Rental Scammer - [email protected]

From: Jennifer Blake <[email protected]>
Date: Fri, Nov 16, 2012 at 11:11
Subject: Re: $1710 / 1br - BRAND NEW BUILDING BUILT IN 07 - SECOND PERSON TO LIVE IN APT (alamo square )
To: Con Warner


Hi,

I'm sorry 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 person who had serious interest in the property, but he lost his job, so we need to start showing it again, as we want to get it rented ASAP. Considering you had emailed 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 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://smalurl.info/aa2e4407eda1f46ad9e8cf637d2745881

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!

Jennifer Blake

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.

So I came across a posting on Craigslist...$895 / 3br - 900ft&sup2?; - Completely Updated 3 Bdrm House, Great Neighborho?od! and this was the reply that I received from her...

Hi,

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 renter 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 leased immediately. 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 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 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://shrturl.info/fadcadd0efdcda682e26ed2efff770d5

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!



Jennifer Blake

The fact that she could not give me a City that the place was in, and she was asking for me to fill out a Credit Report with all my personal information seemed pretty scammy to me. Keep a look out for this one. Something definitely is not right with it..

This is a definite scam, and one we have seen many times.

Whenever I see this particular scam, I can't help but be amused by this combination of completely contradictory statements:

There was a potential renter who had great interest in the unit, but he had bad marks on his credit report, so we need to start showing it again

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

.

So first they claim that it's not rented because the last person had a bad credit report--but then they tell you that it's ok, the credit report doesn't matter.

In most of these cases, the goal of the scammer is nothing more than an attempt to collect an affiliate fee from the credit report site when your "free trial" turns into a monthly charge that is extremely difficult to cancel. But the information you provide could also be enough for identity theft. Either way, there is no apartment, only a scammer looking to profit from your search.

We answered this ad and clicked on this link, link didn't work the way I expected which made me uncomfortable, but too late, I'd already given too much info. This Thanksgiving someone took nearly 3 grand out of my account with fraudulent use of a debit card number of mine. Hope the bank can get it all back, come Monday because I will need it to move! Once we find a legitimate landlord.