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).

CAUGHT: Olympic rental scam traced to U.S.

By Dan Ferguson, Surrey North Delta Leader (Canada)

A 52-year-old woman from Lakewood, Colorado has been arrested for involvement in an Olympic rental scam that cost a Surrey homeowner $8,900.

Police in Lakewood, a municipality of 144,000 people near Denver, made the arrest earlier this month after learning the money was picked up at Moneygram offices at Wal-Mart stores in Denver and Lakewood.

To read the rest of the story, click here.

The original report is here.

SCAM RUE DU CHEMIN VERT

SCAM PARIS & MILAN fred.jamies@yahoo.com

http://milan.de.craigslist.it/apa/1315074880.html

http://paris.craigslist.org/apa/1482483384.html

EUR450 Comfortable 2 bedrooms apartment for rent/lease, it is available (paris)

Date : 2009-11-26, 12:40AM CET
Répondre à : fred.jamies@yahoo.com [Errors when replying to ads?]

Comfortable 2 bedrooms apartment for rent/lease, it is available for long / short term rent, located at quiet, clean and safe area in central Paris, it’s fully furnished living room that has broadband Internet, TV,Land line phone, clear bathrooms and toilets with well equipped kitchen that has modern facilities such as microwave, oven,refrigerator,washing machine, dish washer….For more details contact me via my email address below.
E-mail:fred.jamies@yahoo.com
PICS AVAILABLE

cats are OK – purrr
dogs are OK – wooof
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.
PostingID: 1482483384

Début du message réexpédié :
De : Fred Jamies
Objet : Apartment Still Available For Rent!!

Good day ,

My name is Fred Jamie,I was born in Los Angeles,And Work as a Choir Coordinator in Living Gospel Church L.A,I am the owner of the House you are making inquiry for.Actually i resided in the House with my family and Only Daughter but had to move out after My Transfer to another Branch of our Church in Uk .Its just been 2 months since i had left with My Family.

Presently My House is still Available for Rent

Criteria _looking for a responsible person that can take very good care of the Apartment .

Due to The urgent need of my Transfer i couldn’t Handover the Documents and Key to An Agent,it was hard Finding an Agent at that stipulated time and my only Trusted Relative that could have done that for me travelled To Dominica Republic a month before i left for uk ,so i had come down with the Documents and keys To The Apartment ,But that isnt a problem ,that can be handled .The House includes utilities like heat, hydro, cable,fridge, Gas cooker /Stove, it cooks with dishwasher, hall, dining room, bath, cleanliness, air conditioned, TV, DVD, terrace, located in a well communicated very exclusive zone and with downtown. lovely furnished Hrdwd, Jacuzzi, loft, kitchen.The rent fees included all the utilities like hydro,washer and security,wifi, washing machine. located in a well communicated and exclusive zone and with downtown. lovely furnished Hrdwd, Jacuzzi, loft, kitchen in beautiful Victorian House. We accept pets like cat and Dogs.with parking space for 2 cars.All room wired for internet/cable and telephone.

Appliances and Utilities are included in the rent.

Rent:€450 per month
Policies Pet
Call for details Smoking:
Exterior Outdoor: Parking:

10 rue du Chemin Vert,
Paris 75011,
France..

Wonderful and clean So if you are interested in my House you get back to me by filling the Rent Application Form below.

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)Your Occupation Title:
9)How long have you been employed with them?
10)Contact Name for employment verification: Phone #:
11)What is your religion?
12)How long of a lease are you interested in?
13)Present Address with postal code, city and province:
14)Do you own or rent currently?:
15)Your Gross Monthly Income: €
16)Your first and last month rent is required.

The applicant certifies that all statements given here are true and correct, and authorizes the Landlord to contact any references given here in. It is further understood that all information given here remains confidential and private and will not be released to anyone other than lawful authorities without prior consent of the applicant. Applicant understands that no representations, promises, or agreements as to occupancy, lease or date of possession have been made. The owners, their representatives, or duly authorized agents shall not be liable for any loss or damage occurring due to the inability to deliver possession of the premises applied for. If the applicant withdraws this application, or upon acceptance does not take occupancy of the premises, all sums deposited will be retained by the owner as liquidated damages, and the applicant shall not acquire any right in or to said premises by reason there of. I’am a kind and honest person and also i spent alot on my property that i want to give you for rent,so i will solicit for your absolute maintenance of this House and want you to treat it as if it is your own, money is not 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 do that once in a while.I also want you to let me have trust in you as i always stand on my word. Looking forward to hearing back from you with all this details today,so that i can have them in my file,in case of issuing your rent payment receipt to you and for contacting you.

Hope to hearing back from you as soon as possible today.I will send you all the present pictures of the house.

May GOD bless you and your family.

Best Regards.

Fred Jamie.

The Property Owner.

WARNING: SCAM ILE SAINT LOUIS marco.marin@yahoo.com NIGERIA

SCAM http://paris.fr.craigslist.org/apa/1479411493.html

marco.marin@yahoo.com Lagos IP 41.219.194.185

EUR700 / 1br – One bedroom apartment on rue St Louis en Iles (Iles Saint Louis)
Date : 2009-11-23, 11:00PM CET
Répondre à : hous-kwqfb-1479411493@craigslist.org [Errors when replying to ads?]

One-bedroom apartment which is located on the enjoyable Ile Saint-Louis. Situated on the 2nd floor of a walkup buiding and overlooking a lovely paved courtyard ornated with trees and flowers, this spacious apartment is a luxurious refuge in Paris’ ancient heart. It will make your Paris stay really memorable. Charming one-bedroom apartment located in the smartest area of Paris, Ile Saint Louis, Rue Saint Louis en Isle between the Quai d?Anjou and the Quai de Bethune. This 51m2 apartment can accommodate 4 persons. The entry hall leads to the living room then the Kitchen on the right and on the other side, the bedroom and the bathroom. The 20m2 living room has two windows, north exposure, which faces the courtyard with beautiful trees. Double sofa bed,, a coffee table, a wooden chest, a TV, a phone and a hi-fi/dvd stereo. There is also a dining table with four chairs, few decorative objects, furniture such as lamps, pictures all over the room and a big cupboard. It has a beautiful old wooden floor and a high ceiling. The 15m2 bedroom has a Queen bed, a wooden chest and two bedside tables, a window which faces an other small and quiet courtyard. The separate small kitchen is open to the living room and is equipped with 2 electric burners, a refrigerator, a microwave, a dishwasher, a washing machine, a toaster, a coffee maker, and cupboards which contain cooking utensils

The bathroom has a shower, a washbasin with mirror and toilet,shower.

There is also a Dressing. Neighborhood: Iles Saint Louis, this mostly residential area is one of the most select and beautiful Parisian neighborhoods. In the middle of the island there are countless little shops, cosy crêperies, and chic restaurants, often in vaulted cellars, which form an attractive setting for an elegant meal. The harmony of the closely packed houses, the little cafes where a ?petit café? can be enjoyed at leisure, the quiet quays and the aura of the past which pervades the island, give it a particular charm. The Seine Islands, the egg, from which Paris was hatched, the Ile de la Cite lies quietly in the shadow of the Notre Dame. The home of French kings until the 14th century, the island still maintains its medieval air. An iron bridge leads to the Ile Saint Louis, the smaller and quieter of the two river islands, which today is still very much as it was in the 17th century. It is very close to the Hotel De Ville, the Quartier Latin and the Panthéon The closest metro stations are Pont Marie or Sully-Morland (line 7)

PostingID: 1479411493

Réponse :

Hello,
Thanks for your interest. The apartment is furnished and well equipped with all home utilities and its internet access is unlimited. A large living room with a sofa bed for two people, kitchen and a nice bathroom with shower.
Facilities: independent heating system, air conditioning, washing machine, iron and iron board, hairdryer, coffeemaker.
The kitchen is well equipped with pots and pans, refrigerator, dish washer, dishes and so on.
In the sitting room there is a TV, Internet connection.

I am out of town presently doing a research in Lagos,west Africa with my family, we will be staying there for 6months and will move to our apartment in England, that is the main reason why we are renting out the apartment. My research is actually based amongst the less privileged African children. If you are interested in the apartment let me know so that we can make all necessary arrangements and also send the keys and documents through a courier company which will be delivered in two working days so that you can see the apartment and decide whether to rent it or not.

If you are interested in the apartment let me know so that we can make all necessary arrangements from you and also send the keys and documents through a courier company and will be received in the next 2 working days.

The apartment is located on the street of 10 rue St Louis en Ile Apartment Paris and its available now for long and short term tenant.

Total floor size of 51 m²
Price:700EURmonthly
Security Deposit:300EUR

Yours Sincerely,

Thanks,
God Bless.
Marco Marin.

SCAM PARIS RUE DE LA PARCHEMINERIE

Beware of the following scam ads on Craigslist!

Scammer posting from LAGOS IP 41.219.209.169 – suleigbira@yahoo.com FELIX N GON

http://paris.craigslist.org/apa/1472787634.html
http://paris.fr.craigslist.org/apa/1462424017.html
http://paris.fr.craigslist.org/apa/1474210264.html

EUR1100 / 2br – apartment of 2 separate rooms (paris city center rue de la parchemineri)
Date : 2009-11-19, 1:21PM CET
Répondre à : hous-3jkz5-1472787634@craigslist.org [Errors when replying to ads?]

The apartment has 2 separate bedrooms apartment well equipped ,furnished and
with internet wireless and communications access,the equipment such as
electronics,cooker,drier,refrigerator,chairs,gas cooker,internet,washing machine,dryer central heater

rue de la Parcheminerie 75005 Paris
Between the Seine quays and the Sorbonne University,where you can look at the cloisre of th Church sain severin and the Cluny Gardens.For sure you will walk to Saint Michel and to the pedestrian district of la Huchette close by.
Near by rue de la Harpe, rue de Cluny, rue Saint Jacques, rue Dante, Boulevard Saint Germain, Place Maubert Mutualite, rue des Ecoles, La Sorbonne, Boulevard Saint Michel, Quai Saint Michel.

Metro. St-Michel/Notre-Dame ou Cluny

* Lieu : paris city center rue de la parchemineri
* Vous N’êtes PAS autorisé à contacter l’annonceur à l’origine de cette offre au sujet d’autres services ou intérêts commerciaux.

PostingID: 1472787634

————————–

De : Felix N Gon
Objet : Rép : EUR1100 / 2br – apartment of 2 separate rooms (paris city center rue de la parchemineri)

Hello,
here is the pictures of the apartment,and also you ll find the
informations of it below i sent the pictures to you because i dont
stay in Paris now and that is the reason why i want to rent the 2
rooms to someone who ll take care of the apartment for me and i work
in Edinburgh so if you are okay and also like the pictures sent to you
then you can get back to me and tell me what you think about it The 2
bedrooms apartment well equipped ,furnished and
with internet wireless and communications access,the equipment such as
electronics,cooker,drier,refrigerator,chairs,gas cooker,internet,washing machine,dryer central heater.
The monthly rent for each of the room is 500 euros and a
security deposit of 600euro which is refundable if you do not damage
any of my properties in my Flat, while your stay there.because if you
do make any damages the money of the damages will be deducted from the
security deposit while the rest will be refund back to you and if you
do not make any damages then the whole amount of the money will be
refunded back to you.and there ll be CAF available.And for single room you ll
have to pay 500 euros and also the security deposit.
12, rue de la Parcheminerie 75005 Paris
Between the Seine quays and the Sorbonne University,where you can look at the cloisre of th Church sain severin and the Cluny Gardens.For sure you will walk to Saint Michel and to the pedestrian district of la Huchette close by.
Near by rue de la Harpe, rue de Cluny, rue Saint Jacques, rue Dante, Boulevard Saint Germain, Place Maubert Mutualite, rue des Ecoles, La Sorbonne, Boulevard Saint Michel, Quai Saint Michel.
Metro. St-Michel/Notre-Dame ou Cluny
Urgency really matters since i talk to so many people concerning
the rooms,because a lot of people had already waste my time on the
apartment this is why i need someone who can be bale to make
commitment on the apartment so i can be sure that you really love to
rent the apartment because i don’t want to waste my time and money
over to Paris and come to negative answers like others and i really
don’t want to waste your time either so i think you ll understand me
better on this hope to read from you soon and you ll find the attached
pictures of the apartment with the mail hope to read from you soon

 

TRIPLE SCAM SUR PARIS

Voici un triple SCAM avec des photos de maison andalouse à Paris… puis sans photos et de moins en moins de texte mais le même !

1) http://paris.fr.craigslist.org/apa/1460814636.html
mcalistermendez@yahoo.com
EUR400 / 2br – Charming and spacious apt for rent
Date : 2009-11-11, 11:06AM CET
Répondre à : mcalistermendez@yahoo.com [Errors when replying to ads?]

Hello everyone
I’m glad to tell you that i have a lovely apartment in (Paris)..My apartment is furnished with:
2 bedroom
living room
kitchen
toilet&bat Come home to Luxury & Style! — Beautiful 2 bedroom, 2 bath
Great well maintained building…

ELECTRONIC entry into the building.
Washer/dryers
his truly is a place to call home… is meticulously clean and renovated..
new kitchen and new bathroom and marvelous ceramic tiles from the kitchen, along the hallway to the bathroom.

This suite features a beautiful, neutral lay-out, top-of-the-line stainless steel appliances, maple cabinets, ensuite laundry and storage, full ensuite bath, walk-in closet, and loads of space to entertain

My apartment is with wireless internet,communication access,TV, DVD,and many more

cats are OK – purrr
dogs are OK – wooof
Vous N’êtes PAS autorisé à contacter l’annonceur à l’origine de cette offre au sujet d’autres services ou intérêts commerciaux.
PostingID: 1460814636

2) http://paris.fr.craigslist.org/apa/1460834335.html
EUR350 / 2br – Charming and spacious apt for rent
Date : 2009-11-11, 12:52PM CET
Répondre à : hous-zsvz7-1460834335@craigslist.org [Errors when replying to ads?]

Hello everyone
I’m glad to tell you that i have a lovely apartment in (Paris)..My apartment is furnished with:
2 bedroom
living room
kitchen
toilet&bat Come home to Luxury & Style! — Beautiful 2 bedroom, 2 bath
Great well maintained building…

ELECTRONIC entry into the building.
Washer/dryers
his truly is a place to call home… is meticulously clean and renovated..
new kitchen and new bathroom and marvelous ceramic tiles from the kitchen, along the hallway to the bathroom.

This suite features a beautiful, neutral lay-out, top-of-the-line stainless steel appliances, maple cabinets, ensuite laundry and storage, full ensuite bath, walk-in closet, and loads of space to entertain

My apartment is with wireless internet,communication access,TV, DVD,and many more

Vous N’êtes PAS autorisé à contacter l’annonceur à l’origine de cette offre au sujet d’autres services ou intérêts commerciaux.
PostingID: 1460834335

3) http://paris.fr.craigslist.org/apa/1460831813.html
EUR500 / 2br – 2 br apartment (paris city centre)
Date : 2009-11-11, 12:43PM CET
Répondre à : hous-eehtg-1460831813@craigslist.org [Errors when replying to ads?]

Hello everyone
I’m glad to tell you that i have a lovely apartment in (Paris)..My apartment is furnished with:
2 bedroom
living room
kitchen
toilet&bath
My apartment is with wireless internet,communication access,TV, DVD,and many more

Lieu : paris city centre
Vous N’êtes PAS autorisé à contacter l’annonceur à l’origine de cette offre au sujet d’autres services ou intérêts commerciaux.
PostingID: 1460831813

Le post original est ici : http://sevilla.es.craigslist.es/apa/1450747127.html

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: 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 

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.

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.

Cops: Longwood woman scammed would-be renters

by Gary Taylor, Orlando Sentinel (U.S.), January 17, 2009

A Longwood woman has been doing a booming business renting out a DeBary house, but there was only one problem, Volusia County sheriff’s investigators said: She didn’t own it.

Libra Latham, 37, faces four counts of burglary, three counts of scheme to defraud and two counts of grand theft. She is being held in the Volusia County Branch Jail in Daytona Beach with bail set at $60,000.

To read the rest of the story, click here.

Students defrauded in a repeat of property scam

by Jodi Mullen, The Journal Issue 13 (U.K.), November 9, 2008

Students in Edinburgh have once again fallen victim to scams by online fraudsters posing as legitimate landlords on a popular flat-finding website.

A number of Napier University students were conned out of hundreds of pounds when they arrived in the city to find no accommodation waiting for them and their deposits gone.

To read the rest of the story, click here.

 

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 photos stolen from other property advertisements or from home furnishing catalogues or hotel websites.

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!

Bed and Breakfast Scam on Craigslist Paris

This warning about a bogus bed & breakfast offered by someone using the name Sean Kirkham recently appeared on Craigslist. BEWARE!

Reply to: hous-809443590@craigslist.org 

Date: 2008-08-24, 12:24AM CEST

EUR50 Bed and Breakfast Scam (Paris)

Hi! I just got back from paris where I had rented a room in a bed and breakfast through Craig’s List. When I got to the address, the place was actually owned by a French couple. The police were familiar with this guy–Sean Kirkham–because apparently I was the third person that week with the same story AND he has stolen a fair amount of money from an adjacent bank. So…be careful! I’m attaching the ad below!

. 

The original scam ad:

.

EUR50 / 3br – Amazing Bed and Breakfast in the Heart of Paris!! (Paris, Ille-de-France)            

Reply to: hous-809017685@craigslist.org  
Date: 2008-08-23, 9:56AM CEST 

We are a small bed & breakfast, just three rooms. We offer Free Internet access (cable & wireless – bring your laptop along), separate bathrooms, and a full continental breakfast (buffet) included. We provide you with towels, bathrobes, hairdryer, tourist maps, … and a warm welcome. 

The Main bedroom boasts a queen-size bed, a 20-inch flat screen TV, DVD player and sound system, and unique architectural details like a natural stone wall and a quaint Romeo and Juliet balcony that overlooks the lush courtyard. 

The price is 50 Euro per night (one person) or 60 Euro per night (two persons). Reductions are possible when staying more than 3 nights. 

 

More information about Sean Kirkham’s B&B scam can be found here.

.

UPDATE: another warning has since been posted on Craigslist about the same scam being perpetrated under a different name:

 

EUR50 B & B in Paris – Buyer Beware!!!! (Marais)

Reply to: see below 

Date: 2008-09-12, 3:08PM CEST

Do not book a room with anyone who is offering a room in a B and B on Rue du Renard. He is a complete scam and will ask for 50 euro deposit but when you go there is no place. He will ask for the money through paypal, he will send you nice pictures of the place and will respond to your emails with details about the place and what a great choice you made. His email is billmckennainparis@gmail.com 

We have just also learned he goes by Sean Kirkham. 

Keep in mind that he will change his email and the location of the B & B but don’t pay anyone through paypal. We have also filed a complaint with the FBI and they are opening an investigation. So if you have also been frauded contact the FBI to further the case! 

New scam warnings: Doris Miller

Scammer Doris Miller runs the same scam in London and Amsterdam:

doris_miller890@yahoo.com

On Sat, Aug 2, 2008 at 2:33 AM, Doris Miller <doris_millerr890@yahoo.com> wrote:

Hello, 

  

   I am Doris ,from London . I saw your advert ( looking for a 1 bedroom ).I have a 1 bedroom in total + kitchen+toilets,the apartment  is fully furnished with (gas, washing machine , fridge, tv, dvd, beds) which is  located in the city area belonging to my Father in-law .He built the apartment when he was working but he has retired from work now,he will like to rent the apartment out to someone who can take good care of all the facilities he kept in it .If you are interested kindly mail me back for more info and  i will like to know where you are located ..

 

 

Doris

.

On Sat, Aug 2, 2008 at 1:33 AM, Doris Miller <doris_miller890@yahoo.com> wrote:

Hello, 

  

   I am Doris ,from Amsterdam . I saw your advert ( looking for a 1 bedroom ).I have a 1 bedroom in total + kitchen+toilets,the apartment  is fully furnished with (gas, washing machine , fridge, tv, dvd, beds) which is  located in the city area belonging to my Father in-law .He built the apartment when he was working but he has retired from work now,he will like to rent the apartment out to someone who can take good care of all the facilities he kept in it .If you are interested kindly mail me back for more info and  i will like to know where you are located ..

 

 

Doris

.

The pic of the apartment is attached on the file of these message. My Father in-law is the owner of the apartment is on a tour to the western coast of africa and will only come back to visit the apartment occasionally  .The rent will cost you 550 euros/month,we will needing 450 euro from your first month rent it will be paid to the lawyer, he will use to secure the apartment for you and also preapare all necessary papers for your stay in the apartment  so that when come you just move into the apartment without any problem. The balance will be paid at your convinent time,you may be the only one that will stay but if you do not wish to stay alone the other room will be rented out to the next applicant .The apartment has all the necessary amenities you will need (internet service, washing machine and so on ).The lawyer will need 100% of the  payment so that the apartment will be secured as soon as possible for you. You are the first to apply for the apartment and my Father in-law has just instructed me to give the apartment out to you and i will like to tell you that you have to act fast in paying the payment so that the apartment can be secure for you.I may wait for you at the airport if you will be coming through that way or we meet in convinent place so that we come to view the apartment. The apartment is located in Jordaan 100m from the Noordermarket and Prinsengracht in the centre of town and the payment  will made to the lawyer as soon as possible, so that all the necessary document will be process as soon as possible .I will need your full name ,contact address and phone that we will use in the preparation of the document ,i await you response asap.thanks 

Doris

.

Thanks to a Scam Watch Reader for this warning.  Also beware of anyone using these email addresses:

.

 

annah.smith85@yahoo.com

bradgeorge209@yahoo.com

brandyshaw111@yahoo.com

brigidasmi@yahoo.com

chicagogodwin@yahoo.com

christamber@yahoo.com

collinsalbert08@gmail.com

colomboapartment@googlemail.com

corly81@yahoo.com

david_mark1920@yahoo.com

dericluv102@yahoo.com

dominic.marshall@live.com

dr.timothy90@gmail.com

emmanueljackson29@yahoo.com

enprive@gmail.com

ericchek@gmail.com

fmiller72@yahoo.com

freebeez@rocketmail.com

geve_boo@yahoo.com

godismighty@ymail.com

gunkyrevs@yahoo.com

jacob.hall000@gmail.com

jerrycoal06@gmail.com

joanne_belly1234@yahoo.es

karenwales222@yahoo.com

kudianaibro900@yahoo.com

kvnkarin6@gmail.com

m4arethas00@gmail.com

m4berth@gmail.com

michala86@googlemail.com

mike_morphychamberx@yahoo.com

mllot002@yahoo.com

mllot002@yahoo.com

mt.huch@gmail.com

nelsen.john@yahoo.com

nicholas_ben07@yahoo.com

parisviproom@gmail.com

pdonladson360@yahoo.co.uk

Phelan.nilson@yahoo.com

picard.rue@gmail.com

renee_presy@ymail.com

richard.lewis001@yahoo.com

rollandwallat@gmail.com

ronaldrushton57@yahoo.com

ronaldrushton58@yahoo.com

rupert_beckley@fastermail.com

s.hollis45@rocketmail.com

samhollis@ymail.com

sarthhom@gmail

smith.gamer1@gmail.com

stonezjamin@yahoo.com

thompson.junior@rocketmail.com

thomyjn@ymail.com

tina.johnson@fsmail.net

van_nelson121@yahoo.com

webloveletters@gmail.com

workwithmiles@yahoo.com

 

WARNING: new scammer Jude Wesley

Scammer Jude Wesley writes using email address wesleybrowns200@fastermail.com. He claims to have an apartment to rent in Paris  but writes from IP address 82.128.20.187, Nigeria Multi-links Telecommunications, a black-listed ISP in Lagos, Nigeria–known as a hotbed of scammers. Don’t fall for this scam!

Here’s the Craigslist ad:

EUR900 Furnished Apartment for rent in Paris France

Reply to: wesleybrowns200@fastermail.com
Date: 2008-08-04, 1:44PM CEST

Furnished apartment for rent in paris france,the apartment consists of a well furnished reception room,well utilized kitchen,3 bedrooms with sitting room , bathroom and toilet, with all home utilities,to have this apartment for rent email me wesleybrowns200@fastermail.com
 

Here’s the scammer’s reply to a request for photos:

From: Jude Wesley <wesleybrowns200@fastermail.com

Subject: Re: EUR900 Furnished Apartment for rent in Paris France

Received: Monday, August 4, 2008, 5:59 PM

.

Here is the Part of the Apartment,,Hope to hear from you

again and let me know your Wishes about My Apartment..

Jude  

 

Fake apartment photo used in this Nigerian rental scam. The scammer claims to rent this place for the unbelievable price of 900 euros per month.

 

The scammer then gets impatient:

From: Jude Wesley <wesleybrowns200@fastermail.com>

Subject: Re: EUR900 Furnished Apartment for rent in Paris France

Received: Tuesday, August 5, 2008, 8:36 AM

.

Thanks for the message and here is An Apartment and are you

interest in my Apartment or Not

.

Evidently, he’s mixing up Paris and some place in the U.S.:

.

From: Jude Wesley <wesleybrowns200@fastermail.com>

Subject: Re: EUR900 Furnished Apartment for rent in Paris France

Received: Tuesday, August 5, 2008, 1:45 PM

.

Thanks again….My Apartment is located at

West River Road,Estate in Paris ,,Hope you going to like

something kool and silence place to Live and hope to hear

from you again 

 

 

Jude

.

When asked to describe the neighbourhood, here’s what he had to say:

.

From: Jude Wesley <wesleybrowns200@fastermail.com>

Subject: Re: EUR900 Furnished Apartment for rent in Paris France

Received: Tuesday, August 5, 2008, 9:59 PM

.

Thanks for the mail again,,,I want you to know that there isn’t any neighbourhood in an Apartment it’s just contain 3 bedroom together with Husband and wife only,,I built this house for me and my wife alone with my Daughter but fortunately i went for a Crusade in the West Africa and i will like you to get in touch with my wife in the USA Brooklyn in New York for more discussion as She is with the keys and the document to the house.Pls i want you to note that,I am a kind of Honest man and also I spent alot on my property that i want to give you for rent,so I will solicit for your absolute maintenance of the house and want you to take care of the house as your own,I want you to keep the house tidy all the time so that I will be glad  to see it neat when I come for a check up.I do that once in a while.I also want you to let me have trust in you as I always stand on my word. Email my wife Mrs Agnes Jude on agnesluvjude19@yahoo.com and she will attend to you better with more information…

Thanks and you are welcome.

.

BEWARE of cissecoupet@yahoo.fr

Yet another scam on Craigslist Paris today. A two bedroom apartment with a private garage with two spaces simply does not exist in Paris, certainly not at the price offered! Note the “catalogue” photos. Not your typical French furnishings! Beware!!

Reply to: cissecoupet@yahoo.fr
Date: 2008-07-29, 7:34AM CEST

EUR1000 / 2br – Bright Fully /Well Furnished Apartment For Rent (paris)

---

Beautiful 2 bedrooms apartment in a quiet neighborhood with character. Completely remodeled 2 bed, 2 bath w/ washer/dryer in unit. The private apartment has garage w/ 2 spaces + storage, it’s own water heater and an elevator for your convenience. French doors open up for a nice view of the neighborhood. Owner occupied and very well taken care of. Available in August, this one will go fast.      

Recessed lighting 
New Paint 
New cabinets 
Laminate floors 
New appliances 
Fireplace (turns on w/ flip of switch) 
Washer/Dryer in unit 
Ceiling fans in all rooms 
Stylistic lighting 
Very clean 

Recessed lighting 
New Paint 
New cabinets 
Laminate floors 
New appliances 
Fireplace (turns on w/ flip of switch) 
Washer/Dryer in unit 
Ceiling fans in all rooms 
Stylistic lighting

WARNING: avoid jamekelvin@yahoo.com

Another scam ad on Craigslist, this one using photos stolen from a legitimate Parisian rental agency. Beware!

Reply to: jamekelvin@yahoo.com

EUR850 Paris Apartment Studio Trocadero – Champs Elysees (Paris )

---

This charming, Louis XVI atmosphere, 36 square meters studio apartment is located rue Copernic in the 16th arrondissement, on the 1st French floor of 19th century building and it sleeps 2 people. This apartment is equipped with : A/C, Unlimited high speed Internet access (wifi), Phone, Cable TV, DVD, Safety Box, Several room services (laudry, shopping, delivery) 
Also provided : Bed linens, Blankets, Pillows, Towels and Kitchen utensils.     

Subway: Victor Hugo – Area: Champs Elysées This apartment is located rue Coprenic Considered as the most beautiful Avenue of the World, in the 8th arrondissement, all the biggest brands are on the “Champs”: Gap, Sephora, Louis Vuitton…. Behind of the Avenue, you will discover small and chic streets with very select bars and restaurants, as well as many shops and stores : Bakeries, Butchers, Supermarkets, Theaters, , Drugstores. Close to the Champs-Elysées, Avenue Montaigne is probably the world’s best place for luxury shopping, with flagship stores of the greatest couturiers in Paris (Christian Dior, Chanel, Louis Vuitton) and from the entire world (Calvin Klein, Versace, Gucci,…) Many shops and stores are close to the apartment : Bakery, Supermarket, Theater, Restaurant, Cafe, Club, Doctor, Drugstore 

Paris Apartment Studio 

WARNING: fraudster Chrystal Martinez looking for a “Good Decent Person” to scam

.

This scam ad recently appeared on Craigslist Paris. The perpetrator goes by the name Chrystal Martinez (chrystal.martinez17@gmail.com) and offers an extraordinarily convoluted message about being sick, a lawyer and some house papers (see below) :

EUR700 / 1br – Champs Elysees Studio Apartment In Paris

Reply to: hous-769229716@craigslist.org

Date: 2008-07-25, 3:22PM CEST

Luxury central Paris apartment with Champs-Elysees magic, 2 mins to Arc de Triomphe! stunning bathroom w/Victorian bath, internet, private garden for soirées. 

With the magic of the Champs-Elysées literally at your doorstep, this superbly styled Paris apartment boasts of chic French-Bourgeoisie spirit and is nothing short of brilliant. 

It has an eclectic mix of regal antiques, polished granite and marble, with authentic Parisian prints and décor. These are combined with the optimum in luxury, modern design. 

Featuring its own private garden for throwing soirées and an assortment of delightfully quirky art, the Champs-Elysées studio is a true original, right in the glittering heart of Paris. 

More information and pictures available upon request.

Here’s the scammer’s response to a request for more information:

.

On Mon, 7/28/08, Chrystal Martinez <chrystal.martinez17@gmail.com> wrote:

I am so sorry i did not get in touch with you on time, because i was very ill in which i was in the hospital receivng my treatment. I got your email and Thanks for your interest in my 1 Bedroom Flat, i want you to know that my 1-Bedroom Flat is still available for EUR700 per month at 7 rue Arsène Houssaye, Paris 75008, France, The Flat is fully with All Necessary Document registered, I am Glad you response to me on time, i want you to know that i am My wife are very happy and EXCITED that we have finally FOUND a person for our FLAT, i want you to PROMISE us that you will take very good care of the FLAT because is a LOVELY place to stay with FAMILY, Kids,Visitors, E.T.C  Actually my wife and I got relocated to the West Africa on a Christian missionary work in Nigeria to be praise, we are here for missionary trip from France We used to live in France, but since we left for the missionary trip we have to bring the Flat Document papers of the House because of People Who are willing to have the Flat for Rent, And as you asked For, so right now all the House Papers Document are with Our Lawyer here in the West Africa, We Just Got a Lawyer Here in the West Africa, because we are New to the Country, and we are not Yet a Citizen Of the country, so we really need to get a Lawyer for Back-up, in which we will be staying in West Africa Nigeria for 1-3 Yrs in which all our house Papers Document of the FLAT in France is With the Lawyer Because, We have been Provided a New Flat, Accomodation, feeding , here in the West Africa Nigeria, by the Church who brought i and my wife to the West Africa,   

  

If you are interested in our lovely Flat,get back to me with your 

  

FullName—————

Full Address ———-

Phone number——–

City———————–

State———————-

zipcode——————-

Occupation————-

Age————————  

Sex————————

Religion——————

email Address———

Fax Number————

marriage Status——-

Picture If Available—-

  

And Let me Know How many Month or Years You are Willing to Rent my Apartment–So that i can Forward all your information  Directly to The Lawyer and the Lawyer will Get in touch with you, In the Paying of the Flat Fee, Agreement of Month or Years You are Willing to Stay and the Sending of the Document to you for you to have the Flat, the Document will  be scan to you and also be Fax to You, if you have a Fax, and the Document will be Shipped Down to your Home Address Door Next-Day By Via EXPRESS DELIVERY, for you to have the Document at Hand, so you can move into the Flat, we really need a Good Decent Person for The Flat .And i Hope you are Decent And Respectfully Person, If you are interested,get back to me with the Information Below as soon as possible Hope to read from you soonest.

    

 Thanks And God Bless You

Beware of “Paris and Flat”

A Scamwatch reader writes:

The scam involves booking and paying a deposit for a Paris apartment. Upon arrival in Paris you discover the apartment is unavailable (even though you checked with the owner the previous week – translation someone else arrived and wanted to book for longer period) and you are offered “as a favour” a much worse apartment with the promise that they will show you a better apartment tomorrow. You have to reluctantly accept because you are tired and it is late in the day, its the weekend and you are new to the city. Tomorrow comes and the promised apartment is not available today but will be available “tomorrow.” In other words tomorrow never comes. Its a way for them to lease a very bad apartment that they cant normally lease. In the end you give up and look for alternatives but your week in Paris has become disjointed. Your anglo saxon upbringing prevents you from paying nothing for the apartment but they get something for basically an apartment they cant rent. Beware of any group that has “Paris and Flat” in its name.