BIG RED FLAG: Request for payment via Western Union

The number of fake rental scams on Craigslist and other online classifieds continues to grow, with new aliases appearing daily. But while the names may change, the methods are always the same.

These thieves, mainly based in Nigeria, the U.K. and the U.S., are out to steal your money and your identity.

They use yahoo, ymail, rocketmail, fastermail, live, hotmail and gmail, and they also post ads under anonymous craigslist addresses. They frequently change their aliases. 

They use fake names, often stolen from Facebook profiles or networking sites. Often they assume the identities of previous victims.

What they all have in common is that sooner or later you get a request to transfer funds via Western Union, Moneygram or some other wire service. 

NEVER, UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES, WIRE MONEY AT THE REQUEST OF ANY PROSPECTIVE “LANDLORD” VIA WESTERN UNION, MONEYGRAM OR ANY OTHER WIRE SERVICE.  EVEN IF THEY TELL YOU TO WIRE THE FUNDS TO A FRIEND OR RELATIVE’S NAME “TO BE SAFE,” IT’S A TRAP! 

NEVER SEND A SCAN OF YOUR PASSPORT OR OTHER ID. THESE THIEVES WILL USE YOUR IDENTITY TO SCAM OTHERS.

The IP addresses being used to perpetrate these scams worldwide include the following:

Nigeria Multi-links Telecommunications Ltd:  82.128.0.0 - 82.128.127.255

Nigeria Assigned to Lagos Dial-pool customers:  41.219.247.0 - 41.219.247.255

Nigeria Afrinic: 41.204.224.0 - 41.204.227.255 and  196.29.216.0 - 196.29.223.255

Nigeria Choizcom 83.229.69.128 - 83.229.69.191

Nigeria SurfSpot Communications 81.199.176.128 - 81.199.176.255

United Kingdom Skyvision Holdings Ltd: 78.0.0.0 - 78.255.255.255

United Kingdom Tertiarydns Internet Solutions And Security Consultants: 91.186.10.0 - 91.186.10.65

United States Sterling Bringcom Inc 204.16.124.0 - 204.16.127.255 

Gilat Satcom Range 81.199.52.0 - 81.199.53.255 and 217.21.64.0 - 217.21.95.255 (have a look at Gilat Satcom’s rap sheet here).

.Tertiary dns

PLEASE WRITE TO CRAIGSLIST (USE THIS LINK) AND EXPATRIATES.COM (contact@expatriates.com) 

AND ASK THEM TO BAN THESE IP ADDRESSES FROM ACCESSING THEIR SITES!

REPORT FRAUD TO NIGERIA’S ECONOMIC AND FINANCIAL CRIMES COMMISSION (EFCC).

For a few general tips and tools on how to protect yourself from apartment scams in Paris (and elsewhere), click here.

Good luck in your search for an apartment.

Stay safe!

How to unmask rental scammers

Here’s an informative video about internet rental scams that’s relevant no matter where you’re looking for an apartment, be it London, Paris, New York or small town America (courtesy of pickrent.com).

Beware of scammer Tim Jay Smith

Beware of scammer Tim Jay Smith (latruk007@yahoo.co.uk) who preys on students looking for flats in Lugano, Switzerland. Don’t fall for this scam!

The following was received from a Scamwatch reader:

hey here is his email address and our conversation. What made me so concerned was that he misspelled many words, including the street where the address is and his working place he wrote Brigton… instead of Brighton… Also the fact that I googled the address and it was a cassino address…

Your website was really helpful! thank you so much! I hope this email might help others in not falling for these promises!

.

— Em ter, 7/7/09, B H <latruk007@yahoo.co.uk  escreveu:

De: B H <latruk007@yahoo.co.uk

Assunto: Re: Lugano Flat Share

Data: Terça-feira, 7 de Julho de 2009, 10:35

Here is my bank account detials a

refundable security deposit of 800 plus 2 months is required

and as soon as i confirm this payment i will email you a

copy of the contract along with the rent receipt.

BANK NAME…………..NATWWEST BANK

ACCOUNT NUMBER………41576616

SORT CODE…………..010575

IBAN……………….GB60NWBK01057541576616

BIC………………..NWBKGB2L

ACCOUNT NAME………..Tim Jay Smith

Endavour to send me a scan copy of the transfer

receipt as soon as the payment is made.

.

— On Tue, 7/7/09, [name withheld]  wrote:

Subject: Re: Lugano Flat Share

To: “B H” <latruk007@yahoo.co.uk

Date: Tuesday, 7 July, 2009, 1:21 PM

Great! Give me your bank details.

.

— Em ter, 7/7/09, B H <latruk007@yahoo.co.uk

escreveu:

De: B H <latruk007@yahoo.co.uk

Assunto: Re: Lugano Flat Share

Data: Terça-feira, 7 de Julho de 2009, 10:11

I have a UK bank account and as soon as the payment is made i

will advice on how to get the keys

.

— On Tue, 7/7/09, [namewithheld]

Subject: Re: Lugano Flat Share

To: “B H” <latruk007@yahoo.co.uk

Date: Tuesday, 7 July, 2009, 12:41 PM

Perfect Do you have an account in Switzerland?

anyway, just in case you need:

my phone contact now is: XXXX-XXXX

my fiancee contact: (his name is XX) +XX XXXX XXXX

I would arrive around the 15th of August, will

you be there? How we manage for the key and stuff?

Regards,

.

— Em ter, 7/7/09, B H <latruk007@yahoo.co.uk

escreveu:

De: B H <latruk007@yahoo.co.uk

Assunto: Re: Lugano Flat Share

Data: Terça-feira, 7 de Julho de 2009, 9:39

I would have love to meet your fiancee but

presently am in Uk and will not be available to do that.

I can send you the contract via email and the payment

can be made through bank transfer.

.

— On Tue, 7/7/09, [name withheld]

wrote:

Subject: Re: Lugano Flat Share

To: “B H” <latruk007@yahoo.co.uk

Date: Tuesday, 7 July, 2009, 11:33 AM

.

Dear Tim,

my fiancee can go there and sign the contract already

this or next week and do the payment. Because since I

am  not in Europe this month it will be more difficult to do

the payment. Is it ok like this?

One thing, does the room have a wardrobe and is

there a desk where I can study?

I am really happy that I have found a place!

Thank you!

— Em seg, 6/7/09, B H <latruk007@yahoo.co.uk

.

escreveu:

De: B H <latruk007@yahoo.co.uk

Assunto: Re: Lugano Flat Share

Para:

Data: Segunda-feira, 6 de Julho de 2009, 8:32

Hello,

It’s good to read back from you and i

will be glad to rent the room to you also the flat is not

far from where you will be studying.

To proceed, a refundable security deposit of

800 plus 2 months rent is required am ok if you rent

the room for eith 6 months or 12 months.

Let me know how you intend to proceed.

Thanks

.

— On Mon, 6/7/09, [name withheld]

wrote:

Subject: Re: Lugano Flat Share

To: “B H” <latruk007@yahoo.co.uk

Date: Monday, 6 July, 2009, 11:26 AM

Hey Tim,

I am so happy to receive your email! I am

searching for an appartment for me in Lugano! I am moving to

Lugano in the begining of August to study at SUPSI. And i

really loved your appartment!:)!

It is the first time I rent a room so, I dont know

exactly how should I proceed, but I would love to

have one of the  rooms! I think I could do the contract for

6 month or a year, what suits you better.

Kind regards,

.

— Em sáb, 4/7/09, B H <latruk007@yahoo.co.uk

escreveu:

De:

B H <latruk007@yahoo.co.uk

Assunto: Lugano Flat Share

Para: latruk007@yahoo.co.uk

Data: Sábado, 4 de Julho de 2009, 12:48

Hello there,

My name is Tim, a briton and Quantity

Surveyor. I have a

3 bedroom apartment at the location specified below and I wish to let 2 bedrooms out of it because I’ve just got a contract in London for the next 6 months and this would keep me out of Lugano for some time, perhaps, I don’t stay at home most time.

I have stated the necessary details about the apartment and the location in this email for your use, I have as well attach some photos of the flat here in. And if you need an additional information concerning this rent, do not hesitate to contact me through this email address.

Apartment Details:

This is a luxurious and attractive

Apartment located in popular area in the city centre of Lugano.

The apartment is situated on the top floor and has two balconies, high-quality furniture in the living room, DVD player, Wifi Internet access, TV with cable and all electronics.

The ground floor has a joint hall with

video-intercom,

mailboxes and the elevator while the

4th floor has an entrance with meter cupboard.

A very spacious living room with a luxurious sitting area and dining area, access to the balcony.

Modern open kitchen, well equipped, completed with several built-in appliances. Utility room with the washing machine and dryer. 3 very spacious bedroom with double bed sized and large built-in closets.

Bathroom with bathtub and washbasin. Second bedroom with access to the second balcony. Each bedroom has ots bathroom ensuited to them with shower and W.C.

ROOMS:

. 2 double bedrooms

. 1 single bedroom

. Kitchen/Dining room

. 3 bathroom with bathtub and shower

. Living room

. Fully equipped Kitchen

. Wifi Internet access

. Telephone access

. 1 single bed

. 2 balconies

Location: Home Address: Stauffaucher 1, Lugano

6901, Switzerland

Price:Rent/month (EUR350.00)

Refundable Security Deposit(EUR800.00)

Condition of Rent:

- The refundable security deposit will be required plus at least 2 months rent at the time of executing a contract.

- If the rent is for more than 6 months, the deposit and the rent would be be negotiated accordingly.

Kindly get back to me if this term is

Okay by in order to proceed with other aspect of the rent ASAP.

Have a great and wonderful day.

Sincerely,

Tim

Scammer warning: Robert Arthur Kindell

 

Thanks to a Scamwatch reader for this warning:

Please warn everybody about this scammer. Robert Arthur Kindell (robert.kindell53@gmail.com) says he’s the owner of a nice flat in Sydney but currently overseas. He wants to rent his place for AUD 1000 per months including all utilities. This sounds too good to be true, and it is!

 

 

Robert wrote:

 91 Liverpool street. The contract is standard, no special terms or requests and will come once with the keys. I would need your scanned passport and driver license.

Regards
.
On Wed, Jun 10, 2009 at 11:29 PM, [name withheld] wrote:   

[Hide Quoted Text]

Dear Robert,

Sorry I forgot to ask you for the excact address of your apt.

Thanks!

.

.

Quoting [name withheld]

Dear Robert,

The description of your procedure makes really sense and we would like to proceed as you suggest. However, this is an important agreement for both of us, therefore I was wondering if we could talk to each other at short notice. Please, do not get me wrong. I do not want to make it complicated, but just would like to get to know you a little (You probably would also like to get to know us?). Moreover, could you send me a draft of your contract by e-mail? For us, it is very important to have a mutual understanding of the agreement with you, as we were offered another apt this morning and will cancel that, if we make our decision to sign a contract with you.

Thank you for understanding,

[name withheld]

.

.

Quoting Robert Arthur Kindell <robert.kindell53@gmail.com>:

 Like I said, I will pay for a 2 days delivery so you will receive the

Keys and the contract signed by me right away.I will explain to you step by step how this will work.

1) First you will have to send me your full name and address. I will need them for the shipping.

2) I go to the TNT store and leave the Keys and the contract onto your

name as the intended receiver.

3) TNT will check the envelope to see if everything is OK with it and

also the legal papers that will come along with the Keys.

4) TNT will send you a delivery notification to let you know they have

the Keys and the papers in their custody.

5) At this point you will have to go to a Western Union Agent

Location and make a money deposit on the TNT payment agent name for the amount  we agreed (first month + 1000 bond deposit) .

6 ) After you make the deposit you will have to send the info about the

money deposit to TNT (MTCN, sender’s name and address)

7) TNT will verify the payment information and if everything is in order they will deliver the Keys and the contract to you .

8 ) After you receive the package , You will go and check the apt and in 2 days you must contact them and tell them if you keep the apt or not, if all is in order you will instruct TNT to send me the information about the money deposit and I will be able to receive the funds . If you don`t like the apt they will send your money back to you and you will send them the keys and the contract to them.

I will pay TNT for the shipping and you will pay Western Union for the Money Transfer fee .

Let me know if we can do this.

Thank you,

.

On Wed, Jun 10, 2009 at 10:29 AM, [name withheld] wrote:

Dear Robert,

Your apartment look great! Let’s see how we can make it work. I checked out that link you sent. I don’t know exactly which TNT solution you mean, however, if we could see your apartment before we decide (as you explained), this would be really great. Please tell me what TNT solution you have in mind. (How the solution works. I have to admit that I’m also under time pressure. This morning I

received a call from an agent that I can move into another apartment I applied for. (Lease would start 20/06) So I also don’t have any time to waste

Maybe I could give you a call and we could sort everything out? Please

send me your landline (or mobile phone number). You can also give me a call

landline : +61 XXXX or mobile + 61 XXXX 

I’m looking forward to talking to you,

[name withheld]

.

Your message:

Obviously we need a way to complete this deal that will allow us to make sure we receive what we are after. I have found a way for us to complete the deal safe and fast, and in this way you will receive the Keys in less than 2 days, if you  move fast as well. The solution is provided by a company called TNT which is similar to Fedex, DHL or UPS, which will handle the payment and delivery of the Keys. I have found a procedure that will allow us to make a fast and safe deal and through this way you will see it and decide if you will stay in the apt or not before I receive my payment. Please click on the link bellow to the TNT website to see how we can complete the deal safely and fast directly from the website of the company where the procedure is explained:

http://www.tnt.com/express/en_gb/site/home/services.html

Let me know if you are interested please because I really need to take

care of this matter by the end of the next week.

Regards,

 

WARNING: SCAM ARTIST- Julien Claret Tournier

The following warning was posted on Craigslist Paris:

EUR1 SCAM ARTIST – julienclarettournier@yahoo.com (Paris)

Date: 2009-06-02, 10:20PM CEST

Warning! Watch out for this person “julienclarettournier@yahoo.com” advertising/responding with the ad below 

The photos he gives when you request do not match his description. He says to wire his “Mom” money in the UK by Western Union wire transfer. He rushes you into making a decision. says you will share with lady but then later says that lady is his “Mom” who is in the UK. He didn’t answer all my questions properly. He tries to come across as organized and legitimate by saying his family lawyer will draw up a contract and asked for a copy of my passport! Who hires a lawyer for 4 day rental in a flat??? 

I received FANTASTIC responses from many lovely Parisian’s who did not request a deposit and were very helpful and sincere. Be very careful with this person and investigate before perusing! 

.

scammer email:

.

Three Bedroom in beautiful apartment of 80 m2 in the historical center of Paris, close to Hotel de la Bretonnerie, Beaubourg and Closest Metro station (Metro Station closest to our apartment in PARIS)Furnished, spacious and sunny room, TV, DVD, WIFI, free calls to the USA, CE, Australia. Breakfast and dinner included. No additional bills to pay. Educated and discreet person preferred.-Dryer/washer,TV ,Wireless internet connection,Air conditioner,Spacious closets,Rent 350 Euros/ROOM ,Deposits 600 Euros…Apartment to share with the owner, a lady living alone. e-mail: julienclarettournier@yahoo.com ask for additional Pictures.* Please do answer to the following questions inside your message: 

1. From which date will you need the apartment (date of beginning of rent).. 

2. For how long will you need the apartment (date of end of rent). 

3.. Number of persons who will live in the apartment . 

4. your activity (student, worker, etc.).Let me hear from you if you haven’t find any Kindly 

Regard 

E-mail- julienclarettournier@yahoo.com 

julien claret tournier 

Renters warned of Craigslist scam

The Sun Chronicle (Attleboro, MA), May 13, 2009

Nigerian Internet con gets more sophisticated, would-be renter, Attleboro homeowners learn

Jennifer Rollins has been searching for a new place for herself and her dog to live since last year.
So when the Attleboro resident saw a four-bedroom home off Read Street advertised for rent on Craigslist for $1,000 a month, plus a $400 security deposit, she was intrigued.
The purported owner was a minister named Ken Gregg, who claimed he and his wife had started missionary work in Nigeria and couldn’t find a real estate agent to represent them.
But the ad was a scam.

To read the rest of the story, click here.

SCAM ALERT: EUR400 / 1br – Fully Furnished One Bedroom Apartment For Rent (Paris)

Yet another warning on Craigslist:

EUR400 / 1br – SCAM!!! 1br – Fully Furnished One Bedroom Apartment For Rent (Paris)

 

Reply to:hous-gpfdh-1185245050@craigslist.org 

Date: 2009-05-23, 6:31PM CEST

Be aware – the posting with the above headline is a scam!!! He claims the apartment is located on 7 rue du Gros Caillou, Paris 75007, France and the guy’s name (at least right now!) is Mark Richardson. His mobile # is from Nigeria. 

The guy claims to have moved to West Africa and taken the keys with him, hence you can only view the apartment from the outside. The rent is €400 PER MONTH, because he only cares about you taking care of his newly renovated apartment while he is 3 years in West Africa with his job. When you answer his questions, you get approved straight away and he then asks you to wire deposit and 1st month rent €800 via Western Union or Money Gram. Read the fraud guidelines on Craigslist …. NEVER wire money via Western Union or Money Gram to a stranger – it is ALWAYS a scam. When it looks to good to be true – it always is! 

BEWARE of scammer using alias “Jeremy Wall”

Yet another scammail making the rounds on Craigslist Paris. Scams like the one below are pretty obvious: the entire message screams SCAM!

On Tue, Apr 21, 2009 at 1:54 PM, Jeremy Wall <lawj.wall@gmail.com> wrote:

My name is Jeremy Wall . A American Man Base in Paris…but currently United kingdom . Am happy to sublet my lovely one bedroom studio apartment apartment… 58sqm living room and 1 terraces. Located city central “Paris” . Huge and fully equipped kitchen. Stereo and plasma TV with DVD player,internal laundry. 920 per month + utilities… plus one month deposit which refundable  when living…The decoration is elaborate and elegant. This glamorous and cosmopolitan  is very beautiful (with a hydro massage shower) private toilet and bathroom.
High-speed Internet connection.There is a public parking facility in the same building.The rooms are available for immediate move in. Only serious inquires please. get back to me . you can also call me on +447035982523.

Regard.

WARNING: scammer Lynsey Douglas out to steal your money and your identity

Here’s another scam rental offer making the rounds on Craigslist. A scammer using the alias Lynsey Douglas (l_douglas_111@hotmail.com) claims to have an apartment located at 17-19 Villa Berthier, 75017 Paris. BEWARE OF THIS THIEF!

On Thu, Apr 16, 2009 at 11:01 AM, Lynsey Douglas <l_douglas_111@hotmail.com> wrote:

Hello … ,

 

Thanks for your mail..Here are the address and some pictures of thr flat

 

The rent per nmonth is  €600  and the security deposit  €450,which is refundable,At the end of your stay in the room , €450   Will be refund to you , is for a security deposit, and it has to be refund,the purpose of this money,is in case of damages and if you did not  damage any thing in the room,your money will be refund in full to you at the end of your stay in the room.

 

Local Area Information: 

Address: 17-19 Villa Berthier, 75017 Paris City, France.

 

The apartment is in  district of Paris, close to the “Palais des Congres” at Porte Maillot, the Place de l’Etoile ,Porte de Champerretand the Champs Elysees…..The apartment  is located in a quiet area in the heart of the 17th district of Paris. very close to shops, the metro station leads directly to the Porte de Champerret.

 

3 minute walk to the nearest metro station (porte de champerret)

3 km to the nearest station (gare du nord)

3 minute walk to the nearest bus stop

5 km to the nearest fair site (cnit la defense).

 

PROCEDURE:

1. You need  to read and sign the agreement form that will guarantee you that the room has been reserve for you. 

  

2. I’ll need  Your name and your move in and out date to prepare the Agreement / contract. 

 

3, a scanned copy of your ID. 

 

Let me know if this is okay by you cause i have been deceived by unseriuos people on this room,that is why my attorney advised me to request for the deposit and first month rent before concluding agreement with anybody.its written  in the agreement form that your money(deposit) will be returned to you after your stay in the house.

 

The signed agreement form will be send to you first through attached mail(with the scanned  page of my international passport). for you to read and understand,after which you will proceed with the payment,I’ll now send you the original copy through a registered courier to  your address for you to sign and bring along with you when moving in. 

 

Regards, 

 

Lynsey Douglas. 

 

———- Forwarded message ———-

From: Lynsey Douglas <l_douglas_111@hotmail.com>

Date: Wed, Apr 15, 2009 

Subject: apartment in Paris

Hello,

 

I have a 2 bedroom flat for rent…The apartment is is located in a nice and cool environment..It is well furnished.

 

General information :

Location: Paris City

Rent: €600 per Month 

Deposit: €450 deposit and it refundable back to you after you finish yout term.

Available: Now

Minimum Stay: Available for long term and short time

 

The room has the following amenities:

-The room has a very big bed that can sleep two people with Television connected to cable.

-Small refrigerator apart from a big freezer in the kitchen.

-Private bathroom with toilet drawer.

-Reading desk.

-Wall cupboard.

-Internet connection. 

-Rug

 

The Apartment  has the following Amenities:

-Washing Machine

-Heater

-Dish washer

-Storage

-Micro oven

-Water dispenser 

 

Room and flat description: 

No# of bedrooms: 2

No# of bathrooms: 1

No# of kitchen: 1 

Pet: Not Disclosed Flat Sq ft.: 0 Sq. Ft. 

 

Room amenities: Furnished, Private bath, Hardwood floor, TV, Air conditioning, Closet, Private entrance 

Home amenities: Washer/Dryer, Internet, Dishwasherasmicrowave, oven,dishwasher,fridge, Yard and the bill included.

Interested tenants should contact me for more information about the apartment.

 

Cheers!

Lynsey Douglas  

SCAM ALERT: Beware of “Oliver Nelson” (benterfreez@yahoo.com)

The following scam rental offer was forwarded by a Scamwatch reader who received it after responding to an ad on Craigslist Paris. The fraudster uses the alias “Oliver Nelson” (benterfreez@yahoo.com) and claims to have an apartment at 48 rue de Vignoles, 75020 Paris. Note the ridiculously low price for the apartment described and the bizarre, long-winded, convoluted and overly detailed message, typical of nigerian scam offers. Don’t be fooled!

.

.

———- Forwarded message ———-

From: Oliver Nelson <benterfreez@yahoo.com>

Date: Mon, Apr 6, 2009

Subject: Re: Your ad on Craigs list

To: 

Hello,

Thanks very much  for your Kind interest in my apartment, i am delighted to let you know that my apartment is presently available now even for long and short term periods.Presently,no one is occupying my apartment and it will be a great priviledge renting you my Nice apartment located at the city centre of Paris. My apartment is located at 48 rue des vignoles , Paris, 75020 . You are free to go and view the apartment from the outside but as for the inside,you will not be able to have access to it because the keys are with me and i don’t have any of my relations or friends over there who can view you my apartment except i myself.I will be more than willing to come over on time to view you my properties if you are ready to satisfy my criterias below. 

   

   Little introduction about myself,I am Mr Oliver Nelson whom originated from France.Actually,my mother is from France while my father is from England. I studied Acoounting at London College of Accountancy (LCA) which makes me a qualified Accountant..I was in Paris for my PHD last year March,during that time,i purchase the apartment and all documents are with my lawyer right here in England..I have been a very busy person but i don’t like the way my apartment is vacant..I gave it out to an Agent last year,but the agent ripped me off and since then,i withdrew his services from taking control of my apartment.So presently,my apartment is vacant and i am really in search of a reliable and transparent tenant who will take the place and assure me of ultimate neatness,and I assure you that you will not regret renting my apartment.ok.

   I understand that you will love to have a clear look at my apartment inside before you make your final decision but as you understand that i am presently in England,and i have a very tight and busy schedule,it is not always easy for me to come over and view tenants my apartment with confirming such tenants seriousness..Due to the bad experience i had with my previous tenants..Most times last year,i travel over to meet tenants whom in the longrun,i discover they are merely time wasters ,since the end of this year,i came up with the idea of confirming the deposit payment of any tenants before coming down to view such tenant my apartment…So i will want you to understand that i will love to confirm your seriousness before i can come over to handover you the keys for you to view my apartment and move in.Infact,i give you all assurance that you will love my apartment and there is no doubt that you will surely rent it after i view it for you.

    Notwithstanding,the deposit payment which is payable before my coming over is also refundable at the termination of the contract or after viewing you my apartment and you don’t love it due to any discrepancies in it when compared to what i show to you in the pictures sent to you via email and physically.ok.So you just calm and do things the way it should be done,and i assure you that you will not regret loving and renting my apartment.

DETAILS ABOUT MY APARTMENT……….

Address: 48 rue des vignoles , Paris, 75020

Size of the Whole Apartment :85 m square

Number of bedrooms:2

Number of bathrooms:2

Max number of people:6

Floor:Ground floor.

Monthly rental price: €300.00 per room  and 600euros for the whole apartment including all bills

Security Deposit: €1000

Pictures available:YES

AMENITIES AVAILABLE OUTSIDE

Barbecue Disabled Facilities Sauna

INSIDE

Kitchen,washing Machine,American Kitchen Fridge & Freezer Oven,Microwave Dish Washer Crockery & Utensils,Bath Shower Hair Dryer,TowelsExtra features

Internet Dial Up, Internet Broadband Cable/Satelite

TV,Stereo/Radio System DVD Player,DVD/Music Collection

Library Telephone Fax

Central Heating Air Conditioning

Pets Welcome    

 

You will be confirming  these upon our meeting to view the apartment together and signed up the contract.

 

TERMS IN THE CONTRACT DOCUMENTS WHICH WE WILL SIGN.

1. The Tenant Will Pay a month Rent and Security Deposit in Advance to the Landlord Before Moving in to show a Good Sign of seriousness and the Security Deposit will be refunded back to the Tenant and the return of funds must be completed not later than 2 days of the termination of the Contract.

2.Due to the fact that the I am presently out of Paris, I will love to tell you that i will only be available for the viewing of the contract after we have both signed a contract documents and also confirm your deposit payment which is payable via western union money transfer.

                                          

3.The Tenant’s must  agree that they and their respective invited visitors will not : i. Commit any act, which results in serious disruption of the rights of each to peacefully Occupy the premises

  ii. Commit any act, which results in physical harm to the parties, a member of her household, visitors or neighbors

  iii. Cause or allow invited visitors to cause a nuisance.

  iv. Commit any form of harassment on the grounds of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age or disability, which may interfere with the peace

 and comfort of, or cause offense to, each other, a member of her household, visitors or neighbors.

  v.. Play or allow to be played any radio, television, record or tape recording or musical instrument so loudly that it causes a nuisance or annoyance to the other party.

 

 (b) Use of Premises: The Tenant agrees to use the premises for residential purposes and not to operate a business at the premises nor to use the premises for any illegal purposes.

(C)Both the Landlord and tenants must exchange passport id for easy recognition and for both parties to have a good idea of eachother.So if you’re agreed with my terms and conditions above, kindly get back to me with the following details for the contract documents.. 

Name in Full..

 Address…

 Nationality…

 Passport Id number…

 Date of move in and out….

 Phone number….

  Sex………………Male or Female.   Also,get back to me with your passport id card scanned to me.ok.

 Hope to read from you soonest.

 Regards,

Nelson.

 +447024059769

 

 

BEWARE of SCAMMER Tish Heavens’ offer to housesit

The following warnings have appeared on Craigslist:

 

BEWARE of SCAMMER offer to House Sit (Paris)

Date: 2009-04-13, 3:57PM CEST

Fellow Craig’s List Users : 

BEWARE of SCAMMER offer to House Sit an apartment in Le Marais, Paris 

A scammer calling herself Tish Heavens, or Gruen Matthias, or the like, suggests you pay a ’security deposit’ of 380 euros via MONEYGRAM or Western Union, in return for HOUSE SITTING ‘her’ apartment in Paris rather than doing a swap. 

1. she is a fake and a scam artist and it attempting a 419-scam (for scam help see http://scambuster419.co.uk/ and http://www.fraudwatchers.org) 

2. the email she sends (below) has photos attached as shown below which are lifted off a web site 

3. the size of the apartment she describes in her mail is much smaller than the photos reveal the real apartment to be 

4. she sends the same details and agrees to let many people use the apartment at the same time 

5. the phone numbers, names and addresses ’she’ provides are erroneous 

6. this persons think they are clever, and can be, but don’t be tricked into doing anything other than perhaps wasting their time – sweet revenge 

6. ’she’ uses Yahoo or Hotmail which are all but untraceable for us, but you can report the details to : abuse@yahoo.co.uk 

7. The UK Metropolitan Police also want other people to report this person to them, as part of their case against these fraudsters : fraud.alert@met.police.uk 

the email sent : “thanks for your interest in our home .I am Tish Heavens.I am disable and currently living with the eldest of my daughters (Garvy) in the UK.my husband ( Keith) searches and auctions antiques and is presently studying Culture languages in Bristol,he thinks it’s a disturbing idea that i live alone with no care or assistance concidering my present condition, so i will be staying in the Uk for as long as he will be away ,i also am taking the opportunity to be with Garvy because she has just put to bed.Its Keith’s idea that we leave our home locked up because of the terrible experience we had with the last tenant and the expenses the carelessness of the realtors left us to bare alone. But i seem to think otherwise,that’s why we have decided to look for someone responsible and genuine to occupy and take care of our property like it were his/her own. We are not exactly looking for a swap since we already are comfortable with where we live at the moment but we are more concerned about finding responsible and genuine person/persons to occupy and respect our home and properties.Our home is 2 bedroom in the heart of The Marais and the Louvre : rue Rambuteau is one of the 3 bests streets of the heart of the Marais. (close to the Pompidou center). (+ rue Lombards and rue Quincampoix. This apartment is decorated with a lot of taste and fine furniture. The living room which also serves as a dinner area is comfortable and pleasant.. The apartment is in a 18th Century building, in the authentic Marais district.The bedroom is equipped with a queensize bed. The apartment is 60 sqm and accommodates up to 6 people comfortably,facilities you will enjoy in our home includes laundry facilities,wireless internet services,saterlite TV.” Photos shown below : 

FOREWARNED IS FORARMED 

FRAUD Ella Mick-Tish 61 rambuteau (paris)

Date: 2009-05-14, 1:13AM CEST

Look for scam by ella mick or tish and likely other aliases. She/he is supposedly renting an apt at 61 Rambuteau 

She/he claims to be disabled, had bad experiences with rental 
agenct . Husband Josh in Bristol, lives with daughter. 

She/he gives mailing address as : 249 Blackfriars Road, London 

See Fraud Watchers for more stories on Ella Mick and various aka’s, ex. Tish…. 

Nigerian internet scam targets local homes, renters

WKYC.com (Cleveland, OH) April 8,2009

BAY VILLAGE — It sounds like a great deal and it would be if it was true.

A bogus Craigslist ad touted a big lakefront home in Bay Village, offering to rent it for $800 a month. The ad claims the owner was transferred to Nigeria by his employer.

The house is owned by a doctor who still lives there and is selling it through Howard Hanna Realty. At least eight people called the agent handling the listing to inquire about the rental advertisement.

To read the rest of the story, click here.

NEW WARNING: Jose Stephany Ferrari / Ferrari Stephany Jose

Scamwatch issued an alert about this scammer back in 2008, but new victims continue to come forward. This posting appeared today on the Lonely Planet forum. We can only say it again: NEVER SEND MONEY VIA WESTERN UNION:

       

Hi All,

I posted an ad on Craigslist looking for an apartment to rent in Paris for the upcoming long Easter weekend. After sorting through many responses, we found an affordable place in a good location. The person offering the apartment sent us a photocopy of her passport and a legitimate tenancy contract. She also sent the full address of the apartment and photos of the place.

They asked for the rent and security deposit upfront, which wasn’t a lot of cash. We talked them down on the security deposit. We didn’t think this was fishy considering we did the same thing when successfully renting an apartment in London.

After signing the tenancy agreement, we sent the money via western union to who they said was their lawyer in Madrid, Spain. The woman said it was her mother’s apartment that she was renting out and that her mother lived in London. We had requested that we give the money to her mother in person since we also live in London, but they refused to do this. They said she was too busy to meet up. I figured she might not want to meet strangers, but also thought she would appreciate meeting the people who would be staying at her flat.

Since sending the money, we haven’t heard a word from the woman we were speaking with. We have contacted her via email 4-5 times in the last week with no response. We have tried tracking down phone numbers for her, the lawyer and the mother as we have their names and addresses – or what we think are real names and addresses.

We feel like this might be a scam now. What do we do? We are booking hotel reservations as back up. But we are not happy about the potential of losing all of our money!!

.

- – - – - – - – - – - – - 

Looks like we were officially scammed. The woman we dealt with shows up on a list of online scammers: 

Jose Stephany Ferraria [Ferrari Stephany Jose]

If only we had checked that first.

http://parishousingscamwatch.wordpress.com/2008/06/27/updated-list-of-scammers-lurking-on-craigslist-paris/

.

The complete thread appears here.

An earlier Scamwatch warning appears here. 

BIG ALERT: Beware of scammer using alias Mr. Tony WoodGate (tony.woodgate@live.co.uk)

 

A Scamwatch reader writes:

.

This guy from this email is really suspect. I also talked to him using MSN and he was making a deal with me.

And I discover that I friend of mine already was got by him and he was also talking to another friend to rent an apartment to her.

Please, do something about it, he is definitely a high suspect.

The same guy also use this email:owodede@hotmail.com like MSN.

———- Forwarded message ———-

From: Mr. Tony WoodGate <tony.woodgate@live.co.uk>

Date: 2009/3/9

Subject: RE: Rent apartment  

To:[name withheld]

Greetings  …and thanks for reading through my Advert..so the apartment is located at

 

 

Sleeps   4 

Floor   First 

City   Paris 

Area   Marais 

Address  12 Rue Thorigny – Paris 

 

And its three bedrooms, which include the utilities in the apartment…e.g..TV,Gas, furniture, wireles internet connection, Water, Fridge, Desk,Wash machine e.t.c  and the deposit of 150 euro which is going to be refundable to you after you sty if nothing is damage or loss in the apartment.

 

 

The apartment is located in a very peaceful and cool environment,it is a 3 bedrooms with a kitchen, toilet and bathroom and a living room, so let me know if you are interested so that we can proceed because i am not in France , Paris for now so that i can mail you the necessary information you will need to know about the apartment…photo,and any thing you will like to know..

 

 

Waiting.

 

Tony WoodGate.

 

Mobile :  +44 70240 23391.

 

NOTE : CAT AND DOG IS ALLOWED AND THE 200 EURO IS FOR A WEEK . IN A MONTH 800 EURO AND ALSO THE KEY OF THE APARTMENT IS WITH ME HERE IN LONDON UNITED KINGDOM,MORE OVER WHEN I RECEIVE THE MONEY I WILL SEND THE KEY VIA DHL COURIER SERVICE TO YOUR ADDRESS SO YOU CAN OPEN THE DOOR AND MOVE IN.

 

Here are some of the photos used in the scam:

Internet rental scams: Who’s behind them?

The majority of apartment rental scams rampant on Craigslist and other websites are a variation of Nigerian “419″ advance fee fraud, perpetrated worldwide mainly from the boiler rooms and cyber cafés of Lagos, Nigeria.

 

Nigeria scams targeted (video courtesy ITN/CNN)

 

More videos and links here.

Also read this Los Angeles Times article.

 

Four more housing scams reported

By John Windrow, Honolulu Advertiser, Feb 15, 2009

At least four more rental property owners have come forward to report that they believe they were targeted by Nigerian scammers trying to dupe people into renting homes the scammers did not own.

A spokesman at the Kailua police substation said that three people who were advertising rentals on O’ahu had called and said they believed someone from Nigeria was advertising their properties on Web sites and trying to rent them under false pretenses.

To read the rest of the story, click here.

Craigslist scam warning

By Lauren Petty, NBCConnecticut.com, (Hartford, CT) Thurs., Jan. 29, 2009

.

When looking for a new place to live, Casey Guthrie headed online to craigslist.com. He found an adorable house, not far from the beach, in Milford.

“I contacted the people and they informed me they were from Nigeria and they were missionaries,” Guthrie said.

.

Immediately wary, Guthrie sat back down at the computer at this New London house and went online again. This time he went to the Milford town website and did a property search.

.

To read the rest of the story, click here.

Fraudster stings single mom on apartment scam

By Jeremy Ashley,  Belleville Intelligencer, (ON, Canada)

She was a single mom hoping for the best.

Instead, Sherry Lynn Rogers, 35, was not only scammed out of $1,000 days before Christmas, but robbed of her faith in the goodness humanity has to offer.

“I hate to say it, but before this happened, I believed there were good people out there — now I know there are fewer of them than ever.”

Rogers’ ordeal began early last December when she came across an advertisement for a fully-furnished apartment for rent on a popular classified website that has home pages for cities across Canada, including Belleville.

The pictures showed a simple, clean two-bedroom apartment which came “fully furnished for $800 per month which included heat, hydro, cable and all the appliances,” Rogers said, adding the address was on Bridge Street West.

To read the rest of the story, click here.

BEWARE of fake Rev Paul Rice on Craigslist

Well-known scammer Rev Paul Rice (revpaul_rice@y7mail.com) has been making the rounds on Craigslist Stockholm. Also posts as  jackson_white@y7mail.com. Beware!

From: Rev paul Rice <revpaul_rice@y7mail.com>
Date: Wed, Jan 28, 2009  
Subject: Re: stockholm flat

Good Day,

          Thanks for the reply and interest in my apartment,I am the
owner of the apartment you are making enquiry of, Actually I resided in the apartment with my little boy 12years old and presently we had packed  because i had a job contract to do in West africa and it will last for 2 to 3 years.

Address: Lilla Nygatan 6, 11128 Stockholm, Sweden.
Nearest Metro / Subway: Gamla Stan – 200 Meters
Nearest Bus / Tramway: Gamla Stan – 30
Nearest Airport: Arlanda - 35 Kilometers

Presently my apartment is still available for rent at 4000Sek the
security deposit is 2,000Sek including the Utilities like
Hydro,washer, heat etc. I came along with all the keys and document of the apartment because i had no time to look for a trusted and capable agent to hand over my key and documents too.

You can stay in the apartment for as long as you desire because i have a lot to do here in West Africa Is that okay with you? So i will solicit for your absolute maintainance of this apartment and want you to treat it as yours,i hope this is clear to you is not all about the money,but i want you to keep it tidy all the time so that i will be glad to see it neat when i come for a check up.

You can stay in the apartment for as longs as you wish.and the below is the final question that you must answer to qualify for the rent of my apartment.

RENT APPLICATION FORM

1)Your Full Name—————————-
2)Your Full Address………..
2)Phone Number————————-
3)How old are you?———————
4)Are you married?——————————–
5)How many people will be living in the apartment?——————
6)Do you have a pet?———————————
7)Do you have a car?————————————-
8)Occupation?———————————
9)Driving licence#—————————

Looking forward to hear from you with all this details so that i can have it in my file for issuing the monthly payment receipt for you and contacting you.

Please i am giving you all this base on trust,you know that we have not seen yet and i am only putting everything into God’s hand.

So please do not let us down in our property and God bless you more as you do this.

Await your urgent reply so that we can discuss on how to get the
document and the key to you.

Call me now on this number to talk better……+2347026002689.

Thanks and God bless.

 

original ad:

 

SEK4000 / 2br – Apartment available for rent NOW (Stockholm)

---

Reply to: revpaul_rice@y7mail.com 
Date: 2009-01-12, 7:17PM CET          

Apartment from the sixteenth century, situated in the absolute centre of Stockholm: Gamla Stan/Old Town, only 200 meters from the Royal Palace. Renovated and equipped with facilities for 4 persons

 

BEWARE of scammer Anita Staples

A warning about a scammer using the alias Anita Staples appeared on Craigslist Paris recently.  The same scam has been running on Gumtree in Cape Town. Here’s the pitch:

Hello 

Thanks for your email response. The apartment is still available for rent for €450.I inherited the apartment from my late Husband.I lived in the apartment Only Because am Single,am a Teacher in (Paris) so they transfer me to West Africa Teach a University.i Teach French,Spanish,i will there for about 3 or 4Years .i just need someone with an open heart,love and clean to occupy the apartment and put all my worries off concerning the maintenance of the apartment for, since i am not residing there for now.I left behind some Facilities and electronics which you have to pay for the subscription, and a DVD player, air conditioning, alarm system. The kitchen is fully equipped with all necessary cooking utensils, a refrigerator-freezer, four-hob and oven, microwave,dishwasher and washing machine, My 

Computer Connected with Internet Access Also the keys to the condo are right here with me, and the lease document. Which i can send to you after all necessary agreement has be accepted. Also i will like you to know that the rent charges is not really the issue , but your absolute maintenance of my apartment , because that is the only valuable property my late Husband left behind, and it also took him so much time and money to put all those facilities in place. 

1 BEDROOM apartment : 

Private Location 

Newer Carpet 

Marble Floors in Kitchen and Bath 

New Paint 

Complex Amenities Include 

Laundry 

Laundry room 

Parking 

Assigned 

Terms: 

Lease Terms: month to month 

Ready for move-in now! 

Property Information Type: Apartments for Bedroom 

1 Bedrooms 6th floor, very sunny and quiet, with wooden floor. Large living room (leather sofa, glass table + 4 chairs and plasma TV). One medium-sized rooms with double bed. There is a small one room that is connected to the kitchen and it has an individual bed (good for guests, however it does not have enough privacy for permanent use). Kitchen of origin (not reformed), but fully equipped and with vitro ceramic. Large bathroom of origin (not reformed) with washing machine. The living room has a small balcony facing an indoor patio. Lease Availability: 

Immediate Lease Terms: How Long 

Application Fee: 

Deposit: €450 

Rent: €450 per month 

Policies Pets: 

Call for details Smoking: 

Exterior Outdoor: Parking: 

-1 Dedicated Parking Spaces Community: 

Handicap Accessible 

Access Gate 

So if you are interested in the apartment you get back to me by 

filling the Rent Application Form below okay, 

RENT APPLICATION FORM 

1)Your Full Name: 

2)Your Full Address & Phone Number: 

3)How old are you?: 

4)Are you married?: 

5)How many people will be living in the house?: 

6)Do you have a pet?: 

7)Do you have a car?: 

8)Occupation?: 

9)How many months contract?: 

10)your picture and your wife picture? 

LOCATION & AREA 

This apartment is perfectly located for both shopping and cultural activities: the chic and trendy Bon Marche department store is just a few steps away, as well as the Saint Germain des Prs church and the trendiest shops in Paris… 

Have a coffee on the terrace of the Caf de Flore, lunch at Brasserie Lipp, and then why not go and relax in the famous Jardins du Luxembourg (park in the heart of Saint Germain des Pres) that are only 50m away(you can even book a tennis court!) Discover the city on foot,  or why not rent a velib’? (Paris bike rentals) 

Address: 21 rue de Fleurus, Paris 75006, France 

Nearest Metro / Subway: Saint Placide – 50 Meters 

Nearest Airport: Orly – 20 Kilometers 

Accommodation located in city, leisure area, old town, near 

restaurants & bars, near cultural interest, near historical interest, near tennis courts,jardins du luxembourg, saint sulpice, saint germain des prs, near shopping area ! 

Looking forward to hear from you with all this details so that i can have it in my file in case of issuing the receipt for you and 

contacting you.Await your urgent reply so that we can discuss on how to get the document and the key to you, please we are giving you all this base on trust and again i will want you to stick to your words, you know that, we do not see yet and only putting everything into Gods hand, so please do not let us down in this our property and God bless you more as you do this. 

Best Regards. 

Yours Faithfully 

Mrs Anita Staples 

+(234)-808-898-9656 & #+0112348088989656…

Calgary police warn of rental scam

.

CBC News (Canada) Monday, January 19, 2009  

Calgary police are reminding anyone searching the internet for an apartment to watch out for online scams.

In most cases, a person posing as a landlord says he or she is out of the country and requires a deposit on the rental. Once the money is paid, usually through a money transfer, the new tenant discovers there isn’t actually a rental.

The scam isn’t a new one, but police said it’s recently become more prolific and harder to spot because fraudsters are cutting and pasting text from real ads and using real photos. The only thing that is different is the contact information.

To read the rest of the story, click here.