Laurie Paucot: prolific scammer based in Lagos, Nigeria
If you post a housing wanted ad and get a message from someone using the alias Laurie Paucot this is a scam!
Messages come from lauriepaucot@live.com or lauriepaucot@yahoo.com, using IP address 41.219.208.15 (LAGOS, NIGERIA) or some other Lagos IP.
LAURIE PAUCOT IS A PROLIFIC, REPEAT SCAMMER ON CRAIGSLIST.
Here’s what one Craigslister had to say:
“How did you find out that the e-mails came from Nigeria? I’m asking because she responded to a notice that I posted. I had a very weird feeling about it, but kept asking for more and more info from her. I actually wasn’t satisfied with her responses, and the apt she had just looked too good to be true.”
Here’s Laurie Paucot in her own words:
From: Laurie Paucot <lauriepaucot@live.com>Date: June 10, 2008 15:50:00 PDT (CA)Subject: apartment available in parisHello,
How are you doing?i saw your advert of wanting an apartment in paris and i have a vacant apartment at 22, Rue Caumartin, 75009 Paris, France so i thought contacting you will be a good idea………..dont essitate to get back to me if you are interested in my apartment and seeing pictures and more details…Hope to read from you as soon as possible….
Regards.
From: Laurie Paucot <lauriepaucot@yahoo.com>Date: May 14, 2008 16:19:45 PDT (CA)Subject: One Bedroom apartment in ParisReply-To: lauriepaucot@yahoo.comJust came across your advert on the site and i have an apartment to let so i thought contacting you will be good to see your chances of being tenant. I am looking for a tenant. All utilities included (electricity, gas, cable, council tax and wireless cable internet,there is also a regular phone line.
Spacious one bedroom apartment entirely renovated six months ago. New bathrooms and kitchen. Very clean and tastefully decorated. Sunny and quiet..the room is medium size, a vintage drawer desk and a great build in closet plus shelves, carpet floors and clean walls.
There is interne access,cable,electricity,kitchen utensil and gas,it is also well furnished.
Located at center of Paris,20,Rue Montorgueil,Paris,75002. And the price of the apartment per month including utilities bills and council tax is €700
I am seeking someone with an utmost level of maturity,stable occupation,responsible, reliable, respectful of other people’s privacy and willing to keep a clean and peaceful atmosphere .
I will be waiting to read from you as soon as possible.
Cheers,
Laurie.
From: Laurie Paucot <lauriepaucot@live.com>Date: May 14, 2008 17:29:38 PDT (CA)Subject: apartment available in paris
Hello,
How are you doing?i saw your advert of wanting an apartment in paris and i have a vacant apartment at 22, Rue Caumartin, 75009 Paris, France so i thought contacting you will be a good idea………..dont essitate to get back to me if you are interested in my apartment and seeing pictures and more details…Hope to read from you as soon as possible….
Regards.
June 26, 2008 at 6:08 am |
THANK YOU… I placed an ad for an appartment for rent in Paris. That uknown person contacted me right away, supposedly being in London and have that same apartment vacant in Paris… At that monthly rent for the pictures I saw, it is a real bargain…
Is the best solution to say a warm YES and then forget?
I have seen another ad which had the same typing mistakes… It was a deaf person, so that calling is not possible ! she was supposedly living in Los Angeles… The pictures were from a pristine luxurious place at 600E/month… I can find the original emails if needed.
I will be more cautious now?
Thank you.
Doug
July 26, 2008 at 11:02 pm |
THANKS A LOT!!!
I posted an ad on the craigslist that I was looking for an apartment for rent in Paris in September. I was contacted right away by 2 different scammers. They both offered me apartments for very cheap price — unbelievably cheap!
One of them — ASHADE TERRY ASKED 180E for a 2 bedroom apartment for 5 nights for 6 of us!!! I did some research before and know that it is usually the price for 1 night. Then when I asked him if I can pay via pay pal or credit card, he said that he takes cash only and we need to sign some contract that I never saw. Anyway he seemed very desperate in his attempt to trap me, even mentioned his OWN lawyer. Another scam is Laurie Paucot who proposed a beautiful 2 bedroom apartment E300\5 nights, and takes cash ONLY! I have all their e-mails, if they are needed.
I”m glad I googled their names and came across your post!
Thank you!
Irina
August 9, 2008 at 9:25 pm |
Eloise Caroline, Laurie Paucot, Steve James, Mary Gray, Oliver Tavako….I love them all!
I say, to keep them up on their toes . Get them all excited. Play their game: make further inquiries and sound dumb. It’s hilarious because they get itchy, demanding and frustrated so their replies are condescending. The nerve!
Give them a fake ID and account number as well. Ask confusing questions. They just answer the emails mechanically some of them gets sloppy by signing off with a different name. Sometimes, when they copy and paste, their messages mutate and are incomprehensible. It should wear them out too.
Here’s Mary Gray of 24hrmary@googlemail.com:
Dear D,
I am not telling you that my mum;s lawyer is in rush, i just telling you that before i can send you the Lease Agreement you need to send your Details simple, so if you are ready send your details ok.
Mary.
Here’s Eloise Caroline of loise.carol84@yahoo.com
no, i need to wire transfer- but i need the first full months rent when you decide and the second months rent the day you occupy- to me not to Thierry- via Paypal or a check on a US bank. I am sorry about this but I have learned in 12 years I am sure more lessons than you learned regarding payments. Early on, when ever i delayed payment, I never received payments and yet I had the flat occupied. If you can not make payment at the time I take the flat off the market, then we should just forget it now.
I can give you references……all profs in the USA
Caroline
September 10, 2008 at 7:04 am |
thank you soooo much!
January 23, 2009 at 10:50 am |
Well,
Thank you for being on the web! Although we were not taken, but we almost were! Here is the correspondance that I had with one scammer that we ALMOST trusted. Thank God for google!
Are you aware that you are listed on the internet as a craigslist scammer? I was feeling a little leary about send the money, and then ALMOST did send it anyway. But, not before typing your name and address into google just to see if I could get some sort of referral. I was surprised that I was almost taken by you so easily. You should be ashamed of yourself. What you are doing gives craigslist and those out there with good names, a bad one.Please stop what you are doing.
Elizabeth
— On Fri, 1/23/09, Laurie Paucot wrote:
From: Laurie Paucot
Subject: RE: apartment available in paris feb 6-7
To: @yahoo.com
Date: Friday, January 23, 2009, 8:51 AM
i wish you good luck
——————————————————————————–
Date: Fri, 23 Jan 2009 08:48:01 -0800
From: @yahoo.com
Subject: RE: apartment available in paris feb 6-7
To: lauriepaucot@live.com
Unfortunately, we are not comfortable using Western Union. If you have another way to do this transaction, that would be great. Otherwise, we will look elsewhere. We hope you understand. Thank you.
Elizabeth
— On Thu, 1/22/09, Laurie Paucot wrote:
From: Laurie Paucot
Subject: RE: apartment available in paris feb 6-7
To:@yahoo.com
Date: Thursday, January 22, 2009, 11:01 PM
Hello,
I thought you are not interested in my apartment anymore,and i don’t have any reason to urgently fly to paris if i don’t have a tenant yet,with this i have a change of plan about my arrival in paris…i have to stay with my parent till wednesday…you did not reply me earlier…this makes me think you are not serious…you don’t have to be worried,you are in safe hands…your money is save,i have lot of people who want to rent this apartment,i told you earlier that i can send you a scan copy of my passport…with this i thnk you are secured…kindly update me if you still want to rent my apartment…linen will not be a problem…i will definately arrange for that…Hope to read from you as soon as possible…
Regards.
——————————————————————————–
Date: Thu, 22 Jan 2009 09:06:10 -0800
From: @yahoo.com
Subject: RE: apartment available in paris feb 6-7
To: lauriepaucot@live.com
Laurie, Sorry for the late reply. We certainly want to rent your flat. We’re just a little apprehensive of sending it via Western Union. They have a pretty hefty fee. You are asking for the 100EURO deposit, correct? I’me sure everything will be fine, but for us, if we send it western union and for some reason we do not hook up or something happens with you, we have no recorse to get our money returned to us. Without you having the web prescence, we would be out quite a bit of money. I hope you understand. We’re in a foreign country, new town, etc.We’ve never rented this way, but we’re looking forward to our stay at your flat! You mentioned that you have some references that you can get to me when you return to Paris? I would still love to get that information, if possible. Yes, we would need linens, thank you. I will be home for the next 2 hours, and then not back till late tonight. Hope you have a safe trip back to Paris from London! Any great places to eat in London that we shouldn’t miss while we’re there before Paris? We’ll be there for 5 days.Thanks!
Elizabeth
— On Tue, 1/20/09, Laurie Paucot wrote:
From: Laurie Paucot
Subject: RE: apartment available in paris feb 6-7
To: @yahoo.com
Date: Tuesday, January 20, 2009, 1:09 AM
Hello,
I have never used a paypal and i did not have a paypal account,i will set for the western union as it will be easier for both of us…i will definately be there to hand over the keys and show you round the apartment when you arrive…and there is no problem with your calling to states,there is phone available…i said (all bills included)…i’m not listed with any rental agencies…just that i will be living with my husband and like to rent out my apartment for additional income…i will like to know if you will be coming with linens or you will like if i provide that for you…let me know that…as for the outview picture…i browse through my laptop and was able to get one…i took it some times ago…here are the informations you will need to make the western union transfer…
Name:Laurie Paucot
Address:30 Great Ormond Street, Camden, WC1N 3JH, UK…let me know as soon as you get it done so that the apartment can be reserved for you…Hope to read from you as soon as ;possible…
Regards.
——————————————————————————–
Date: Mon, 19 Jan 2009 18:11:17 -0800
From: @yahoo.com
Subject: RE: apartment available in paris feb 6-7
To: lauriepaucot@live.com
There should be a Western Union somewhere around me. Honestly, I’ve never used one. Do you have a paypal account? That would be a much safer way for both of us.
Will you be there to greet us when we arrive or will someone else? Some of the places that we have inquired about have included calls back to the states in their rental fee. Just checking…..need to keep in touch with the kiddos. Are you listed with any rental agencies or websites? Just curious. We’ve never rented this way before. A little nervous and excited all at the same time. As soon as we receive your references and passport photo, we will forward you the information you need for a rental agreement. We would still love to see any photos you have looking out of your flat onto the street view. Look forward to your reply.
Elizabeth
— On Sun, 1/18/09, Laurie Paucot wrote:
From: Laurie Paucot
Subject: RE: apartment available in paris feb 6-7
To: @yahoo.com
Date: Sunday, January 18, 2009, 11:49 PM
Hello,
It is left to you to determine the check in time or check out time…to me…you have the whole 3days…you can check in as early as you want and you will check out on the 3rd day…you can google map the distance from the eurorail station…i think that will give you a good and full discription…it is on the second floor with elevator and it is few minutes walking distance from the pizza restaurant…i will get the reference immediately i get back to paris…yes i have internet(wifi) and phone…is there any western union outlet around you?…you will also have to get back to me with your names,present address and phone number in which i will prepare a rental agreement form for you to sign…Hope to read from you as soon as possible…
Regards.
——————————————————————————–
Date: Sun, 18 Jan 2009 13:22:25 -0800
From: @yahoo.com
Subject: RE: apartment available in paris feb 6-7
To: lauriepaucot@live.com
We love it! A few more questions:
check in and check out time?
do you know the distance to your place from the eurorail station? We’ll be coming in from London at 3:30pm. think that wi
I think I found the address with google photos. Which floor is this on and are you near the pizza restaurant?
We would like the reference when you get back to Paris.
Access to the internet and phone mean that you have them there?
We look forward to hearing from you! What other information do you need from us?
Miller
— On Sun, 1/18/09, Laurie Paucot wrote:
From: Laurie Paucot
Subject: RE: apartment available in paris feb 6-7
To:71@yahoo.com
Date: Sunday, January 18, 2009, 1:30 AM
Hello,
it means you don’t have to pay any extra charge for electricity,council tax…and so on…(all bills are included in the rent),i will confirm on how you can get the deposite to me here as i’m in london to visit my parents and i will be back in paris on friday…there is a fireplace in the bedroom…Gas is available and electricity is also available…you have paid for all these and you can definately use it…i live nearby…and you can get reference but i will like to have get back to paris before i could do that…but i can scan a copy of my passport for you as i have it here with me…Hope to read from you as soon as possible…
Regards.
——————————————————————————–
Date: Sat, 17 Jan 2009 20:56:33 -0800
From: @yahoo.com
Subject: RE: apartment available in paris feb 6-7
To: lauriepaucot@live.com
Laurie, What does ‘all bills included mean’? How would we do the deposit? Is there a firplace in the living room AND the bedrooom? Gas, electric or wood? Can we use it?Do you live nearby? Can I get any references? Do you have any photos of the outside or the inside looking out? I know its a lot of questions!Look forward to hearing from you!
The dates would be Saturday, 7th, checking out on Tuesday, the 10th.
Elizabeth
— On Sat, 1/17/09, Laurie Paucot wrote:
From: Laurie Paucot
Subject: RE: apartment available in paris feb 6-7
To: @yahoo.com
Date: Saturday, January 17, 2009, 1:21 PM
The apartment has many features including sash windows and an ornate fireplace in the bedroom.there are many excellent facilities .Access to Internet,Microwave,Washing machine,dryer,fridge,freezer,toaster,Dish washer,cooker,Iron,Hair dryer,CD Player,Kettle,DVD Player…The rent per day is 50euro and it will be 150euro for the 3days(all bills included) and security deposite of 100euro which serve as the reservation of my apartment for you…Kindly get back to me on what you think as soon as possible…
Regards
——————————————————————————–
Date: Sat, 17 Jan 2009 12:55:27 -0800
Subject: Re: apartment available in paris feb 6-7
To: lauriepaucot@live.com
Yes, yes! I would love to see photos and get more information asap! Thank you! We might possibly say 3 days? Is that okay? We would love a rate closer to the EUR 50. What ammeneties do you have?
Elizabeth
— On Sat, 1/17/09, Laurie Paucot wrote:
From: Laurie Paucot
Subject: apartment available in paris feb 6-7
To: hous-996614013@craigslist.org
Date: Saturday, January 17, 2009, 12:06 PM
** CRAIGSLIST ADVISORY — AVOID SCAMS BY DEALING LOCALLY
** Avoid: wiring money, cross-border deals, work-at-home
** Beware: cashier checks, money orders, escrow, shipping
** More Info: http://www.craigslist.org/about/scams.html
Hello,
How are you doing?i saw your advert of wanting an apartment in paris and i have a vacant apartment at 22, Rue Caumartin, 75009 Paris, France so i thought contacting you will be a good idea………..dont essitate to get back to me if you are interested in my apartment and seeing pictures and more details…Hope to read from you as soon as possible….
Regards.
July 1, 2009 at 3:54 am |
I think Laurie Paucot is now using Stefani Paucot. I got an email that is almost identical to one listed above about a Paris apartment too good to be true.
July 15, 2009 at 3:35 am |
Have wasted a day (but thankfully no money) talking to scammers from Craigslist in my search to find a flat in Paris.
You may want to add these guys to your list. The ones that weren’t smart enough to use the untraceable gmail, I all traced back to Nigeria.
The majority offered too good to be true prices on flats, stated they were working abroad on contract work (China and London) and would send the key to me in the post or claimed to be religious people.
Many also specified that tragedies had taken place in their life – the flat belonged to his/her deceased parents etc.
ALL 100% con artists. I hope this message helps someone, perhaps doing a search for a name or email address.
Email: as.systems@ymail.com Name: Tyan B
Email: akeindel05@gmail.com Name: Ashley Burham
Email: consultant255@gmail.com Name: Harold Walter
Email: samsah.george818@gmail.com Name: George Samsah
Email: tmthary@yahoo.com Name: Harry Jonnathan
Email: lavalxavier@yahoo.com Name: Laval Xavier
Email: vamandine25@yahoo.com Name: Viaud Amandine
July 21, 2009 at 1:46 pm |
Thank you for info
July 24, 2009 at 6:22 am |
Wow. This amandine woman contacted me. Thankyou!
September 1, 2009 at 2:05 am |
I’ve been writing back and forth with Stefani Paucot, and it seemed great, until she sent pictures that are way too good to be true.
This must be the same person because she uses the same address on rue caumartin:
stefani.paucot@gmail.com
What the hell is the point of them doing this besides wasting our time? They must have some poor people wire them money pretty often, because otherwise it just looks like a waste of time for them too.
UGH!