Room for Rent and other rental scams
by ajs711 Fri Oct 12, 2012 12:44 pm
I responded to an apartment rental listing on Craigslist Los Angeles.

The response came from a "Stacey Nash" who also happens to be the name of an actress, asking me to submit a credit application before meeting with me or giving me an address, etc.

When I searched the domain name, it returned an address at 11400 W. Olympic Blvd. Suite 200, Los Angeles, CA.
This addresss has been reported with another domain name listed the ScamWarners site associated with credit card fraud. It appears they have simply registered another domain name and are back in business. Below is the email I received from this entity.

"Hi,
I'm sorry for the delay! I was very busy last few days. The great news is that the unit is still available . There was a person who had significant interest in the unit, but he lost his job, so we need to start showing it again, as we want to get it rented as soon as we can. Considering you had emailed us first, 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 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://123link.info/c0f133400628464604c4c24f7f28af5f

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!

Stacey Nash"
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by newyorkerorbust Sun Oct 14, 2012 1:43 pm
Got that exact same email today... but for an apartment in New York... definite scam.
by extra764 Sun Oct 14, 2012 1:48 pm
Stay away!! I also received almost the same exact email for this craigslist posting: http://losangeles.craigslist.org/wst/ap ... 25835.html

$970 / 1br - Minutes from shopping is this one bedroom apartment! (Westwood)

Date: 2012-10-12, 2:48PM PDT
Reply to this post [email protected] [Errors when replying to ads?]

There is an opening in my building for tenants seeking a one bedroom apartment. I just had the whole place cleaned and the last tenants were very responsible with the place. This is a great place to live since the building is quiet and the people in it are extremely friendly. More features: huge windows, bright rooms, back patio, and utilities are covered under the rent. I love this neighborhood and you will too.

Right along a bike friendly road plus next to a few bus stops. Each tenant gets a parking spot per lease. NO application fee. Well qualified tenants get their security deposit waived. Email me and I'll introduce you to the apartment this week.



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 property is still available . There was a potential leaser who had great 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 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 leasing 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 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://123link.info/70518ce4c1cdd7a5ecc0d66b42f100e4

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!
by asobolev1 Sun Oct 14, 2012 2:11 pm
Got the same letter in New York. Recognized scam from the very first word.
by enigmatic8 Wed Oct 17, 2012 3:51 am
okay so my gf fell for this for an apartment in Culver City and submitted her info via that link in the email except its a slightly different link.

its this link: http: // zzzlnk . info /314ba3085cf60b90f16cb0bbd1930363

which re-directs to this: http:// www . equifax . com / advantage495/DSP/?CID=1

the latter seems to be legit. Is it somehow drawing her information since it went through that initial link or how does that work?

Should she report this to the FTC or does anyone have any advice as to what she should do?
by Bubbles Thu Oct 18, 2012 1:28 am
Sometimes redirects like that are phishing. They want to get information they can use to steal your identity or gain access to your accounts.

I am disabling the links so others cannot follow them.

We advise not clicking on links received in email messages. Scammers and criminals do use links to do their evil deeds.

The emails you have received can be reported to the Internet Crime Complaint Center. type www.ic3.gov into your browser address window. http://www.ic3.gov/default.aspx

Bubbles, former Scamwarners moderator.

Rest in Peace 24 June 2015.

Gone, but never forgotten.

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