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Advice on Craiglist scam — Brooklynian

Advice on Craiglist scam

puply
puply
edited November -1 in The Lounge / Random Stuff
Hi everybody,

Yesterday, I was searching for a something nice in Craiglist. I replied to an ad that appeared great. I received an answer apparently very reasonable, with references and everything, but something made me suspicious. I searched for the IP address from the source code of the message, and yes, it was coming from Nigeria itself... Now I am worried because other people may fall for it. Craiglist does not have, apparently, a direct way to deal with this - I tried calling them, total waste of time. Any ideas as to what I can do?

Thanks!
«1

Comments

  • count floyd
    count floyd
    Nothing outside of putting up another ad in the same section calling out the Nigerian scam.

    But really, "caveat emptor" has never applied to anything so much as it applies to Craigslist.
  • carnivore
    carnivore
    Flag the post as prohibited. Put a link to it here, and if others agree with your assessment, they might flag it too.
  • flynn
    flynn
    yes, flag the post.
  • superclam
    superclam
    There was a thread here, in the Park Slope forum, about craigslist scams a week or so ago.
    After a basic google search, the text from reply to that CL ad was the exact same as I found online.
    Apparently, a majority of listings/responses on CL are scams - both for items for sale and apartments to rent.
    It's decent of you to care about some one else, and you should flag it, but that won't stop the scammers for very long.
    As said above, buyer beware. Anything that sounds fishy (I'll give you $50 to hold it for me, I'm sending a money order) probably is. It's best to deal locally in cash only.
  • puply
    puply
    Thank you for all your messages. I have flagged the post. Just so that you have an idea of the kind of scam it is, this is the link:

    http://newyork.craigslist.org/mnh/vac/1328993500.html

    It is geared to people who want to visit New York and are attempting to avoid hotels. I feel for those who fall for this, just imagine, they may send the money, take a plane and reach... only to face the truth of the scam. I checked and it seems the same scam has been attempted for an apartment in London.

    The photos must have been taken from another post. The email I received came from IP address 41.219.217.21 and IP address country Nigeria. The message was as follows (I called both numbers, the supposed "landlord" and the supposed reference, both connect to an answering machine):

    >Hello,
    The apartment is available for your desire dates, ----- to --- and the rental fee is $2800(@100 a night).. If interested you will need to make a fixed damage deposit of $500 and 50% of the rental fee to secure your dates.....

    50% of the rental fee = $ 1400
    Damage security deposit = $ 500 (Fully Refundable in Cash on your Departure day)
    --------
    You are to Pay = $ 1900 To hold your dates...
    --------
    The address of the apartment is 67 Stanton Street,New York,NY 10002.. 2500 sq.. ft..... There are lots of security around easy access to transportation,Luxury apartment just located in a very wonderful Environment. Spectacular views!24hrs doorman also available and very close to many amenties.Restaurants.Bar.Groceries,Shops,East river Park,New Meseum of contemporary art,Tompkins Spuare Park,Alphabet City.Its also close to many subway stations and bus routes. Its a 2 great bedrooms, sleeps 6....
    1) 2 bedrooms, sleeps maximum of 8 people
    Bedroom 1 - 1 King, 1 sofa chair
    Bedroom 2 - 1 Queen
    Family Room - 1 Sleep Sofa /Futon, queen sofa bed in family room.
    2) 2 bathroom(s) ,
    Bathroom 1 - Toilet, Combination Tub/Shower, Jetted Tub
    Bathroom 2 - Toilet, Shower, Jetted Tub

    Bathrooms are all renovated with a jacuzzi tub.
    3) Newly renovated kitchen includes microwave, full size oven, toaster, coffee maker and cooking utensils to satisfy the most discriminating gourmet chef.. Elegant living and dining area appointed with large flat-screen TV and excellent music system, including dining area, seating for 6 people.
    Remaining 50% of the rental fee will be paid when you arrive and also the $500 damage deposit is save with me and will be refunded when you are leaving the Apartment...Let me know if you `ll need to use the Apartment for your dates... Book down the Apartment for your dates asap before someone else does...
    Please let me know your interest ASAP.. More Photos attached and if you`d love to contact my past tenant before you make any reservation... I have references from the UK and US..
    Mr Christopher Baer stayed with his Family for 14nights..
    [email protected]
    +44-7023034697
    Miss Stefano Zavaglia and friends from Hawaii... Stayed 4nights
    [email protected]
    Thanks a lot.

    Dr Anthony Jefferson
    206 203-0434
  • carnivore
    carnivore
    Flagging seems to have worked. The ad is already gone.
  • flux
    flux
    how did you find it out was from nigiria? how can you trace the IP address?

    thanks
  • puply
    puply

    Subject: Nigeria

    Thanks again to the people who advised me in this topic.

    For the record, I have found four other scammers posing in Craiglist as landlords. It is indeed caveat emptor, particularly in the vacation rental threads.

    One of the scammers was offering an apartment in Park Slope for quite cheap. Again, he/she had a Seattle phone number (I wonder why, maybe it is easy to get these numbers?) He/she requested half of the rent and the security deposit via Moneygram. The info in the ad, including pictures, had been pilfered from another website.

    Flux, you can check the IP address if the email source is available. You enter it in an IP database, it will give you a lot of information. The scammers, however, are no fools, they are using the free emailing service that Craiglist provides to avoid leaving traces of their real location (two of the scammers I am talking about did just that.)

    But they all have something in common. They ask for money up front, claim to have the apartments for just the time you want them, and tell you to "Book Quick". Shameless lot.
  • armchair_warrior
    armchair_warrior
    when i was trying to sell something on cl some guy claims to be from england he wanted to give me more money for the item than its worth via some type of cashiers check(fake ones) and he'll send along a locale associate to get the item. but i'm no fool :p. anyway there is alot of scammers out there be careful.


    here is a recent cl type of rental scam watch out for copy and pasta :p.


    WATCH JOANNE PURTAN'S REPORT IN THE VIDEO PLAYER ON THE RIGHT

    There’s a slick scam out there that’s costing people a lot of money.

    The Scam

    Bethany Freeman listed her home for rent on Craigslist for 22-hundred dollars a month.
    She thought plenty of families would have responded but they haven’t, because someone else is also advertising her house for rent on Craigslist for almost a thousand dollars less per month.

    How it Works

    The FBI reports foreign scammers, often from Nigeria, are copying rental ads, right down to the photos and the fact that cats are okay, then posting the same home or apartment for much less. And when a potential renter bites,

    Bethany Freeman: They say they can’t show the house because they claim to be in England, and to drive by the property. And they say once you like it, send a deposit.

    In other cases, the FBI says the scam artist says they had to leave the country very quickly to do missionary or contract work in Africa and were unable to rent their house before leaving. They ask you to fill out an application and wire them money, and you’ll get the keys.

    Don’t Do It

    If you do that, your money’s gone, and no keys ever arrive. Bethany believes at least two families may have sent a 13-hundred dollar deposit to the scammer who was posting her house for rent, while her legitimate ad was ignored.

    My Advice

    Bottom line, be sure you actually get to check out a property you like, and know that being asked to wire money is a big red flag.
    If you fear you’ve been a victim of this scam, FBI wants to hear from you.
    You can file a complaint at www.ic3.gov


    http://www.wxyz.com/content/news/dwym/story/Home-Rental-Scams-on-Craigslist/vHF39cQDZEO2N4YcMbQzyA.cspx


    slightly better article


    In addition you have filled out fake paperwork that inquires about your social security number, full name, work history and credit history. The Nigerian crooks now have the ability to commit identity theft. You might not have anything left when they’re done with you!

    These scams are common and quite profitable, probably because of the U.S. housing market where more people are renting instead of buying; and unfortunately they have become a huge problem in some areas. In South Carolina the FBI has officially issued warnings to homeowners and renters, encouraging them to look out for these solicitors.

    The FBI is also giving these tips on how to spot the Nigerian criminal schemes:

    - Only deal with landlords or renters who are local

    - Be suspicious if you’re asked to only use a wire transfer service

    - Beware of e-mail correspondence from the “landlord” that’s written in poor or broken English

    - Don’t give out your personal information like your social security number, bank info and/or credit card numbers

    - See we told you to talk to the owner face to face. Then you can pick him out in the line-up when he messes with your money. Or just go find him yourself. We like the latter!





    -- Christina Coleman


    http://www.s2smagazine.com/node/1401
  • puply
    puply

    Subject: Craiglist

    Good morning!

    I finally found an apartment and will be signing the contract soon.

    Today , for the last time I went to the vacation rentals on Craiglist, just to check what is going on. During this days I've become adept to spot the scams. They are many of them and sadly people fall prey every single day, as armchair_warrior mentioned:

    http://goodhardworkingpeople.blogspot.com/2009/02/warning-for-travelers-apartment-scam.html

    I guess I am naive here, but beyond the usual caveat emptor warning, what is Craiglist doing about this? There are specific times in which most of the scammers operate (I guess is when the cybercafes down in Lagos are open), and it is not difficult to figure out who is who. Is it fair to get this huge platform for these people to operate and steal from others?

    Today an obvious scam was posted (yes, pay 200 dollars per night and get a 3000 sq ft in the center of Manhattan, only in Friends I've seen it better):

    http://newyork.craigslist.org/mnh/vac/1329060835.html

    The details were taken from a real NYT ad from a few weeks ago (listing the places for 600 to 875 dollars per night)

    http://realestate.nytimes.com/rentals/detail/4469-424101-1024234/Live-Like-a-Celebrity--New-York-NY-10016

    I've flagged it, it is still on. Every minute that Craiglist keeps it up will allow the scammers more victims. This is only one example of oh so many. I know, I know, people have to be careful. But this, folks, is a bit too much.
  • armchair_warrior
    armchair_warrior
    people should just use alot of common sense :p.

    only problem i had with avoiding folks with broken "English" as the article says about avoiding scammers, is make me look like a scammer lol. My grammar sucks. I can speak english fine but written is the death of me.


    i had folks out of criag list ask me if i was really the owner of the house. i told them, i offer to show them the apt if they like the neighborhood. i normally put the house number and my phone number down so they can check out the area first. and talk to me live not via email.
  • arlineo
    arlineo

    Subject: Craigs List Scam

    Good detective work! Only other avenues to pursue would be ALL blogs to which you subscribe, including Craigslist, if they have one. Thanks for sharing.

    ArlineO
  • puply
    puply

    Subject: Good deed

    Thanks for your words, ArlineO :)

    If anybody here wants to do a good deed, why not helping to flag the following scammer's ad:

    http://newyork.craigslist.org/mnh/vac/1344794076.html

    The [email protected] is one of the addresses used by one or more scammers operating under the name "Donnette Mathieson" and have been stealing from people for a long time without being stopped.

    And yes, the ad is for a 3,000 sq ft apartment in Murray Hill going for 80 dollars a night, :)
  • anjel_jess
    anjel_jess

    Subject: thank you!!

    omg, i just wrote to that person for their apt in NYC! Thank you sooo much for posting.

    Actually, what happened was I wrote to 2 different posts, and both came back with the exact same response! Luckily i decided to google their name and found your forum post!

    so beware of :
    Donald Furlong - [email protected]
    Donnette Mathieson - [email protected]

    i've flagged the Donald Furlong post and the Donnette one is already removed.
  • puply
    puply
    Anjel_jess,

    Your message made my day :) I am glad you found my post before going for the scam. I hope other people take the time of googling the addresses and names of the people that answer their emails.

    Here goes a partial list of scammers's addresses:

    [email protected]

    [email protected]

    [email protected]

    [email protected]

    [email protected]

    [email protected]

    [email protected]

    [email protected]

    [email protected]

    [email protected]

    [email protected]

    [email protected]

    [email protected]

    And here go three scam ads posted today, still active:

    http://newyork.craigslist.org/mnh/vac/1345623543.html

    http://newyork.craigslist.org/mnh/vac/1345625686.html

    http://newyork.craigslist.org/mnh/vac/1344666236.html

    Anjel_jess, good luck with your stay in New York. I hope you find a good place and enjoy the city!
  • puply
    puply

    Subject: Beware

    Beware of scammers operating under the e-mail addresses

    [email protected].

    [email protected]

    [email protected]

    [email protected]

    [email protected]

    [email protected]

    They have ads active in Craiglist for 1 and 2 bedroom apartments in New York City. Do not fall for their trap.
  • puply
    puply

    Subject: Beware scam

    Beware of scammers operating in Craiglist using the following e-mail addresses:

    [email protected]

    [email protected]

    [email protected]

    [email protected]

    [email protected]

    [email protected]

    [email protected]

    [email protected]

    [email protected]

    They advertise 1 and 2 bedroom apartments. These ads are scams. Do not fall for their trap.
  • puply
    puply
    One more for today: Beware of the scammer using the following address:

    [email protected]

    He/she is running a number of ads for apartments in Manhattan, including one for a "Luxury Roman House" with Japanese garden in midtown Manhattan.

    Scam, beware:

    $90 / 1br - Luxury Roman Mansion w. Studio & 1Bdrm in manhattan (Midtown)

    Date: 2009-08-30, 12:15PM EDT
    Reply to: [email protected] [Errors when replying to ads?]

    - A comfortable living room set that slepps 2 adults
    - Microwaive and electric tea pot
    - Bath and bedroom linens
    - Bi-weekly housekeeping services
    - Basic cable service, surround sound TV system in living room
    - Included Hi-speed internet WIFI
    - Ceramic tile in bathrooms
    - Tiled floors with beautiful rugs on it (Studio) and all-hardwood floors
    - Beautiful Japanese Garden
    - Washer and dryer
    - Finish sauna/steamroom and jaccuzzi in master bedroom
    - Greco-Roman interiort design done by the famous Art Nuvue 20th Century studio - with beautiful curtains in antique colors


    Building Amenities:
    - 14 Public tennis courts in the Fairview park 10 min form the house always available
    - Built in streaming musical sistem in the entire appartment. (hook up computer, ipod, cd, radio)
    - Dry cleaner 2 minutes walking distance. All the washing and drying can be performed by the cleaning lady that comes on a bi-weekly basis or upon request

    Scam, beware!

    Date: 2009-08-30, 12:29PM EDT
    Reply to: [email protected] [Errors when replying to ads?]

    Fully furnished with all linens, dinnerware, cookware, coffee maker, toaster, microwave oven,
    dishwasher,iron and iron board, wireless internet, cable television, dvd player, air conditioner. All
    utilities are included.

    Full sized bed and futon will comfortably sleep two to four people.

    Clean and simple.

    200 channel of cable television service and telephone service (local and long distance in the United States, Puerto Rico and Canada).
  • iknowall327
    iknowall327

    Subject: I think he`s tryin to trick me too!!!

    Ok so Idk why I thought an AMAZING house in New Jersey thats close to the beach. Nice in ground pool, fully furnished with all the amenities, etc Alarms went off when he emailed me really late so i did some checking. Found this site. The name is a match Donald Furlong. ! I did a check on an IP address in the header of the email and it popped up Nigeria. so bottom line is he emailed me back at about 2:30am both yesterday and just now so heres what he wrote in reply to my wanting to book a 3 day weekend.


    Hello Mike,
    Thanks very much for your interest,The House is available on desired dates and the rent for your stay is $210 ($70@ 3/night), You`ll need to Quickly Book down the House for your dates.... To secure the House 50% of the rental fee will be required ($105) plus a fixed refundable damage deposit of $300, so all you need pay to book down the House for your dates is $405.
    The House is approximately House, 3 Bedrooms, Sleeps 5, 3 Bathrooms ammenities for this House includes telephone,air-conditioning,central heating,linens provided,Alarm-Clock,Hair-Dryer,Local-Activities-Guide,Local-Maps,Paper-Towels,Restaurant-Dining-Guide,Soaps-Basic,Toilet-Paper,towels provided, coffee maker,toaster,iron&board,Blender,Spices,Stove-Top-Burners,refrigerator,
    freezer, oven,microwave,cooking utensils,sofabed,dining area,seating for 4 people,1 Bathroom, Bathroom 1 - Toilet, Combination Tub/Shower,Bedroom 1 - 1 Queen, 1 Sleep Sofa /Futon,DVD,Books,Books-Adult,tv,satellite or cable,radio,cd,internet access,wireless broadband,terrace,Deck-Wood,pets allowed,non smoking only,children welcome,wheelchair inaccessible,ATM/Bank,Autumn-Foliage,Botanical-Garden,Churches,Cinemas,Fitness-Center,Groceries,Hospital,Laundromat,Library,Museums,Playground,Pond,Bird-Watching,Ice-Skating,Live-Theater,Sight-Seeing,Coin-Laundry,Restaurants,Synagogues,Zoo,Nearby Services: Massage-Therapist,Medical-Services
    Everything is Professionally Cleaned and prepared, there's a 24 hours doorman. The House is located in good locality, that's a walking distance away from the Shops and Restaurants.
    However, there`s an Airport Complimentary Pick up for you from the airport with my 2008 Honda Iv-tec, so I`ll need your flight details, It's free for my Customers.
    Get back to me if you are satisfied with the House, so I can send you a Booking Agreement Form/ Payment method, you will fill the Agreement form and make Payment to get the House secured, and I'd advise you make booking on time before someone else does.
    Reference-
    Thomas_anderson1962
    [email protected]
    Stay: June 2009
    I recently stayed here and found the space to be perfect for my four-day business excursion. The House was arranged beautifully with enough space to entertain guests, a great patio area, nice bedrooms and even a moderately stocked fridge (a bonus). The roomer were immaculate and the owner were wonderful—pleasant and accommodating. This rental goes to the top of my list of places to stay and Highly recommended.
    Many Thanks,
    donald
  • iknowall327
    iknowall327
    so this is actually pretty funny. He emailed me a response on this listing.

    http://jerseyshore.craigslist.org/vac/1351286464.html

    then he emailed me about a different one i cant find right now. Without mentioning the other property. Kind of funny even if he owned both houses but what ever happened to the other rental??? hahahhaa heres the one he sent the second time.
  • puply
    puply

    Subject: More scams

    Iknowall327, good for you to have avoided the scam!

    Other people are not so lucky. Craiglist advises to deal locally, but that is very difficult to apply in a long distance, temporary rent situation. The scammers bet on that. "Donald Furlong" is still in business scamming people using the address: [email protected]

    Everyday, people are losing money to these criminals. Very few are Internet savvy enough to protect themselves by googling names, e-mails and other details. Some scammers are not only using Western Union and Moneygram (clear red flags), but also Paypal and other money transfer systems.

    Some victims are contacting Craiglist, begging them to at least stop the posts made by well known scammers, but Craiglist continues to wash its hands. This is the posting of a victim, attempting to warn others:

    "http://newyork.craigslist.org/mnh/vac/1352025763.html

    WARNING Big Scam Happening READ THIS POST (NYC)

    Date: 2009-08-31, 4:56PM EDT
    Reply to: [email protected] [Errors when replying to ads?]

    Please be aware that there are scam apartment offerings on Craig's List being offered by [email protected] and also [email protected]. They are often under vacations rentals and sublets. DO NOT reply to these postings, they are scams and you will lose money like we did. I have been flagging the postings for the last week, but they keep coming up even though we have asked Craig's List to take them down. Please learn from my mistake and DO NOT rent apartments from this user.

    Thank you and let's work together to keep Craig's List an honest and trustworthy community"


    The [email protected] is egregious. Even today the scammers behind it are posting ads for "King Palaces" in the middle of Manhattan. Craiglist has been warned about this, no action has been taken.

    The name associated with [email protected] is "Dorry Dimos", pilfered from some website. They also work via [email protected] Their IP address is 41.191.109.130, Nigeria (a known proxy server, so it is not sure whether the scammers are really in that place or not).

    Here goes a sample of their scam:

    http://newyork.craigslist.org/mnh/vac/1348391865.html

    $90 / 1br - WONDERFUL ONE BEDROOM APARTMENT IN CENTRE OF MANHATTAN (Upper East Side)

    Date: 2009-08-30, 12:25AM EDT
    Reply to: [email protected] [Errors when replying to ads?]

    For more information contact: [email protected]


    PLEASE REFERENCE THE POSTING ID WHEN MAKING ENQUIRIES

    This fabulous 1 bedroom furnished home in a new condominium in Manhattan is available. This 7500 sq. ft apartment has a separate bedroom, a gorgeous open kitchen, new bathroom and Living Room. Features include: • New open kitchen with Subzero refridgerator/freezer, microwave, dishwasher, wine refrigerator • Large Queen sized bedroom with large EMPTY closets • Large bright living room with new furniture • Washer and Dryer in the home • Quiet with bright light and high ceilings • New Queen Bed and linens • Air Conditioned * DSL internet connection and 700 channel cable TV * Parking next door available * New DVD player Located in a 24 hour doorman condominium Manhattan Apartment faces the Sunny back of building and has NO street noise. A 2 minute walk to NYC subway, great restaurants and 500+ art galleries. This home has the feel of a hotel suite and has a rooftop terrace.

    Beware of these scammers!
  • puply
    puply
    Another scam by the people behind [email protected] / [email protected] :

    $90 / 1br - GREAT KING PALACE IN CHELSEA (Chelsea)

    Date: 2009-09-01, 10:35AM EDT
    Reply to: [email protected] [Errors when replying to ads?]


    FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT: [email protected]

    PLEASE REFERENCE THE WEBLINK WHEN MAKING AN ENQUIRIES.

    All apartments have combination tub / shower, working kitchen with full size cooker, microwave, refrigerator and ample closet space. Furnishing includes wall to wall carpeting, a queen size (double bed), a twin (single) size 1 seat sofa bed, a single roll away bed, bed side table and lamp, dining table with 4 chairs, coffee table, window blinds, cooking & eating utensils, towels and bedclothes. Equipment includes electric coffee maker, toaster, cable TV, CD stereo, alarm clock, blow dryer and telephone

    http://newyork.craigslist.org/mnh/vac/1348873431.html

    Beware! Scam
  • spyguitar
    spyguitar

    Subject: Another one

    I found another post by Donald Furlong yesterday: http://newyork.craigslist.org/lgi/vac/1353083768.html

    I flagged it this morning after finding this forum. Looks like he's got a new email address, too ([email protected]). Glad I checked!
  • luluflorida
    luluflorida

    Subject: Another one

    Thank you so much for this post you made my day !

    The new fraud rental offer
    http://newyork.craigslist.org/mnh/vac/1357827077.html

    The email i received (for the same address 67 Stanton Street) :
    Hello,
    The apartment is available for your desire dates, 24/12/09 to 01/01/10 and the rental fee is $800(@100 a night).. If interested you will need to make a fixed damage deposit of $500 and 50% of the rental fee to secure your dates........

    50% of the rental fee = $ 400
    Damage security deposit = $ 500 (Fully Refundable in Cash on your Departure day)
    --------
    You are to Pay = $ 900 To hold your dates...
    --------
    The address of the apartment is 67 Stanton Street , New York , NY 10002 .. 2500 sq.. ft..... There are lots of security around easy access to transportation,Luxury apartment just located in a very wonderful Environment. Spectacular views!24hrs doorman also available and very close to many amenties.Restaurants.Bar.Groceries,Shops,East river Park,New Meseum of contemporary art,Tompkins Spuare Park,Alphabet City.Its also close to many subway stations and bus routes. Its a 2 great bedrooms, sleeps 6....
    1) 2 bedrooms, sleeps maximum of 8 people
    Bedroom 1 - 1 King, 1 sofa chair
    Bedroom 2 - 1 Queen
    Family Room - 1 Sleep Sofa /Futon, queen sofa bed in family room.
    2) 2 bathroom(s) ,
    Bathroom 1 - Toilet, Combination Tub/Shower, Jetted Tub
    Bathroom 2 - Toilet, Shower, Jetted Tub

    Bathrooms are all renovated with a jacuzzi tub.
    3) Newly renovated kitchen includes microwave, full size oven, toaster, coffee maker and cooking utensils to satisfy the most discriminating gourmet chef.. Elegant living and dining area appointed with large flat-screen TV and excellent music system, including dining area, seating for 6 people.
    Remaining 50% of the rental fee will be paid when you arrive and also the $500 damage deposit is save with me and will be refunded when you are leaving the Apartment...Let me know if you `ll need to use the Apartment for your dates... Book down the Apartment for your dates asap before someone else does...
    Please let me know your interest ASAP.. More Photos attached and if you`d love to contact my past tenant before you make any reservation... I have references from the UK and US..
    Mr Christopher Baer stayed with his Family for 14nights..
    [email protected]
    +44-7023034697
    Miss Stefano Zavaglia and friends from Hawaii ... Stayed 4nights
    [email protected]
    Thanks a lot.

    Dr Gregory Hamilton
    206 203-0434



    So nom we have also GREGORY HAMILTON
    I'm flagging the listing now

    Again, thank you for the post

    Lucie
  • luluflorida
    luluflorida

    Subject: again

    Again

    I think that one is a fake too
    http://newyork.craigslist.org/mnh/vac/1358390504.html

    The windows on the apt picture doesn't match with the viewstreet on google map and the guy don't want to allow me to have a viewing

    His email
    [email protected]
    Hello
    Thanks for contacting me about the apartment is a two bedroom with two bath and well furnished, the apartment is available on those date.The apartment is close to the theater and also few blocks from public transportation the address is 30 West 86th Street, New York NY 100241 the rental fee is $210 per night includes tax and utilities, you are to make a security deposit of $800 which is fully refundable to you at check out date and half of the rental fee to secure your dates.If interested get back to me for the booking form Thanks and i hope to hear from you soon.

    Thanks.
  • puply
    puply

    Subject: More scammers

    Hi, luluflorida,

    I am glad you did not fall for the scammers trap. I hope you find a good place. The last link you posted is also a scam, of course.

    I wish there were more folks googling names and addresses before renting, but the majority of people getting scammed seem to be paying first and researching later.

    The list of scammers addresses for today is as follows:

    [email protected]

    [email protected]

    [email protected]

    [email protected]

    [email protected]

    [email protected]

    [email protected]

    [email protected]


    The people behind these ads are very active soliciting victims not only at Craiglist New York but all over the many Craiglist boards.

    The scammers operating via [email protected] for example have dozens of ads for apartments in Europe and Norh America, all below market prices, all fake. Please, do not fall for these ads. I've flagged a few, but others remain despite flagging, inter alia:

    http://miami.craigslist.org/pbc/vac/1360869353.html
    http://newyork.craigslist.org/mnh/vac/1363539183.html
    http://london.craigslist.co.uk/vac/1332619426.html
    http://berlin.de.craigslist.de/vac/1332633826.html
    http://dallas.craigslist.org/dal/vac/1350250276.html
    http://fresno.craigslist.org/vac/1332608074.html

    Beware, scammers!
  • puply
    puply

    Subject: More scammers / a victim experience

    Hello everybody,

    These are the new email addresses used by scammers in craiglist to advertise false apartments in New York and other cities:

    [email protected]

    [email protected]

    [email protected]

    [email protected]

    [email protected]

    [email protected]

    [email protected]

    [email protected]

    [email protected]

    These and other scammers are working full time these days. I've just read the testimony of a victim, who paid the money via bank account transfer and reached New York only to find herself with the reality of the scam. No one deserves this kind of trap. Shame on Craiglist for allowing this scam to continue despite numerous requests.


    http://goodhardworkingpeople.blogspot.com/2009/02/warning-for-travelers-apartment-scam.html

    jenny said...
    I was just scammed, I lost $900. I was planning a trip to NYC and my dad suggested renting a condo/apartment because hotels are so expensive, so I went on craigs list and found tons of listings. I got responses from a lot of people and either they were all scammers or I picked the wrong one. Carter McDonald contacted me after I emailed him about a listing called "$200 / 3br - 3bedroom apartment Alternative for hotel (Upper West Side)"
    He sent the following email:
    Thanks for your interest on my apartment, The 3 bedroom apartment will be available for the dates you have chosen.the price for the dates is $600 ,To secure the place down for the dates the full rent will be required $600 plus a refundable security deposit of $500 making = $1100 .the apartment is located at 223 W 59th St, New York, NY 10021 , Brand new furniture - ideally located in one of the most vibrant neighborhoods of Manhattan, - Within walking distance to the Empire State Building, 5 min, Time Square ( around the block ), Hudson River, Penn Station, central park, tones of restaurants and many more. - Easily accessible by subway (only one street away), bus, and taxi. The neighborhood offers endless options for shopping, entertainment, bars, restaurants, and galleries. Furnishing per room includes: one (1) queen-size bed, 600 thread count linens ( Ralph Laurent) , and comforters;; bedside table, alarm clock, a desk and chair;flat
    screen TV in each room; air-conditioner,The kitchen is equipped with a stove/oven, microwave, coffee makerand utensils.. Washer and dryer. Bathroom is completed with towels, - Amenities include free high speed wireless Internet (computer not provided).All Taxes and Cleaning Fee included
    Everything is Professionally Cleaned and prepared, there's a 24 hours doorman and there's an elevator to help you up as the apartment is on the 3th floor of the building... Apartment is located in Midtown Manhattan where you can easily get what you want, you also get easy access to restaurants,shopping, theaters, cinema, grocery, sightseeing and many more.
    Kindly get back to me if you can meet up with my conditions so I can send you a booking form so as to be able to get the place secured on time, and I'd advise you make booking on time before someone else
    takes the place.
    Do have a great day and i look forward to receiving your response.
    Carter McDonald
    He attached awesome pictures, just as all of you are saying "too good to be true"
    September 16, 2009 11:19 AM
    jenny said...
    Here is the second part of my post:
    So then I emailed him saying I wanted the apartment and he said:
    Thanks for getting back to me,your refundable security deposit $500 will be refunded back to you cash on the day of your departure ,yes there is a parking space ,. I have attached the booking/payment form to this message,please fill it and return with payment. Kindly mail me if you do not understand or want to ask any question.Note: download the form as attachment or click on preview to see a copy of the rental agreement form,After filling scan and attach the filled form along with your receipt of payment issued by Bank Or confirmation ..
    MY ACCOUNTANT BANK DETAILS :
    BANK OF AMERICA
    Account Name : Elizabeth Donecker
    Routing #: 111000025
    Account #: 488021007811
    Swift code: BOFAUS3N
    Bank address:456 WEST 25TH STREET NEW YORK ,NY 10001 USA
    Account Holders address:157 LaGrange Avenue, Rochester, NY 14613
    looking forward to hearing from you. Please be sure to fill in your contact address correctly,because it will be used to send your receipt of reservation through FEDEX courier(you will need present this receipt and your valid proof of identification on your arrival ,so that we can be sure you are the one that book the apartment),and any slight mistake might be a mishap..
    Looking forward to hearing from you again
    Carter
    So then I realized he was charging for 3 nights so I said:
    Carter,
    You advertised the apartment as $200 a night. So shouldn't the total be $400 for 2 nights? Please let me know if you need to revise the attached booking form. Thanks.
    Carter's response:
    Thanks for getting back to me sorry it a typo yes the total price for the 2nights stay is $400 plus a refundable security deposit of $500 making $900..do get back to me with the booking form and the payment updates..
    Carter
    So at this point my mom called her Chase banker and he wired the money to Bank of America.
    So a week before my trip I email Carter to see how we get the keys, and I notice that it says a fed ex courier will be sent to you which we never receive. I put my parents address on the booking form and they are really bad with organizing mail so I figured the fedex courier was lost. I thought if I showed the emails and my ID, everything would be fine. So Carter didn't email me back so I started to feel a little bit apprehensive. We got to New York and I was at work meetings while my friend went to find the apartment. The address did not exist. It's on west 59th street aka Central Park West and there are no odd addresses on that side because it's CENTRAL PARK! like trees and grass!!So we're emailing Carter and of course he doesn't respond and I don't have a phone number.
    My mom called the Rochester police because that's the address for the accountholder at bank of america, the police said they can't do anything and to contact federal authorities.
    The Chase banker was contacting Bank of America but all wire transfers go through the federal government so they said it will take a few days to track...
    The morning after I came back from new york, the front page of the chicago tribune featured an article about nigerian scams.
    Also, Carter finally responded to one of my mom's emails where she said she called the police and he said:
    Hello i dont understand your message make it clear to me on time..
    So all of a sudden now he communicates like he hardly knows English?
    September 16, 2009 11:20 AM
  • nyscam
    nyscam

    Subject: Craigs list scam apartment rental new Union Square

    Hi,
    We just lost $450 to a rental scam on craigs list with [email protected]
    I have used Craigs list loads of times and it always worked out but it seems
    like now there are loads of scam deals going on.
    What out for anyone who will organise a Taxi Service too good to be true !!!!!!!!!!
  • seattle98102
    seattle98102

    Subject: Donald Furlong

    I replied to several adds on craigslist for rentals in Midtown for what seemed like a great price. I received several emails back, all using the same format and all asking me to wire money via western union.

    They also offered airport pick up and specifically toted the make and model of the car:

    ...there`s an Airport Complimentary Pick up for you and your party members from the airport with my 2008 Nissan Armada SE, V8 SUV, so I`ll need your flight details...

    They also provided the same reference for various listings:

    I recently stayed here and found the space to be perfect for my four-day business excursion. The Apartment was arranged beautifully with enough space to entertain guests, a great patio area, nice bedroom and even a moderately stocked fridge (a bonus). The roomer were immaculate and the owners were wonderful—pleasant and accommodating. A fan of the Manhattan NY, this rental goes to the top of my list of places to stay when traveling to Midtown. Highly recommended...

    Seemed fishy so I googled the names they came up as scammers. Watch out for: WANDA BURTS, DONALD FURLONG, and DONNETTE MATHIESON. I am sure there are many more... If the price seems to good to be true, it probably is. Stick with Paypal if you can't pay locally.
  • eugene
    eugene
    Got a reply for my inquiry regarding post on craiglist from "Sean James" <[email protected]>
    And the mail was signed
    "Regards
    Cassey."

    All the regular stuff:
    Hello Eugene,

    Thank you for showing interest and yes the apartment is available for
    the dates chosen and it`s located at West 53th street Manhattan NY . I
    am sure that this is one of the best apartment you can get around at
    this reasonable rate. But I cannot guarantee you the hold of the
    apartment until you book for it. You are required to pay50% of the
    total rental fee and a Refundable security fee of $200 to enable me
    hold the apartment for you,as there is rush for the apartment at this
    time.The apartment is $100 per night. Check the below quotes for the
    cost of nights you intent to stay in the apartment.

    7NIGHTS = $700

    50% DEPOSIT = $350

    SECURITY FEE = $200


    All you have to do to get hold of the apartment is to pay a 50% of the
    total rental fee, plus the Refundable Security Fee which is $200.
    which will be given back to you on the day you departing from the
    apartment, Once you have made the payment I will issue you a receipt
    confirming your payments. There are also door men and cleaners who
    would come at intervals under your request to clean and attend to your
    needs.This also does not attract any extra charges. You get to notify
    me of the exact time you will be arriving in NY to make arrangement to
    pick you up. There is no
    extra charges for this also. I will render this service for free.I
    will send you our booking form and agreement as soon I have your reply
    to know you are interested in the apartment.

    Regards
    Cassey.
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