address: 18476 Kenrick Avenue Lakeville, Minnesota 55044

Email: [email protected]

Latest updates regarding Internet Fraud: http://www.antifraudnews.com
by Bisquich Thu Jul 26, 2012 9:15 pm
Read from bottom to top.

We were victimized this week under this version. :oops: My favorite part is the "Dr." thing - which really works autopreventing for your internal flags popping up. Brilliant - Dr. must be busy out of town! When I go back and read the text now, of even the fake Agreement, I laugh in a crying way it's so obvious. We were vulnerable and pressed for time.

But, luckier than others.

Someone warned me before we piled in the car. We were kinda furious and told them right out we know in an email last night. Amazed they wrote back!! :twisted: Even more amazed they still insisted we drive five hours to intentional disappointment there this AM! Filed claim with local authorities and bank - wish I had seen this sooner - it's robbed more than time and a little money.

It's robbed the ability to change a fixed vision originally intended for impromptu relaxation.

Good luck out there.


From: <obscured victim>
Date: Thu, Jul 26, 2012 at 2:02 AM
Subject: Re: BOOKING AND AGREEMENT FORMS FOR 3 NIGHTS STAY IN FOLLY BEACH
To: Collins James <[email protected]>


James,

:=) Thank you, and that sentiment is what I needed to hear. The pictures sure look great!

Please understand this kind of thing happens all the time, it's so hard to know what you are getting into with Craig's List. I just don't know how some people can prey on vulnerability like that and steal other's identities, dreams and money.

I am so relieved to know you are not that sort! Final details for getting on the road now that I have the paperwork in hand... you mentioned below to bring it with me,

"you are to get back to me with the bank transfer receipt so i can prepare and forward your receipt to you. Please remember to print and come along with the apartment receipt that i will attach and forward to you after confirmation of deposit."

... so I assume we meet you tomorrow then? Where will the keys be located to get into the property? Please leave us the cell phone for someone we can contact when we get there, as your number is only a message service?

Looking forward, and thank you for your reply,
xx

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

From: Collins James <[email protected]>
Date: Wed, Jul 25, 2012 at 8:54 PM
Subject: RE: BOOKING AND AGREEMENT FORMS FOR 3 NIGHTS STAY IN FOLLY BEACH
To: <obscured victim>


:shakeitup: Not a Scam, i have been renting out this property for over 6 year and have
never had problems with doing my job professionally, you would get a
receipt for your deposit, you also hold a copy of the agreement for
confirmation,i will also be sending your booking code which will be used
for collection of keys upon arrival, i am a man of Honor and integrity ,i
understand that dealing over the internet could be quite challenging.


+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Date: Wed, 25 Jul 2012 18:24:26 -0400
Subject: RE: BOOKING AND AGREEMENT FORMS FOR 3 NIGHTS STAY IN FOLLY BEACH

From: <obscured victim>
To: [email protected]

James,
Please call me or reply to this e-mail as soon as possible. I have been
told that this is a scam and if so, lesson learned. Here's the thing... I
can accept the loss of money and the fact that this would have been the
first vacation I've had in 17 years. I do not want to waste 5 hrs driving
and the cost of gas to find this is a hoax. Please have the sympathy and
kindness of heart to reply.


++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
To: <obscured victim>
From: "Collins James" <[email protected]>
Date: Jul 23, 2012 1:03 PM
Subject: RE: BOOKING AND AGREEMENT FORMS FOR 3 NIGHTS STAY IN FOLLY BEACH


Hello ,
Thank you for your patronage,the payment is to be sent via Bank transfer to the owner of the property Dr Harry DeCrescenzo, you are to get back to me with filled copy of the Agreement, I.D of the renter and arrival details as well as the deposit transfer receipt so we could finalize the booking process,the payment information is below..I have attached the agreement and booking form to you.

I want you to complete and return to back soonest. Also, to have the apartment reserved for you. you need to have the %50 deposit plus the refundable security fee which is $200 the total amount you are going to send is ($425) you can give me a call or leave me with voice message on 805 308 0224 if you have questions .


Account Name: Harry DeCrescenzo

Routing Number:296O75933

Account Number:709291143911

Account Type: Share builder account

Bank Name:Hiway Federal Credit Union

Bank Address:111 Empire Drive St Paul Minnesota 551O3



you are to get back to me with the bank transfer receipt so i can prepare and forward your receipt to you. Please remember to print and come along with the apartment receipt that i will attach and forward to you after confirmation of deposit.

Regards

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Date: Mon, 23 Jul 2012 07:50:19 -0400
Subject: Re: Fwd: RE: Rental Availability
From: <obscured victim>
To: [email protected]

James,
Please send the paperwork as well as the bank info for payment transfer asap. I would like to complete and secure by asap today.
Thank you,
<obscured victim>

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++\
From: "Collins James" <[email protected]>
Date: Jul 22, 2012 10:36 PM
Subject: RE: Rental Availability
To: <obscured victim>

We accept deposit via bank transfer, Money gram or a direct bank deposit to the owner of the property's bank account,the master bedrooms have got large queen beds and the 3rd bedroom with twin beds,extra sleep sofas and pullout beds available for more sleeps,its close to all major attractions , Night life ,fun park , Clubs , Bars , Restaurants , Shopping,heated pool and hot tub available , Linens and towels , Washer and Dryer , WiFi ,Desktop computer , let me know when you are ready to book so i could send you our Booking terms and Agreement forms,reply me Asap.thanks

++++++++++ :laugh-s: BTW, "Fun Park" is hilarious! :laugh-s: ++++++++++++++++++
Date: Sun, 22 Jul 2012 22:32:34 -0400
Subject: RE: Rental Availability
From: <obscured victim>
To: [email protected]


Thank you for your response, I am interested in securing the dates in my previous e-mail. I am assuming that there isn't an issue with the dogs as mentioned. I look forward to receiving the necessary documents and information on how to make the required payments.
Regards


+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++\
On Jul 22, 2012 10:17 PM, "Collins James" <[email protected]:

Hello ,
Thank you for your patronage,we do have availability for your dates,the apartment is located 505 E Arctic Ave Folly Beach, SC 29439, USA, we charge $150 per night,it's one of the best you can get around here,to hold your dates you are to pay 50% of the total rental fee plus refundable security fee of $200 that will be returned to you at your departure if there is no damage in the Apartment and the balance of the rental fee paid upon your arrival,discount applies from customer's with 7 days stay and above, all Taxes , Bills , Car park Bills has been handled ,please check below for Apartment details and the price quotes,

No of ROOMs ; # 2

NO OF BEDS ; # 4

NO OF BATHS ; # 3

CAR PARK SPACE; # 2

PRICE QUOTE'S
3 NIGHTS = $450. %50 DEPOSIT = $225 . SECURITY FEE = $200 . DISCOUNT = $25

DEPOSIT PAYMENT = $425

RENTAL BALANCE =$200

All you have to do to hold the apartment is to pay a 50% of the total rental fee, plus the Refundable Security Fee which is $200. which will be given back to you on the day you departing from the apartment, Once you have made the payment I will issue you a receipt confirming your payments. our cleaners would come at intervals under your request to clean and attend to your needs.I will send you our Terms, Condition, booking form and agreement as soon I have your reply to know you are interested in the apartment.

Regards
by gradyrs Fri Aug 03, 2012 5:31 pm
WOW!! JUST GOT SCAMMED BY THIS GUY-He called himself Eddie Jefferson we flew all the way to Huntington Beach, CA and no property to stay at. He got us for $500 deposit. Here is the info he sent:

PEOPLE LIKE THIS SHOULD DIE!!!



Rico,
Thank you for your patronage,the payment is to be sent via Bank transfer to the owner of the property Dr Daniel Arnone, you are to get back to me with filled copy of the Agreement, I.D of the renter and arrival details as well as the deposit transfer receipt so we could finalize the booking process,the payment information is below..


I have attached the agreement and booking form to you. I want you to complete and return t back soonest. Also, to have the apartment reserved for you. you need to have the %50 deposit plus the refundable security fee which is $200 the total amount you are going to send is ($500) you can give me a call or leave me with voice message on 805 308 0224 if you have questions .


Name on account: Daniel Arnone


Account number: 18525-66836


Routing number: 121000358

Bank Address: 730 New Los Angeles Ave, Moorpark, CA 93021

Bank name: Bank Of America


-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


you are to get back to me with the bank transfer receipt so i can prepare and forward your receipt to you. Please remember to print and come along with the apartment receipt that i will attach and forward to you after confirmation of deposit.


Regards
Eddie
by Bubbles Fri Aug 03, 2012 10:30 pm
Welcome to ScamWarners gradyrs. I am sorry to hear that you were scammed by this criminal. Sadly, people fall for this kind of scam all of the time.

Thank you for posting this information so others can learn from your experience and hopefully not lose money in this scam.

Bubbles, former Scamwarners moderator.

Rest in Peace 24 June 2015.

Gone, but never forgotten.
by 20008 Tue Jun 25, 2013 2:37 am
Sorry to hear about everyone's run-ins with this Harry DeCrescenzo and I only wished I checked this forum before I dealt with him. Just to warn everyone, he is operating on the East Coast now as the landlord to a "Mark Adams" and the transfer requests are eerily similar--all to a Minnesota bank. He boldly enters into signed rental contracts before he disappears into thin air with your money. There appears to be real person by the name Harry DeCrescenzo in Minnesota (if you run a google search), but it's unclear as to whether he is behind the scheme, a victim of identity theft, or an elaborately constructed character.

Name: Harry G. DeCrescenzo

Acct #: 9442053345

Routing #: 291070001

TWIN CITY FEDERAL (TCF) NATIONAL BANK.

Best of luck to everyone.

??? Account reported - CW

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