Attention arnaque! Location à VESOUL (70) – Un bon coin ?

par river, 20 octobre 2009, come4news.com (France)

Vous cherchez un appartement à louer, vous pistez toutes les annonces dans la presse écrite ou sur les sites dédiés.
Enfin, un appartement sympa, de bonne taille à un prix vous convenant! Vous l’avez trouvé sur un site connu “AU BON COIN”
Et voilà, c’est parti, vous adressez un mail au propriétaire pour demander à visiter. Vous recevez une réponse d’une longueur surprenante, qui vous explique que ledit propriétaire réside dans le sud de la France, qu’il ne peut se déplacer inutilement, qu’il vous faut d’abord verser une caution pour prouver votre sérieux (caution qui vous serait remboursée pour le cas où le logement ne vous convient pas…. hum hum)

Lire la suite ici.

WARNING: scammer using alias Emily Sarah Noel

Scamwatch has received the following warning about a scam on justlanded.com and Craigslist Brussels. Take note and beware!:

Hi,

I would just like to ad that this is also taking place in Brussels. I was just scammed quite similarly to the other people posting. I found the ad on justlanded.com and then later found it on craigslist Brussels.

The ad link is http://brussels.en.craigslist.org/roo/1425217070.html

Email address is esarahnoel@yahoo.com going by the name Emily Sarah Noel….even provided a passport scam. Also took my passport scan. The email provided was this one (similar to the others). Other emails followed regularly as well as chats on MSN… PLEASE PROTECT YOURSELF!!:

Hello,

I am extremely sorry for my late response to your mail. I have been very busy for a while now and never had time to check my mails.Thanks for your prompt response regarding my posted ad, let me take a little time to tell you something about myself, the room & its amenities, price and conditions to rent.

About myself

I am a young female in my mid 20’s currently doing my masters in risk management after work and this makes me return home late but can’t stop having fun when its necessary. I am an accountant and thus work for s brooking firm and also as a consultant,so this makes me travel often which is the mere reason why i need and search good people as flatmates so i will be rest assured that my flat is in safe hands in my absence.

I got my first degree in London School of Economics, i worked in Paris as a senior accountant in a brooking firm before i went to the Barcelona to take a 3 months course in public marketing and to learn the spanish cultures and languages,thus, Did my internship with JP Morgan in New York in 2007 which gave me an opportunity to visit the united states for the first time before returning back to Dublin to start my masters and work aswell then have been here ever since…what a traveller i am….lol

My house is located at Rue Du Midi, Bruxelles 1000, Belgium.

Flat Amenities

A small fridge in each room

A big freezer in the kitchen

Each room has a big wardrobe

TV connected to a cable

A surround sound system

A twin sleeper bed(double sleeper bed,capable of sleeping two people

conveniently)

Private toilet and bathroom for each room

Washer/dryer for laundry needs

Air-condition and  fire place to keep the room warm

Gas cooker and micro wave oven available in the kitchen

Price:

I have two rooms for rent. Each room is for 350 euros and monthly utilities charges of 50 euros and a security deposit of 600 euros

Therefore:

Rent per month………400 euros

per week…………………..120 euros

Security deposit……..600 euros

NB: The security deposit is refundable upon verification of the room which you rented to be in good order. Both payment is to be made once to my family lawyer or mother.

There is contract available for weekly, month to month and long term basis but if you want a long term rent, i will prefer an initial 3 months rent which is renewable 2weeks prior to the rent expiration.

Utilities included in the rent:

Water

Gas refill

Heater/warmer

Electricity bill

Laundry

Parking space

Internet via wireless lan

Trash pick up

Why i am renting:

I live in a 3 bedroom flat like i told you but the 2 rooms vacant which i am offering for rent is because my previous flatmates are through with there activities and work here and has gone back to there respective states.So, i need people who are fun to be with, people whom we could share times and moments together,not just minding your business or going into your room after the day….but you can always have your private time and affair if you so wish and desire.

Immediately i confirm your interest and knowing some things about you,I shall send to you the current pictures of your room and my flat in general with the kitchen and other pictures aswell before we proceed with the necessary details to prepare the tenement contract necessary for your move in.

Regards

Scammers ‘hijacking’ property listings

Renters warned of Craigslist ads linked to Nigeria
by Christopher Showbeck October 26, 2009, Twincities.com (Minnesota)

When renting an apartment in the Twin Cities, think twice before sending that deposit to Nigeria.

NorthstarMLS, a computer system used by about 16,000 real estate agents to list homes for sale in the region, is alerting members to a scheme in which scammers take information from public real estate Web sites and use it to create bogus listings for rental property.

The fake rental listings are posted on Craigslist, a free Web site for classified ads, and feature an unlikely scenario to separate naive consumers from their money.

To read the rest of the story, click here.

SCAM LOUVRE RUE DE L’ARBRE SEC & STUDIO 5e ARRONDISSEMENT (MÊMES PHOTOS)

SCAM LOUVRE RUE DE L’ARBRE SEC & STUDIO 5e ARRONDISSEMENT (MÊMES PHOTOS)

j_amesjoe001@yahoo.com – Posting ID 1413193427 1br – High standard studio (Paris 5e arrondissement)

Par : authenticapt@gmail.com – Portable 06 60 50 29 11

EUR95 / 1br – LAST MINUTE AVAIL28TH OCT AT THE LOUVRE PERFECT FOR 2/INTERNET/COSY (HEART OF PARIS/RIVER SEINE/LOUVRE MUSEUM)

+++IN THE HEART OF PARIS AT THE LOUVRE MUSEUM NICE FLAT VERY QUIET COMPLETELY RENEWED FOR 2 FULLY EQUIPPED AND FURNISHED++
THE APARTMENT IS AVAILABLE FROM NOW :
——————————–
95 euros NIGHTLY for OCT/NOV 5 NIGHTS MINIMUM

——————————————————————————
SPECIAL PRICE 95 EUROS PER NIGHT INSTEAD OF 135 EUROS FOR OCTOBER NOVEMBER
WEEKLY PRICE 665 EUROS FOR OCT NOVEMBER
740 EUROS weekly starting december 2009
———————————————
THE APARTMENT IS VERY WELL LOCATED,ON THE COURTYARD, 1ST FLOOR IN AN ANTIQUE BUILDING, COMPLETELY RENEWED NEAR BY THE RIVER SEINE,OPERA GARNIER,THE TUILERIES GARDEN,SAINT GERMAIN DES PRES,LE MARAIS,ILE SAINT LOUIS… A PERFECT LOCATION METRO LOUVRE RIVOLI/PALAIS ROYAL/PONT NEUF/CHATELETS LES HALLES/…
SMALL STREET BETWEEN RUE DE RIVOLI AND RUE SAINT HONORE (VERY SAFE AREA AND TOURISTIQUE AREA) YOU WILL LIKE THE ATMOSPHERE WITH ALL FRENCH RESTAURANTS AND ITALIAN… AROUND
——————————————————————–
ALL CHARGES ARE INCLUDED: INTERNET ACCESS, HIGH SPEED (WIFI)LOCAL CALLS,HI FI,CABLED TV,MICRO WAVES,WASHING MACHINE,DISH WASHER,OVEN,TOWELS AND LINENS,…
NEW LARGE DOUBLE BED WITH NEW BULTEX MATTRESS(140*200),LARGE SHOWER ROOM,TOILETS SEPARATED,AMERICAN KITCHEN FULLY EQUIPPED WITH DISH WASHER,OVEN MICRO WAVES,WASHING MACHINE,COFFEE MACHINE,TOASTER,BLENDER,FRIDGE WITH FREEZER,…

SECURITY DEPOSIT REFUNDABLE THE DAY OF DEPARTURE 300 EUROS
CLEANING AND PRESSING AT THE END OF THE STAY(SHEETS,TOWELS,…)+ 50 EUROS

(Nacéra OURABAH directbylandlord@gmail.com en 2008)
Attention, pas encore effacés sur craigslist :
http://paris.fr.craigslist.org/apa/1396244865.html
http://paris.fr.craigslist.org/apa/1398179623.html
http://paris.fr.craigslist.org/apa/1398204460.html
http://paris.fr.craigslist.org/apa/1400923247.html
http://paris.fr.craigslist.org/apa/1400924591.html
http://paris.fr.craigslist.org/apa/1402963658.html
http://paris.fr.craigslist.org/apa/1402998680.html
http://paris.fr.craigslist.org/apa/1409395637.html
http://paris.fr.craigslist.org/apa/1409416148.html
http://paris.fr.craigslist.org/apa/1420928861.html
http://paris.fr.craigslist.org/apa/1422247787.html

ILS ONT POSTÉ LE SCAM EGALEMENT SUR CE SITE : http://www.beau-paris.com/apartment-rentals/html_pages/pid36_english.html

SCAM A PARIS (NIGERIA)

EUR680 / 1br – Lovely One Bedroom Flat For Rent (Paris) – PostingID: 1436925345

lewis.francoise@yahoo.com – 41.189.6.245 Lagos

De : Lewis Francoise
Received: from [41.189.6.245] by web112806.mail.gq1.yahoo.com via HTTP; Mon, 26 Oct 2009

I am Lewis Francoise.I am disable and currently living with the eldest of my daughters (Mariet) in the UK and my wife ( Anne)searches and auctions antiques and is presently studying Culture languages in Leeds,he think its a disturbing idea that i live alone with no one to take care of me concidering my present condition ,i also am taking the opportunity to be with Mariet because she has just put to bed.

It’s Annas’ 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,thats 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..

Our home is located in a well known street of Paris on Rue rambuteau, boasting a very Parisian atmosphere.. French shops, Antiquities, tea saloon created in an antiquity shop, fine restaurants, and all facilities: Subway 1 min walking distance, many bus stops and a city bus tour are all nearby.

The 60 sqm of this 1 bedroom apartment are very well arranged. The living room is large and equipped with a dining table and 4 chairs, TV with international channels and unlimited Internet access (broadband). Simple and comfortable bedroom, the kitchen is conveniently equipped with dishwasher, oven, microwave, coffee maker, kettle, and all kitchen utensils needed for cooking. The ensuite bathroom is large with a shower. Toilet separated.

I have attached pics of our home to this mail ………….hope you like them.

We will await your response
regards,
Lewis Francoise

 

SCAM PARIS & BERLIN

http://berlin.en.craigslist.de/apa/1414889684.html
http://paris.fr.craigslist.org/apa/1416216321.html
http://paris.fr.craigslist.org/apa/1414879480.html

EUR400 / 1br – Spacious and Fully Furnished 1 Bedroom Flat For Rent In Berlin (Berlin)

Date: 2009-10-10, 1:15PM CEST
Reply to: chain.philipp@yahoo.com [Errors when replying to ads?]

this is a well furnished room, it is located in a good environment, if you are interested get back to me for more info

This very spacious 1 double bedroom apartment in Berlin

Internet Connection TV Video DVD
FurnishedThe Kitchen
Oven Washing Machine Furnished
Electric Hob Fridge Microwave Dish washer
Views Lake,
River or Field ViewsGeneral Description
Air Conditioning
Heating Porter
Furnished Electric
Heating Garage/Car park

PostingID: 1414889684

 

SCAM PARIS Gl Leclerc & BERLIN-Hannoversche Straße

bucknerj74@yahoo.com / e.fisher49@yahoo.com

A Paris http://paris.fr.craigslist.org/apa/1422291319.html

& à Berlin : http://berlin.en.craigslist.de/apa/1422262806.html

The Apartment was renovated to a high standard a few years ago and all the furniture, fittings are modern and functional. The Apartment has its own gas central heating, ’ship’s deck’ style flooring throughout and porcelain tiles in the bathroom. There is an intercom system for the main door, as well as smoke/heat alarms and extinguishers in the Apartment

Living area:
The main attraction is the double fronted living area facing the front of the building. It is spacious and practical; not only in width but also due to its high ceiling which give a feeling of space. On one end it has a comfortable Muji sofa which doubles up as an additional sleeping space for when you have guests staying the night. On the other side you have the dining area, which can also act as a work/study area, and there is a full size open plan kitchen in the corner.

Bedroom:
The First bedroom features a king-size bed with bedside tables on both sides and plenty of storage space in a good size wardrobe with frosted glass sliding doors. The bedroom faces the back of the building.

The Second bedroom features a spacious-size bed with bedside tables on both sides and plenty of storage space in a good size wardrobe with frosted glass sliding doors.

Bathroom:
The bathroom is compact, but manages to fit in a bath with overhead shower and glass shower screen. The bathroom has been tiled with porcelain tiles throughout.

Additional points of interest:
The double height windows in the living area open up to a small terrace facing the front of the building
Integrated washer/dryer nicely tucked away in one of the kitchen units
Gas Central Heating Boiler
Internet Connections

SCAM RUE JEAN MERMOZ

Scam grossier à un mois d’intervalle…

EUR700 / 1br – Mermoz 1br 2 People Apartment Paris (paris)

---

Date : 2009-09-28, 11:43AM CEST
Répondre à : hous-pw4dr-1395871474@craigslist.org
.
OVERVIEW
This spacious and chic apartment of 80sqm, 2 bedrooms, is located on the 8th arrondissement, on the second floor without lift of an ancient building, rue Jean Mermoz. This street direct to the Champs Elysees roundabout (Rond Point des Champs Elysees). Very luminous, this apartment is perfect for 6 people, but it can also welcome up to 8 people with a additional fees. This place proposes 2 living rooms, from the entrance, you will access to the larger one, ( faces the street Jean Mermoz). It’s also totally covered with a wooden floor (point de Hongrie style a very classical work). This space is nicely furnished with a sofa bed (160cm queen size) for 2 people, and 2 armchairs. You will find also a coffee table which can be also convert into a dining table. At your disposal a flat screen TV with international channels, a DVD player.

LOCATION & AREA
this apartment is ideally situated in one of the most luxury districts of Paris, near the Champs Elysees and the Faubourg St Honore street. Within few min walk you’ll reach the most beautiful avenue of the world, as well as restaurants shops, theatre.
Address: Paris 75008, France
Nearest Metro / Subway: Franklin Roosvelt – 500 Meters
Accommodation located in city, town, near shopping area, near restaurants & bars, near cultural interest, near historical interest !

EUR1810 / 3br – Mermoz street, up to 6 guests, charm luxe, 3BR (PARIS)

Date : 2009-10-23, 11:34AM CEST
Répondre à : hous-drecj-1433880721@craigslist.org [Errors when replying to ads?]

This spacious and chic apartment of 80sqm, 2 bedrooms, is located on the 8th arrondissement, on the second floor without lift of an ancient building, rue Jean Mermoz.
This street direct to the Champs Elysees roundabout (Rond Point des Champs Elysees).
Very luminous, this apartment is perfect for 6 people, but it can also welcome up to 8 people with a additional fees.
This place proposes 2 living rooms, from the entrance, you will access to the larger one, ( faces the street Jean Mermoz). It is also totally covered with a wooden floor (point de Hongrie style a very classical work). This space is nicely furnished with a sofa bed (160cm queen size) for 2 people, and 2 armchairs.
You will find also a coffee table which can be also convert into a dining table. At your disposal a flat screen TV with international channels, a DVD player.
The second living room (you access it through the 1st) is facing the courtyard, and proposes a charming chimney, and 2 armchairs.
A desk with a wifi connection and a telephone line are also at your disposal.
A sofa bed (double bed for 2) is available.
The master bedroom (facing the street) is 17 sqm and is furnished with a queen size bed, 2 night tables with bedside lights, a armchair and an ample built in wall closet.
The second bedroom is 10sqm (facing the street as well) is furnished with a double bed (2 guests) and 2 night tables with bedside lights.
The small kitchen of 8sqm is fully equipped with a table and stools, an oven, a micro waves, 4 vitroceramic plates , a fridge with a freezer, dishwasher, a coffee maker, a kettle.
And of course all the dishes and ustensils you need during your stay.
The bathroom is spacious and proposes a large bathtub, a shower, a washbasin with a mirror and shelves. A washing machine is at your disposal.
Toilets are separated (meaning not in the bathroom).

Location : this apartment is ideally situated in one of the most luxury districts of Paris, near the Champs Elysees and the Faubourg St Honore street. Within few min walk you will reach the most beautiful avenue of the world, as well as restaurants shops, theatre.

Closest Metro: Franklin Roosevelt, Miromesnil et St Philippe du Roule (Line 1 et 9) the line 1 is direct to the Louvre, Or the Marais, the line 9 leads you to Trocadero, or in the other way Grands Boulevards, or republique. Of Course those lines are connected to plenty of other.

Linen and towels are provided.

Price per night : ( 3 nights min) 310 euros.

Price per week :1810 Euros all tax and agency fees included.

Price per week for 7/8 guests : 2310 euros all tax and agency fees included.

Lieu : PARIS
Vous N’êtes PAS autorisé à contacter l’annonceur à l’origine de cette offre au sujet d’autres services ou intérêts commerciaux.

SCAM PARIS & BERLIN

Scam de Posting ID 1430885666 damienmichel1@sify.com – IP 41.219.192.92 LAGOS  & berndm323@gmail.com posté à Paris et à Berlin. Toujours les mêmes photos.

WARNING: fake rentals like this one all over Craigslist Paris

EUR800 / 2br – Apartment For Rent In Paris

---

Date : 2009-10-23, 9:55PM CEST
Répondre à : hous-aatuv-1434684539@craigslist.org ^{[Errors when replying to ads?]}

Brand New, Beautiful 2 Beds, 2 Baths unit available immediately. Hardwood Flooring in Living, Dining, Granite Countertop in Kitchen and Stainless Steel Appliances. Price includes locker and parking and use of 6 appliances.

Large Balcony
Walk to subway
Major hospitals

Contact me for more Details

Beware of scammer Gabriel Moses

Another fake landlord & fake ad. Don’t be a victim!

De : Moses Gabreil <apartmentmoses@gmail.com>

Date : 24 octobre 2009 20:58:34 HAEC

Objet : Rép : EUR800 / 2br – Apartment For Rent In Paris

Thanks for your email and interest in renting my house..I am Gabriel
Moses ,the owner of the house you are making enquiry of…Actually I
resided in the house with my family, my wife and my  only daugther
before and presently we have moved out due to my transfer from my work
now in  Padova,Italy. Presently my house is still available for rent
for 800 EURO (rent already includes utilities).More so Now, i’m
currently in Padova,Italy for an international Christian follower’s
crusade. Pls i want you to note that i spent a lot on my property that
i want to give to you for rent,so i will solicit for your
absolutemaintenance of this house and want you to treat it as your
own, It is not the money that is the main problem  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.I also want you to let me have trust in you as i
always stand on my word.

This is the address of the House..
Address :  rue du Cardinal Lemoine
City : Paris
Postal Code : 75005
(Nearest Public Transport :  Cardinal Lemoine (Line 10)

Description:
On 5th floor with lift furnished 2 room apartment consiting of :entry,
open equipped kitchen/bar, living room with balcony offring a nice
open view, one double bedroom with balcony & bathroom with toilets.

Bedrooms: 2 Bedrooms
Bathrooms: 1 Bathroom
Area: More than 850 square meters.
Monthly rent: 800 EURO included  Utilities
Deposit: 700 EURO
Rent min: 1 month +
Maximum Rent: 4 years +

It has a dramatic entry foyer with ceramic floor. Extremely spacious
rooms throughout with lots of big windows…nice and  light! New
neutral paint and some newer carpet..Very quiet, low  traffic area.
New fridge (7/07)…I believe its absolutely a perfect home for you
and your family.Utilities include Water,Trash,Sewer,Gas

SO IF YOU ARE REALLY INTERESTED I WILL WANT

YOU TO FILL THE RENT
APPLICATION FORM BELOW.

RENT APPLICATION FORM.

FIRST NAME:__________?
MIDDLE NAME:__________?
LAST NAME:__________?
PROFESSION:__________?
PHONE:
(CELL)PHONE__________?
(WORK)PHONE__________?
(HOME)PHONE__________?
KIDS _____ (YES/NO), HOW MANY ________
PRESENT ADDRESS: _____________________
CITY: _______________
STATE:______________
ZIP CODE: ____________
HOW LONG? ___________IF RENTING
WHY ARE YOU LEAVING__________?
IF THIS HOUSE IS BEING GIVEN TO YOU,
HOW LONG DO YOU INTEND STAYING?

____________?
WHEN DO YOU INTEND MOVING IN?

______________?
IF YOU HAVE A PET,
NAME OF PET: _____________?
KIND OF PETS: _____________?
HABITS
DO YOU SMOKE ______________ ?
DO YOU DRINK ______________?
DO YOU WORK LATE NIGHT? ____?

Looking forward to hearing 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 keys to you,please we are giving you all
this based on trust and again i will want you to stick to your
words,you know that we have not seen yet and only putting everything
into Gods hands,so please do not let us down in this our  property and
God bless you more as you do this… The house is available for rent
at the moment so you are free to move in as soon as you wish to…A
Deposit of 700 EURO (which happens to be the security  deposit) is
required before moving in….The house will be available for rent for
a period of 4 years so you have a choice of deciding how long you
intend staying there…

God Bless

Surrey woman loses $9,000 in Olympic rental scam

By Tom  Zytaruk, Surrey Now (Canada),  Oct. 6, 2009

VANCOUVER — A Surrey woman was scammed out of almost $9,000 after trying to rent her home out during the 2010 Olympics by placing an online ad on Craig’s List.

Surrey RCMP Sgt. Roger Morrow said the victim has asked police not to make her name public. He said she was contacted by someone claiming to be a doctor from England, who raised the ante by saying he and his family would like to rent her place for a year for $30,000.

She bit. The “doctor” then sent her a cheque for $39,000, and then contacted her to say he’d sent too much and needed $8,900 back to cover his moving costs.

To read the rest of the story, click here.

Warning: Don’t be the next Mugu!

The following warning was recently posted on Craigslist Paris. The author of the posting points out some very Big Red Flags. Take note and beware!

.

EUR400 Furnished Living room with TV connected to cable and DVD ((Scam Centre))

Date: 2009-09-22, 4:25PM CEST
Don’t be the next Mugu (google it) and respond to this advert. He just posted the exact same ad twice for both Paris and in Denmark. The scammers are getting lazy but I am astounded that people are so easy to fool. I had 3 responses from people who responded when I re-posted a fake advert located in Scamville and put a bold warning at the top about how to avoid being ripped off.

If it looks to good to be be true, it’s a scam.
If they don’t identify what arrondissment it is in and only mark the post PARIS or City Centre, it’s a scam. If they offer you “internet via wireless and LAN and also Broadband aswell for your computing purpose”, it’s a scam. I have seen this phrase recycled in more than half of the fake adverts here. It might be hard for a non-english speaker to catch it but the English is terrible. Ask someone you know who does know English if the ad strikes you as a little funny.

This is the false ad below, and I would like to stress this time that I AM NOT OFFERING HOUSING! Do not contact me asking if you can live with me in my magical palace in the sky with washing machine and dryer!

Hello,

Pls If you are interested in sharing the flat with me, i will be glad if you can contact me for more information…

The faciities which are available in the apartment are as follows:

1. Private Bathroom and Toilet
2. Furnished Living room with TV connected to cable and DVD
3. Shared Kitchen with gas, water available
4. There is connection to internet via wireless and LAN and also Broadband aswell for your computing purpose,so you can come with your laptop or desktop if you have one.
5. Washing machine and Dryer
6. Furnished Bedroom with window blind and Bed spread

7. rent is 4000-DKK and the utility bills is included.

duration in the apartment is one month and long term stay is also welcome..

Thanks

And again for the Parisian mugu:

The faciities which are available in the apartment are as follows:

1. Private Bathroom and Toilet
2. Furnished Living room with TV connected to cable and DVD
3. Shared Kitchen with gas, water available
4. There is connection to internet via wireless and LAN and also Broadband aswell for your computing purpose,so you can come with your laptop or desktop if you have one.
5. Washing machine and Dryer
6. Furnished Bedroom with window blind and Bed spread

7. rent is 400 Euro and the utility bills is included.

duration in the apartment is one month and long term stay is also welcome..

Thanks

* cats are OK – purrr
* dogs are OK – wooof
* it’s NOT ok to contact this poster with services or other commercial interests

“My house is for rent?” Adventures in online scam baiting

By Jacqui Cheng, Ars Technica, August 11, 2009

When one Ars staffer’s home got listed for rent on craigslist by a Nigerian looking for cash, we followed “her” down the rabbit hole to see where the newest Internet scam would lead.

To read the rest of the story, click here.

WARNING about Philip Gordon and MDG Paris

Scamwatch has been made aware of the following reports about Philip Gordon and MDG Paris.  If you are concerned about getting your damage deposit returned, don’t rent from Philp Gordon, MDG Paris, MDG Consulting, or MDG France!

.

Mar 15, 2009 5:04 PM

Warning: Don’t rent from a Philip Gordon of MDG Paris or MDG Consulting, even though he has websites that suggest he’s legitimate. I rented from him in the summer of 2008 and paid the full rent well in advance to reserve the apartment. Shortly before I arrived he indicated that he also required a second payment, equal to the full rent, as a security deposit during my stay. It was too late for me to make other arrangements so I had to pay him. He then weaseled out of returning my deposit. He made a series of excuses for not being able to meet me before my departure from Paris and for several further delays in issuing my refund via PayPal, which he kept reassuring me he would do “within a few days” since I was an ideal tenant. Eventually, he simply ceased all communication. I mistakenly thought that using PayPal would offer me some protection, but in the end I was out of pocket.

.

Jul 21, 2009 5:17 PM

We also had a regrettable experience with Philip Gordon, (aka Philip Wire) with listing under mdgparis, mdg-france, mdg-consultants, bluematrix, Anne-Lyse. We rented his apartment at 54 rue de Seine for 5 weeks last fall. We paid a full month deposit in advance, then our 5 weeks rental fee just before arriving. All went well until our departure. Philip was too busy to meet and check us out – but “no worries” he would forward the deposit via PayPal. Our emails after arriving home went unanswered. He answered his phone once – assured us all was well – yup, you guessed it – further calls went directly to voice mail. We fortunately had paid PayPal using our credit card – so we were able to file a dispute through our credit card company. Ah, then we heard from Philip. After 30+ days of no response from Philip, he emailed and made some absurd accusations about “things” gone missing – the cost of which was yet to be determined and of course deducted from our deposit. However, a charge back for the full deposit was credited to our credit card account immediately when we initiated the dispute (obviously that got Philip’s attention), pending an investigation – which went on for several month. We had a very clear trail of documentation which we were asked to submit – and it was eventually officially resolved in our favor.

.

Aug 11, 2009 9:01 AM

We have similarly had an incident with Philip Gordon, by renting through www.vrbo.com He demanded both the rent and the damage deposit months in advance and requested the money be wired to him. The house we rented was his country home and it was very nice but he has failed to return our 500 Euro damage deposit to us. He repeatedly told us that he would return it on different dates, and then made up excuses about why he couldn’t. He alleged, finally, the he wired the money back to us, and claimed to have a copy of the recipt, but several weeks later we are yet to see the funds in our bank account. VRBO, while I would assume a trustworthy site, can not protect against these types of unscrupulous types.

..

For more about this on Tripadvisor.com, click on this link:

More scammer warnings

Watch out for the following scammers (taken from a recent warning posted on Craigslist):

Micheal Mastrull using michealmastrull@yahoo.com and toayomipoc2009@yahoo.com, renting an apartment on the “first come first serve basis”.

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TEE GEE using teegee1234@gmail.com, only questions, but no information about the accommodation s/he offers.

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A person using the aliases Adolfo or Gus Balague or Tyan B and others and the email address

abalague@ymail.com, as.systems@ymail.com and others, pretends to have just a one year contract with a shipping company or design company in London and renting out a flat for a year.

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Stephen Hughes using hughes_stephen@rocketmail.com pretends to own an apartment avenue Henri Martin, requests financial information immediately, no offer to visit the apartment.

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Aurelie Dorgny using kilowanle@yahoo.com, pretends to have “2 separate bedrooms apartment to rent,the apartment is well furnished with facility and internet wireless is also available.”

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Camille Philips using philipscamille99@gmail.com, apartment located in the hip Marais (4ème).

furtune me using furtune.me@gmail.com, place in unknown location in central Paris.

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Phillip David using phillipdavid1969@gmail.com, place in unknown location in central Paris.

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Scott James using scottjames73@gmail.com pretending to be a retired American engineer, apartment next to the Arc de Triomphe and Champs Elysés.

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Anne Matthias using anne.matthias@yahoo.com pretends to have retired to her daughter in the UK because of her handicap and after heavy discussions with her husband to put her apartment in Paris on rent.

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Carole Dossin using carole_d1985@yahoo.com, offering 85 sqm appartment in 9th arrondissement for 400 euros only!

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thiery thiery using t.thiery@yahoo.com renting out “alobely place for rent now in center of Paris”.

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Edward Lockwood using edlockwood1@live.com, asks lots of questions without providing information about rental.

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