Craigslist Apartment Rental Scam in NYC?

This is my thread from bottom to top. HAS to be a scam!

"In this moment i'm in London-United Kingdom and can not be present to deal face to face but I can make arrangements to rent the apartment from London through Realtor.com is an international company dealing specifically in rentals apartments, I used it in the past and I was very pleased.In order to view the flat and settle a deal, you will need the keys, and the contract.
I will explain how it works..

If we decide to proceed with this transaction, I will need your phone number full name and address where you want to receive the keys/contract.Then I will go at Realtor.com company from London provide them all the necessary information, and they will start the process right away in US.Next you will receive a notification message from Realtor.com containing all the instructions that you need to follow,the invoice and contract as well.Regarding the Payment, you will be instructed to deposit the amount to an agent from Realtor.com ,they will hold lock and insure your money until you check the apartment and decide if you want to rent the place or not.(That is my insurance).If you will not be satisfied with the apartment the total amount will be refunded in same day after your request.You will be given a ten days inspection period from the day you receive the keys and contract.During this period you can take a decision.
As for the monthly payment are done directly to my bank account from London at the beginning or end of month at your convenience.

I look forward to hearing back from you


On Wed, Mar 5, 2014 at 3:57 PM, JA007 wrote:

Just myself and my dog. Would sign a 1 year lease with option to renew.

Thanks,
JA

Sent from my iPhone

On Mar 5, 2014, at 6:10 AM, Charles Wright <[email protected]> wrote:

> Thanks for your kind interest ,
>
> My name is Charles Wright the owner of the apartment .I bought this apartment for my daughters during their studies in US, but now they come back home in London, United Kingdom permanently, so I'm renting the place, even for long and short period.
> The apartment has 2 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms (cold/hot water, electricity, wireless broadband Internet, digital TV, 1 parking spots for 2 cars, dishwasher, garbage disposal, microwave, refrigerator, washing machine) FULLY FURNISHED.The neighborhood is very well served with public transportation,park playground, shops,supermarkets ,you can easily get things needed.
> The rent is $1,900 per month, security deposit is $900 and you get it back at the end of contract or when you decide to leave the apartment.
> Before we go any further I would like to know a little something about you, like how many persons you intend to live in the apartment, and for how long.
>
> Thank you"

[AlanJones]

It is a definite scam. Realtor.com is a legitimate website, but they do not provide the service the scammer is describing - they are just a listings site.

The lad calling himself Charles Wright is not in New York or in London. He is in West Africa. Or at least that's where he learned to write.

The apartment has wireless broadband Internet and a refrigerator in the bathroom?

your right to think its a scam. First off, apartments in NYC that are purchased are not called apartments.

Secondly, you will not find a landlord in NYC offering less than one complete month's rent for security deposit, in fact, many are a month and half again or two full months.

All residential units have hot and cold water ( at least here in the USA). If you choose to have TV, telephone, and other utilities it is your responsibility to get them. No one rents entire apartments including utilities. Rooms within a home, maybe.... Not the apartment or house itself. A landlord would not make money if that were the norm.

If you still think there is a chance its not a scam, tell him to send the keys to the apartment, get the address, and tell him after you see the place is when you will give the deposit and sign the lease. Be sure to check with the building manager prior to your arrival that the name of that man matches the apartment # and they aren't breaking into a place that is unoccupied.

Its a scam 100% and any emails pertaining to be from a realtor or escrow are FAKES.

I'm in Boston and currently dealing with the same exact person, I think.
Tragically trying to scam me, I hope you didn't go through w. the rental! :/

On Wed, Mar 12, 2014 at 1:54 PM, David Boomer <[email protected]> wrote:
In this moment I'm in United Kingdom and I can not be present to show you the apartment and make the rental lease by myself.I'll make the arrangements from United Kingdom to rent the apartment through Realtor.com on my expenses.I've used this company in the past and was very pleased and impressed by the quality of their services.
In order to view the apartment and settle a deal, I`ll need your phone number, full name and address, after I`ll receive your details I'll register our application with Realtor.com and they will send you a PRE-LEASING RESERVATION.

The Pre-Lease Agreement requires you to make a Pre-Lease Deposit (they will keep the payment on hold until you will inspect the apartment) and once your application is approved and payment of the pre-lease deposit is made , I'll send them apartment keys along with the lease contract. The shipping it takes two days.

Next one of their realtors will come with you to walk though the apartment for three consecutive days!! During inspection you can take a decision.If you like the apartment and decide to rent it, the Pre-Lease Deposit will be applied and converted to the Security Deposit and when you move in, you'll only have to pay the first month rent.
In case you don`t like the place, the agent will refund your money immediately.

I look forward to hearing back from you.

Sorry for the long email,I've tried to explain everything clear and touch all base

I had contacted a person called Jesse from a Zillow ad, ph no: +1-803-693-5641 who then asked me to conact her husband on [email protected], below is his reply sent today.

David Boomer <[email protected]> to me
3:48 AM (8 hours ago) [Notice that is 3:48AM EST]


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Thanks for your interest,

My name is David Boomer owner of the apartment. I'm a licensed pro builder engineer and due to my job transfer in United Kingdom I decided to rent my home for the next 5 years.My apartment has 2 Bedrooms,1 Bathroom. Its conveniently located near shops, restaurants, supermarkets and bus stops. The apartment provide everything for a convenient and comfortable stay.

General Facilities included: Wi-Fi, Satellite Channels, Flat screen TV Air conditioning (hot/cold) ,Fully equipped kitchen, Free secure designated parking.
Short-Term rental available upon request. Pets are allowed upon request.
I set the rent at $1400 per month inclusive of all utility bills and security deposit $1,800 refundable after lease period. If your intentions are in renting the place for a longer time (minimum one year) the last month from the lease contract will be for free.
In case you are not moving immediately, you would be required to make a down Deposit for a PRE-LEASING RESERVATION Non- Negotiable, to hold the property till desired move in date.

Before we go any further I would like to know a little something about you, how many persons you intend to live in the apartment and for how long.
Thank you