by darkneji
Fri Sep 28, 2012 6:40 pm
I fell for this "Alice Johnson" (email [email protected]) apartment rental scam through craigslist. I Received the following email 3 days ago (9/25/12)
I followed the link and it took me to an Equifax $4.95 30 day total advantage package. The site looked legitimate however I didn't pay any attention to the Lock on the url, I don't remember whether it was there or not.
I went to the sign up page and entered all of my information including phone number, debit card, and SSN. When I got to the final step which was asking me security questions based on my credit history before the transaction was final, I'm pretty sure I failed one and so my payment was rejected and I received an email saying so. I had to call equifax to confirm who I am and I did and my trial started - the representative sounded legit to me.
As of right now, I got my credit report and my trial still stands (I even got an email with confirmation of my transaction) however, this morning when I looked online and discovered that Alice Johnson is a scam, I went back to that link to equifax in the email and now it doesn't lead to equifax at all. Just some adult friend finder 1 page advertisement.
The report through equifax seems to be real, but what I'm worried about is if somehow during that signup process, my information was transferred to a 3rd party before being sent to equifax for my real signup since the link seems to be fake.
What do I do? Please help.
Hello,
My apologies for the delay! I have been very busy the last few days. The good news is that the property is still available . There was a potential leaser who had serious 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 rented immediately. 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 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/1fe847d5ed6485c0c4c1b5b7cb449779
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 followed the link and it took me to an Equifax $4.95 30 day total advantage package. The site looked legitimate however I didn't pay any attention to the Lock on the url, I don't remember whether it was there or not.
I went to the sign up page and entered all of my information including phone number, debit card, and SSN. When I got to the final step which was asking me security questions based on my credit history before the transaction was final, I'm pretty sure I failed one and so my payment was rejected and I received an email saying so. I had to call equifax to confirm who I am and I did and my trial started - the representative sounded legit to me.
As of right now, I got my credit report and my trial still stands (I even got an email with confirmation of my transaction) however, this morning when I looked online and discovered that Alice Johnson is a scam, I went back to that link to equifax in the email and now it doesn't lead to equifax at all. Just some adult friend finder 1 page advertisement.
The report through equifax seems to be real, but what I'm worried about is if somehow during that signup process, my information was transferred to a 3rd party before being sent to equifax for my real signup since the link seems to be fake.
What do I do? Please help.