Room for Rent and other rental scams
by Con Warner Sat Jan 25, 2014 11:41 am
From: Amanda Hall <[email protected]>
Subject: RE: Apartment Post
Date: January 22, 2014 11:11
To: Con Warner

Hi,

I hope things are good. Here's some good news: the apartment's still available! We thought we had the place rented to a couple we showed it to today, but now it seems that they changed their mind, so we need to lease it as soon as possible. You were the second one to show interest about it.

I am sure you will want to do a walkthrough of the place, but my husband doesn't want me to advertise the address as a measure of safety. Last time we did that without verifying people, it was broken into and vandalized. We don't want that to happen again! You will be responsible for cable, internet, and phone, if you decide to have these services. Just to confirm, we DO allow pets at this property. The rental term is 12 month lease, but can be switched into a 6-month lease if preferred. We require one month notice before moving out, as a courtesy.

When you're ready to schedule an appointment to see the place, then please go to the link below to grab your free credit score. All of our tenants use this site because Transunion is widely trusted. Just fill out the form and indicate that you want the score. What is in the report isn't important to us, it's more of a formality to have it on file, to make sure there are no previous property related issues. You can get your free credit score at CLICK HERE

Keep in mind that we are only interested in the page about the rental history. That will be all you will need to bring with you to the showing. We typically waive the security deposit with a rating of 560+.

Once you let me know that you have your credit history ready, then I'll personally schedule a walk through of the place. I look forward to showing you the place!

Thanks again,
Amanda Hall


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.

Email: [email protected]

Latest updates regarding Internet Fraud: http://www.antifraudnews.com
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by anniephotos Wed Feb 19, 2014 1:32 pm
This is the message I received today. It seems so legitimate, but it's the same email above, word for word!
______________________________________________________
Amanda Hall [email protected]

9:10 AM (2 hours ago)

to me
Hi,

I hope things are good. Here's some good news: the apartment's still available! We thought we had the place leased to a couple we showed it to today, but now it seems that they changed their mind, so we need to lease it as soon as possible. You were the second one to show interest about it.

I am sure you will want to do a walkthrough of the property, but my husband doesn't want me to advertise the address as a measure of safety. Last time we did that without verifying people, it was broken into and vandalized. We don't want that to happen again! You will be responsible for cable, internet, and phone, if you decide to have these services. Just to confirm, we DO allow pets at this property. The rental term is one year, but can be switched into a half year term if preferred. We just ask that you give us fair notice if you are moving out.

If you would like to set up an appointment, go to the link below and request a copy of your free credit score. We use this site for all the properties we manage since it's free through Transunion. Just fill out the form and indicate that you want the score. What is in the report isn't important to us, it's more of a formality to have it on file, to make sure there are no previous property related issues. You can get your free credit score at CLICK HERE

Remember, we only need to see the page about the rental history. That will be all you will need to bring with you to the showing. We typically waive the security deposit with a score of 550+.

Give me a heads up when you have an updated version of your credit history. Then I'll schedule you for a showing. I look forward to showing you the place!

Thanks again,
Amanda Hall



Date: Tue, 18 Feb 2014 21:47:40 -0600
Subject: LOCATED ON A QUITE STREET IS THIS ONE BEDROOM ONE BATH
From: [email protected]
To: [email protected]

Hello. I'm interested in information on this apartment. :)

http://chicago.craigslist.org/nch/apa/4338910823.html



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- Annie

removed poster's info--it is best not to post your personal info when exposing criminals.

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