Rental Scammer - [email protected]

From: Michelle Starks <[email protected]>
Date: Fri, Feb 1, 2013 at 11:11
Subject: Re: $1050 / 2br - Charming Well Maintained 3rd Flr Apartment - Pets Welcome (Mansfield)
To: Con Warner


Hi,

Thank you for your email. The good news is that the unit 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 rented immediately. Considering you had emailed 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 the current tenants are still there. We don't want to disturb them as they are moving out currently. I’ll confirm what you probably already know this property is gorgeous! A unit 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 with a $300 pet deposit. 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 order your credit report for just a couple of dollars. We use the credit report to determine the % you pay for the security deposit and possibly pay no security deposit if your credit is above 700. Also we will be using the rental history page of the credit report to see your rental history. Here is the link: http://fblink.info/358cbb71b7e94cbe214b91e4c49310dd5

The only pages we require are regarding your rental history. You just need to bring that to your appointment to see the property. Please have all people over 18 to live in the property to order the credit report, thank you.

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!

Michelle Starks

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.

All the details such as names, addresses, pictures etc. that the scammer uses in order to back up his story, are stolen from elsewhere.

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.

hi Con Warner. i emailed a request for more info on an apartment ad on craigslist an this was the reply. i have not followed through with any of the instructions since it all smells fishy to me.

"Hi,

Thank you for your e-mail. The great news is that the unit is still available . There was a potential renter who had great interest in the unit, but he lost his job, so we need to start showing it again, as we want to get it rented immediately. 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 the current tenants are still there. We don't want to disturb them as they are moving out currently. I’ll confirm what you probably already know this property is gorgeous! A leasing 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 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 order your credit report for a few bucks. We use the credit report to determine the % you pay for the security deposit and possibly pay no security deposit if your credit is above 700! Here is the link: http://fblink.info/93ac89fe0eeb180f104dee457035a172

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!

Michelle Starks"

I feel so dumb after reading this, I just did exactly what she told me I shouldve looked it up before doing anything

Here are two I fell prey to over the last two weeks, before I realized these kinds of scams were in play.
Hope I don't get my identity stolen.
PS Isn't this reportable to the State AG?
__________________________________________

Rental Scammer - [email protected]

Dear Xxxxx,
Thank you for your mail,myself and my wife are happy to read from you.
After going through your email, my wife and I have finally concluded to rent the House to you. The rent is $800 and security deposit fee is $550 Since we shall be giving you our house, please again take care of the house,and i will keep my word to be a good landlord to you.

Therefore after accessing your profile, we strongly believe that you are a respectable and responsible person, I am sure you would be able to take great care of the property. It would be appreciated if you can make the security deposit payment ASAP so that i can file you as my new tenant and also send you the House Keys and House Documents. Also, Pets are allowed.
Please once again, we are giving you this on trust and do not disappoint us and we promise you that you will love the house and the peaceful serene environment.

I am with the documents below here with me and I will like to know if you are ready to make the deposit payment.
Here are the contents of the documents I would be sending to you:
1) Entrance and the rooms Keys
2) Paper/Permanent house form (Containing your reference details)
3) Agreement Form which you would sign and send back to me.
4) The House Documentary file.
5) Payment Receipt.
6) Full address and description of the house
I am very glad that you are taking the apartment. I would arrange with FedEx to ship the House Keys and Documents over to you. My wife and i have come to an agreement that we would be secure for both you and ourselves. Like i explained to you in my first email, i am currently in Africa and the keys would be shipped to you from here.
Make the deposit by WESTERN UNION.

I understand that you may be unwilling to make any payment without seeing the apartment first,hence this option.
At Western Union,when you send money, the receiver (IN THIS CASE MYSELF) is required to show a valid form of identification (either a drivers license or an international passport) showing that the money was indeed sent in his/her name before the money can be paid out,therefore in a bid to ensure that your money is safe and i can not get it until you receive the keys and view the apartment,instead of putting the deposit in my name as the receiver,put it in the name of either your relative or a friend to my address in Nigeria below so that when i call the western union Nigeria i will be able to confirm the money is there,and i will go ahead and send the keys,once again not that i will be unable to get the money since it is not in my name,therefore when you get the keys and see the apartment,if you like it and move in,you can then go and change the receivers name into my name and i can get the money.

Send the security deposit immediately, as i have had quite a few responses and i have ignored them because you seemed the best of all applications i received and i do not want any delay in getting my apartment a tenant.

Once the payment is made,all i shall require from you is the MTCN Number so i can confirm from Western Union that the said amount was sent (The MTCN is the 10 digit tracking number that will be issued to you by western union after payment).
Once again,after you have sent out the payment, send me the MTCN number so that i can confirm that the payment has been sent and after you receive the House Keys and Documents and you are satisfied with the apartment, you can go change the receivers name into my name

HERE IS MY ADDRESS TO SEND THE PAYMENT TO (along with other information you are required to include at western union)
MY ADDRESS: 82 Admiralty way,Victoria Island, Lagos State Nigeria. 23401
Amount: $ 1,350
MTCN:

Ensure you email or call me as soon as you make the deposit so that i can ship the keys out,call me on +234-702-643-5347.
Yours Sincerely,
Mark Flair

From: [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: RE: $800 / 2br - 1000ft² - Unfurnished and gut renovated 2 bedroom apartment (Williamsburg)
Date: Sun, 3 Feb 2013 19:39:16 -0500

Hi Mark,

I'm glad you haven't rented the place yet...

As you'll see below, I live in the neighborhood, and am moving because -------------------------. The landlord will be happy to give me a good reference.
I'll also give you whatever documentation you may require to verify my employment and income.
More personal trivia: -------------------------------, and although I have friends, I'm not in the habit of throwing large, loud parties.

And I don't want to leave the neighborhood! I've lived in -------------------- ever since I moved to New York.

Please call me if it sounds like I'd be a good tenant for you.

Thanks,

(Ima Fool)


From: [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: RE: $800 / 2br - 1000ft² - Unfurnished and gut renovated 2 bedroom apartment (Williamsburg)
Date: Sun, 3 Feb 2013 18:28:20 +0000


Hello,

I am very happy to inform you that the apartment is still very much available for rent, my intention is to give out the apartment to a Reliable and Responsible person that would be able to take proper care of the apartment.
It’s indeed a lovely and comfortable home and available to move in as soon as possible.

Per Month: $800 (Including Utilities)
Security / Deposit: $550 (Refundable)
APARTMENT FEATURES:
2 Large Bedroom
2 Bath
High Ceilings
Stainless Steel Appliances
Hardwood Floors
Full Kitchen and Bath
Brand New Cabinets, Electric Cooker, dish washer & Refrigerator

Address: 368 Manhattan Ave Brooklyn, NY 11211


I would like you to know that i am giving this apartment out for rent because i relocated to West Africa for work,i am an oil rig engineer with Chevron Oil and it will last for couple of years before i will be done with my assignment here, this is not a sub lease, i own the apartment.

Please fill application form below :
=============================
RENT APPLICATION FORM
FIRST NAME: (Ima)
MIDDLE NAME: -
LAST NAME: (Fool)
AGE: xx
PROFESSION: xxx
MARITAL STATUS: xxx
TIME ON YOUR JOB: 10 years
PHONE NUMBERS
(CELL)PHONE xxx-xxx-xxxx
(WORK)PHONE same
(HOME)PHONE same
KIDS No (YES/NO), HOW MANY _____
PRESENT ADDRESS: xxxxxxx
WHY ARE YOU LEAVING? xxxxxx
HOW LONG DO YOU INTEND STAYING? Indefinitely (or until you move back).
WHEN DO YOU INTEND MOVING IN? Can move in 2/15, 3/1, or 4/1, or 5/1 - my landlord is giving me a couple/few months to find a new place.
IF YOU HAVE A PET? xxxxx
DO YOU SMOKE? No
DO YOU DRINK? No
DO YOU WORK LATE NIGHT? I sometimes work until 10pm.
==============================

I would like you to know that you are free to contact me at any time.
After I receive these details, I would get back to you as soon as possible, and then let you know my terms.

I hope to hear from you soon.
Stay Blessed,
Mark Flair
_________________________________________________

Rental Scammer - [email protected]

> Date: Fri, 25 Jan 2013 13:23:54 -0600
> Subject: Re: $1200 / 2br - REMODELED ONE BEDROOM CONDO WITH PRIVATE GARAGE PARKING (WILLIAMSBURG)
> From: [email protected]
> To: [email protected]
>
> Hi,
>
> Thank you for your response. The good news is that the property is still available . There was a potential renter who had significant 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 first, 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 the current tenants are still there. We don't want to disturb them as they are moving out currently. 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 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 order your credit report for a few bucks. We use the credit report to determine the % you pay for the security deposit and possibly pay no security deposit if your credit is above 700! Here is the link: http : // fburl . info /39b993f794614c109ff0 e 700452602b8
>
> 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!
>
> Stephanie Dobbins


I disabled the hotlink since it is part of the scam. We discourage people from clinking on hotlinks in messages. ~Bubbles

Welcome to ScamWarners gvelez, I am sorry about your experience. I hope you didn't send any money to this scammer.

To the question about having your identity stolen, it depends on the information you gave to the scammers. If you gave date of birth, social security number and other confidential information, you may become a victim of identity theft.

The line about your credit score and a deposit is totally a lie. A deposit has to do with damage you might leave the owner. I could pick it apart, but that would just educate the scammers who stop by here. I will say that landlords do not receive their rent payments by Western Union. That is a system that scammers use because there would be no way for you to get your money back once the scammer collected it.

I would keep a close watch on my banking situation. I would contact my bank and ask their advice. You are free to contact the Attorney General, but you do not have any real information on the scammer. The name they use is not their name. Any numbers or addresses are not related to them. They are excellent liars. They are real good at hiding from their victims.

I am sorry to give you this news.