Sunday, January 27, 2008

Beware of West Africa House for Rent Scam

Just a quick note to all of you out there who are looking for a home to rent. We found a great ad on our local Craigslist for a house to rent. It seemed a little too good to be true, but we decided to send an email back just in case. Well, let me tell you, when I got an email back from the "landlord" the hairs on the back of my neck stood at attention. Wouldn't yours? Here's what this upstanding citizen had to say (and, in fact, sent as a reply TWICE):
hello ,
Thanks for the email. I sherry williams Matthew own of the3 bedroom apartment . and also want you to know that it was due to my transfer that makes me and my wife to leave the house. and also want to give it out for rent and looking for a responsible person that can take very good care of it .the person that will rent it to take it as if it were its own. So for now, We are here in west Africa, our new house and also with the keys of the house, we try to look for an agent that we can give this documents.I and my wife came over to West Africa for a missionary work, so i hope you will promise us to take very good care of the house. So get back to me on .how you could take care of our house or perhaps experience you have in renting home. Hope you are okay with the price of US$700(4 months first payment) with hydro,heat laundry facilities, air condition and so on. I am looking forward to hear from you . so that talk about the application. to fill out and discuss on how to get the house for rent,my number +2348029442013 you can call me ,this the address of the apertment ___________Street, Bangor ME 04401 back to me immediately ,
thanks God bless


After a quick Google search, I found that this is pretty common right now. I actually found that someone else had posted the EXACT same response email as a warning! So, renter beware. If they won't meet with you, ask for lots of money up front and aren't real good with the English-- c'mon, missionaries speak pretty well, don't they?--please don't fall for it. Report to the abuse at Craiglist email.

As I was writing this, I received an email back from Craigslist--listing has been removed. Power to the the observant people!

166 comments:

Anonymous said...

Oh My God, Thanks so much Amanda
Like an idiot, I sent an email to the too good to be true house rental and the response back was word for word what you posted. Luckily he only has my name, don't know if he can do anything with that??? My credit is shot. About 10 years ago I got scammed with one of those consolidate your credit cards in the newspaper. I actually thank god my credits bad. All I can say is UNBELIEVABLE what people do. I can't thank you enough for posting this info. The scammer is (supposedly) DR JOHN CRUZ

Amanda Morin said...

I'm glad it could be of help to you and I'm glad you didn't end up getting scammed first. It is unbelievable what people will do. Good luck to you!

Anonymous said...

Thank you very much Amanda, I myself just fell for this same exact scam... Like an idiot i fell for it and responded to him.here is the response i got exactly... What should i be worried about exactly?


Hello ,
It is a great pleasure that to you are interested in my flat.Thanks for your email and it is my gladness to hearing from you.I am Joshua Shiflett the owner of the house you are making enquiry of. Actually I resided in the house with my family such as my wife and my only daugther before and presently we had packed due to my transfer from my working place and now situated in the (West Africa) and presently my house is still available for rent for $800 USD including the utilities like hydro,washer and security. Moreso Now, i went for a Crusade in West Africa .Pls i want you to note that,i am a kind and 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 this house and want you to treat it as your own, money is not the main problem but 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.
SO IF YOU ARE REALY INTERESTED I WILL WANT YOU TO FILL THE RENT APPLICATION FORM

RENT APPLICATION FORM
1)Your Full Name
2)Your Full Address & Phone Number
3)How old are you?
4)Are you married?
5)How many people will be living in the house?
6)Do you have a pet?
7)Do you have a car?
8)Occupation?

Apartment Address
2009 I Street, Bellingham WA 98225

Looking forward to hear from you with all this details so that i can have it in my file incase of issuing the receipt for you and contacting you.Await your urgent reply so that we can discuss on how to get the document and the key to you, we do not see yet and only putting everything into Gods hand,so please do not let us down in this our property and God bless you more as you do this.Please i want you to check the apartment at the
address and let me know if you want like it or not, the apartment is locked and i have the keys so you can only see the exterior and i will send you the picture later.Thanks and you are welcome
Regards
Joshua Shiflett

Anonymous said...

Wow! Thank you all so much for posting this information. I myself am looking for a new place to rent and came across two different ads on craigslist that seemed too good to be true, but I responded anyway, just to see what would come of it. They've both replied back to me within the last 2 days, and the replied were curiously similar, but not exact. I searched "homes for rent scams" on google and found this site. Thanks again for the warning! I wonder what these guys are trying to accomplish by getting this information from people. Anyway, here are the two different responses I received:

Hello,

I am Rev terrence,the owner of the house you are interested
in.Actually I resided in the house with my family,presently we had packed due
to my transfer from my working place and now situated in the ,New jersey
and presently my house is still available for rent for $950 (per
Month) including the utilities like hydro,washer,electricity and security,it
is furnised.
i will like you to get in touch with me for more discussion as with
the keys and the document to the house.Pls i want you to note that,i am a
kind and 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 mentenance of
this house and want you to treat it as your own,is that taken, money Not
main problem but want you to keep it tidy all the time.

Get back with
1)Your Full Name
2)Your Full Address & Phone Number
3)How old are you?
4)Are you married?
5)How many people will be living in the house?
6)Do you have a pet?
7)Do you have a car?
8)Occupation?
9)How many months contract?

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

--AND--

HI, I GOT UR MAIL IN REGARDS TO MY HOUSE FOR RENT, BUT I HAVE BEEN VERY
BUSY WITH WORK ,IT IS STILL AVALAIBLE FOR RENT. WHAT REALY HAPPENED IS
THIS,AM NOT GIVING MY HOUSE OUT FOR RENT JUST BECAUSE OF MONEY BUT
BECAUSE OF MY TRANSFER TO WEST AFRICA . AM AN X-RAY WELDER UNDER SHIP BUILDING, I HAVE BEEN WORKING WITH NASSCO SHIP BUILDING HERE IN UNITED STATE,YOU CAN VIEW SITE ATÂ WWW.NASSCO.COM , BUT HAVE JUST BEEN TRANSFERED TO NIGER DOCK NIGERIA PLC, YOU CAN ALSO VIEW SITE AT WWW.NIGERDOCK.COM.
I LEFT UNITED STATE WITH HOPE THAT I WILL BE COMING BACK IN A MONTH'S
TIME, BUT RIGHT NOW THE COMPANY HAVE ASK ME TO STAY FOR 3YRS UNDER
CONTRACT WITH THEM, THAT IS WHY I HAVE MADE UP MY MIND TO PUT UP MY HOUSE FOR RENT TO WHOM EVER THAT WILL TAKE GOOD CARE OF IT.
PLEASE IF REALLY INTERESTED YOU CAN CONTACT ME ON OR +234-17472590,
ALSO HOW LONG DO YOU INTEND TO STAY?.
PLEASE RESPOND ASAP.
THE ADDRESS IS 4910 MOUNT ASHMUN DRIVE,SAN DIEGO, CA 92111
YOU CAN GO CHECK OUT THE HOUSE AND GET BACK TO ME FOR MORE INFORMATION.
THANKS
DANIELS

Anonymous said...

I got the same email!

HI,

I GOT UR MAIL IN REGARDS TO MY APARTMENT FOR RENT, YES IS STILL AVALAIBLE FOR RENT. WHAT REALY HAPPENED IS THIS,AM NOT GIVING MY APRTMENT OUT FOR RENT JUST BECAUSE OF MONEY BUT BECAUSE OF MY TRANSFER TO WEST AFRICA. AM AN X-RAY WELDER UNDER SHIP BUILDING, I HAVE BEEN WORKING WITH NASSCO SHIP BUILDING HERE IN UNITED STATE,YOU CAN VIEW SITE AT WWW.NASSCO.COM , BUT HAVE JUST BEEN TRANSFERED TO NIGER DOCK NIGERIA PLC, YOU CAN ALSO VIEW SITE AT WWW.NIGERDOCK.COM .

I LEFT UNITED STATE WITH HOPE THAT I WILL BE COMING BACK IN A MONTH'S
TIME, BUT RIGHT NOW THE COMPANY HAVE ASK ME TO STAY FOR 2YRS UNDER
CONTRACT WITH THEM, THAT IS WHY I HAVE MADE UP MY MIND TO PUT UP MY HOUSE FOR RENT TO WHOM EVER THAT WILL TAKE GOOD CARE OF IT.
PLEASE IF REALLY INTERESTED YOU CAN CONTACT ME ON+ 234-8033-773-923 ALSO HOW LONG DO YOU INTEND TO STAY ?.

and he responded further with...

Sorry for late reply to your mail, is dutey my work possition, we are in the ship for over three days ok. Here is the address of my apartment
137 Claremont Boulevard, San Francisco CA 94127, If you are steel intresting to rent my apartment please let me know because i keep it for you provided that you will take care of the apartment.
I will rent it for two years because my work is going to last for two years.

If you agree reply asap so that i can tell you what to do in order to stay there immediately. i will only charge you deposite of $600 and ship the key of the apartment to you as soon as you agree with me ok
You will see the full structure of the apartment
Best Regards
James Lee

What a scammer!!
Thank God I didn't send any money...

Anonymous said...

These adds are still on Craig's list as I have replied to 2 in the last week or so. I reported them as spam to Craig's list.

Anonymous said...

i stumbled upon the same scam (except in this case the UK instead of w. africa) just this week. it obviously seemed too good to be true and my suspicion was confirmed thanks to this site. here is the email reply i received in response to my guarded query. thanks for the heads-up!!!
_________

(from stevens.hook@yahoo.com)

Hello,

Thanks for the email. I own the house and also want you to know that it was due to my transfer to London,UK, that makes us to leave the house and also want to give it out for rent and looking for a responsible person that can take very good care of it as we are not after the money for the rent but want it to be clean all the time and the person that will rent it to take it as if it were its own. So for now, We are here in UK and will be staying here for the next 4 years in our new house and also with the keys of the house for rent, we try to look for an agent that we can give this documents and the keys before we left but could not find, and we as well do not want our house to be used any how in our absence that is why we took it along with us. I and my wife came over to Uk for a missionary work, so i hope you will promise us that you will take very good care of the house. So get back to me on how you could take care of our house or perhaps experience you have in renting home. Hope you are okay with the price of $1200 per month.



You could give me a call on +44-704-575-0526 or 00-44-704-575-0526..

This is the address of the house: 4979 Lucille Drive, San Diego CA 92115

SO IF YOU ARE REALY INTERESTED I WILL WANT YOU TO FILL THE
RENT APPLICATIONS FORM BELOW.

RENT APPLICATION FORM
Pls let me get this answers.
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 car?
7)Occupation?
8)When will you like to move in?
9)How long will you like to rent the property?

Looking forward to hear from you with all this details so that i can have it in my file incase of issuing the receipt for you and contacting you.Await your urgent reply so that we can discuss on how to get the document and the key to you,please we are giving you all this base on trust and again i will want you to stick to your words,you know that we do not see yet and only putting everything into Gods hand,so please do not let us down in this our property and God bless you more as you do this.


Thanks and Remain Blessed
Regards.

(what a chump!!!)

Anonymous said...

I came across one as well. I'm so glad I found your post before moving forward...

Hello Tenant,
Thanks for your mail and also for contacting me on The property,the property is still available for rent/lease right now.I must confess to you that you are a lucky tenant to be ,because I don't really want to rent/lease the property but my wife advised me to do so. Due to our present location, we have been transferred from Work to Western region in Africa, i am an x ray weldders, and i was transferred here under nigerdock plc . My wife came here to join me with my kids after some months i was transferd, I will be here for 10 years. My Father is ill and he was went to Germany for surgery. so My wife had to come along with the keys and all the documents to the property because my father is not around for now. It is not share accomodation, it's all for you and your family, If you are still intrested in renting the place i want you to get back to me with the information below, which is in the rental application form,

RENTAL APPLICATION

Name:................................................

Present Address:.................................

Phone #:................. Cell & Home .......

How Long?:....................................

Previous Address:________ How Long?________

Married?:__________ Spouse's Name: ________

Children?:_________ How Many?:________ Ages?:__________________

Pets?:_________ What kind?:__________________ How Many?_______

YOUR EMPLOYMENT

Employer:..........................................................

Employer's Address:...........................................

Supervisor:__________ Bus. Phone:________

How Long On Present Job?_______

SPOUSE'S EMPLOYMENT

Employer:.....................................................

Employer's Address:......................................


Supervisor:____________ Bus. Phone:_______________

How Long On Present Job?_____________

REFERENCES

Personal Reference:_________ Phone:___________

The Landlord is authorized to use the information provided herein to conduct any and all investigations as deemed prudent by the Landlord.

Its well furnished and all amenities are Included. Such as : Dishwasher , Electric Stove , Fridge , Microwave , Washer/Dryer ,Cable Television , Electricity , Heat , Parking , Water/Sewer Bathroom , Hardwood , Internet Access , Internet access and many more,
This is the neighbourhood where the property is Jessie Ct Fairfax, VA you can go view the neighbourhood and get back to me if you love it and also i have the pics of the house below.








Landlord,
Thomas Parrish

________________________________________

Anonymous said...

I responded to an ad on Craigslist and received the response below:

HI,

I got your message regarding my advert, Yes it is still available for rent. what really happened is that am not giving my property out for rent just because of money okay but because of my transfer to West Africa. I'm an X-ray Welder under ship building, i have been working with NASSCO ship building here in the state. you can view site @ www.nassco.com but have just been transfered to Niger Dock Nigeria Plc you can also view site @ www.nigerdock.com for more information about my work.

I left the state with the hope of coming back in a month's time but right now the company have asked me to stay for up to 2 yrs because of my brilliant performance and experiences under contract with them that is why i have made up my mind to put up my property for rent because i don't want it to be vacant without any one living there. So, i want you to promise me that you will maintenance it and threat it like yours at my absent.

Please if you interested please kindly get back to me with the fill out of the rental application form below so that i can know how to send you the keys and documents to you but you can go ahead to see the outside of my residence.Also i will want to know how long you intend to stay.

Address: 57 Lindall St
Danvers, MA 01923




APPLICATION TO RENT
(Please list above all proposed rental properties you're interested in applying for)
Occupancy Date Desired:
** PLEASE NOTE THAT INCOMPLETE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE PROCESSED! WE REQUIRE A SEPARATE APPLICATION FOR EACH ADULT ** PERSONAL INFORMATION:

Last Name:
First Name:
Middle Initial:


Date of Birth:



Driver's License or BCID #:
Telephone Number:

Alt. Telephone Number: The total number of proposed occupants including yourself (please circle one) 1 2 3 4 5 6+
RENTAL HISTORY:

CURRENT Address:


City:
Province:

Move-In Date:
Move-Out Date:
Owner/Manager Name:
Owner/Manager Contact #:
Reason for moving:



PAST Address:

City:
Province:
Move-In Date:
Move-Out Date:
Owner/Manager Name:
Owner/Manager Contact #:
Reason for moving:



PAST Address;

City:
Province:
Move-In Date:
Move-Out Date:
Owner/Manager Name:
Owner/Manager Contact #:
Reason for moving:


EMPLOYMENT INFORMATION:
Job Title: Company Name:
Length of Employment: Supervisor/Mgr. Name:
Employer Address & Contact Information:
PREVIOUS EMPLOYMENT INFORMATION:
GENERAL INFORMATION:
Please check off the following:
Do you have water-filled furniture/aquariums? YES_____ NO_____
Do you own a vacuum cleaner? YES _____ NO _____
Do any household members smoke? YES _____ NO _____
Do you own a lawnmower? YES _____ NO _____
Do you have any pets? YES _____ NO _____
If you checked off "yes" for pets - please list size(s), breed(s), and name(s):
REFERENCES:
?? Name:
Phone Number:
Address:
Relationship:
?? Name:
Phone Number:
Address:
Relationship:
?? Name:
Phone Number:
Address:
Relationship:
I hereby represent that all of the above information is true, accurate and complete, and hereby of the unauthorized verification over items, including but not limited to the obtaining of a credit report/and or recovery of monetary claims, and agree to furnish additional credit references on request.

DATE: _____________


Warm Regard



I decided to do my research because I thought the response was odd. you know the saying..." If it seems too good to be true...It probably is!"

.

Anonymous said...

Here was the one I got.


Hello Dear,

It is a great pleasure that you are interested in my house and it is my
gladness to
hearing from you.I am Rev Kristi Klatt the owner of the house you are making
inquiry
of.Actually I resided in the house with my family before, and presently we had
packed
due to my transfer from my church and i am on a missionary to NIGERIA, West
Africa and
presently my house is still available for rent for $900 USD including the
utilities like
hydro,washer and security.Pls i want you to note that i am a kind and honest
man and also
i spent a lot 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 your own,i want
you to keep
it tidy all the time .I also want you to let me have trust in you as i always
stand on my
word. You can reach me on +234-802-479-7403 or 011-234-802-479-7403.

SO IF YOU ARE REALLY INTERESTED I WILL WANT YOU TO FILL THE RENT APPLICATION
FORM RENT
APPLICATION FORM.
1)Your Full Name
2)Your Full Address & Phone Number
3)How old are you?
4)Are you married?
5)How many people will be living in the house?
6)Do you have a pet?
7)Do you have a car?
8)Occupation?


Looking forward to hear from you with all this details so that i can have it in
my file in
case of issuing the receipt for you and contacting you.Await your urgent reply
so that we
can discuss on how to get the document and the key to you,please we are giving
you all
this base on trust and again i will want you to stick to your words,you know
that,we do
not see yet and only putting everything into Gods hand,so please do not let us
down in
this our property and God bless you more as you do this.
Thanks and you are welcome

Anonymous said...

THIS IS WHAT THIS FUCKER TRICKED ME INTO

Hello ,
It is a great pleasure that you are interested in my Flat. Thanks for your email,It's my pleasure reading it.
I am MR. kabar,the Owner of the house you are making enquiry of.
Actually I have been living in the House for Seven years now with my Wife,Kids and Family Members,due to the nature of my kind of work as a Bulilding Contractor, I was transfered with my Boss to West Africa Nigeria for the Constructions of Bridges and roads,so presently i'm in Nigeria.
But my House is yet to be rented,so it's still vacant.And the fee is just $700 including the Utilities like Hydro,Washer, Security, it is fully Furnised.I know you will like it.
Please i want you to note that,i am a kind and honest Man and als o i've spent alot on my property.So i will solicit for your absolute mentenance of this house and want you to treat it as your own,is that taken?
Money is not the matter here,but I want you to keep it tidy all the time,so that i will be glad to see it neat when i come around for a check up.I do that once in a while.I also want you to let me have absolute trust in you.
100_0022 ...Washroom - Basement
Washroom, 2nd floor toiletLiving room



SO IF YOU ARE REALLY INTERESTED I WILL WANT YOU TO FILL THE RENTAPPLICATIONS FORMS BELOW
RENT APPLICATION FORM
Also,Pls let me get this answer.
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 any Pet?
7).Do you have a Car?
8).What's your Occupation?
9).Are you born again?
10).Will you keep the House good?
Looking forward to hear from you with all this details so that i can
have it in my file incase of issuing the receipt for you and contacting
you.Await your urgent reply so that we can discuss on how to get the
document and the key to you,please we are giving you all this base on trust and again i will want you to stick to your words,you know that,,so please do not let us down in this our property .
Thanks and you are welcome. You can reach me with my phone# +23480 664 02584

Address 11740 Southwest 116th Terrace, Miami FL 33186

Hello ,
Thanks very much for your reply also thank information provided. Everything is okay and am pleased with it.I can see your willingness in this rent !!! So as i shall be giving you our house, please again take care of the house so that i might be glad when i come back
As i have ealier told you,the money involved is not the problem,but i only need my house to be kept clean always until i will be back.You will be paying $700 Monthly including the utilities inside, it all depends on the period you wish to stay in my ,i will not want you to get worried okay.you only have to tell me the numbers of months in which you can be able to pay as upfront/deposit e.g 1 month:$700, 2 months:1400 etc. As a Man Of his word,i always have this human feelings so i will not do anything to stress or be difficult to my fellow human and this is why i want you to tell me the numbers of months in which you can be able to pay as deposit.

Also we would like to send the following document to you via DHL courrier service.
(1) Entrance and the rooms Keys (2)Paper/Permanent house form
(Containing your reference details) (3)The house documetary file. (4)
Payment Receipt. (5)Full address and description of the house.

These will be sent to you in the address you have provided to me in the Applicant form and the tracking number will be sent to you so that you can possibly occupy our house immediately. Once again, i am giving you this on trust and do not disappoint me and i promise you that you will love the house. i shall be coming by the second week of December to check on you so that i can know how you take care of my house for me and if it is okay by me, then i shall be collecting the rest of the fee from you by myself.
Me and my family are really happy to find a good person to occupy the house and i still want you to promise that you will not dissapoint us.. ..after then i will let you know the next step to take in getting the documents,keys and security code to our house.

Hope to read from you soon.

Thank you and remain Blessed
Mr john kabar



i really want to know what is giong on with the payment because the keys and the document are registered in DHL Company,so all they are waiting for now is the payment to be comfirmed for you to have the Documentation of the apartment in your hand.here is the keys that will be send to your address you delivered to me

Go Ahead and make the Payment Today.
Thanks And Remain Bless.

Anonymous said...

OMG!!! I got this same exact email from this so call Rev. and thought it was real. My fiance was not as excited as I was about the home and I didn't know why??? So I decided to look this person up on website the so call Rev. gave me. Could not find anyone with that name. So I googled it and ran into this. The worlrd is crazy people will do anything for money including using gods name for the devils work!



Hello Dear,
It is a great pleasure that you are interested in my house and it is my gladness to
hearing from you.I am Rev Kristi Klatt the owner of the house you are making inquiry
of.Actually I resided in the house with my family before, and presently we had packed
due to my transfer from my church and i am on a missionary to NIGERIA, West Africa and
presently my house is still available for rent for $900 USD including the utilities like
hydro,washer and security.Pls i want you to note that i am a kind and honest man and also
i spent a lot 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 your own,i want you to keep
it tidy all the time .I also want you to let me have trust in you as i always stand on my
word. You can reach me on +234-802-479-7403 or 011-234-802-479-7403.
SO IF YOU ARE REALLY INTERESTED I WILL WANT YOU TO FILL THE RENT APPLICATION FORM RENT
APPLICATION FORM.
1)Your Full Name
2)Your Full Address & Phone Number
3)How old are you?
4)Are you married?
5)How many people will be living in the house?
6)Do you have a pet?
7)Do you have a car?
8)Occupation?
House Address
7987 Dersingham Drive
Sacramento, 95829
CA
Looking forward to hear from you with all this details so that i can have it in my file in
case of issuing the receipt for you and contacting you.Await your urgent reply so that we
can discuss on how to get the document and the key to you,please we are giving you all
this base on trust and again i will want you to stick to your words,you know that,we do
not see yet and only putting everything into Gods hand,so please do not let us down in
this our property and God bless you more as you do this.
Thanks and you are welcome
http://new.gbgm-umc.org/
Rev Kristi Klatt

Anonymous said...

here's another one... it was a personal email so i totally got got. why even bother? what can they really get from people when they reply? i guess the apt. is so cheap there are really desperate people that will fall for this... the pictures were nice...

Hello,

Thanks for the message regarding my home for rent. Yes it is still available for rent. What really happened is this, Am not giving it out for rent because of money but because of my transfer to West Africa. Am an X-ray welder under ship building, I have been working with NASSCO ship building here in Blooklyn , You can view site at www.nassco.com. But have just been transfered to Niger Dock Nigeria Plc. You can also view site at www.nigerdock.com. I left the blooklyn with the hope that i will be coming in a month's time but right now the company have ask me to stay for 3 and half yrs under contract with them that is why i have made up my mind to put up my home for rent to whoever that will take good care of it. Please get back to me today so that i can know if you are interested. If you know that you cannot take good care of it do not reply and also want to give it out for rent and looking for a responsible person that can take very good care of it as we are not after the money for the rent but want it to be clean at the time and the person that will rent it to take it as if it were its own. So for now, We are here in west Africa, our new house and put all my worries off concerning the maintenance of the apartment for, since i am not residing there for now.I left behind some Facilities and electonics which include the rent, and a DVD player, air conditioning, alarm system. The kitchen is fully equipped with all necessary cooking utensils, arefrigerator-freezer, four-hob and oven, microwave,dishwasher and washing machine, My Computer Connected with Internet Acess Also the keys to the House are right here with me, and the lease document. Which i can send to you after all necessary agreement has be accepted. Also i will like you to know that the rent charges is not really the issue ,but your absolute maintenance of my apartment is most important thing so will want you to get back to me with the Application form below





1)Your Full Name
2)Your Full Address & Phone Number
3)How old are you?
4)Are you married?
5)How many people will be living in the house?
6)Do you have a pet?
7)Do you have a car?
8)Occupation?
9)When do you want to move in
10How long do you want to stay in my apartment
11) Pictures of all the Occupant that will stay in my apartment

Address: 4th Ave & 11th St Brooklyn, NY 11215


NB: One Festin Macque Called me about the place, i told him that i can't give him the place because he loves smoking, drinking and don't want him to get drunked and damaged my property one ay so if you are still interested. I will like you to give me a call on this effect to know how serious you are. This is my cell phone number +234-705-716-4730


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


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

Best Regard
Kimberly Bossa

Anonymous said...

Thanks for the email. I mike beson the 1 bedroom apartment and also want you to know that it was due to my transfer that makes me and my wife to leave the house and also want to give it out for rent and looking for a responsible person that can take very good care of it as we are not after the money for the rent but want it to be clean at the time and the person that will rent it to take it as if it were its own. So for now, We are here in west Africa, our new house and also with the keys of the house, we try to look for an agent that we can give this documents before we left but could not see and we are as well as don't want our house to be used any how in our present that is why we took it along with us. I and my wife came over to West Africa for a missionary work, so i hope you will promise us to take very good care of the house. So get back to me on how you could take care of our house or perhaps experience you have in renting home. Hope you are okay with the price of US$650 with hydro,heat laundry facilities, air condition and so on. I am looking forward to hear from you ASAP so that i can forward you an application to fill out and discuss on how to get the house for rent,this is the address of the Apartment (2735 Fish Avenue, Bronx NY 10469) ? Await your reply.
Thanks
) ? Await your reply. We giving our apartment out for rent, that should be for a long preiod of time, for about 6-8years because we have our own apartment here in west africa more like our home and we are not going back to the apartment in NY , that is because my family left us an apartment in Almont, MI So that is where we'll be staying anything we're in NY . Below is the rent application form i would like for them to fill and send back all the details.

RENT APPLICATION FORM.
Also,Pls let me get this answer.
1)Your Full Name:
2)Your Full Address & Phone Number :
3)How old are you?
4)Are you married?
5)How many people will be living in the house?
6)Do you have a pet?
7)Do you have a car?
8)Occupation?

Looking forward to hear from you with all this details so that i can
have it in my file incase 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 of the house to you, please we are giving you all
this base on trust and again i will want you to stick to your words, you
know that,we do not see yet and only putting everything into God's
hand, so please do not let us down with our property and God bless you
more as you do this.
Regards
Our Cell phone number is: 0112348068467193



I Was so excited about this, but decided to look it up on google and found this site...THANK GOD! He later sent me a reply stating that he would be sending me the keys and Paper Form and House Documentary File after I sent him payment. Im just sad I won't be abl to move until the end of the year now :0(

But God always works things out, unlike these guys, and what comes around WILL DEFINATELY go around!

Anonymous said...

Ok... here is another variation. Thank goodness for instincts!!

I first sent them an email ref. an ad on Craigslist saying something like, "Hi. Interested in the apt., send me more info.". This was their response:

Thanks for the mail,this is a furnished home which I intend renting it out because I am currently in West Africa so needs a tenant to take care of it but since I am out of the state now,I have received some proposals regarding the rent because it is located in a very good area of 888 S.douglas Rd.in Coral gables,but I still have to make sure it is rented out to someone who can take good care of it. It includes facilities such as hydro and heat laundry facilities,air condition,internet and telephone access and a car park and other necessary facilities,also comes with trash collection,pets are allowed as well as long as they are not destructive. so if you know you are capable of the task,get back to me so that I can provide you with the RENT APPLICATION FORM,so that we can proceed with the rent.

I sent them another email asking them when I could swing by to see the apt. and if all the utilities were included in the rent. I also let them know I was familiar with the building and wanted to know what unit it was. None of the previous questions were answered. This is the reply I got:

You are welcome.it is good to hear from you that you are familiar with the building,as I won't be able to do a showing since I am out of the state.The unit is Apt 807.Below here are some questions that I need you to answer so that we can discuss further.get back to me for further discussion.

RENT APPLICATION FORM
1)Your Full Name?
2)Your Full Address & Phone Number?
3)Are you married?
4)How many people will be living in the house?
5)Do you have a pet?
6)Do you have a car?
7)Occupation?
8)how long lease are you looking for?
9)How soon do you intend moving in?
Looking forward to hear from you with all this details so that I can have it in my file incase of issuing the receipt and contacting you. Await your reply so that we can discuss on how to get the document and the key to you.

I found this odd but, continued. I sent them the answers to their "renters application". I see no harm in a name, address and phone number. And, I never use my house number... Anyone can steal this easily. Again, I asked to see the apt. and if the utilities were included. Here is their reply:

It is good to hear from you with the details provided as I will use it in making arrangement on how the package that contains the document and keys will be sent to your current address which you have provided so you can pocess it and move in as soon as desired.I will be sending you the items listed below as soon as you make the payment of the first and last months now.
Here are the contents of the package.
1) Entrance and the rooms Keys
2)Paper/Permanent house form(Containing your reference details)
3)The house documetary file.
4)Payment Receipt.
Do get back to for further discussion on how the payment will be made so that I can proceed in shipping the package immediately.

This is where the SCAM alert popped into my head and began researching this. They never answered my questions about the apt. and avoided showing me the place... Today I'm going to the actual building to find out if apt. 807 belongs to the alleged person. The scammer goes by the name "Nelson Fernandez". His email is nelson_salvation@yahoo.com. Beware!

I kinda feel like seeing where this goes for shits and giggles. I'm going to reply to him that I'm ready to make a payment... hahaha... fucking scammers!

Anonymous said...

Guess what? I got the same thing. I thought it was real yesterday. I found two places one is legit (condo with market price, although a bit on the high side for me but it got almost everything I wanted) and the other one is a dummy. The thing was, I thought it was legit because I actually went and search for this guy to make sure he is the owner of the property. Well, Santa Clara County won't give me that information instantly nor free. This sort of information is normally available for most counties but oh well. Anyway, I went a bit further and search to see if this guy really ever lived at this location. Here is what I have found and the reason why I thought it was legit. The kicker is, I actually found the same name at that very address. So, my reply back to the guy was give me proof that you are the owner of the house and scans all legal documents and emails it to me. Of course, it has been less than 24 hours so maybe I will hear back and maybe I will not :).

What make me search for the scam on craigslist and West Africa? I found a third place yesterday with an even lower price than the first dummy list in the same neighborhood. So I got a reply back about it this morning and the damn thing is so similar.

I actually drove by the two dummy properties listing yesterday and the first one I found is actually empty and got a rent sign on the front yard without phone number to call I think. It was very late yesterday and I have to make my decision about the legit condo so that was the reason for making the late drive. The second place doesn't have a rent sign on yard but it is up for sales. I got the sheet from the front yard of the second house and am going to give agent a call to see what is what.

I guess I will go with my pricey condo because it might not be around after today.

Thanks for this blog! I sure hoped people would do research before sending money.

Anonymous said...

I saw a similar craigslist add and emailed them and got a very quick responce:


Hello,

Thanks for the mail,i am mrs padilla ,the present tenant.i live in the house with my lovely Husband and our two children,Louis 9years old and betty 5years old. .The house belong to Pastor Tony Azzarto,who is a Missionary from usa to Africa. We move in Sinces August 17 2006,My Husband have just been transfered from his places of work in the State to Edmonton in Canada,and that is why Pastor Tony want us to help him look for a good new tenant to move in as soon aspossible as his new Tenant.Pastor Tony want a clean and capable tenant, trust worthy to move in to his House as soon as possible.he is really a good and God fearing Man,he is prepared to send back the keys and Lease of his house back to any capable and trust worthy person to move in as soon as possible as his new Tenant. Please contact him at......... pastor_tony_001@yahoo.com, Let him know you are regarding his house and you are from us.

Thanks and God bless you.

Mrs Padilla


i then emailed the "pastor" and:


Hello

It is a great pleasure that to you are interested in my House,Thanks for your email and it is my gladness to hearing from you.I am Pastor Tony Azzarto,the owner of the house you are making enquiry of.Actually I resided in the house with my family,such as my Late wife and my only daugther before and presently we had packed due to my transfer from my missionary and now situated in the (West Africa ) and presently my house is still available for rent for $1300 USD including the utilities like hydro,washerand security,it is un furnised house coz Mrs Padilla and her family Just moved out to canada.

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 your own,if you happen to move in as my new Tenant,is that taken,the money is no problem but 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.

My Contact Number..........+2347039338127 or 0112347039338127

Anonymous said...

Two can play at that game. I have decided to have a little fun with my landlord to be. Owner has replied to my email below and said he would provide per my request. Still waiting :)

Dear Mr. Ho,

I also asked for proof of ownership of property but you haven't provided yet. I have the funding and would like to prepay 6 months in advance to reduce the hassle of wire transfer. And of course I would like a receipt for my 6 months of rent.

I need the following please:
Proof of ownership of property.
Proof that you are current on your mortgage.
Proof of multiple form of IDs. Copy of your driver license, passport for now. I will only need a few more things once your legal status of your ownership of property has been established and I feel warm and cozy all over. Once the warm and cozy feeling is within me then my money will flow.

And please provide your place of employment with along with professional and personal references. I do extensive verification of my employers and landlords just like my employers and landlord would have the opportunity to verify against me.

Sincerely,
K

green machine said...

He has hit Halifax too through Kijiji!

e-mail address: laikjackson@yahoo.com
fake name: jackson laik

The add has now been removed from Kijiji but the title was "2 Fully Furnished Bedroom Apartment For Rent in Halifax"

The first e-mail:
Hi, I got your mail in regards to my apartment for rent, yes is still available for rent. What really happened is this, i am not giving my apartment out for rent just because of money but because of my transfer to West Africa . I am an X-Ray Welder Under Ship Building, i have been working with Nassco Ship Building here in Canada , you can view site at WWW.NASSCO.COM, but have just been transfered to Niger Dock Nigeria Plc, you can also view site at WWW.NIGERDOCK.COM. I left Canada with hope that i will be coming back in a month's time, but right now the Company have ask me to stay for 2Years under contract with them, that is why i have made up my mind to put up my apartment for rent to whom ever that will take good care of it. Please if really interested please get back at me for more information, also how long do you intend to stay?.
Please respond asap.

In the second e-mail his English gets worse:

Good hearing from you, the rent of my apartment is $900 per month utilities is included, thanks for the assurance that my apartment will be well taken care of and i appreciate your expression. Here is the address of my apartment: Shirley St, Halifax, NS. But it is only the outside that they can be able to view as you know that i am not in the State right while the key and the document of the apartment is with me here. So,i want you to stick to your words.Is that okay with you?And the below is the final question that you must answer to qualify for this the rent of my apartment?Moreso,Hope you have a nice working day Infact i will like to meet you when coming to visit you soonest.

RENT APPLICATION FORM



Also,Pls let me get this answer.
1)Your Full Name
2)Your Full Address & Phone Number
3)How old are you?
4)Are you married?
5)How many people will be living in the house?
6)Do you have a pet?
7)Do you have a car?
8)Occupation?
9)You will have to attach your Passport or Driving Lincense for security purposes.
Looking forward to hear from you with all this details so that i can
have it in my file incase of issuing the receipt for you and contacting
you.
Await your urgent reply so that we can discuss on how to get the
document and the key to you,please i am giving you all this base on trust.


Thanks and God Bless you.


I hope this helps someone!

green machine said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Anonymous said...

Yeah I gave him my name, address, phone #, and age but I really don't see how he could use that against me...? This was for a 3 bed 2.5bath in san carlos and an apartment like that would normally go for around $2400 here. An what the hell is all this religious s***? I guess that maybe makes people trust him more. However I'm an athiest so it just made me more suspicious, lol.
........................
Hello,

Calvary Greeting to you,And may the Blessing of the Lord be upon you and your family. My name is Martin Varney i own property located at 17 Devonshire Blvd San Carlos, CA 94070 and also want you to know that it was due to my transfer that makes me my wife and Son to leave the house and also want to give it out for rent and looking for a responsible person that can take very good care of it as we are not after the money for the rent but want it to be clean at the time and the person that will rent it to take it as if it were its own. So for now, We are here in west Africa, our new house and put all my worries off concerning the maintenance of the apartment for, since i am not residing there for now.I left behind some Facilities and electonics which include the rent, and a DVD player, air conditioning, alarm system. The kitchen is fully equipped with all necessary cooking utensils, arefrigerator-freezer, four-hob and oven, microwave,dishwasher and washing machine, My Computer Connected with Internet Acess Also the keys to the House are right here with me, and the lease document. Which i can send to you after all necessary agreement has be accepted. Also i will like you to know that the rent charges is not really the issue ,but your absolute maintenance of my apartment is most important thing so will want you to get back to me with the Application form below


RENTAL APPLICATION


1)Your Full Name
2)Your Full Address & Phone Number
3)How old are you?
4)Are you married?
5)How many people will be living in the house?
6)Do you have a pet?
7)Do you have a car?
8)Occupation?
9)When do you want to move in
10How long do you want to stay in my apartment


ADDRESS: 17 Devonshire Blvd San Carlos, CA 94070

NB: One Mr Brat Nelin Called me about the place, i told him that i can't give him the place because he loves smoking, drinking and don't want him to get drunked and damaged my property . No extra extra fees. If you really interested kindly call my private cell phone +2347057164730


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


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

The Almighty God Bless You.
Martin

Thanks very much for your reply also thank you so much for the information provide. Everything is okay and am pleased with it.I can see your willingness in this rent !!! So as i shall be giving you our place, please again take care of the place so that i might be glad when i come back. The Almighty God will continue to guide you and your family because when i read your full information i pray for you all and i know that the almighty God will always be there for you and your family. my family are so happy that we have found a good tenant as you.


As i have ealier told you,the money involved is not the problem,but i only need my house to be kept clean always until i will be back.You will be paying $1500 Monthly including the utilities inside, it all depends on the period you wish to stay in my apartment,i will not want you to get worried okay.you only have to tell me the numbers of months in which you can be able to pay as upfront/deposit e.g 1 month:$1500: 2months: 3000 or the deposit of $1000 etc. As a Man Of it word,i always have this human feelings so i will not do anything to stress or be difficult to my fellow human and this is why i want you to tell me the numbers of months in which you can be able to pay as deposit. also we would like to send the following document to you via DHL courrier service to your address provided by you which



Please We will want you to confirm your deliverey information Again before will forward it to our lawyer over here with us for the delivery of the keys and documents to you once you are ready to make the payment upfront of the numbers of months rent you can afford. So confirm your information below.


Packages Receiver's Name:....
Packages Receiver's Address:...

Here are the content of the packages that will be sent over to you:

1)Entrance and the rooms Keys
(2)Paper/Permanent house form(Containing your reference details)
(3)The house documetary file.
(4)Payment Receipt.
(5)Full address and description of the place.


These will be sent to you in the address you have provided to me in the Applicant form and the tracking number will be sent to you so that you can possibly occupy our place immediately. Once again, i am giving you this on trust and do not disappoint me and i promise you that you will love the house. i shall be coming in the middle of the year to check on you so that i can know how you take care of my place for me and if it is okay by me, then i shall be collecting the rest of the fee from you by myself.

Me and my family are really happy to find a good person to occupy the place and i still want you to promise that you will not dissapoint us.after then i will let you know the next step to take in getting the documents,keys and security code to our place

Hope to read from you soon.

Thank You and Remain Blessed
..........................
I also got a different one the same day which I was even more wary of. From "Steve None" steve01_salvation@yahoo.com

Thanks for the mail,this is a furnished home which I intend renting it out because I am currently in West Africa so needs a tenant to take care of it but since I am out of the state now,I have received some proposals regarding the rent because it is located in a very good area of 281 E,in San Jose,but I still have to make sure it is rented out to someone who can take good care of it. It includes facilities such as hydro and heat laundry facilities,air condition,internet and telephone access and a car park and other necessary facilities,also comes with trash collection,pets are allowed as well as long as they are not destructive. so if you know you are capable of the task,get back to me so that I can provide you with the RENT APPLICATION FORM,so that we can proceed with the rent.

I replied to him immediately but still played along too:

Dear Steve,
We are still very interested but out of curiosity we were wondering if you new a "Martin Varney"? He also lives in West Africa and is renting out of this area and emailed me only moments before you did. Sorry for the slight suspicion but we simply take our renting very seriously. Please email me the application and I will be happy to fill it out.
Thank you,
Leah Banks


LOL

Anonymous said...

Hi,

Thanks for your post here is the letter I got back from the same person regarding an apartment in Brighton, MA:

Hello,

Thanks for the email. My name is Williams Smith,I own the 1 bedroom apartment at 1486 commonwealth avenue (Brighton) Boston , MA 02135.I want you to also let you know that i was transfered to West Africa so my family and i moved down here hence we decided to give the apartment out for rent. We are looking for a responsible person that can take very good care of it as we are not after the money for the rent but want it to be clean and well taken care of by whosoever will rent it.We expect the person to take care of the apartment as if it were his or her own.Presently We are here in West Africa in our new house.I personally wanted to Sell the apartment in question but we decided to put it out for rent since my wife love the place so much.If you could promise us that you will take very good care of the house,then you can send an email with the following informations.


1) Your Full Name
2) Your Full Address & Phone Number
3) Age
4) Marital status
5) How many people will be living in the house?
6) Do you have a pet?
7) Do you have a car?
8) Occupation?
9) Duration of lease/Rent
10) Gender
11) Your Picture if available


We do not have any problem with you socializing or staying in the apartment with some body but all I ask is that you live responsibly.This is very important because I will not be around and the kind of tenant I give out my apartment to will reflect the kind of person I am.The rent is going to be $1000 with no extra fee attached .I will see you by August when I come to the states on an official mission.I hope that by then you would have completely settled down as my tenant.I am looking forward to hearing from you with all the required details so that i can have enough informations to work on and so that I can easily contact you. Reply immediately let us discuss how to get the document and the house keys to you.

I know that out there in the world of evil doers there are still God fearing individuals and I hope that you will turn out to be one of them since I am trusting you not to let me down. I As a man of God will stick to my words and terms of agreement and I hope you will honor our agreement at the end of the day and that putting a blind trust in you will not make me regret.I EXPECT YOU TO STICK TO YOUR WORDS. I am putting everything in the hand of God,so please do not let me and my wife down.

I will like you to give me a call to this effect to know If you are still interested and how serious you are. My phone number is 0112348083805222 or +2348083805222.


Regards
Williams.

Anonymous said...

UPDATE (my first one was May 28th at 3:45am)

Leah,

Thanks God everything was successful, i have forwarded all your information to my shipping agent.I want you to know that the keys and documents to the apartment has been sent over to you today and you will receive it on the 1st June, 2008.


And it was sent to your address and I also addressed the package which contains the keys and documents in your name. The package was addressed and sent using this Name and address that is given below:

Last Name: (my fake last name)

First Name: Leah (fake first name)
Address: (real address)

The package is presently on transit and it will be delivered to you on 1st June,2008. But you have to go ahead now and make a deposit and the payment should be made at least by today or latest on tomorrow morning.

The tracking number of the package is EC932373096US and you can track it online before it gets to you via this website www.iship.com which is the shipping company website.

I hope to read from you as soon as possible and I will also be expecting the payment informations by the end today or tomorrow and you just go ahead now to the nearest money gram or post office around you now and make a payment and also send me the payment details. And if i don't receive the payment by the end of today or by tomorrow morning,I will call the shipping company to call back or placed the package on hold ........So go ahead now to the nearest money gram office around you

I hope to read from you as soon as possible via email . Have a great weekend. I want you to promise me once again that you will surely take good care of the apartment because am only doing this based on the trust I have for you,so do no let me down. I look forward to hearing from you as soon as possible.

I want you to send the money directly to me via money gram Transfer Using my payment information. Here is the informations you will need in making the payment via money gram local store in your neighbourhood.

First Name: Micheal

Surname : Treva

Address: 142 Ikeja Road

City : Lagos State

Country: Nigeria

Test Question: IN GOD

Test Answer: WE TRUST

Amount Sent: $2,500

As soon as you finish making the payment via money gram,please get back to me with the payment details such as Below.

1) Sender's Full Name
2)Amount sent
3) Reference # which is a 8 digit number.

I hope to read from you as soon as possible.

Cheers!
.............................
My reply:

Hello Martin,
Well this has gone on long enough. It was fun to play your little game for a while but the truth is that I was only doing it to waste your time so you couldn't scam anyone else. Oh and if you are trying to scam someone with all that religious BS, make sure they are not an athiest first. And if God does indeed exist, I hope when you die that he pins you down while Satan sodomizes you with a splintered baseball bat.
Have a Great day you piece of crap.
~Leah (by the way, my REAL name is Bianca, I was only using my friend's email).
...................................
(Too harsh? I don't think so, lol)
...................................Soon after I got another reply from "steve" who had a very similar story:

It is good to hear from you,I don't know him,but he possible be could have a home in the state to rent out too.Below here are some questions that I need you to answer so that we can discuss further.The address is 281,E saint james st.You can go check the neighbourhood and get back to me for further discussion.It is available for a long lease as I intend buying a new home on getting back to the state.
RENT APPLICATION FORM
1)Your Full Name?
2)Your Full Address & Phone Number?
3)Are you married?
5)How many people will be living in the house?
6)Do you have a pet?
7)Do you have a car?
8)Occupation?
9)how long lease are you looking for?
10)How soon do you intend moving in?
Looking forward to hear from you with all this details so that I can have it in my file incase of issuing the receipt and contacting you. Await your reply so that we can discuss on how to get the document and the key to you.More so do not hesitate to inform me if you decided to rent from him.
................................
My reply:
ya know I might have believed you except for the fact that your "application form" looks exactly the same as "Martin's". Also you might not want to end every other phony email you have with "salvation" which is something you will never attain. Go f**k yourself repeatedly and then light yourself on fire, you are the scum of the earth.
Have a great day asshole,
Bianca aka Leah (yeah how do YOU like me using a fake name on you!?)

Anonymous said...

^^^^Oh by the way I obviously didn't send him anything but I'm still a little nervous if he could somehow hack into my account. Oh well I'll just keep an eye on it.

Anonymous said...

My scam over craigslist was from 2 different people:

Rev Cristian Bossa, with a phone number of:
234-705-716-4730
and an email address of: cristianbossa59@gmail.com

as well as a second scam for another apartment scam per a Ms. Paige Marie of paigmarie34@aol.com

Thanks so much for running this website and helping others not be duped out of their hardearned money.

Regards,
J. Carey, Silicon Valley, CA

Anonymous said...

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 2 Bedroom Flat , i want you to know that my 2-Bedroom Apartment is still available for $950 per month at 791 Wylie St SE Atlanta, GA 30316 The Apartment is Well Furnished.

All Necessary Document Available, I am Glad you response to me on time, i want you to know that I and My wife are very EXCITED that we have finally FOUND a person for our APARTMENT, i want you to PROMISE us that you will take very good care of the APARTMENT 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 in precise, we are here for missionary work from the United State.
We used to live in United State, but since we left for the missionary journey, I have to take the Apartment papers document along with us, because of People that willing be willing to have the Apartment for Lease or 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, of which we will be staying in West Africa for 2-3 Yrs.
All Papers Document of the APARTMENT in United State is right here With the Lawyer Because, We have been Provided a New Apartment here in the West Africa , by the Church that brought us.

If you are interested in having the Apartment,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 L et me Know How many Month or Years You are Willing to Lease or 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 making your payment for the ALease partment Fee, Agreement of Month or Years.
If You are Willing to rent then we shall need to send you the Apartment Document. Will be scan to you and also be Fax, if you have a Fax. And the paper documents will be also Shipped Down to your Home Address on Overnight Delivery Via EXPRESS DELIVERY SERVICE, After your deposit payment, so you will have the Document at Hand, so you can move into the Apartment.
We really need a Good Decent Person for The Apartment .And i Hope you are Decent And Responsible, If you are interested, then get back to me with the Information Required So to move to the next step for this rent.
Thanks for the prompt reply and God bless.
Hope to read from you soonest.
Regards.

Anonymous said...

I saw this house for rent in Modesto Bee. The address for the house is 1501 Shiprock Court, Modesto, CA.

This was the response that I got back from the landlord. This man goes by the name of Steve Zaffer. My husband told me to look up the phone number to see if it shows a listing in Africa and I saw all of the other postings. Thank You!!

Hello,

Thanks for your interest in my House.I am renting the house out due to the fact that i am transfered from my current state to WEST AFRICA for a new post and this will take up to 5 yrs before i can be chanced to come back to the state,I am the landlord of the house which i want to rent out,as soon as you are ready to rent the house the keys and the documents to the house will be transfered to you through Faster correa,I am giving this house out for just $800 Per Month,it is not the money that is the main problem that is why is cheap but 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.Now you will only have the access to view the Exterior part of the apartment cos the person i Laid down to show you the house has been very sick and has went to Hospital for an operation,so as soon as you have make a deposit the keys will be shipped to your location with this you will have the access to view the inner part of the House,After viewing,If you are not satisfy with the apartment all your funds will send back to you immediately,If you are ready to abide with the terms and conditions, below i have an application form for you to fill and get back to me if you are still intrested



RENT APPLICATION FORM
Also,Pls let me get this answer.
1)Your Full Name
2)Your Full Address & Phone Number
3)How old are you?
4)Are you married?
5)How many people will be living in the house?
6)Do you have a pet?
7)Do you have a car?
8)Occupation?
9)What is your Monthly Income?



I will await your Response as soon as possible...
You Can also call me on +234-8033519801.



REGARDS...

The Quirked Eyebrow said...

I love it when people post information to share ~ it helps others searching for information. Hope you don't mind but I took a reasonable amount of information to post at chicaneryconsscams.blogspot.com where rent scammers are all too familiar to us.

Hats off to the blogger and commenters!

Anonymous said...

I got the same reponse that other above received - it is still going on. I have learned a lesson to be more careful on Craigslist. I'm posting for those out there who do a google search on Lonnie Landers, the Landlord. How cheesy is that name!
Here's the email:
Hello Tenant,

Thanks for your mail and also for contacting me on The property,the property is still available for rent/lease right now.I must confess to you that you are a lucky tenant to be,because I don't really want to rent/lease the property but my wife advised me to do so. Due to our present location, we have been transferred from Work to Western region in Africa, i am an x ray weldders, and i was transferred here under nigerdock plc . My wife came here to join me with my kids after some months i was transferd, I will be here for 10 years. My Father is ill and he was went to Germany for surgery. so My wife had to come along with the keys and all the documents to the property because my father is not around for now. It is not share accomodation, it's all for you and your family, If you are still intrested in renting the place i want you to get back to me with the information below, which is in the rental application form,

RENTAL APPLICATION

Name:................................................

Present Address:.................................

Phone #:................. Cell & Home .......

How Long?:....................................

Previous Address:________ How Long?________

Married?:__________ Spouse's Name: ________

Children?:_________ How Many?:________ Ages?:__________________

Pets?:_________ What kind?:__________________ How Many?_______

YOUR EMPLOYMENT

Employer:..........................................................

Employer's Address:...........................................

Supervisor:__________ Bus. Phone:________

How Long On Present Job?_______

SPOUSE'S EMPLOYMENT

Employer:.....................................................

Employer's Address:......................................


Supervisor:____________ Bus. Phone:_______________

How Long On Present Job?_____________

REFERENCES

Personal Reference:_________ Phone:___________

The Landlord is authorized to use the information provided herein to conduct any and all investigations as deemed prudent by the Landlord.

Its furnished and all amenities are Included. Such as : Dishwasher , Electric Stove , Fridge , Microwave , Washer/Dryer ,Cable Television , Electricity , Heat , Parking , Water/Sewer Bathroom , Hardwood , Internet Access , Internet access and many more,
This is the neighbourhood where the property is Commonwealth Ave. Unit B
Alexandria, VA you can go view the neighbourhood and get back to me if you love it and also i have the pics of the house below.


Landlord,
Lonnie Landers.

Anonymous said...

Thanks for the message, I'm so sorry for not getting back to me soonest, I was admitted in the hospital and i was just discharged just early this afternoon. The apartment is still available for rent. What really happened is this, Am not giving it out for rent because of money but because of my transfer to West Africa. Am an X-ray welder under ship building, I have been working with NASSCO ship building here , You can view site at www.nassco.com. But have just been transfered to Niger Dock Nigeria Plc. You can also view site at www.nigerdock.com. I left the state with the hope that i will be coming in a month's time but right now the company have ask me to stay for 3 and half yrs and half years under contract with them that is why i have made up my mind to put up my home for rent to whoever that will take good care of it. Please get back to me today so that i can know if you are interested. If you know that you cannot take good care of it do not reply and also want to give it out for rent and looking for a responsible person that can take very good care of it as we are not after the money for the rent but want it to be clean at the time and the person that will rent it to take it as if it were its own. So for now, We are here in west Africa, our new house and put all my worries off concerning the maintenance of the apartment for, since i am not residing there for now.I left behind some Facilities and electonics which include the rent, and a DVD player, air conditioning, alarm system. The kitchen is fully equipped with all necessary cooking utensils, arefrigerator-freezer, four-hob and oven, microwave,dishwasher and washing machine, My Computer Connected with Internet Acess Also the keys to the House are right here with me, and the lease document. Which i can send to you after all necessary agreement has be accepted. Also i will like you to know that the rent charges is not really the issue ,but your absolute maintenance of my apartment is most important thing so will want you to get back to me with the

Application form below


1)Your Full Name
2)Your Full Address & Phone Number
3)How old are you?
4)Are you married?
5)How many people will be living in the house?
6)Do you have a pet?
7)Do you have a car?
8)Occupation?
9)When do you want to move in
10How long do you want to stay in my apartment
11) Pictures of all the Occupant that will stay in my apartment


NB: One Matthew Boriski Called me about the place, i told him that i can't give him the place because he loves smoking, drinking and don't want him to get drunked and damaged my property one so if you are still interested. mail me.

Also the keys to the place are right here with me in west africa and the lease document. Which i can send to you after all necessary agreement has be accepted. Also i will like you to know that the rent charges is not really the issue , but your absolute maintenance of my place, because that is the only valuable property my late father left behind, and it also took him so much time and money to put all those facilities in place.So here is the address to the place 401 Park Ave at Marginal Rutherford, NJ 07070 i want you to know that you can only view from outside.


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

Best Regard
Greg Riches.

Anonymous said...

Watch out for snadyclark101@yahoo.com . . . offers a nice 2 br condo in Modesto for $800 on Craigslist . . "Doing missioanry work in Africa, etc." located on 1109 E Orangeburg, Modesto - looked nice and my daughter and friend were ready after a few emails to send their money, until I overheard "NIGERIA!!" . . . yea, it was a default property on MRL. Watch out renters!!

Anonymous said...

Got the same email from maryhousing@yahoo.com.

This time it was Dr. Andy Johnson performing Lasik in West Africa...

The house listed for rent was 820 Carlisle Ct. North, Nashville TN. I felt something was wrong as soon as my wife told me about it.

Anonymous said...

THANK GOD FOR THIS WEBSITE. I WAS LOOKING FOR AN APT ON CRAIGSLIST & I CAME ACROSS THIS POSTING WHICH I SHOULD'VE KNOWN WAS TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE. THE PERSON DOESNT EVEN MAKE SENSE OR KNOW HOW TO SPELL. THANK GOD I DIDNT SEND ANY MONEY. ANYHOW HERES THE RESPONSE THAT I GOT.

Hello,

It is a great pleasure that to you are interested in my Home. Thanks for your email and I am very glad having receive an email from you regarding my Home. I am Mrs. Tasha and my Husband and I are the very owner of the House you are making inquiry of. Actually we both resided in this particular house with our family, such as my Husband and our two children (Michael & Stephanie) before and presently we packed due to an emergency transfer from his working place to make an amendments of fabric productions and this transfer is a temporary but will last for at least 49months (4years+) and now we situated in the (West Africa Region) and presently our house is still available for rent for $700 per month (Utilities also Included). I want you to know that the House is Unfurnished, so you can move into the house with your own Personal furnitures but the Utilities are intact such as Dishwasher, Dryer, Electric Stove, Fridge, Washer etc. This House contains 1Bedroom & 1 FullBaths, it is also a Conducive Area and has good Neighborhood. Square feet: 679sq. ft., Pets Allowed and 1garage parking space.

Pls i want you to note that, i and my Husband are kind and honest Couple and also we spent a lot on our property that we are willing to give you for rent, so i will solicit for your absolute maintenance of this house and want you to treat it as your own,I hope you understand me better? it is not the money that is the main problem that is why is cheap, but want you to keep it tidy all the time so that i will be glad to see it neat at all time. I also want you to let me have trust in you as i always stand on my word.

SO IF YOU ARE REALLY INTERESTED I WILL WANT YOU TO FILL THE RENTAL FORMS BELOW:

RENT APPLICATION FORM
1)Your Full Name?
2)Your Full Address & Phone Number?
3)How old are you?
4)How many people will be living in the house?
5)Do you have a pet?
6)Do you have a car?
7)Occupation?
8)monthly income?
9)Where do you work currently?
10)Whats your guarantor/Referees name?
11)How Long You Want the Lease?

Looking forward to hear from you with all this details so that i can have it in my file in case of issuing the receipt for you and contacting you. Await your prompt reply so that we can discuss on how to get the Document and the Keys to you. please I am giving you all these base on trust and again i will want you to stick to your words, you know that,we have not seen yet so I am only putting everything into Gods hand and be in a safe and assuring hand. So please do not let us down in maintaining this our property and God bless you more as you do this.

House Address: (3645 Ash Street #2, San Diego, CA 92105.)

Thanks and you are welcome.

Regards.

Anonymous said...

OH BY THE WAY HERES THE PERSONS EMAIL ADDRESS.
tasha.ma05@yahoo.com

Unknown said...

And they're still at it. Not that I would ever give them any $ without physically walking in the house in the first place. Too bad they're wasting my time.


> Date: Tuesday, August 26, 2008, 11:25 AM
> Thanks for the email and also Yes,my husband in respect of
> Mr JASON SUTHERLAND owned the house and i also want you to
> know that it was due to my husband transfer that makes us to
> leave the house and also want to give it out for rent and
> looking for a resposible person that can take very good care
> of it as we are not after the money for the rent but want it
> to be clean at the time and the person that will rent it to
> take it as if it were its own.So for now,Am here in the
> State in BLOOMFIELD NEW JERSEY USA our new house and also
> with the keys of the house,we try to look for an agent that
> we can give this document before we left but could not see
> and we are as well as dont want our house to be used any how
> in our present that is why we took it along to us here and
> as you know that,my husband over in the WEST AFRICA for a
> mission of God,so i hope you will promise us to take very
> good care of the house.So get back to me on how you could
> take care of our
> house or perhaps experience you have in renting home.Hope
> you are okay with the price of $1300 with hydro,heat laundry
> facilities,air condition and so on.i am look forward to
> hear from you ASAP so that i can forward you an application
> to fill out and discuss on how to get the house for
> rent,also are you ready to rent it now or when?
> I have attached the pics of the house for you to view.
> Thanks,
> Await your reply.
> MRS RACHAEL SUTHERLAND

Unknown said...

well i got da same shit lyk twice nd from different names which make me alert dat dis is sum kind of a scam and den luckily i went through ur post on gumtree...thanks

1st mail:

Thanks for your email and it is my gladness to hearing from you I am Rev Simon Spalinger the owner of the house you are making enquiry of Actually I resided in the house with my family, such as my wife and my only daugther before and recently we had packed due to my transfer from my working place and now situated in West Africa Nigeria and presently my house is still available for rent for $160 per week and $640 per month including the utilities like hydro,washer and security,it is Furnished.Moreso Now, I went for a Crusade in the West Africa we bought the home we were on a mission trip to USA we are from Switzerland and I will like you to get in touch with my wife 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 and honest man and also I spent alot on my property that I want to give you for rent soI will solicit for your absolute maintainance of this house and want you to treat it as your own,is that taken,it is not the money the main problem but want you to keep it tidy all the time so that I will be glad to see it neat when i came 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 Where are you located and where do you see our advert .

So my wife is deaf and she can not speak pls when you want to email her let the topic of your email to her be "Beautiful Furnished 2bed Apartment Close To RMIT University" Email my wife Sara Spalinger on (saraspalinger@yahoo.com ) she will attend to you better.




2nd mail:(names and mailing id is different)

Thanks for your email and it is my gladness hearing from you.I am Rev Jose Kelly, the owner of the house you are making enquiry of. Actually I resided in the house with my family,such as my wife and my only daugther before and presently we had packed due to my transfer from my working place and now situated in (LOS ANGELES) and presently my house is still available for rent for $600 per Month including the utilities like hydro,washer and security,it is furnised.Moreso Now, i went for a Crusade in the West Africa Nigeria and i will like you to get in touch with my wife 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 and 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 mentenance of this house and want you to treat it as your own,is that taken,it is not the money the main problem but want you to keep it tidy all the time so that i will be glad to see it neat when i came 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.Where are you located and where do you see our advert also let us know if you need more pictures.

Email my wife Helen Jose, on (helen_jose_01@yahoo.com) and she will attends to you better

Thanks and God Bless.

3rd mail: again name and mailing id different

Thanks for the email,My name is Helen Jose, Daughter of Dustin Family and Good Christian.Yes,my husband in respect of Rev Jose Kelly owned the house and also it is situated at 68 Hayward Ln Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia, and also want you to know that it was due to my husband transfer that makes us to leave the house and also want to give it out for rent a looking for a resposible person that can take very good care of it as we are not after the money for the rent but want it to be clean at the time and the person that will rent it to take it as if it were its own.So for now,Am here in the (LOS ANGELES) our new house and also with the keys of the house,we try to look for an agent that we can give this document before we left but could not see and we are as well as dont wnt our house to be used any how in our present that is why we took it along to us here and as you know that,my husband over in the West africa for a mission of God,so i hope you will promise us to take very good care of the house.So get back to me on how you could take care of our house or perhaps experience you have in renting home.Hope you are okay with the price ($600) with hydro,heat laundry facilities,air condition, internet and so on.i look forward to hearing from you ASAP so that i can forward you a application to fill out and discuss on how to get the house for rent,also are you ready to rent it now or when? . View attached file for apartment pictures.

MORE DETAILS

The accomodation comprises; entrance hall/landing (21'1x5'10), reception room (17'0x16'0), kitchen breakfast room (13x11), bedroom 1 (12'10x10'5), bathroom and separate WC on the first floor, with the bedroom.

FURNISHED
PERIOD PROPERTY
SPACIOUS AND LIGHT
KITCHEN BREAKFAST ROOM
POPULAR AREA
1 BEDROOM
GOOD TRANSPORT LINKS

Landing 22'1" x 5'10" ( 6.73m x 1.78m )
Reception room 17'0" x 16'0" ( 5.18m x 4.88m )
Kitchen 13'0" x 11'0" ( 3.96m x 3.35m )
Bedroom 1 12'10" x 10'5" ( 3.91m x 3.18m )
Bathroom 6'10" x 5'10" ( 2.08m x 1.78m )
Guest WC 5'0" x 2'10" ( 1.52m x 0.86m )


Await your reply.

Thanks and God Bless.

Helen Jose



4th mail:samr bullshit

Thanks for the email and also yes My husband in respect of Rev SIMON SPALINGER owned the place and also want you to know that it was due to my
husband transfer that makes us to leave the place and also want to give it out for rent and looking for a responsible person that can take very good care of it as we are not after the money for the rent but want it to be clean at the time and the person which is reliable and responsible that will rent it to take it as if it were its own.So for now,Am here in Maryland right now in our new house and also with the keys/document of the place,we try to look for an agent that we can give this document before we left but could not see and we are as well as dont want our house to be used any how in our presence that is why we took it along to us here and as you know that,my husband over in the West Africa for a Mission of God,so I hope you will promise us to take very good care of the home.So get back to me on how you could take care of our home or perhaps experience you have in renting the home. Hope you are okay with the price of $640 per month ? I look forward to hearing from you as soon as possible so that I can forward you an application to fill out and discuss on how to get the house for rent,also are you ready to rent it now or when ? you can view our room picture at the attach file.

House address is below
Address : 101/441 Lonsdale Street Melbourne VIC 3000


I am renting my lovely two bedroom apartment for five years but it is okay by me if you are renting for short term .Also we are renting furnished but if you do not want our furnitures we would pack it into the storage room and allow you bring in yours if you are also re ady and promising to take good care of my home pls fill the rent application form below .


RENT APPLICATION FORM

Also,Pls let me get this answer.

1)Your Full Name
2)Present Address(where you reside now) & Phone Number
3)How old are you?
4)Are you married?
5)How many people will be living in the house?
6)Do you have a pet?
7)Do you have a car?
8)Occupation?
9)What is your religion?
10) deposite needed
11)When are you willing to move in
12)When do you plan to leave


Thanks so much .

SARA SPALINGER

Anonymous said...

Thank God I stumbled across this page while trying to figure out how to make a call to West Africa. I saw the "too good to be true" ad on Craig's List and I had to make an inquiry.

Here's the 1st response I got:

Hi,

I got your mail in regards to my house for rent, but I have been very busy with work, it is still available for rent. What really happened is this, am not giving my house out for rent just because of money but because of my transfer to West Africa. Am an x-ray welder under ship building, I have been working with Nassco ship building here in united state, you can view site at www.nassco.com , but have just been transferred to Niger dock Nigeria Plc you can also view site at www.nigerdock.com, you can contact me on phone +2348068700173

I left united state with hope that I will be coming back in a month's time, but right now thecompany have ask me to stay for 3yrs undercontract with them, that is why I have made up my mind to put up my house for rent to whom ever that will take good care of it.

The address is - 161 Northlake Dr, Hendersonville TN 37075

You can go and visit the house and the neighborhood and get back to me if you are interested so I can inform you on how to go about the rental,application form,keys and document of the house.

RENT- $800.00 (Monthly).
PETS ALLOWED
SIZE: 2000 sq ft

Thanks,
Jessica


Here's the 2nd response:

Thanks for getting back to me,

I am very glad that you are interest in occupying my house,i will want to have you as a God fearing person that will take good care of my property and keep to your words as i am not around to check on you always.

The rent is $800 and the deposit is $800.
Rent: $800


When do you intend to move in?

I just want to let you know that i will be here for about three to four years.if you wish to lease for one year that will not be a problem.

Pets and dogs are allowed,and the keys and documents are with me here,and will be sent to you through DHL when an agreement is reached.

I will like to know more about you and probably accept you as my tenant.
I want a good tenant,i will want you to fill out the application form that is attached to this email as soon as possible in other to avoid delay.i will give you a call as soon as posisible..

You can still call me at +2348068700173... you can call me any time..

Print and fill the lease application form and get back to me for screening and approval.

Thanks and God bless you
Jessica


And the 3rd...

Hello,

thanks for the response,I will be willing to give my house to somebody responsible as you said you are. The keys and documents are hear with me and will be sent to your present contact address which you will fill out on the application form as soon as we reach an aggreement and deposit is paid.

Extra Amenities: A/C, Vaulted Ceilings, Community Pool, Fireplace, dishwashers,Walk-in Closets.

You will be responsible for minor damages if at all and you should contact me in case of major damages.

You are to fill the application form and send to me as soon as possible for screening and approval.

Hoping to hear from you soon
Jessica




When I started to read the posts on this site, I started to get that sick feeling in my stomach, as if I had been violated. Fortunately I didn't send any information to them, but I was close....too close. Thank God I found this site and thanks to all of you for taking the time to post this stuff. It very possibly saved me some major headaches.

Sincerely,

Almost Scammed in Tennessee

Anonymous said...

ditto - melbourne gumtree today 14th sep 2008 - i received this Bull shite

Thanks for your email and it is my gladness to hearing from you.My name is Rev Simon Spalinger the owner of the house you are making enquiry of...Actually I resided in the house with my family,such as my wife and my only daugther before and presently we had packed due to my transfer from my working place and now situated in united states and presently my house is still available for rent including the utilities like hydro/heat drywasher and security and bills,Everything in the flat is well fully furnised.
Moreso Now,I went for a crusade in West Africa and i will like you to get in touch with my wife in united states for more discussion as She is with the keys and the document to the flat.Pls i want you to note that,I am a kind and 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 mentenance of this house and want you to treat it as your own,is that taken,it is not the money the main problem but want you to keep it tidy all the time so that i will be glad to see it neat when i came 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.

Send my wife Sara an Immediate message, on ( saralliger99@gmail.com ) and she will attends to you better on how to proceed

Thanks and you are welcome
Regards
Rev Simon Spalinger
-

Serene said...

You know when something seems wrong but you want it so badly, you try to convince yourself that nothing is wrong....that's how i felt about this house in berkeley till I read all your comments. I've been replied to by two scammers in this last week. They get your hopes up then let you down. Anyways, this is the reply I got...
Hello Dear ,

Thanks for your response,I am Curtis Carter, the owner of the apartment you are making inquiry of.My Mother and i used to stay in the apartment not until i left for west Africa for a construction job with Total/elf,(i'm a construction engineer) and my mum now too old to stay on her own is presently in a nursing home.i will be in west Africa for five years so presently my apartment is available for rent for per month including the utilities,it is furnished and i don't mind "PETS".Pls i want you to note that,i am a kind and honest man and also i spent a lot on my property,so i will solicit for your absolute maintainance of this apartment, i'll have a friend come in every now and then to check things up.hope you understand that it is not the rent that is my problem but i want you to keep it tidy at all times,hope we have an understanding You would have to fill the Rent Application Form below if You Are Ready To Rent The apartment .


FILL THE RENT APPLICATION FORM

Also,Pls let me get this answer

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 apartment?
6)Do you have a pet?
7)Do you have a car?
8)Occupation?
9)How Long Are You Willing To Rent My apartment?

Note: The apartment Can Be Rented To You Furnished Or Unfurnished Price If You Are Renting Furnished:$1000 Per Month Including Utilities Price If You Are Renting Unfurnished: $850 Per Month Including Utilities

Here are the contents of the document.

1)Entrance and the rooms Keys
2)Paper/Permanent apartment form(Containing your reference details)
3)The house documentary file.
4)Payment Receipt.
5)Full address and description of the apartment.


Hope you like it?

You can reach me on my cell phone # +2347057164730 or 0112347057164730.

Williams.

Pretty much exactly the same as all these others. Which is really too bad. What is the point of this. Personal gain while destruction of others. I suppose. This is the other...
Hello,
Thank you for your interest. I have available the apartment at the moment , because I move
with my job in Romania, Bucharest and I need money to pay the rent
here, that is the reason I want to rent at this price and to find a
good person for my apartment. This is the reason that I want to rent it. I
can rent you the apt for max.5 years because I have a contract here
for this period. I `m the owner of the apt and its like in the pics. The
rent for 1 month is $ 1.000,00 and minimum for rent the apartment is one mounth ($ 1,000.00) including all utilities (water,
electricity, Internet, cable, parking, air conditioning, fireplace,
dishwasher, garbage disposal, microwave, refrigerator). You can move in the apt
in the same day when you receive the keys.The only problem is that I`m
the only person who have the keys but I hope that we will find a
compromise.
Thank you for your interest and wait news from you ,
Best Regards ,
alan ...

and this is where i ignore my better judgment and e mail him with a response that says i want to meet him and see the apartment (which is in sf by the way)
and he replies...
Hello,

Thank you for your reply.I'm in Romania already. The ap is
unfurnished. Like I have inform you before, the price you shall pay for one months
of rent will be $1000 US, with no extra taxes to pay. The money I want
to revive it monthly to my bank account, I hope will be no problem for
you to wire the money to my bank account. The apartment is ready for
you, you will need only to receive the keys and the contract to check it,
and see if you like it.
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 safely 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 DHL which is similar
to FedEx, or UPS, which will handle the payment and delivery of the
Keys. I have found a procedure that will allow you to pay for the rent of the
apt only after you will receive the keys it and through this way you
will see it and decide if you will stay in the apt or not before I
receive my payment.

The deposit is 700$ .After you make the secure deposit an agent will call you an he will show you the apartment.
can mouve directly there if not the secure agent of dhl will give you all the money back.


You will deposit this money to the agent of dhl .

so please send me your full name and adress for the shipping.
After that Dhl will contact you with the invoice in order to finish the transaction.



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

Best Regards,

And because I am so nice, I emailed him back instead of leaving him hanging and pretty much told him i knew it was a scam though i pretended as if i didn't. saying that i wanted to meet the manager of the building and that i was sure not going to give a dhl employee seven hundred dollars for a key. he has yet to email me back.

*sighs* well anyways, the way I found out was by copying and pasting the first guys (west africa scammer) number into the google bar and I found this site. Thanks Amanda for confirming my instincts. This site really is helpful. Keep it up!

Anonymous said...

DOES ANYONE KNOW IF THESE SCAMMERS CAN DO ANYTHING WITH THE INFORMATION I STUPIDLY SENT?

- FULL NAME
- ADDRESS
- PHONE NUMBER
- PICTURE

Anonymous said...

I actually emailed this ad from Craigslist because it sounded like a great rental! Currently I rent a studio in Glendale for $750 and I thought how great would it be to move to a nice neighborhood and rent a 1 BEDROOM for the same price. This is the reply I received:

Thanks for your response in regards to your interest in renting our Apt . Well i most let you know a little about the kind of person I'm a native of America who held from Almont, MI which i got transfered with my Family to Nigeria to work as a Petroleum Engineer, under the Board of Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) also I'm working as a Volunteer with The Go West Africa organisation http://www.gowestafrica.org/go/index.php#handsonafrica , We have left our Property for a couple month now and need someone that we rent the Place from us . Formally the House was put out for Sale but my Wife and I agreed ON renting the Property instead of Selling it, the 1Bedroom $750 including the utilities like hydro, washer and security, it is unfurnished . I also need you to let me have trust in you as i always stand on my word . (143-03 Bayside Avenue, Queens NY 11354) . Hope to hear from you on how soon you will be moving into the Property?

SO IF YOU ARE REALLY INTERESTED I WILL WANT YOU TO FILL THE RENT APPLICATIONS FORMS BELOW .

RENT APPLICATION FORM
Also,Pls let me get this answer .
1)Your Full Name
2)Your Full Address & Phone Number ?
3)How old are you?
4)Are you married?
5)How many people will be living in the house?
6)Do you have a pet?
7)Do you have a car?
8)Occupation?
10)1-2 month deposit needed

Looking forward to hear from you with all this details so that i can have it in my file incase of issuing the receipt for you and contacting you . Await your urgent reply so that we can discuss on how to get the document and the key to you,please we are giving you all this base on trust and again i will want you to stick to your words,you know that,we do not see yet and only putting everything into Gods hand,so please do not let us down in this our property and God bless you more as you do
this .
Call me once you get the mail.0112348068467193


It did seem odd to me that this "native from America...Almont, MI" had such bad grammar!! So I decided to google the number he left and came across your posting. I'm really glad I researched first before sending any information to him.

Thanks for letting us unsuspecting folks know!

Anonymous said...

These Nigerian apartment rental scams are all over the internet, especially all over Craigslist. They want to steal your money AND your identity, which they then use to scam others. The only sure way to avoid them is 1) NEVER wire money to strangers via Western Union, Moneygram or any other wire service, and 2) NEVER send a copy of your passport or other ID.
For more information visit this site:
http://parishousingscamwatch.wordpress.com

Anonymous said...

I sent a email on a house for rent in craglist. Look what i've received. Thanks god, I'd google and found this before I had sent any of my informations.



Hello Dear,
Thanks for the email and it is my gladness hearing from you.i am the owner of
the house you are making enquiry of.Actually I resided in the house with my
family,such as my wife and my only daugther before and presently we had packed
due to my transfer from my working place and now situated in the (West Africa
Nigeria) and presently my house is still available for rent ..including the
utilities like hydro,washerand security,it is furnised but if u which to move
in with your furnishes no problem.. i went for a Crusade in the West Africa .

Pls i want you to note that,i am a kind and honest man and also i spent alot
on my property that i want to give you for rent,i will want you to take absolute
maintenance of my house and want you to treat it as your own,i,it is not the
money 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.

SO IF YOU ARE REALY INTRESTED I WILL WANT YOU TO FILL THE RENTAPPLICATIONS
FORMS BELOW
RENT APPLICATION FORM

Also,Pls let me get this answer.

FIRST NAME:__________________
MIDDLE NAME: _________________
LAST NAME: __________________
PROFESSION: ________________
HOME PHONE (____) __________
(CELL)PHONE (____) __________
(WORK)PHONE (____) __________
KIDS _____ (YES/NO), HOW MANY ________
PRESENT ADDRESS: _____________________
CITY: _______________
STATE: ______________
ZIPCODE: ____________
HOW LONG DO YOU INTEND STAYING? ____________
WHEN DO YOU INTEND MOVING IN? ______________
DO YOU HAVE A PET: _____________
NAME OF PET: _____________
KIND OF PETS: _____________
DO YOU SMOKE? ______________
DO YOU DRINK? ______________
Looking forward to hear from you with all this details so that i can have it in
my file incase of issuing the receipt for you and contacting you.Await your
urgent reply so that we can discuss on how to get the document and the key to
you,Note that the keys and documents of my house is with me here in west
africa.please we are giving you the house base on trust and again i will want
you to stick to your words,you know that,we do not see yet and only putting
everything into Gods hand,so please do notl et us down in this our property and
God bless you more as you do this


HOUSE INFORMATION


Bedrooms: 3
Bathrooms:2
Rent per month: $800
Deposit Req'd:700
Application Fee: $0
Parking: Reserved.
Available: Now
ADDRESS:8616 Coolwoods Way Sacramento, CA 95828
Pet policy: Ok
Smoking inside policy: no smoking
Lease terms: AS LONG AS YOU Wish
YOU CAN CONTACT ME ON +234-803-731-2019 Or 011-234-803-731-2019..
Thanks

QueLinda said...

After searching the web and not finding any negative info regarding a Craigslist for rent add I thought it was ok to reply back, I guess it was just wishful thinking:( After I responded to the email I found this blog. The email is below. Hopefully they can not do any harm with the info that I have provided (I put a fake address and no personal info) The email adress that responded was from: gomezrudy22@yahoo.com

Hello Dear,

Thanks for the email and it is my gladness hearing from you.i am the owner of the house you are making enquiry of.Actually I resided in the house with my family,such as my wife and my only daugther before and presently we had packed due to my transfer from my working place and now situated in the (West Africa Nigeria) and presently my house is still available for rent ..including the utilities like hydro,washerand security,it is furnised but if u which to move in with your furnishes no problem.. I was transfer to West Africa due to my working place.

Please I want you to note that,I am a kind and honest man and also i spent alot on my property that i want to give you for rent,i will want you to take absolute maintenance of my house and want you to treat it as your own,i, money is not the most important thing 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.

SO IF YOU ARE REALY INTERESTED I WILL WANT YOU TO FILL THE PRIMARY RENTAL APPLICATION FORM BELOWRENT APPLICATION FORM

Also,Pls let me get this answer.


FIRST NAME:__________________
MIDDLE NAME: _________________
LAST NAME: __________________
PROFESSION: ________________
HOME PHONE (____) __________
(CELL)PHONE (____) __________
(WORK)PHONE (____) __________
KIDS _____ (YES/NO), HOW MANY ________
PRESENT ADDRESS: _____________________
CITY: _______________
STATE: ______________
ZIPCODE: ____________
HOW LONG DO YOU INTEND STAYING? ____________
WHEN DO YOU INTEND MOVING IN? ______________
DO YOU HAVE A PET: _____________
NAME OF PET: _____________
KIND OF PETS: _____________
DO YOU SMOKE? ______________
DO YOU DRINK? ______________

Looking forward to hear from you with all this details so that i can have it in my file incase of issuing the receipt for you and contacting you.Await your urgent reply so that we can discuss on how to get the document and the key to you,Note that the keys and documents of my house is with me here in west africa.please we are giving you the house base on trust and again i will want you to stick to your words,you know that,we do not see yet and only putting everything into Gods hand,so please do not let us down in this our property and God bless you more as you do this.

HOUSE INFORMATION

Type: Houses and Homes for Rent
Rent $600
Deposit $550
Bed/bath 1 BR / 2 BA
Square feet : 1,599

Parking: Reserved.
Available: Now
ADDRESS: 1156 NE 101st St. Miami Shores, FL 33138.

Smoking inside policy: smoking is allowed
Lease terms: AS LONG AS YOU WISH
YOU CAN CONTACT ME ON +234-802-830-1157 Or 011-234-802-830-1157


Thx everyone !

Anonymous said...

i actually received that same exact email word for word from a so-called "Dr. Mike Jason".
Sadly enough I responded and even SPOKE TO THE GUY ON THE PHONE!
He didn't actually ask for the money transfer until we spoke and that's when I got suspicious and decided to do some google searching. There was no way I was going to send my money to some unknown person just like that and I hope no one else does.

Unknown said...

And I found this one on the gumtree melbourne site for a flat in st kilda.

Hi Angus ,

Good hearing from you that you are promising us that our flat will be well taken care off,and I really appreciate your expression.So,Like I told you there's none of my friends or relatives to show you the apartment..I want you to stick to your words.Is that okay with you?And the below is the final question that you must answer to qualify for the rent..We are both from bristish columbia canada

Hope you have a nice working day,Infact I will like to meet you when coming to visit you soonest.We do a long term and short term renting anytime you which to leave the place will be greatful and we are ready to rent a long-term for 2 years lease or more.

Note that you will are not allowed to enter the flat, Because I'm currently in new jersey at the moment and the keys are here with me..

======RENT APPLICATION FORM======
(Private & Confidential)
Also,Pls let me get this answer.
1)Your Full Name?
2)Present Full Address(where you reside now) & Phone Number to Reach You?
3)Age?
4)Are you married?
5)Sex?
6)How many people will be living in the house?
7)Do you have a pet?
8)Do you have a car?
9)What is your religion?
10)Occupation?
11) Citizen of which Country?
11) How Many Month Deposit ??? 1 or 2
12) When are you ready to Move In ?
13) When are u planning to leave the flat ?


Looking forward to hear from you with all this details for approval so that i can have it in my file incase of issuing the receipt in your name and contacting you.Await your urgent reply so that we can discuss on how to get the documents and the keys to you,Please we are giving you all this transaction is based on Trust & Honesty and again I want you to stick to your words,We are putting everything into Gods hand,so please do not let us down in this property of ours and God bless you more as you do this..

PS : Please call my husband on his mobile number 0112347057564649 or +2347057564649 Immediately you fill out the application form so you can be approved & accepted as our new tenant.

PS : If You Pay For 2 Month Rent then My husband is willing to give you extra 1 Month for free even for promising us that our flat will be well taken care off.

Thanks so much and have a nice day.

Mrs Kim Nesson

Anonymous said...

I almost was caught in the same scam. Here is the e-mail I received:

Hello,

Thanks for your email and interest in renting my house..I am Stephanie Rozman,the owner of the house you are making enquiry of...Actually I resided in the house with my family, my husband and my only daugther before and presently we have moved out due to my transfer from my work now in Warsaw,Poland. Presently my house is still available for rent for $1000 USD (rent already includes utilities).More so Now, i'm currently in Lagos,Nigeria 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 absolute maintenance 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 (620 Wesley Commons Dr Ste 18 Golden Valley, MN 55427)..

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 incase 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 $1000 (which happens to be the security deposit) is required before moving in...Feel free to call me for more information and arrangements on how to get the keys and other necessary documents delivered to you...my number is (+234-806-113-3966 OR 011-234-806-113-3966).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,
Stephanie Rozman

What started to alert me that this was a scam is that I sent 2 e-mails to this person and received this same reply to both e-mails. Fortunately I did not send them any money or fill out that so-called rental information. You have to be really careful and check things out before giving any information on yourself or giving any money.

Tammy

Anonymous said...

Oh my gosh...the exact same thing just happened to us...Can you believe this? This is insane. I am so glad we all have brains.......shame on these people!!!!

Anonymous said...

If it sounds to good to be true it is. I have been searching the craigslist for quite some time now, and came across a house for rent for to good of a deal. Well I got a response from NANCY DREW this scammer used a sad story about them being in a car accident while in the states and lost their son, and she almost lost her hearing. But now they are in West Africa,BLAH BLAH BLAH. My red flag warning was the phone numbers. 2348038217979 OR 0112348038217979 So that,s what landed me here. I googled it to see about the phone numbers, because I have heard of scams, where once you call these numbers your phone bill is outrageously high. And there is nothing our providers here can do about it because they are in another country. So because of these odd phone numbers I have now learned that this house for rent is a SCAM!

EmmaN said...

lol I copy and pasted one of these blogs with " so... whats's this, please explain" I wonder if I will get a reply? Damn I coulda done with 100 bucks a week with everything included lol. Bastards! I'm more annoyed I don't get the house lol. It's pretty awful to think people have sent money though. I hope they can be tracked down

Anonymous said...

Yes...it is true. I replied to about 4 add for a two bedroom appartment in melbourne CBD with rents ranging from 600$ to 800$...PER MONTH!!!! (don't forget--CBD!!!) And I received for times the nearly exact email respond from four different persons being somewhere in the world but not there to show me the apartment....
So PLEASE everyone....be careful...go with your inner guard! this cant be true!!!!
Susanne

Unknown said...

WOW thanks, I got this one

I am so much excited. My name is Rev Jonh Brustus the owner of the apartment and also want you to know that it was due to my transfer that makes me and my wife and little daughter to leave the apartment and also want to give it out for rent and looking for a responsible person that can take very good care of it while we are not at the state as we are not after the money for the rent but want it to be clean at the time and the person that will rent it to take it as if it were its own. So for now, we are here in West Africa, our new house and put all my worries off concerning the maintenance of the apartment for, since i am not residing there for now. I left behind some Facilities and electonics which include the rent, DVD player, air conditioning, alarm system. The kitchen is fully equipped with all necessary cooking utensils, refrigerator-freezer, four-hob and oven, microwave, dishwasher and washing machine, my computer connected with Internet access also the keys and document of the apartment are right here with us in West Africa, and the lease document. Which i can send to you after all necessary agre34ement has been accepted. Also i will like you to know that the rent charges is not really the issue, hope you are okay with the price of $790 per Month and a deposite of $500 is required, including utilities like water, gas, heat laundry facilities, air condition and so on, but your absolute maintenance of my apartment is most important thing, if you are really interested in renting this apartment get back to me so that i can forward you an application form for you to fill so that i can start all necesary arrangement asap. Here is the apartment address... ..325 Esplanade Ave,Pacifica, CA 94044..... Pls note that you will be viewing the apartment from outside and won't be able to inspect because the keys and document to the apartment are with me here in africa and. It is located on a cool, quiet and safe neighbourhood....

Anonymous said...

HI Amanda. Is vivian. I had the exactly the same situation as well. It happened to me two days aga. I'm looking the apartment in CBD and i nearly been treated by them. That was so suck coz they used the real church wed site and they mean to be speaking a good english. But once i called him, he cant even speaking the good english and he keep pushing me to pay tomorrow. This is the email that he sent to me:

Thanks for your email and interest in my apartment.




I am Timothy Crawford a missionary with the General Board of Global Ministries of the United Methodist Church, and I own of the 1 bedroom Apartment you are making enquiry of




The apartment is still available for rent. $400 per month and $500 for security and damages deposit .





It comes loaded with amenities: Furnished Living room and Bedroom, Leather furnitires and a walk-in closet, a balcony or patio, ceiling fans, gas stove, garbage disposal,and central air conditioning and heating, I bathroom and Toilet, Fully equipped kitchen. Easy access and transportation options are numerous. The rent fee includes utility bills(electricity,water,etc) so you dont have to worry about that. This apartment is available for short or long term rental.




I used to reside in the apartment with my wife, Carol Crawford, but due to the fact that I was transferred to West Africa and my wife to USA, on a missionary transfer, and now reside here for the time being, We have decided to put our apartment for rent to someone neat, honest and trustworthy.



I will be here in West Africa for a while and very busy with missions and crusades. So I will like you to get in touch with my wife in USA via email for more details and pictures as she is with the keys and the necessary documents of the apartment.



Upon confirmation of your interest, You will be given a rent application form by my wife, after you have filled the rent application form and made payment for a month's rent deposit and damage fees, the keys and documents will be sent to you through DHL. The application form is subject to approval.




I want you to note that I am a kind and honest man and also I spent a lot on my property so if eventually we give you our apartment, I will solicit for your absolute maintenance of this apartment and want you to treat it as your own.I want to know if I can trust you to handle my property with care.




Please note that we don't have anyone over there to show you the apartment, So we will have to send you the keys & Documents via h DHL Courier Service on a next day delivery after you have made payment for the first month's payment and security deposit so you can move in asap. If you are ok with this and you are ready to proceed, please e-mail my wife-Carol DeWitt-Crawford at ( crawfordtimothy45@gmail.com ) and request for the application form .




Here's a link about me and my work:




new.gbgm-umc.org/work/missionaries/biographies/index.cfm?id=118




Thanks and God bless.




Regards



Timothy Crawford.



Global Ministries

Unknown said...

Amanda,

It seemed too good to be true. Luckily I work in Sales and was able to spot this scam, and your blog only helped to confirm our suspicions. The red flag waved when the "owner" wanted me to pay money before sending me a contract to sign. No thanks. Below is the last communication he sent.

"Hello ----,
You are welcome,It is good to hear from you with this wonderful details.The rent
includes all utilities and the pool is gated which can prevent kids from falling
in,as for the care it is good to hear from you that you can take care of that. As
for the maintenace.should there occur any damage which is mostly not certain as
everything is in good condition,you will have it fixed and any amount spent will be
deducted from the rent.I can figure out from the form that you are ready to move in
within a month and I am ready to make that work for you. So the items listed below
will be sent to you as soon as you make the payment of the first and last month rent
now, Here are the contents of the package.
1)Paper/Permanent house form(Containing your reference details)
2)The house documentary file.
3)Payment Receipt,and the keys.
Do get back to for further discussion on how the key will be sent to you and how
the payment will be made, as well as the signing of the lease.Here is my phone
number +2348025557947.I will be waiting to hearing from you.
Stay Blessed."

This was sent by "Israel Martinez" and the listing that was on Craigslist is suddenly missing. This scam is still going strong and almost had a Sales Exec and Ex Cop sending money. Beware!

Anonymous said...

this is what i got from the bull-shit guy today:

Hi,

Thanks for your mail. The apartment is still available for rent and is available for long term. I work in a Research Associate as a Molecular Imaging Research/Neurology, Presently I am in West Africa for a research and I will be there for long that is why am putting up the apartment for rent. The apartment is located at: 22 Abbott Street, Sandringham Melbourne 3191, Victoria , Australia

Its a spacious and lovely 2-bedroom furnished apartment, Utilities are included and Pets are allowed. Kitchen completely equipped, Kettle - Toaster - Dishwasher - Freezer - Microwave - Oven - Dryer - Heat - Water - Washing Machine and Electric.

I would like you to take very good care of the apartment and always keep it tidy all the time,the rental fees is $150 per week including utilities for the whole of the apartment and $1000 for Bond. I will like you to drive by to the building at your convenient time to view the exterior of the building for you to know the location of the apartment and get back to me with your final decision after viewing the exterior features so that I can forward you the full interior pictures for you to have an idea how beautiful and spacious the inside looks and we can proceed to the next step which is the application form.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Regard
Martins

Anonymous said...

Looks like the person is at it again... Luckily I check very thoroughly before making any decisions. Enjoy the bogus story below...and now this time stooping to faux sympathy... That's for the previous posts.


"Good Day


Please am sorry that i couldn't respond quickly. I'm using 5 years in West Africa,so I'm not giving it out for month alone but for years.I and my wife had an accident when we were in state,and i lost her during the accident,And also i almost lost my hearing along the inccident so please if you know you are going to rent my house kindly take good care of it. My name is Jean Purdy.



The House has 3 bedrooms. The rent is $1100 /month and it includes the utilities. I am the owner of the House, Now I live in West africa( Nigeria ) right now and I came to West Africa under (WHO) World Health Organisation(WHO). WHO is the directing and coordinating authority for health within the United Nations system. It is responsible for providing leadership on globalhealth matters, shaping the health research agenda, setting norms and standards, articulating evidence-based policy options, providing technical support to countries and monitoring and assessing health trends.Visit our website for more information if you also want to make an impact to the world. http://www.who.int/about/en/. I hope you will promise me to take very good care of the House. The House is very big and nice and it is in a nice area I have received many proposals today for my property. Hope you are okay with the price of $1100 per month and the security deposit is $600.Get back to me for the rental application.You can go and view the house anytime.I want you to know that i have decided not to rent my house with the property management and also you can move in with your pets.




Here is the address bellow:



Address:55 NORMANDY CT

City:DANVILLE
State : CA


pets allowed


My contact Number for further discussion............ +2348038217979 or 0112348038217979


Thanks and Happy New Year


Jean Purdy"

Anonymous said...

I as well am looking for a place for rent and thought to good to be true, and replied any way. I got this response.....
Hello,

Thanks for your interest in the rent i am very happy that you contact me, The 4br - HOUSE! which the address is 2547 NE Multnomah Portland OR , when we were still in the state but right now, i and my family are both in west africa, it was due to my transfer that made me and my family to leave the house, we are x ray weldders under nigerdock plc and we try to get an agent that we can give this documents before we left but couldnt find any trust and responsible agent and we are as well as don't want our house to be used anyhow in our absent that is why we took it along with us. All we want is
to give it out for rent and looking for a responsible person that can take very good care of it as we are not after the money for the rent but want it to be clean at the time and the person that will rent it to take it as if it were its own. Now my house is still available for rent for $800 including public services such as hydro power, washer and security is furnished etc.
So if you are still intrested i want you to get back to me with the information below

RENT APPLICATION FORM
Also,Pls let me get this answer.
1)Your Full Name?
2)Your Full Address?
3)How old are you?
4)Are you married?
5)How many people will be living in the house?
6)Do you have a pet?
7)Do you have a car?
8)Occupation?
9)Phone Number?

so that we can proceed about the rent and sending you the document and keys to the house.

I thank everyone that posts info on frauds that they come across. The more info the better.


























Best Wishes,

Larry Buchanan,

Anonymous said...

Wow! You guys are awesome. I too got the e-mail and it was eerie how the e-mails you posted were almost word for word what I got. However I have been talking to a Rev James and his Wife Linda James. I have received 3 e-mails for them but refused to give out more than just my name without meeting them in person. Upon arriving at the address given, it was an apartment complex and I was not given an apartment number. When questioned about it, I did not receive an answer. I knew it was too good to be true and happy than I knew better than to give out important information and relictant to fill out “Renters App”. Thank you for posting this blog. I am sure you saved a lot of peoples A**** with this e-mail. I know you set my mind as ease and made me thankful that I’m smarter than that. E-mails:

Jan 9th
Thanks for your email and it is my gladness to hearing from you.My name is Rev James the owner of the house you are making enquiry of...Actually I resided in the house with my family,such as my wife and my only daugther before and presently we had packed due to my transfer from my working place and now situated in united states and presently my house is still available for rent including the utilities like hydro/heat drywasher and security and bills,Everything in the flat is well fully furnished.Moreso Now,I went for a crusade in West Africa and i will like you to get in touch with my wife in united states for more discussion as She is with the keys and the document to the flat.Pls i want you to note that,I am a kind and 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 mentenance of this house and want you to treat it as your own,is that taken,it is not the money the main problem but want you to keep it tidy all the time so that i will be glad to see it neat when i came 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..

Jan 10th
Hi ,

Its very Nice to Read from you,My name is Linda James wife of Rev James owner of the 1 Bedroom flat for rent on 1735 Lawrence Rd
Santa Clara, CA 95051 that wants to be rented out,so we are looking for a responsible person that can take Very Good care of the flat..My husband in respect who owned the flat and I also want you to know that it was due to my husband Missionary Transfer that made us to leave the flat,so we want you to take very good care of it as we are not after the money for the rent but want it to be clean at the time and the person that will rent it to take it as if it were its own.So for now I am now at New Jersey in United States of America,and more also i am with the keys and documents of the flat,We try to look for an agent or friends that we can give this Keys and document before we left but could not see and we are as well as dont want our flat to be used any how in our Absent that is why i brought the keys along with me here.As you know that,my husband over in West Africa for his Job is also wanting a good tennat,so i hope you will promise us to take very good care of the flat.

So pls get back to me on how you could take care of our flat or perhaps experience you have in renting apartments.my husband how ever told me that you spoke like a lovely person to him in the first e-mail you wrote to him,Hope you are okay with the price of $600 USD Per Month with utilities like :- Stove - Electric ,Refrigerator, Microwave ,Ice Maker ,Full Kitchen ,Coffee maker ,TV/VCR ,Stereo ,Phone ,Linens provided ,High Speed Internet ,CD Player ,Cable/Satellite TV,Double/twin zip & link beds and a child's cot can be provided ,Fitted wardrobe, Kitchen Electric hob/oven,Kitchen utensils ,Microwave ,Washer & dryer ,Refrigerator & freezer ,Toaster ,Electric kettle ,Iron and ironing board ,TV & DVD ,Telephone and Fast internet access ,Pedestal Fan ,Free parking.

I look forward to hearing from you asap so that I can forward you an application to fill out and discuss on how to get the flat for rent,View attached file for the flat pictures...Looking forward to hear from you soon.and below is the address of the flat.so if you are ok with this pls request for an application form in your next e-mail...am so sorry that i cannot call you becasue some problems with my mobile phone,pls bear with me.my husband would be the one to call you once you have filed out the application form..and also you could call him.....

Flat Address :
1735 Lawrence Rd
Santa Clara, CA 95051
Rent: $600 USD Per Month
Security Deposit :- $350 USD Refundable once your leaving the Flat
Thanks
Mrs Linda James

Jan. 16
Good hearing from you that you are promising us that our flat will be well taken care off,and I really appreciate your expression.So,Like I told you there's none of my friends or relatives to show you the apartment..I want you to stick to your words.Is that okay with you?And the below is the final question that you must answer to qualify for the rent..

Hope you have a nice working day,Infact I will like to meet you when coming to visit you soonest.We do a long term and short term renting anytime you which to leave the place will be greatful and we are ready to rent a long-term for 2 years lease or more.

Note that you will are not allowed to enter the flat, Because I'm currently in new jersey at the moment and the keys are here with me..

======RENT APPLICATION FORM======
(Private & Confidential)
Also,Pls let me get this answer.
1)Your Full Name?
2)Present Full Address(where you reside now) & Phone Number to Reach You?
3)Age?
4)Are you married?
5)Sex?
6)How many people will be living in the house?
7)Do you have a pet?
8)Do you have a car?
9)What is your religion?
10)Occupation?
11) Citizen of which Country?
11) How Many Month Deposit ??? 1 or 2
12) When are you ready to Move In ?
13) When are u planning to leave the flat ?

Looking forward to hear from you with all this details for approval so that i can have it in my file incase of issuing the receipt in your name and contacting you.Await your urgent reply so that we can discuss on how to get the documents and the keys to you,Please we are giving you all this transaction is based on Trust & Honesty and again I want you to stick to your words,We are putting everything into Gods hand,so please do not let us down in this property of ours and God bless you more as you do this..

PS : Please call my husband on his mobile number 0112348029475189 or +2348029475189 Immediately you fill out the application form so you can be approved & accepted as our new tenant.

PS : If You Pay For 2 Month Rent then My husband is willing to give you extra 1 Month for free even for promising us that our flat will be well taken care off.

Thanks so much and have a nice day.

Mrs Linda James

Jan.19
Hello,
Thanks for the mail, the suite is an apartment complex so you have the address right , i want you to be rest assured that everything will be fine , what am trying to say is that my husband said you you are willing to pay for two month deposit he will give you one month free that is it so fill the application form and get back to me so that we can move to the next step, hope to read from you soon,

A**** Holes

Anonymous said...

I too thought a listing on craiglist was too good to be true. I emailed for information. I got a email back saying he was so excited to here back from me. I got pretty much the same thing as everyone else. I kept asking for more information and he kept saying that I was approved after only a short amount of information. A red flag was waving the whole time but then the final straw was when they said to wire some money. I emailed them to forget it because it seems like a scam and of course I haven't heard from them since. Scammers!

Anonymous said...

Thank god for this post. I got the same email and decided to do a little web searching of some of the info. It sounded amazing, even had a sob story about a dead wife. Luckily I found this. Just a warning to any other potential scam victims here was my version of the same email:

Good Day,

Please am sorry that i couldn't respond quickly. I'm using 5 years in West Africa,so I'm not giving it out for month alone but for years.I and my wife had an accident when we were in state,and i lost her during the accident,And also i almost lost my hearing along the inccident so please if you know you are going to rent my house kindly take good care of it. My name is Alex Campbell.The rent is $900 /month and it includes the utilities.I am the owner of the House, Now I live in West africa( Nigeria )right now and I came to West Africa under (WHO) World Health Organisation(WHO). WHO is the directing and coordinating authority for health within the United Nations system. It is responsible for providing leadership on globalhealth matters, shaping the health research agenda, setting norms and standards, articulating evidence-based policy options, providing technical support to countries and monitoring and assessing health trends.Visit our website for more information if you also want to make an impact to the world. http://www.who.int/about/en/. I hope you will promise me to take very good care of the House. The House is very big and nice and it is in a nice area I have received many proposals today for my property. Hope you are okay with the price of $900 per month and the security deposit is $300.Get back to me for the rental application.You can go and view the house anytime.I want you to know that i have decided not to rent my house with the property management and also you can move in with your pets.


For more information on how you can view the inside of the house you can call me on...........+2347034498126 or 0112347034498126

Anonymous said...

I got the same just today, the same people clearly changing their names. I thought it was suspicious and wasnt about to send money overseas. He says he is a Reverend working on a christian mission in West Africa. I google the address and its a city service appartments, when i called they had mentioned that they have recieved a few calls about this. I HOPE NO WILL SEND THESE PEOPLE MONEY. Its a shame there are so many evil scammers around.
Thanks for your email and it is glad to Read from you.I am Rev John Marshall,the owner of the 1 bedroom apartment you are making inquiry of at 92 Albert Street East Melbourne 3002 Melbourne,Australia.Actually I resided in the apartment with my Wife before and presently we had Moved out due to my transfer from my working place and now situated in the West Africa and presently my apartment is still available for rent for $600 per month including the utilities like Hydro included,Hardwood Floor,Air Conditioning,Utilities included,Dishwasher,Fridge,Stove,Assigned/Secured parking,microwave,Washer,Dryer,Cable/Satellite, Internet connectivity Elevator,Storage locker,Fireplace,security is fully furnished.


I got transfered for a missionary job and i will like you to get in touch with my wife in Wisconsin,USA for more discussion and Pictures as She is with the keys and the document to the apartment.Please i want you to note that I am a kind and honest man and also I spent a lot on my property that i want to give to you for rent,so i will solicit for your absolute maintainance of this apartment and want you to treat it as your own,is that taken?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 check up which i do once in a while and give 1month notice before i come for check up.I also want you to let me have trust in you as i always stand on my word. Pets Allowed


Special Notice : Pls note that there's none of us to show you the apartment,as we would have to send you the keys through DHL COURIER SERVICE ON A NEXT DELIVERY TO YOUR HOME and move in asap.A refundable deposit is required.if you are ok with this pls Email my wife Lisa Marshall at(lisamart200@gmail.com) and she will attend to you better.


Thanks and God Bless You
Regards
Rev John Marshall

xiomara76 said...

I can't believe this is happening. Thank you so much. I received the same email and information about a home for rent and provided some information. When I looked at the property records the name did not match. Also, the owner of the supposedly house they claimed does work for a company that just merged to West Africa. I looked up his name and information. But the property records did not link to his name.
Once again, thank you!

Unknown said...

Ow wow ya im currently getting scammed on this same house... I live in Washington State and im trying to find a place in Nashville and I stumbled across this same ad on craigslist.

This is what he/she sent to me:

Hello ,
It is a great pleasure that to you are interested in my house.Thanks for your email and it is my gladness to hearing from you.Thanks for the email and also Yes, I am Mrs. Cory Willms owned the house and also it is situated at 908 Jackson Street, Nashville, TN. Actually I resided in the house with my family such as my Husband and my only daugther before and presently we had packed due to my transfer from my working place and now situated in the (West Africa) and presently my house is still available for rent for( $700 USD including the utilities like hydro,washer and security. Moreso Now, i went for a Work Transfer.Pls i want you to note that,i am a kind and 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 this house and want you to treat it as your own, money is not the main problem but 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. And the below is the final question that you must answer to qualify for this the rent of my house?Hope you have a nice working day and your lovely family,Infact i will like to meet all of you when coming to visit you soonest.Mean while a deposit of $400 must be payed which is the Security Deposit you must pay this first so that you can get the keys and document to the house as as soon as you are ready to move in so when i come to check on you then you can now start paying your rent from the day you move in.
RENT APPLICATION FORM FOR APPLICANT
Applicant Info
First Name: ______________ Last Name:
Birth Day: _____/______/______
Phone: (__________)Cell Phone: (_______)
Address:_________
City _________
State: _________
Zip: _________
Married:______
Others who will be living in this Property
Name: ___________
Relationship: _________
Age: ______
Pet Information
Type: __________
Breed: _______
Weight: _____
Looking forward to hear from you with all this details so that i can have it in my file incase of issuing the receipt for you and contacting you.Await your urgent reply so that we can discuss on how to get the document and the key to you,please we are giving you all this base on trust and again i will want you to stick to your words,you know that,we do not see yet and only putting everything into Gods hand,so please do not let us down in this our property and God bless you more as you do this.Regards.Await your reply now.
Mrs. Cory Willms


Thank you for posting this I would have been scamed so easily!!!!

Anonymous said...

I have a room I am trying to rent and have gotten 3 replies all with West Africa connections. I was a little suspicious but the first one seemed plausible enough so I relied but after seeing other all following a similar for I didn't reply to any more.

What is the point?

Anonymous said...

hello,my name is Ani and i want to tell that i happened that same thing but not with rent house,to be a cleaner for they.my email is lovely_ancutza2000@yahoo.com and who have some details or something pls..if i go at the police they can do something??pls send me email

Anonymous said...

I got this one today for San Diego:

Hello,
I GOT YOUR MAIL IN REGARDS TO MY HOUSE FOR RENT, YES IS STILL AVALAIBLE FOR RENT. WHAT REALLY HAPPENED IS THIS,AM NOT GIVING MY HOUSE
OUT FOR RENT JUST BECAUSE OF MONEY BUT BECAUSE OF MY TRANSFER TO WEST AFRICA,AM AN X-RAY WELDER UNDER SHIP BUILDING,BUT HAVE JUST BEEN
TRANSFERED TO WEST AFRICA.

I LEFT SAN DIEGO WITH HOPE THAT I WILL BE COMING BACK IN A MONTH'S TIME, BUT RIGHT NOW THE COMPANY HAVE ASK ME TO STAY FOR 2YRS UNDER
CONTRACT WITH THEM, THAT IS WHY I HAVE MADE UP MY MIND TO PUT UP MY HOUSE FOR RENT TO WHOM EVER THAT WILL TAKE GOOD CARE OF IT.

PLEASE IF REALLY INTERESTED PLS GET BACK AT ME FOR MORE INFORMATION,ALSO HOW LONG DO YOU INTEND TO STAY?PLEASE RESPOND ASAP.

Unknown said...

Hi, guess what? Total i received the same message from Marshall John, this time he changed the location, but everything are the same. At the begining i thought it is too good to be true. While, after i do the search, i know it is be sure the fake message as the same person won't have many property across the world and rent so cheap and just move to Africa. But anyway, thanks for all post above. Be carefull the scammed around..

Unknown said...

Thank you so much for this post. I saw the ad here in the Sacramento, CA area and thought WOW can this be true. I didn't feel there was any harm emailing him. But as he asked for my information I started to get a little sceptical. The more I talked to him or about the deal the feeling in my gut went from excitement to complete dread. Here are the emails he sent to me.

Hello,

Thanks for your email and interest in renting my house..I am Cohen Herbert ,the owner of the house you are making enquiry of...Actually I resided in the house with my family, my wife and my daughter before and presently we have moved out due to my transfer from my work now in Warsaw,Poland. Presently my house is still available for rent for $1200 USD (rent already includes utilities).More so Now, i'm currently in Lagos,Nigeria for an international Christian follower's crusade.

I want you to take absolute care of this house and also treat it as your own, I also want you to let me have trust in you as i always stand on my word.

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 Washer,Dryer,Gas,e.t.c

This is the address of the House (416 Seaton Dr,Folsom, CA 95630)..

You will only be able to drive by the house for now but not have a look at the interior until i have sent the keys and documents of the house to you..and the requirement for getting the keys and documents of the house is a fully refundable payment of $1200 USD,which is the security deposit. Please note that the deposit made is fully refundable should in case you finally gain entrance into the house after receiving the keys and documents and feel unsatisfied or uncomfortable with the interior,but i am giving you a benefit of doubt that you will love everything about this lovely home..

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__________?
MARITAL STATUS_______?
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? ____?
WHEN DO YOU INTEND SENDING THE DEPOSIT TO ME____?

Looking forward to hearing from you with all this details so that i can have it in my file incase of issuing the receipt for you and contacting you...I Await your response so that we can discuss on how to get the document and the keys to you.

The house is available for rent at the moment so you are free to move in as soon as you want to...Feel free to call me for more information and arrangements on how to get the keys and other necessary documents delivered to your address...my number is (+234-706-060-3424 OR 011-234-706-060-3424).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..

PLEASE NOTE THAT YOUR RENT ONLY STARTS COUNTING AFTER YOU HAVE FINALLY MOVED INTO THE HOUSE, SO YOU NEED NOT TO WORRY ABOUT MAKING THE DEPOSIT PAYMENT NOW AND NOT MOVING IN IMMEDIATELY,ALL YOU'RE DOING IS SECURING THE HOUSE IN YOUR FAVOR IN ORDER NOT TO LOOSE IT TO OTHER INTERESTED APPLICANTS..

Best Regards,
Brian Nielsen

After replying to him I got this...

Thanks you very much for your reply, i can see your willingness in this House. I want you to know that i'm satisfied with your profile and also believe l can trust in you because l will not like to experience what l experienced from my last tenant again, l showed your profile to my husband and daughter , they said they are ok with it.l want you to know that we can let you stay in my House till the period of time you wish to.

I want you to know that the rent fee is among the House utilities all included, so you can use them anytime but make sure you take proper care of my properties.We will come and pay you a visit after you have moved into my House to see how you are maintaining it,I will be receiving the first months deposit payment from you via Western Union because l think it reliable,secured and fast,l wish you best of luck in your work, from your profile l can see that you are responsible and a hard working person may the almighty Lord lead you in what ever you wish to do.

As soon as the first month rent payment and deposit payment has been confirmed by my family via Western union at any local store around your home,l will go ahead and commence on how the Houses keys/Documents will be delivered to you via DHL on next day delivery and it will be delivered to the address you have to provide.Let me hear back from you as soon as possible so that l can arrange for the delivery of the keys/Documents.

Once again l'm giving you this House on trust and do not disappointed me because l don't want our house to be destroyed again, if you wish to move in with your own properties,we still have one extra room that is empty so you can easily put our own things that you think you dont need in there.Here are the contents that will be delivered to you via DHL courier service.
1) Entrance and the rooms Keys.
2) Paper/Permanent House form(Containing your reference details).
3) The House documented file.
4) Payment Receipt.

Get back to me via email if you will need me to send you the information which you will use to make the first month rent payment and the security deposit payment to me in west Africa via western union.you can reach me on this my moblie phone +234-706-060-3424 or 011-234-706-060-3424.I tried calling but the line was breaking,please do get back to me with so i can instruct you on how to make the payment so i can secure the house for you and also send down the keys and documents as soon as possible........

Thanks and God bless you

And he started calling me refusing to leave any messages. I thought I should look it up and could not find him on google. So I thought I would look up the conference which promptly brought me to Amanda's post. After reading the various posts I replied to him stating that I needed more information from him just so that I know this is legit. And that I can not wait to move in. We will see if he emails back!

Anonymous said...

I am SO glad I found this post. I feel so stupid now for thinking I found such a great deal. Watch out, I found my ad on backpage.com, not craigslist. Email I received below:



Hello,
Thanks for the email. I Bobby Boone S JR owns the house and also it is situated and also want you to know that it was due to my transfer that makes me and my Family to leave the house and also want to give it out for rent and looking for a responsible person that can take a very good care of it as we are not after the money for the rent but want it to be clean all the time and the possible tenant will see the house as his or her own.

We have left the US and we are currently in the West Africa for a program called 'World Conference Against Racism Youth Summit, Empowering youth for combating racism, HIV/AIDS, Poverty and Lack of Education, the program is taking place in three major countries in Africa which is Sudan, Ghana and Nigeria. It as been a very sad and bad moment for me, the present condition that I found myself is very hard for me to explain. If you will be the right tenant to our house, we will get the keys and documents of the house sent to you via courier services as soon as all terms are settled.

HOUSE ADDRESSES 3062 Hill Valley Dr, Escondido, CA 92029..3br, 3 ba and 3579 sqft Single Family Home. EPanoramic view from the 2000 s.q. foot hilltop home on private cul de sac with vaulted ceilings, beautiful hardwood flooring in living room, formal dining room and bath; carpeted bedrooms, family dining room spacious office and hallways and tiled kitchen and master bath. Additional features include stone fireplace, French doors in bath dining rooms and master bedroom, 2 patios, pool/pond with auto fountain, oak cabinetry and tiled countertops "eat-at" kitchen counter/island, mirrored closets, fruit trees in yard and a peaceful serenity you don't find in typical neighborhood. Only 3 minutes to 78 freeway access, shopping, elementary school, etc. * Auto sprinkler system front and back, optional security system. Refrigerator, Stove, Dishwasher, Pool, Washer/Dryer, Yard, Fireplace, Patio / Balcony, Landscaper Included. Availability date 3/20/2009... I am flexible regarding the length of the lease. 6 mo., 1 yr., 2.yr, 3yr. etc. are all acceptable. I never increase the rental amount for good tenants..All credit considered, all types of pet allowed and Additional monthly charge of $200 for pet deposit.....You can drive down there to take a look ate it.

I will be online through out to get back to you as soon as you are able to get back to me. I would want to know how soon you would want to move in, as I will be taking a 2-month upfront payment which mean the first and last months you will be staying in the house including some utilities (Electricity, Water, Internet, Heat and Garbage). I am asking for $1300 and I believe we should be able to help ourselves. I am accepting $1300 including utilities because I want you to take a very good care of the house while I am away.

I am looking forward to hear from you ASAP so that i can forward you an application to fill out and discuss on how to get the house for rent over to me so that I can get the keys and papers sent to you via FedEx or ups e.t.c, also are you ready to rent it now or when?

Await your reply. I will be willing to send the inside view of the building if you demands for it.

I could let you remain in the house till I come back if you are a good tenant and you can reach me on +2348085320934.

Thanks and awaits your mail as soon as possible.

Bobby...

Anonymous said...

OMG! We just saw an ad for an apartment in Manhattan Beach, CA for $700 a month just a few days ago. People are STILL posting this crud on Craig's List. They asked for 3 months up front and a security deposit for the keys of $300. We just happened to walk by after lunch today and check it out for fun. The parking wasn't gated like she said it was and it was NOT furnished! LOL! They must get available places for rent through the Internet. people need to be smarter and spread the word!!!!

Anonymous said...

same type of scam here in colorado...

Hi,


I did get your response concerning the AD I posted on craigslist. The house is still available but presently I'm not around.. I did bid for a portion of petroleum land sometimes ago in West Africa and fortunately I won the

bidding so I have to move quickly down to Africa to have my company set up because I will still have to rebid for it in the next 10 years.. I came over here with my wife, we both built the house when we got married. As

soon as we settle down here I had a thought of selling the house so I have to look for an agent, after getting one, we got a deal but later my wife advised against that. She said we may not be able to win the bidding next

time, in other to keep our head when we return that we have to keep the house. I reasoned with her and accepted her advise. So I contacted the agent back and requested for my keys and documents. Later we decided to

have the house rent out, we would have give the same agent this job also but the truth of the matter is that the agent would want to handle it professionally and the occupant may not be able to reason along with him later.

If you notice, you will discovered that the price we are offering is far below standard price, this is enough for you to know that we are not after the rental fee but the absolute care for the property. I know there is no

way I can be sure that you are the right person to live in the house because we won't be able to see physical before sending you the keys and the documents to occupy the space. But I just had a feeling that anyone who
knows what it takes to put the kind of structure down should know that maintaining a building is mandatory, so if you belief you can take good care of the house and handle it like yours then I will be more than happy to

let you rent the house.


Please if you are ready now to occupy the house kindly provide the information below for record purpose


PLEASE TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF
Full Name__________________________________________________ Home Phone ( ) ________________________
Date of Birth_________________________________
Other Phone ( ) ___________________
Current Address_______________________________Apt#________ City__________________ State______ Zip________
Reasons for Leaving____________________________Rent $__________Phone ( ) ____________________________
Are you married____________________________
How many people will be living in the house____________________________
How many people will be living in the house____________________________
Do you have a pet____________________________
Do you have a car____________________________
Occupation____________________________
Move In Date____________________________



House Address
4190 S Ireland Ct
Aurora, CO 80013


Best Regards
Kavita V Nair
+234-802-976-9680
011-234-802-976-9680

sadly i fell for this and lost 500.00$ dollars, beware!!!

Anonymous said...

Oh my god. Thank you very much.
I already paid $680 in advance.
But not all the rent.
I have to cancel it.
I'm very disappointed...

Anonymous said...

I was just about to be scammed until I found this site thank you so much.

Calvary Greeting to you,And may the Blessing of the Lord be upon you and your family,


My name is Pastor Kevin Stalder I own a home and I am willing to rent it to a good and caring tenant .. and also want you to know that it was due to my transfer that makes me my wife and Son to leave the house and also want to give it out for rent and looking for a responsible person that can take very good care of it as we are not after the money for the rent but want it to be clean at the time and the person that will rent it to take it as if it were its own. So for now, We are here in west Africa, our new house and put all my worries off concerning the maintenance of my home for, since i am not residing there for now.I left behind some Facilities and electonics which include the rent, and a DVD player, air conditioning, alarm system. The kitchen is fully equipped with all necessary cooking utensils, arefrigerator-freezer, four-hob and oven, microwave,dishwasher and washing machine, My Computer Connected with Internet Acess Also the keys to the House are right here with me, and the lease document. Which i can send to you after all necessary agreement has be accepted. Also i will like you to know that the rent charges is not really the issue ,but your absolute maintenance of my House is most important thing so will want you to get back to me with the 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)Occupation?
9)When do you want to move in
10How long do you want to stay in my House
11 Pictures of all the Occupant that will stay in my House
12 Reason for leaving Current home
13 A month deposit 520+Bond $500 which is refundable making $1020 are you ok YES/NO.


And May th Good lord bless you as you get back to me with the RENTAL APPLICATION and as soon as You can get back to me with rental application i would send you the next step how to get the keys and sign the lease so I hope you have driven by SO If you are still interested, Note that the rent is going to be $130 Per week No extra fees and the rent include all utilities and a Gardener that would be coming to clean the place.

Looking forward to hear from you with all this details so that i can have it in my file in case of issuing the receipt for you and contacting you. Await your urgent reply so that we can discuss on how to get the document and the keys of the house to you...

Thanks

I have been sent many emails from this scammer please see more below

Hello ,


Good to hear from you again. You application form has been approved and you have been accepted as our new tenant. You can rent the house for as long as you wish to .

The address is
606/6-8 Crescent Redfern NSW 2016

All is set to go and now, in order to proceed, You are to make payment of $1,020 to my personal secretary in West Africa, through WESTERN UNION Money Transfer. It is a fast and reliable way of sending money overseas.Keys and documents will be sent to you as soon as you make payments . Upon confirmation of the funds, I and my personal secretary will go ahead and have the keys and documents shipped out to the address you provided via DHL courier service on next day delivery. You can move in immediately you get the keys or at your convenience.. Once again we will give you this house because of your assurance to take good care of it, please do not disappoint us also you would the rent fees .

Here are the contents that will be delivered to the address you provided through DHL courier service.

1) Entrance and the rooms Keys
2)Rent Agreement Paperwork/Permanent Flat form (Containing your reference details)
3)The Flat documented file.
4)Payment Receipts.
5)Full address and description of the flat.


Please get back to me letting me know if I can go ahead and send the details and instruction on how to transfer the funds through WESTERN UNION so that you can make the payment and I can have keys and documents sent to you.Please we are trusting you with our apartment, do not fail us. Expecting your email.Wish you best for the week.

Thanks and God bless you in your endeavors.

Best Regards

and also this email below

The keys and document to you but on trust and i hope you will not fail me.

I want you to know that the keys and documents to the apartment has been sent over to you today and you will receive it on the Monday. And it was sent to your adresss that you provided to me in your rental application form.


The package was addressed and sent using this Name and address that is given below:

Last Name:
First Name:

Address:

The package is presently on transit and it will be delivered to you on thursday 11th But you have to make the security deposit payment so i want you to go ahead now and make the payment of $300 and the payment should be made at least by today.

The tracking number of the package is ( EC932373096US ) and you can track it online before it gets to you via this website www.iship.com which is the shipping compantant website. and as soon as you visit the site you will scroll down and you see track it click on it and it will load you to a page that you will fill in tracking number so as soon as you put in the number click on submit then you will see yourself that the keys and the documents were on transit.


I hope to read from you as soon as possible and I will also be expecting the payment informations by today and i want you to go ahead now to the nearest western union office around you now and make the payment and also send me the payment details.

And if i don't receive the payment by today, I will call the shipping company to call back or placed the package on hold ........So go ahead now to nearest western union office around you and pay the deposits of $300 I hope to read from you as soon as possible via email.

Have a great day I want you to promise me once again that you will surely take good care of the apartment because am only doing this based on the trust I have for you,so do no let me down. I look forward to hearing from you as soon as possible.

and also this email

So all you need to send the payment is to write down my personal secretary western union details below

Receiver Name: Richard Mcneish
Address : 1209 County Road 517
Country:Nigeria
Zip Code : 23401
Amount Sending : $1,020
Text Question :Just Have
Text Answer : Faith

So as soon as you have written my personal secretary western union details above then you go to the Location below and send the payment.

GUILDFORD NEWSAGENCY
339 GUILDFORD ROAD
GUILDFORD, NSW 2161
+61--1800501500


Today's Hours: 06:00 AM - 6:00 PM


So as soon as you have sent the payment email me the western union confirmation below

Full Senders Name
Mtcn #
Amount Sent
Text Question and Answer


Thanks.

So I hope tis helps people not to get scammed by this

Anonymous said...

Hello Dear,
Thanks for the email and it is my gladness hearing from you.i am the owner of the house you are making enquiry of.
Actually I resided in the house with my family,such as my wife and my only daugther before and presently we had packed due to my transfer from my working place and now situated in the (West Africa Nigeria) and presently my house is still available for rent ..including the utilities like hydro,washerand security,it is furnised but if u which to move in with your furnishes no problem..
Pls i want you to note that,i am a kind and honest man and also i spent alot
on my property that i want to give you for rent,i will want you to take absolute maintenance of my house and want you to treat it as your own,i,it is not the money 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.

SO IF YOU ARE REALY INTRESTED I WILL WANT YOU TO FILL THE RENTAPPLICATIONS FORMS BELOW
RENT APPLICATION FORM
Also,Pls let me get this answer.
1)Your Full Name
2)Your Full Address & Phone Number
3)How old are you?
4)Are you married?
5)How many people will be living in the house?
6)Do you have a pet?
7)Do you have a car?
8)Occupation?
9)What is your religion?
10)Are you born again?
Looking forward to hear from you with all this details so that i can have it in my file incase of issuing the receipt for you and contacting you.Await your urgent reply so that we can discuss on how to get the document and the key to you,please we are giving you all this base on trust and again i will want you to stick to your words, Here is our number +234-70-23 741532 or +234-80-83989796 you know that,we do not see yet and only putting everything into Gods hand,so please do not let us down in this our property and God bless you more as you do this.
Regards.
Address:3336 Hawkwood RD., Diamond Bar, CA

RENT IS 1200 DOLLARS AND THE DEPOSIT IS 1000 DOLLARS..

God Bless You.


the guys email is jiunshiaw.wang@yahoo.com

Anonymous said...

p.s. the house in diamond bar is currently for sale, i called the number and the realitor confirmed that he was in fact not the owner of the house...because we almost sent the deposit but then we noticed the for sale sign and thought that was wierd.

Anonymous said...

well they are trying to do it in auzzie aswell
i have got contact details and numbers for them have sent it to the govenment with all there bank details
so and thank god i have a wife with a good head on her shoulders and she put me onto this web blog
no money passed through a west union bank account to west africa
lets hope they get stopped in there tracks this time
p.s. i filled out there form and gave address and phone number do you think they can do harm with these details?

LMCMT said...

My experience w/ a similar scammer! Scroll down to first email.

Ha Ha Ha.....How do you like somebody wasting your time.....You think I wouldn't have caught on to your scam. I hope you rot in hell....God will pay you back for the scams you try to pull on innocent people. Hope you realize that your scam is posted all over the internet! We are all on to you!
You must be some real lowlife scum bag to do what you are doing....go out and get a real job and earn a real living like the rest of us good honest people.

From: Sent: Friday, May 22, 2009 1:50:54
Subject: Kindly Fill in The Form To Proceed ..

You can go to hell and paint your mama's ass black

On 5/22/09, wrote:
Hi....just a few more questions.
1. I have a pet monkey...is this ok?
2. Can I paint the walls black?
3. I like to through parties since I am in a sorority?
4. Are the neighbors cool....I like to sunbathe in the nude?
5. I practice santeria...so sometimes I sacrafice chickens?
6. At some point I would like to sublease the house to someone else in order to make a few extra dollars.
7. Is it ok if I open up a "massage parlor" (illegal but no one will know).
8. I like to smoke weed....so is it ok if I grow my herb in the back yard?
Please get back to me as soon as possible....I really like the house!
L

From John Caprio
Sent:May 20, 2009 10:00:38 PM
Subject: Kindly Fill in The Form To Proceed ..
Hi ,
Thanks for your response. And for your interest in my property,in my previous email to you i stated that i am not presently in the state to show you the inside of the house, and the keys and the documents of the house are here with us,so i sugest to mail the keys and documents via courier service to the rightful tenant, so you would be able to go inside the house and view it, but we will also not want to take the risk and send our keys and documents to you just like that, so we urge you to come up with a month rent as a deposit for us to be able to ship the keys and documents to you. As soon as you make the deposit the keys and documents will be ship to you and let me know if you have your own furnitures to move-in with, i will arrange on how we will move out our own furnitures from the house before your move in date,kindly let me know your lease lenth .See the file attached there is the rental application form and some pictures of the inside of the house,kindly fill in the application form and return it back to me and let me know when you will be able to come up with the a month rent for the deposit for the keys and documents to be ship to you and also to secure the house till your move-in date asap.
All we need is a responsible tenant that will take good care of the house like his/her own while we are away and you have to give us your word on this.
Im really glad you are interested in my property and you sounded just like real tenant we have been looking for to lease our house to.
Do you have a phone where i can reach you??
Thanks and God bless.
Caprio.

On 5/20/09, wrote:
Well first my husband and I would like to come by and look at the inside of the home. Thanks

From:
Sent: Tuesday, May 19, 2009 12:41:02 PM
Hello
sorry for my late response it was due to the time difference,the property is still very much available and i would like inform you that due to my new job here in west africa was the reason why am leasing out my property and i seek a dependable tenant to take good care of my property and kindly get back to me if you are interested and if you are that tenant that i seek.
The total requirement for move in are a month upfront of $1400 and a security deposit of $800,kindly let me know when you would like to start a lease. Please feel free to drive by the property through this address: and let me know your thought,so the rentals application can be forward to you for you to fill and sign.
please feel free to contact me on John +2348054730321
Hope to read from you soon.
Thanks and God Bless.
Caprio John.

IFG Decor said...

But what do they do with your info if you do send it to them? I mean, unless you provide SS# I guess there's nothing they can do...or can they?

Anusha said...

Here is the letter I got. I emailed him /her about the property but my gut feeling wasn't good from the beginning. I got the following reply:

"Hello,
Thanks for your response regarding your interest in having my property for rent.The Listing is much available for now.I want you to know that I am the owner of this building .But right now i am in africa on a Christain mission with my wife and we have the keys right here with us.I will like to inform you that it was due to my transfer that makes us to leave the property and also want to give it out for rent and looking for a resposible person that can take very good care of it as we are not after the money for the rent but want it to be clean at the time and the person that will rent it to take it as if it were its own.So for now,We are here in West Africa, our new property and also with the keys of the property,we are trying to look for an agent that we can give this document before we left but could not see and we are as well as dont want our property to be used any how in our absent that is why we took it along with us here.We are only willing to give the propertyt out to a lovely and caring family only, so if you know you cannot give the property the neatness it deserves please don't contact me.But if you promise to always take good care of property,get back to me on how you could take care of our property or perhaps experience you have in renting home.Hope you are okay with the price of $900 with utilities. I look forward to hearing from you ASAP so that i can forward you an application to fill out and discuss on how to get the property for rent,also are you ready to rent it now or when?
Thanks,
Await your reply."

I did not give out any information but insisted on seeing the house before pursuing further. Then he sends me this:

"Hello,
Thanks so much for your response...You are so lucky to have getting back to me. Though I am looking for a very neat and decent person to take good care of the property for me. You can be there for as long as you wish. The property is located at #8550 Sw 109 Ave. Miami FL 33173. You will have to fill the below form and get back to me.

RENTAL APPLICATION FORM
Tenant's Name(s):
Current Address(s):
Ph#: Cell & Home :
Married?:
Spouse's Name:
Children:
Numbers of People Movin In ?
Pets:
Where you work ? :
Employer:
Employer's Address:
Supervisor:
Monthly gross income:
Bus. Phone:
Rental Agreement : Fixed Term OR Periodic :
REFERENCES
Personal Reference:
Ph#:

Looking forward to hear from you with all this details so that i can have it in my file incase of issuing the receipt for you and contacting you.I await your urgent reply so that we can discuss on how to get the document and the key to you,please we are giving you all this base on trust and again i will want you to stick to your words,you know that,we do not see yet and only putting everything into Gods hand,Anyway I will like to inform you that the $900 you are paying for the rent and security is $900 ok? Just get back to me if this is well with you.

ACKNOWLEDGMENT
Landlord is authorized to check your credit,rental, employment and criminal history to verify all references and to answer any questions concerning your experience with me.

APPLICANT
I declare that all information listed on this application is true and accurate.
APPLICANT SIGNATURE________________________________
Date________________________________________________

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

Regards."

UNBELIEVABLE!!!!!!
I never got back to him after that! Its true what they say!! Always always always TRUST YOUR INSTINCTS!!

Anonymous said...

Also in Austin, palatial 4 br house, full set of photos, 3,300 sq.ft., $800/month. Reply to my inquiry follows:

Hello,

Thanks for your interest in the rent i am very happy that you contact me, The 4br - HOUSE! which the address is 3 Autumn Oaks Austin TX, when we were still in the state but right now, i and my family are both in west Africa, it was due to my transfer that made me and my family to leave the house, we are x ray welders under nigerdock plc and we try to get an agent that we can give this documents before we left but couldn't find any trust and responsible agent and we are as well as don't want our house to be used anyhow in our absent that is why we took it along with us.All we want is to give it out for rent and looking for a responsible person that can take very good care of it as we are not after the money for the rent but want it to be clean at the time and the person that will rent it to take it as if it were its own.. Now my house is still available for rent for $800 including public services such as, washer and security is furnished etc. So if you are still intrested i want you to get back to me with the information below. also call me on this number +2347-092-48-5315.

RENT APPLICATION FORM
Also,Pls let me get this answer.
1)Your Full Name?
2)Your Full Address?
3)How old are you?
4)Are you married?
5)How many people will be living in the house?
6)Do you have a pet?
7)Do you have a car?
8)Occupation?
9)Phone Number?

so that we can proceed about the rent and sending you the document and keys to the house.

Best Wishes,
Garcia.

Anonymous said...

Here is my story~ My brother found a townhome for rent. When he told me about it, a light bulb lit almost immediately. When I heard the price and that the guy was in West Africa and he got a reply, I decided to do my own research. Since I already had the address I went to the public records to search for the property owners name. I began searching for her. I found her in South Floirda and I called her I was inquiring for the townhome for rent and she was surprised I had her name and number. I told her the above info and she said it was a SCAM and that the FBI was on it. She said that the scammer was using her old renters name and email. I shared my info I had from the scammer to the owner. When I tried to see ad on craigslist it said: AD was FLAGGED and removed. ALWAYS ALWAYS do a search for the Actual OWNERS of whatever property and you will get the truth. Oh,one more thing it was also advertised with other realtors and the scammer will also share that with you and say he had it advertised with xyz realestate company and took it off...LMAO!!! BEWARE and do your homework as I did and you will have a happy ending story as I have~ P.S.Why would anyone send money to someone when they haven't even seened the place? That is beyond me!!! My brother did give out info he should not have :( but its public records anyway. BOTTOM LINE: DEAL with a LEGIT REALESTATE AGENT ONLY or deal with the DIRECT PROPERTY OWNER ONLY by doing your search on your county property appraisers. HAPPY SEARCH!

Anonymous said...

Thank you so much for this. I almost fell for it, too...though I have many suspicions with a lot of things they say.

The emails go pretty much the same with everyone who posted here.

Now I'm so disappointed. Housing is so hard to find and it's harder when you are doing it from across the globe.

*sigh* Thanks guys!

Anonymous said...

So the name, location, email, contact number is changing... but the lame storyline is pretty much the same. I can't stand their trying to sound religious. Thanks, Amanda.

Anonymous said...

This is STILL going on. What sucks is that Craigslist could care less that half their rental listings are spam/scams. They just want you to flag stuff, not caring that plenty of others will possibly get sucked into the scammer’s deal by the time there are enough flags to bring it down.

The one I got from Atlanta (a property in a swanky neighborhood going for 800/mo) had basically just ripped off ad copy and photos from a realtor’s website. A good way to check properties is to just google the address with ‘owner’ and see if it pops up for sale on a realtor’s site.

Anonymous said...

I got this one.. Seems they are doing this all over the usa.. Frigging scumbags....

I knew right away from the money scams for collage that come from Nigeria aswell....

Here is a most recent part of the scam...

Frigging idiots .. I cant believe they put in the story of 2 young boys dying and then they left the us for better health care in africa??? thats like searching for water in the desert.. They should try to rent beach front property in arizona lol

Good Day,

Please excuse my late reply but I couldn't respond earlier. I'm using 5 years in West Africa,so I'm not giving it out for month alone but for years.I and my wife had an accident when we were in state,and we lost our only two sons during the accident,And also i almost lost my hearing along the inccident so please if you know you are going to rent my house kindly take good care of it.We took the transfer Job coz we felt it is the only way we could move on with lIfe,Right now my wife is also with me here in West Africa,The Doctors advice that we should stay out of the country coz of her health. My name is Walter L Davis Jr.

The House has 3 bedrooms and 1.5 Bathroom. The rent is $1000 /month and it includes the utilities.We are the owner of the House, Now we live in West africa( Nigeria ) right now and I came to West Africa under (WHO) World Health Organisation(WHO).. WHO is the directing and coordinating authority for health within the United Nations system. It is responsible for providing leadership on globalhealth matters, shaping the health research agenda, setting norms and standards, articulating evidence-based policy options, providing technical support to countries and monitoring and assessing health trends.Visit our website for more information if you also want to make an impact to the world. http://www.who.int/about/en/.

I hope you will promise me to take very good care of the House.. The House is very big and nice and it is in a nice area I have received many proposals today for my property.

Hope you are okay with the price of $1000 per month and the security Deposit is $600.Get back to me for the rental application.You can go and view the house anytime.I want you to know that i have decided not to rent the house with the property management and also you can move in with your pets.

Here is the address bellow:
Address: 236 Winnacunnet Rd, Hampton NH


pets allowed

My contact Number for further discussion...... +2348038217979 or 0112348038217979

Walter L Jr and Sheila Davis

Anonymous said...

I just got this one:

"Hi
I got your mail in regards to my apartment for rent,And am so sorry for late responds to you,so what really happened is this,Am not given my apartment for rent just because of money but due to my transfer to west Africa.Am an X-RAY WELDER UNDER SHIP BUILDING,I have been working with nasco ship building here in country,you can view the site at WWW.NASCO.COM But have just been transfered to Niger dock Nigeria plc,you can also view site at WWW.NIGERDOCK.COM. I left country with hope that i will be coming back in a month's time,but right now the company have ask me to stay for 2yrs under contract with them,that is why i have made up my mind to put up my apartment for rent ,but i will like you to keep the apartment for me well okay just like yours.ok,and i want to let you know that the apartment its available For rent anytime,and you can easily go there and check it,but the problem it's that you will not be able to check inside of the apartment,so through the address you will provide for me i will used to send you the key and the document to you through DHL COURIER SERVICE and It will be home delivery, and i appreciate your expression,and the apartment include cable /internet access,Furnished, Central Air Conditioning, Laundry, Garbage Chute, Pets OK, cleaning service, dry cleaning,Heating, Electricity,etc and everything its already been furnished,

And here is the application form below that you must answer to qualify for the rent of my apartment,And i want you to know that am giving this apartment for rent base on trust and due to the way i read reply to my apartment,Hope you have a nice working day In fact i will
like to meet you when coming to visit you soonest. Also,Pls let me get this answer.And you can call me on my cell +2347086666535..

RENT APPLICATION FORM
1)Your Full Name
2)Your Full Address & Phone Number
3)How old are you?
4)Are you married?
5)How many people will be living in the house?
6)Do you have a pet?
7)Do you have a car?
8)Occupation?
9)How long Do you intend to stay?

Looking forward to hear from you with all this details so that i can have it in my file in case of issuing the receipt for you and contacting you,and dog is allowed ,Await your urgent reply so that we can discuss on how to get the document and the key to you,please we are giving you all this base on trust.

Thanks and God Bless you

Hope to hear from you back"

I can't believe these people. I ask about an apartment that seems to be too good to be true in Edmonton and get a response from someone who can hardly speak English who is back in Africa? Crazy.

Anonymous said...

I spotted this same ad listed on our local craigslist and got pretty much the same email back. I replied with made up information, told him I had 10 kids and 7 dogs and for bait would like to pay the rent in 6 month increments at a time. I included the telephone number of our local police department for my contact number and am interested to see if I hear anything back.

Anonymous said...

Ditto---


Re: $900 / 2br - gorgeours 2BR/2.5BA Condo still available for rent in santa rosa (santa rosa)


Hello
Thanks for your interest in the rent i am very happy that you contact me, regarding my 2br - apartment which the address is .1573 Ridley, Santa Rosa, CA when we were still in the state but right now, i and my family are both in west africa, it was due to my transfer that made me and my family to leave the house, we are x ray weldders under nigerdock plc and we try to get an agent that we can give this documents before we left but couldnt find any trust and responsible agent and we are as well as don't want our house to be used any how in our absent that is why we took it along with us. All we want is to give it out for rent and looking for a responsible person that can take very good care of it as we are not after the money for the rent but want it to be clean at the time and the person that will rent it to take it as if it were its own. Now my house is still available for rent for $900 including public services such as, washer and security is unfurnished etc.pets and dogs is allowed So if you are still intrested i want you to get back to me with the information below
RENT APPLICATION FORM

Also,Pls let me get this answer.
1)Your Full Name?
2)Your Full Address?
3)How old are you?
4)Are you married?
5)How many people will be living in the house?
6)Do you have a pet?
7)Do you have a car?
8)Occupation?
9)Phone Number?
10)which date are you ready to move in
11)how many years you intend to stay in the house Fill tha application form so that will can proceed forward of how you are going to get the keys and the document

Unknown said...

OMG!!!! THANK YOU GUYS SOOOOO MUCH!!! I TOO KNEW THAT THIS ADD WAS TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE!!!! AND ESPECIALLY WHEN I TRIED TO GO ON THE NIGERDOCK.COM WEBSITE AND THE PAGE WOULD NOT PULL UP!!! I AM FURIOUS, I RESPONDED TWICE TO THE ADD BUT WITHOUT SENDING ANY INFORMATION!!! MY MY MY THE APARTMENT FOR RENT WAS BEAUTIFUL!!! THESE PEOPLE REALLY NEED TO BE STOPPED!!!HERE IS WHAT THEY TOLD ME....Thanks for your inquiry e.mail,the apt is located at 66 Lexington Ave #2, Brooklyn NY 11238.2 bedroom apartment ready for move in for $1000,modern,bright & spacious. It has a brand new bathroom, updated kitchen with a new dishwasher, new air conditioner in the bedroom and one in the living room.Central Heat/AC, excellent lighting throughout, W/D hookups, white oak flooring to bathroom and shoppings close ,washer dryer cable internet and parking,utilities included in rent except electricity.

I just joined my husband whom has been on a ship building contract with nigerdock plc.Nigeria www.nigerdock.com.I flew down to the country with our 4 year old daughter and we are going to be here till his project is concluded so we want the place occupied asap.

We initially anted to sell but we later changed our minds and wanting to rent now and looking for someone to move in asap,the place was newly renovated and is sparkling clean.

For now we are looking at a 1 or 2 year lease or rather lets know how long you wish to stay,just get back to me so i can know your plans and intentions as we want someone whom will take absolute care of the apartment.

Deborah.


Some photos are below.

66 Lexington Avenue #2, Brooklyn NY

66 Lexington Avenue #2, Brooklyn NY

66 Lexington Avenue #2, Brooklyn NY

66 Lexington Avenue #2, Brooklyn NY

66 Lexington Avenue #2, Brooklyn NY

AND AFTER I RESPONDED AGAIN THIS IS WHAT I WAS TOLD.... BOY AM I GLAD I PAY ATTENTION TO THE NEWS1!!!

Ok thats fine,we put furniture in storage so you will have to bring yours, my husbands transfer caught us in short notice,we earlier wanted
to put the place up for sale but considered renting for about a year or
two and see how it goes,so far the apt was new renovated and sparkling
clean.
For security reason we had the place locked and
held along the keys but now we will have to send the keys and
paperwork via DHL to whomever we are renting to,we got a couple of
applicant tho.
We want to be assured that you will take good
care of the place in our absence as i will be coming the earliest i
can,latest 1st week of October to do a check up and arrange for an agent to
stand for us whom you can deal locally with.
For now we just want to be assured you will be a good tenant and have the keys sent and receive the $500 security deposit,our phone line just got activated and its +234 7031527057 ,you can call us up today asap so we can review things as my husband will also love to have a word with you.
few quick questions will you be moving in alone?do you have any pets?and how long are you looking to rent?

Sincerely,

Deborah.

SMH THIS IS REALLY A SHAME TO ME!!!!BEWARE EVERYBODY,USE YOUR HEAD AND UNDERSTAND THAT IF IT SEEMS TO GOOD TO BE TRUE,IT USUALLY IS!!!

Anonymous said...

today amost fell for scam... thank you for the posting... i only found this posting for scam by being curious on what a x-ray welder.


heres what it said:


Hello,

Thanks for your interest in the rent i am very happy that you contact me, The 3br - HOUSE! which the address is 155 Barretts Way Lexington SC, when we were still in the state but right now, i and my family are both in west Africa, it was due to my transfer that made me and my family to leave the house, we are x ray welders under nigerdock plc and we try to get an agent that we can give this documents before we left but couldn't find any trust and responsible agent and we are as well as don't want our house to be used anyhow in our absent that is why we took it along with us.All we want is to give it out for rent and looking for a responsible person that can take very good care of it as we are not after the money for the rent but want it to be clean at the time and the person that will rent it to take it as if it were its own.. Now my house is still available for rent for $700 including public services such as, washer and security is furnished etc. So if you are still interested i want you to get back to me with the information below. also call me on this number +234-7092-485-315.

Monthly Rent:$700
Security Deposit:$400
Total Amount:$1,100
Bed & Bath:3 Bedroom,2 Bath
Livable Space:Approximately 1,115 Square Feet

LEASE APPLICATION FORM

FULL CONTACT NAME?

OCCUPATION?

RESIDENTIAL HOME ADDRESS? YOUR CELLPHONE NUMBER?

YOUR HOME PHONE NUMBER? YOUR WORKPLACE NUMBER?

WHAT TIME IS THE` BEST TIME TO REACH YOU?

AGE & MARITAL STATUS?

OWN A PET?

OWN A CAR?

HOW MANY PEOPLE SHALL RESIDE IN THE PREMISES?

ANTICIPATED MOVE IN DATE?

REFERENCE?

=====================================
Application Comment
=====================================

so that we can proceed about the rent and sending you the document and keys to the house.

Best Wishes,
Chris Alexander.

Anonymous said...

Thank you so much for posting this warning. I was going to move to Vancouver and didn't know anything about the normal rental rates there. On craiglist, I found an apartment for $450 including utilities. When I got the email back I thought the wording was weird. Also, I was confused about the leaving for "a Crusade in Africa", so I googled it and came to this post. The following is the reply I received to my inquiry about the apartment:

(from Jasongood200052@yahoo.com:)

Thanks for your email and it is my gladness to hear from you.I am Jason Good,the owner of the Apartment you are making inquiry of.Actually I resided in the apartment with my family,presently we moved away due to my transfer from my working place,my apartment is Located in 1160 Haro Street, Vancouver, BC,and presently my apartment is still available for rent for $450 per month including the utilities like hydro,washer and security,it is furnished.More so Now, I went for a Crusade in the West Africa and i will like you to get in touch with my wife in the states for more discussion as She is with the keys and the documents to the Apartment.Pls i want you to note that,i am a kind and honest man and also i spent a lot on my property that i want to give you for rent,so i will solicit for your absolute maintenance of this apartment and want you to treat it as your own,is that taken,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 want have trust in you as i always stand by my words.Where are you located? let us know how soon you are willing to move in.Email my wife Linda,on (lindagood2000@gmail.com) and she will attend to you better.


I thought the wording was just way too similar to what is already posted on this site. Insane. Thanks. I don't know what would have happened if I didnt google it first!

Anonymous said...

i had almost fallen for these dumb asses trying to do this scam , i first found out that it was a scam cause the house they supposably had up and cuurently for rent was also currently occupied ((((duh)))) big red light went off i had searched it on google by typing in west africa phone number , just thoughs four words and i found this site ...... and sure enough almost everyone of these scams was similar in almost every way ,,,,,,,,i actually was gonna send these people 450.00 dollars today then i found out it was a scam ,,,, this is what the retardes said """""It is a great pleasure that to you are interested in my house.Thanks for your email and it is my gladness to hearing from you.I am NEIL GRAYDON, the owner of the house you are making enquiry of.Actually I resided in the house with my family,such as my wife and my only dauther before and presently we had packed due to my missionary work transfer (www.gowestafrica.org) and now situated at (WEST AFRICA,NIGERIA)and presently my house is still available for rent for $450 per month including the utilities like hydro,washer and security.

Pls i want you to note that,i will solicit for your absolute maintenance of this my house and want you to treat it as your own,is that taken,it is not the money that is the main problem that is why is very cheap 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.

All i want you to do is to go ahaed and view the house immediately. here is my number feel free to call me on this number +2348034901610 Or 0112348034901610...let me know if you are intrested so that i can send you the rent application form so that you can fill them up then we can proceed further.

RENTAL AMOUNT............$450
SECURITY DEPOSIT.........$450
ADDRESS OF MY HOUSE......... 750 N. Picture Dr., Salt Lake City, UT
PETS ALLOWED, AVAILABLE NOW.

Thanks,

Rev. Neil






<<<<<
when i saw this site i called the guy "thank god for unlimited calling" and asked him if he knew the other revs as he called himself and i didnt meantion anything about this site and he actually said they were really close friends with each other and then i went off on his dumb ass , and sure enough he started talkin sh*t back but really religious people as homself dont talk smack to people lol so ya you gotta be really carefull with those kinda ad"s specially the ones that want personal info and to send money before you recieve anything ......

Cara said...

Woah thanks for the post! I almost got scammed. I knew it was too good to be true. Ugh.

CapitolHillAptSearcher said...

I've had a similar experience. I would hate to post this if Reverend Peter Bowl is in fact legit, but I very much doubt it. Sorry Reverend. I hope your crusade is going well.

Re: $835 / 1br - Fully Furnished Corporate Apt (Capitol Hill)‏
From: Peter Bowl (p.bowl122@gmail.com)
Sent: Thu 9/03/09 3:42 PM
To: -------
Hello
Thanks for your email and it is my gladness to hearing from you . My name is Rev Peter Bowl the owner of the apartment you are making enquiry of....Actually I reside in the apartment with my family,such as my wife and my only daughter before and presently we had packed due to my transfer from my working place and and presently my apartment is still available for rent for $835 per month including the utilities like hydro/heat dry washer and security and bills, everything in the Apartment is fully furnished.More so Now,I went for a crusade in Western Region of Africa and i will like you to get in touch with my wife in London United Kingdom for more information regarding the apartment as She is with the keys and the document to the apartment. Pls i want you to note that,I am a kind and 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 maintenances of this Apartment and want you to treat it as your own, money is not the main problem but 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 awhile.I also want you to let me have trust in you as I always stand on my word.

Apartment Location : 617 Maryland Ave NE Washington, DC 20002
Please Kindly email my wife Elizabethl , (elizajamie@gmail.com) and she will attends to you better on how to proceed
Thanks and God bless you
Rev Peter

Anonymous said...

I used to get people "from Nigeria,etc." trying to offer all this money up front to buy an item fromme on Ebay..

And recently got this response from a Craigs listing ad

Name: Ben John (ben001_john@yahoo.com)

Hello,
God bless you for your interest about my Beautiful House , 3bedroom , Bathroom. yes is still available for rent. I am renting this house to a responsible and neat person or family who has the fear of God and treat my house as his or her own.Presently I and my wife have work for USAID.USAID works in agriculture, democracy & governance, economic growth, the environment, education, health, global partnerships, and humanitarian assistance in more than 100 countries to provide a better future for all.


USAID still faces an uncertain future. In many developing countries, HIV/AIDS and health issues are having a dramatic impact on social cohesiveness and economic strength, blocking the very development goals we seek. Virtually all the new democracies in the world today are fragile; others are democracies more in name than substance. Nearly a quarter of the people living in developing countries, or about one billion people, live in absolute poverty. There are a host of other threats - ranging from terrorism to infectious disease and violent conflict - that challenge us and the developing nations we seek to help.Here is USAID Web address:-http://www.usaid.gov

USAID efforts to foster world-wide economic growth and increased trade,and tackling cross-border issues such as the spread of HIV/AIDS and trafficking in persons.To safe the live of peoples from primitive death that claims the souls of younger ages as a result of casual sex gave us transfer to west africa and we will be away for 8 years or more and this is why we are actually renting out house,so if you are interested and will take good care of our house then we will be ready to accept you as our future tenant and family friend. If you really impress me by taking good care of our house then you will be allowed to stay as long as you wish okay.

This is the address of the Single family house,Address :( 325 Linebrook Rd, Ipswich MA)

So get back to me on how you could take care of our house or perhaps experience you have in renting home. Hope you are okay with the price of US$950/month and $300 for security deposity the total money is $850 with Garage, Air Conditioning, Refrigerator, Dishwasher, Microwave, Ceiling Fans, Game Room, Walk-In Closets, Alarm System, Scenic Views, In-Unit Washer/Dryer Included and so on. PETS ARE WELCOME!

I am looking forward to hear from you ASAP so that i can forward you an application to fill out and discuss on how to get the house for rent also are you ready to rent it now or when?
Await your reply.
Thanks.
ben.john

ME: I decided to ask about all the down payment stuff, cause what he said made no sense: "I'm a bit confused about how much you would want up front. Are you asking for $950 + $300 + $850 or were you just asking for $850 total up front.."

NEXT RESPONSE from JOHN: THANK FOR YOU YOR MAIL SORRY FOR MISTAKE I MAKE THE MONTH RENT IS$ 950 WHY THE SECURITY IS $3OO THE TOTAL MONEY IS $1350 PLS SORRY FOR THE MISTAKELY TYPING THANKS

Anyways, still on the math made no sense, drove by the house (of course it was for sale), and contacted the realtor.

*sigh* Que sera sera

Anonymous said...

For what I posted above^^^
I also forgot thefirst email, he sent a beautiful picture of "some" family posing as his own

Anonymous said...

Excuse me for saying so, but I'm sitting here scratching my head trying to figure out how in the WORLD anyone could be so stupid as to fall for "Send us the money (to Africa, even!) and we'll send you the keys to the house so you can see the inside." I'm sorry, but that's BEYOND comprehensive idiocy, that someone would fall for such a ridiculous request.

Anonymous said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Anonymous said...

Thanks for your email and it is my gladness hearing from you. I am Rev Thomas Prance, the owner of the flat you are making enquiry of. Actually I resided in the house with my family, such as my wife and my only daughter before and presently we had packed due to my transfer from my working place and now situated in Florida USA and presently my house is still available for rent for £100 per week including tax and utilities like hydro, washer and security,it is furnished. More so Now, i went for a Crusade in the Asian ( China ) and i will like you to get in touch with my wife 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 and honest man and also i spent a lot 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 your own,is that taken,it is not the money the main problem but want you to keep it tidy all the time so that i will be glad to see it neat when i came 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.Where are you located and where do you see our advert also let us know if you need more pictures.

Email my wife Amy Prance, on ( ampmyrance@gmail.com )and she will attends to you better.

Thanks and you are welcome.

Anonymous said...

Holy Crap! There are so many ads like that..I myself ALMOST got myself into it..but something told me consciously that its a scam. He wanted money thru western union..RED FLAG there! Reported it ASAP..
Storyline was very similar to my situation. Thanks for your blog!

Anonymous said...

Here was the one I got, immediately flagged for removal...

Thanks for your email and it is glad to Read from you..I am Rev Hillary Cook the owner of the 2 bedroom apartment you are making inquiry of at 1190 Cecile Drive,Burnaby,British Columbia V3N 1N1, Canada .Actually I resided in the apartment with my Wife before and presently we had Moved out due to my transfer from my working place and now situated in the West Africa and presently my apartment is still available for rent for $900 per month including the utilities like Hydro included,Hardwood Floor,Air Conditioning,Utilities included,Dishwasher,Fridge,Stove,Assigned/Secured parking,microwave,Washer,Dryer,Cable/Satellite, Internet connectivity Elevator,Storage locker,Fireplace,security is fully furnished.


I got transferred for a missionary job and i will like you to get in touch with my wife in Wisconsin,USA for more discussion and Pictures as She is with the keys and the document to the apartment.Please i want you to note that I am a kind and honest man and also I spent a lot on my property that i want to give to you for rent,so i will solicit for your absolute maintenance of this apartment and want you to treat it as your own,is that taken?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 check up which i do once in a while and give 1month notice before i come for check up.I also want you to let me have trust in you as i always stand on my word. Pets Allowed


Special Notice : Pls note that there's none of us to show you the apartment,as we would have to send you the keys through UPS COURIER SERVICE ON A NEXT DELIVERY TO YOUR HOME and move in asap.A refundable deposit is required.if you are ok with this pls Email my wife Victoria at(vikkyapt@gmail.com) and she will attend to you better.


Thanks and God Bless You
Regards
Rev Hillary Cook

Emma said...

I had one too, it was one I found through Gumtree:

Thank you for you intrested in our property i am glad to hear from you
my name is Rev.kristine the owner of the property so due to my wife
sickness so will the country for a christian missionary work in WEST
AFRICA so before will left will planing to sale the propery but will
think over it for one week before will left so will think it will not
be okay by seling our property out so will decide to rent the property
out for a god fearing person and not a smooking and drinking person
who wil demage our property.we are not after the money for the rent
but want it to be clean all the time .So for now,I am in WEST AFRICA
in our new home and also I am with the keys and documents of the
home,we tried to look for an agent that we can give this documents
before we left but could not see and we dont want the home to be used
any how in our absence that is why we took the keys and documents
along with us here and as you know that,I and my family are in the
WEST AFRICAon a christian mission of God all because of the
sickness,so i hope you will promise us to take very good care of the
home but your absolute maintenance of my home is most important
thing.So get back to me on how you could take care of our home or
perhaps experience you have in renting a home.Note that the rent is
going to be ( 300 GBP Permonth) No extra fees.I will like you to give
me a call on this effect to know how serious you are.Hope you are okay
with the price ,airconditioning,alarm system.
,refrigerator-freezer,four hob and oven, microwave, dishwasherand
washing machine and Dryer and i will want you to get back to me with
the application form below.
======== RENT APPLICATION FORM ========
========= PRIVATE & CONFIDENTIAL ========
Also,Pls answer these questions below:
1)Your Full Name__________________________
____________
2)Present Address(where you reside now) & Phone
Number_______________________________
3)How old are you _____________________________
4)Are you married ______________________________ _____
5)How many people will be living in the home ___________________________
6)Do you have a pet _________________________________________
7)Do you have a car __________________________________________
8)Occupation _________________________________________________
9)What is your religion ____________________________________________
10)How long are you willing to stay
_________________________________________
11)When do you intend to move in _________________________________________
12)1 month Or 2 month deposit needed ______________________________________
13) Pictures of all the Occupant that will stay in my home
______________________________________

Looking forward to hear from you with all this details so that i
canhave itin my file incase of issuing the receipt in your name
andcontactingyou.Await your urgent reply so that we can discuss on how
toget the keysand the documents to you, please we are giving you all
thisbased on trustand again i want you to stick to your words,We
areputting everything into Gods hand,so please do not let us down in
thisproperty of ours and God bless you more as you do this .HERE IS
THE HOME ADDRESS:654 Manchester Road, Crosspool, S10
Please note that you will be viewing the home from outside and
won'tbe able to inspect the Interior because the keys and the
documents tothe homeare with me here and It is located on acool, quiet
and safe neighbourhood.
Thanks and god bless you.
IN GOD WE TRUST

I looked up the house on the net and it is actually for rent but by someone else and for a lot more money. The pics on the ad were totally different to the ones on his ad too!

Is there somone in the Police that can follow this up??? It is really scary stuff!

Anonymous said...

Hi !!
Thanks a lot for this warning !! I already had 3 emails.. I thougt is was strange, that everybody was going to west africa.. so thank you so much, i was going to believe them.. HOpefully I will find a house with an honest owner..

Thanks !!!

Anonymous said...

Wow, I almost fell for this. I guess I'm still pretty naive. I filled out the application pretty completely, but I have not sent them any money. I'm just wondering if I can suffer from the information I gave out: Name, phone number, birth date, and girlfriend's parent's address. If I am in trouble, what should I do?

Andrea said...

Thank you Amanda - this page is great. I sent out 2 emails advertised through gumtree.com in Melbourne, one straight away asked me for personal details. I wrote back saying I won't send any personal details until I see the house and am happy with it. He never responded back.
The second one was the same dude out on a Crusade on West Africa. He gave me his wife's email address and I sent out 6 emails to her and chatted to her on msn. The only info they have on me is my name and my Mum's name. Just for fun, I'll be messing with them and responding back to them, but I know it's a scam. It's unbelievable that it's still happening after all this time.
Thanks again, this site is really helping.

Anonymous said...

Thank you so much for this site. I suppose if it seems too good to be true, it probably is!

Here's the email response I got back regarding a home in Atlanta:

Hello ,

God bless you for your interest about my house,yes is still available for rent. I am renting this house to a responsible and neat person or family who has the fear of God and treat my house as his or her own.Presently I work for USAID.USAID works in agriculture, democracy & governance, economic growth, the environment, education, health, global partnerships, and humanitarian assistance in more than 100 countries to provide a better future for all.

USAID still faces an uncertain future. In many developing countries, HIV/AIDS and health issues are having a dramatic impact on social cohesiveness and economic strength, blocking the very development goals we seek. Virtually all the new democracies in the world today are fragile; others are democracies more in name than substance. Nearly a quarter of the people living in developing countries, or about one billion people, live in absolute poverty. There are a host of other threats - ranging from terrorism to infectious disease and violent conflict - that challenge us and the developing nations we seek to help.Here is USAID Web address:http://www.usaid.gov/

USAID efforts to foster world-wide economic growth and increased trade,and tackling cross-border issues such as the spread of HIV/AIDS and trafficking in persons.To safe the live of peoples from primitive death that claims the souls of younger ages as a result of casual sex gave me transfer to West Africa and i will be away for 8 years or more and this is why i am actually renting out the house,so if you are interested and will take good care of our house then i will be ready to accept you as our future tenant and family friend. If you really impress me by taking good care of our house then you will be allowed to stay as long as you wish okay.


So get back to me on how you could take care of our house or perhaps experience you have in renting home. Hope you are okay with the price of $1,200/month and $1000 for security deposit with hydro, heat laundry facilities, air condition and so on. PETS ARE WELCOME!

I am looking forward to hear from you ASAP so that i can forward you an application to fill out and discuss on how to get the house for rent, also are you ready to rent it now or when? Await your reply.

Contact Number: 0112347036457135 or +2347036457135

Thank you for this site. It really is incredible that this is still happening.

Anonymous said...

Another scam sample:

From: Richard Moriss
Subject: Re: $550 / 1br - Spacious And Neat one bedroom apartment for rent (Beverly Hills )


Hello,


Thanks for your email and it is my gladness to hear from you.I am Richard Moriss,the owner of the Apartment you are making inquiry on.Actually I resided in the apartment with my family,presently we moved away due to my transfer from my working place, my apartment is still available for rent for $550 per month including the utilities like hydro,washer and security,it is furnished.More so Now, I went for a Crusade in the West Africa and i will like you to get in touch with my wife in the states for more discussion as She is with the keys and the documents to the Apartment.Pls i want you to note that,i am a kind and honest man and also i spent a lot on my property that i want to give you for rent,so i will solicit for your absolute maintenance of this apartment and want you to treat it as your own,is that taken,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 want have trust in you as i always stand by my words.Where are you located? let us know how soon you are willing to move in.Email my wife Janet, on (janetmoriss33@yahoo.com) and she will attend to you better.


ADDRESS TO THE APARTMENT : 230 S Hamilton Dr Beverly Hills, CA 90211


Thanks for your interest.
Richard Moriss.

Anonymous said...

HAHAHAHA!! I got an almost identical email as the one above!!

Re: Interest in $550 / 1br - New Condo 1Bed with Single Bath / Washer/Dryer (Santa Monica)
...
From:
Richard Moriss Chat now


Hello,



Thanks for your email and it is my gladness to hear from you.I am Richard Moriss,the owner of the Apartment you are making inquiry on.Actually I resided in the apartment with my family,presently we moved away due to my transfer from my working place, my apartment is still available for rent for $550 per month including the utilities like hydro,washer and security,it is furnished.More so Now, I went for a Crusade in the West Africa and i will like you to get in touch with my wife in the states for more discussion as She is with the keys and the documents to the Apartment.Pls i want you to note that,i am a kind and honest man and also i spent a lot on my property that i want to give you for rent,so i will solicit for your absolute maintenance of this apartment and want you to treat it as your own,is that taken,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 want have trust in you as i always stand by my words.Where are you located? let us know how soon you are willing to move in.Email my wife Janet, on (janetmoriss33@yahoo.com) and she will attend to you better.


ADDRESS TO THE APARTMENT :________ Santa Monica Los angeles CA 90404


Thanks for your interest.
Richard Moriss.

Anonymous said...

Here it is, 2010 and these same scammers are still doing this same scam. This time, they were missionaries for the UMC church in Baltimore, MD. Same non-American English. This time it was for a property in Nokomis, FL but I found similar scams in Texas and all over the US. same send money.

Anonymous said...

Yep, Same here In sacramento. they tried to get us. after I found out I emaild from my account acting interested in the property, and listed my number.. which was not my number at all, I sent him the number for the local FBI offic. LOL, I hope he called. even after the post was removed the guy email my girl again sayin, "I removed the ad myself because we want to rent the house you" haha what a load of bull.

Recycle/Reuse/Re-sew said...

I replied to a similar post and got a similar sounding reply. CREEEPY.


Thank you, Amanda!!!!!!
Thank you for all the people that responded and comment this blog.

Anonymous said...

This is really very eerie. I was looking into the same thing and it's the exact same as the other examples posted! I was incredibly leary of this and something told me to look into it. I'm so thankful that I went with my gut feeling. Thank you ALL so very much.

Anonymous said...

I hope there aren't that many people out there who actually fell for this trick but i was a little suspicious about this once he sent the rent questionnaire and asked for kind of personal information. Who would actually send money before seeing a location and reading over the lease. That is just the most ridiculous thing I have ever heard. People like this asshole disgust me. I just hope whomever it is knows karma is a bitch. Thankfully he put that number in the email and i was able to google it and found this blog. Great job with outing these people for the most part i wish there was more that could be done.
Before I go any further I would like to do a tour of the house. Only after I feel like it is the place that will suit myself and the two other girls, i will put down a deposit and first month’s rent. Do you know anyone in Fort Collins that can show the house to us, for you? Also I would prefer to only pay the deposit now and the in June when we plan on moving in pay the first month’s rent after the lease and other documents are signed.
Subject: PROFILE ACCEPTED
Thanks for the mail,i want you to know that all the utilities are included in the month rent and we would like to send the following document to you,to the address you sent to us and the tracking number will be sent to you so that you can possibly occupy our house, Please once again, we are giving you this base on trust and do not disappoint us and I promise you that, you will love the house. So i am with the below document here with me. you will need to make the first month rent of $1000 and the Security Deposit of $500 will be used for the shipping of the keys and the Documents to the address you have provided to us earlier.The total of $1500 the payment will be made Via Western Union money transfer.You can do that in any Grocery Store
Here are the contents of the document.
1) Entrance and the rooms Keys
2)Paper/Permanent house form
3)The house documentary file.
4)Payment Receipt
So please do get back to me today so that I will let you know the next step to take concerning the payment. I await your reply ASAP. Regard and God bless you!!! You can call me on my cellphone# +2347065303976 or 0112348077064214 so that i can proceed with the shipment of the keys and document to your current address
Subject: RENT QUESTIONNAIRE
You are welcome, It is good to hear from you wå­©th this detail.The house is vacant now and all the utilities are included in the month rent. Below are some questions that I need you to answer ,so that we can discuss further.You can go check the neighborhood and get back to me for further discussion.It is available for a long lease as I intend buying a new home on getting back to the state.
RENT QUESTIONNAIRE
1)Your Full Name?
2)Your Full Address & Phone Number?
3)Are you married?
4)How many people will be living in the house?
5)Do you have a pet?
6)Do you have a car?
7)Occupation?
8)how long lease are you looking for?
9)How soon do you intend moving in?
10)Reason for relocating?
Looking forward to hear from you with all this details so that I can have it in my file incase of issuing the receipt and contacting you. Await your reply so we can discuss on how to get the document and the key to you.
Hello
I can see you are interested in the ad I have pasted, I am currently in West Africa where I work as a volunteer with the VOICE OF CHILDREN MINISTRIES,INC.here is the site for more detail about why I am here in Africa.(http://www.vocministries.org/ )..I spent less time in the States so I could not get a hold on any Realtor to handle this rent issue, although it was when I knew how long we are going to stay in Africa that I decided to rent out the house....
832 Ponderosa Dr,
Fort Collins CO

Anonymous said...

Got this e-mail yesterday after responding to an ad on Craigslist:

Hello Dear,

Sorry for the late response!!!!It is a great pleasure that you are interested in my house... Thanks for your email and it is my gladness hearing from you.I am Mr Samantha M Jones the onwer of the house you are making enquiry of.I am looking for responsible tenants that he/she is going to take care of the house as if it were your own and he/she will be willing to make the Property clean as we left it.Actually I resided in the house with my family,such as my wife and my only daugther before and presently we had packed due to my transfer from my working place and now situated in the (West Africa Nigeria)and won't be coming to the House until Four years now and that means we are renting the Property for long term and short term lease is also acceptable. and presently my house is still available for rent for $800 which the deposit is $600 dollars including the utilities like Heat, A/C in wall/window, Hydro, cable, Garbage Disposal, Fireplace , Fridge, stove, Dishwasher, Dryer, Breakfast Bar, Dining Table and Sofa Set,Refrigerator,Canopied deck overlooking nature.,internet access e..t.c .,it is furnished or if u wish to move in with your furnitures no problem..Moreso Now, i went for a Crusade in West Africa.


Pls i want you to note that,i am a kind and 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 mentenance of this house and want you to treat it as your own,is that taken, it is not the money the main problem but 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.I believe its absolutely a perfect home for you and your family.

Looking forward to hear from you with all this details so that i can have it in my file incase of issuing the receipt for you and contacting you.Await your urgent reply so that we can discuss on how to get the document and the key to you,please we are giving you all this base on trust and again i will want you to stick to your words,you know that,we do not see yet and only putting everything into Gods hand,so please do not let us down in this our property and God bless you more as you do this.This extraordinary Bedrooms:3 Bath:3.5

I ALSO WANT YOU TO KNOW THAT THE HOUSE WAS FORMALLY FOR SALE BUT DUE TO THE ADVICE OF MY WIFE AND MY CHILDREN,I DECIED TO PUT IT OUT FOR RENT.THERE IS NOTHING TO WORRY ABOUT THE FOR SALE SIGN.IT WILL BE REMOVED AS SOON AS YOU HAVE MOVE IN TO THE HOUSE.

PROPERTY DESCRIPTION

Beautiful 3/3.5, 2886 sq ft pool and spa home on gorgeous waterfront lot. Home features spacious open kitchen with 42' cabinets, plenty of eat in space, walk in pantry, built in desk. Large family room off of kitchen with sliders to beautiful pool and spa, concrete stamping at pool deck area, screened in lanai, built in grill at side yard, Lr/Dr combo, second floor boasts all 4 bedrooms 3 baths, double doors to spacious master suite with sitting area, his/hers closets,master bath with garden tub and separate shower. Ceramic tile and berber carpet throughout. This home is meticulously maintained!!! Move in ready!!! A must see!!! Tons of community amenities clubhouse,pool,playground, sports courts and much more! Can close quickly!!! Call Today! .Don't miss this home ! !!Call today this home will not last!pets are welcome. You’ll love living here! Great location,

Property Address:25651 Frith St, Land O Lakes FL 34639

YOU CAN CONTACT ME ON +2348027813636 Or 0112348027813636
Thanks and remain blessed


HAPPY VAL DAY

YEAH, RIGHT!
So....obviously we didn't send him any info or money. But, I'm sad, 'cause I REALLY wanted to live there!!!!

Anonymous said...

Name: Aylmarie Twele
..............................................
Hello.

Thanks for your response. GOD bless you for your interest about my House, Yes is still available for rent.. I am renting this House to a capable and also responsible and neat person or family who has the fear of GOD and treat my House as his or her own... Presently I and my wife have work for USAID.USAID works in agriculture, democracy & governance, economic growth, the environment, education, health, global partnerships, and humanitarian assistance in more than 100 countries to provide a better future for all. USAID still faces an uncertain future. In many developing countries, HIV/AIDS and health issues are having a dramatic impact on social cohesiveness and economic strength, blocking the very development goals we seek. Virtually all the new democracies in the world today are fragile; others are democracies more in name than substance. Nearly a quarter of the people living in developing countries, or about one billion people, live in absolute poverty.. There are a host of other threats - ranging from terrorism to infectious disease and violent conflict - that challenge us and the developing nations we seek to help. Here is USAID Web address:-http://www.usaid.gov ; USAID efforts to foster world-wide economic growth and increased trade,and tackling cross-border issues such as the spread of HIV/AIDS and trafficking in persons... To safe the life of peoples from primitive death that claims the souls of younger ages as a result of casual sex gave us transfer to West Africa and we will be away for 5 years or more and this is why we are actually renting out our House,so if you are interested and will take good care of our House then we will be ready to accept you as our future tenant and family friend. If you really impress me by taking proper good care of our House, then you will be allowed to stay as long as you wish okay.

House Address: 3015 Tishomingo Ln, Memphis TN 38111

TAKE NOTE: I PUT UP THE HOUSE FOR SALE BEFORE WE LEFT SINCE WE DON'T SEE CAPABLE AND ALSO RESPONSIBLE PERSON TO HANDOVER THE PROPERTY TOO,AND I DON'T WANT TO MAKE USE OF ANY THIRD PARTY SINCE WE HAVE BEEN DISAPPOINTED BY 2 OF THEM BEFORE WHEN WE TRAVEL TO CANADA. SINCE THEN MY WIFE ADVICE ME NOT TO DEAL WITH ANYONE OF THEM AGAIN. BUT WHEN WE GET TO WEST AFRICA DUE TO SOME REASON, MY WIFE ADVICE ME NOT TO SALE THE HOME AGAIN THAT WE CAN STILL SEE SOMEONE CAPABLE AND ALSO RESPONSIBLE THAT WILL BE WILLING TO TAKE PROPER GOOD CARE OF THE HOUSE AS IF IT WERE HIS OR HER OWN. SO I CONTACT A FRIEND AND HE INTRODUCE GRAIGSLIST TO ME AND SAID WE CAN SEE A RESPONSIBLE PERSON FROM THEIR,I NOW POSTED IT FOR RENT. SO NOW IS FOR RENT,NOT FOR SALE IN CASE YOU SEE ANY SIGN WHEN YOU DRIVE BY, DON'T BOTHER TO CALL BECAUSE AM NOT WORKING WITH THEM AGAIN AND I HAVE ALREADY CONTACT THEM IN THE STATE THAT WE ARE NOT SELLING THE HOUSE ANYMORE THAT THEY SHOULD REMOVE THE SIGN OUT AND IF THE SIGN IS STILL THEIR,THAT MEANS YOU WILL BE THE ONE TO REMOVE IT AFTER RECEIVING THE KEYS/DOCUMENTS WITH YOU OKAY.

So get back to me on how you could take care of our House or perhaps experience you have in renting Home. Hope you are okay with the price of $1000 per month/$500 for the security deposit fee? With hydro, Heat Laundry Facilities, Air Condition, washer,dryer, Water, Electricity, Fireplace, Internet Access and so on..

PETS, CATS, AND DOGS, ARE WELCOME!!!

I look forward to hearing from you ASAP, so i can forward you an Application Form to fill out and discuss on how to get the house for rent. Also are you ready to rent it now or when?

Await your reply.
Thanks.

+2348088303354

Unknown said...

We would like to send the following document to you via FEDEX COURIER SERVICE WORLDWIDE to the address you sent to us and the tracking number will be sent to you so that you can possibly occupy our house, Please once again, we are giving you this on trust and do not disappoint us and i promise you that, you will love the house. So we are with the below document here with us. you will need to provide to us with your secure payment to proceed forward because this house won't last long, if you don't act fast..

Here are the contents of the document.
1) Entrance and the rooms Keys
2)Paper/Permanent house form
3)The house documentary file.

You are going to send the payment via western union today, so that you can have the keys and document in your possession,and below is the information to send the payment through Western Union Outlet.

Below is the payment information.

RECEIVER'S NAME: Robert Wightman
ADDRESS : 30 THOMAS ROAD
CITY:IKEJA,
STATE:LAGOS
COUNTRY: NIGERIA
ZIP CODE:23401
TEXT QUESTION : WHAT DAY?
ANSWER : TODAY.

As soon as you send the payment from the Western Union Money Transfer Outlet, you would be given some information. You would have to get back to me with following information:


1. Full Sender's Name And Address Including Zip Code:
2. MTCN #:
3. Amount Sent:

Unknown said...

Hello ,

God bless you for your interest about my house,yes is still available for rent. I am renting this house to a responsible and neat person or family who has the fear of God and treat my house as his or her own.Presently I work for USAID.USAID works in agriculture, democracy & governance, economic growth, the environment, education, health, global partnerships, and humanitarian assistance in more than 100 countries to provide a better future for all.

USAID still faces an uncertain future.. In many developing countries, HIV/AIDS and health issues are having a dramatic impact on social cohesiveness and economic strength, blocking the very development goals we seek. Virtually all the new democracies in the world today are fragile; others are democracies more in name than substance. Nearly a quarter of the people living in developing countries, or about one billion people, live in absolute poverty. There are a host of other threats - ranging from terrorism to infectious disease and violent conflict - that challenge us and the developing nations we seek to help.Here is USAID Web address:http://www.usaid.gov/

USAID efforts to foster world-wide economic growth and increased trade,and tackling cross-border issues such as the spread of HIV/AIDS and trafficking in persons.To safe the live of peoples from primitive death that claims the souls of younger ages as a result of casual sex gave me transfer to West Africa and i will be away for 4 years or more and this is why i am actually renting out the house,so if you are interested and will take good care of our house then i will be ready to accept you as our future tenant and family friend. If you really impress me by taking good care of our house then you will be allowed to stay as long as you wish okay.
Below is the address of the house
7498 Brookside Rd, Rancho Cucamonga CA 91730
This Two Story Home In The Great Terra Vista Community Offers 3 Bedrooms, 2 Baths, 2 Car (Attached) Garage. Inviting And Refreshing Pool. Fireplace , Formal Dining Area. Vaulted Ceilings.
So get back to me on how you could take care of our house or perhaps experience you have in renting home. Hope you are okay with the price of $1000/month and $500 for security deposit. PETS ARE WELCOME!
Here is the application form. Get it filled and get back to me as soon as possible


RENTAL APPLICATION FORM

Rental/Lease First Name :
Rental/Lease Last Name:
Rental/Lease Spouse Full Names:
Rental/Lease Kids Full Names:
Rental/Lease Relatives or Friends Full Name:
Rental/Lease Mobile/Cell Number:
Rent al/Lease Telephone Number:
Rental/Lease Present House Address:
Rental/Lease Present Work place name and Address:
Rental/Lease Present work Tel. Number:
Rental/Lease Numbers of Cars:
Rental/Lease Pet type:
Rental/Lease proposed date of Move in:
Rental/Lease months budget to deposit before move in:
Rental/Lease Reference contact info:
Rental/Lease present Landlord Contact Info:
==============================
Rental/Lease comment:
==============================
.
Please get back to me if you can comply with these conditions mentioned above..

Thank you and God bless
Contact Number: 0112347084386369 or +2347084386369
Regards
Jennifer Reyes

Anonymous said...

those scammers almost got me to




>Thanks for the quick response,we will be staying in west Africa for 5years.,And The Utilities are all include,All New Stainless Steel Appliances:
>Double doors Refrigerator, Dishwasher,
>Gas Range,
>Microwave/Convection Oven Combo,
>Full Size Convection Oven
>Garbage Compactor
>Large oversized Master Bedroom with Walk-in cl Open-style Dining, Living room with cozy wood burning Fireplace
>New interior Paint and Carpet
>Indoor Laundry room with Washer and Dryer
>
> RENT APPLICATION FORM
>Full Name
>Home Phone ( )
>Cell Phone ( )
>Date of Birth
>Current Address
>Are you married
>How many people will be living in the house
>Do you have a pet
>Do you have a car
>Occupation
>Move In Date
>A picture of occupant
>How soon can you make the payment
>How soon do you want to receive the keys and the document
>
>Looking forward to hear from you with all this details so that i can have it in my file in case of issuing the receipt in your name and contacting you.Await your urgent reply so that we can discuss on how to get the documents and the keys to you,please we are giving you all this based on trust and again i want you to stick to your words you can call me ,We are putting everything into Gods hand,so please do not let us down in this property of ours and God bless you more as you do this.you can give me a call as soon as it is filled +2347060603423 or 0112347060603423
>
>Remain Bless.



YOU KNOW ITS A SCAM WHEN I WENT TO SEE THE HOUSE AND THERE WAS MORE BEDROOMS THEN THEY SAID THERE WAS

Unknown said...

I thought it was too good to be true. I sent email saying - yeah, right.... $500, give me a break buddy... you are a scammer or it's a DUMP. I got the reply below the post...


Pricing: Rent: $550.00 per month
Deposit: $550
Rental Unit Amenities
Refrigerator
Dishwasher
Washer/Dryer
Other Amenities
Microwave
Description
Brand new, upgraded apartments is available now...


These apartments come with their own private washer and dryer inside the unit, beautiful granite counter-tops in both the kitchen and baths as well as new appliances. There is central heating and air as well as a key-less access system for your convenience





Hello,



Thanks for your email and it is my gladness to hear from you.I am Richard Moriss,the owner of the Apartment you are making inquiry on.Actually I resided in the apartment with my family,presently we moved away due to my transfer from my working place, my apartment is still available for rent for $550 per month including the utilities like hydro,washer and security,it is furnished.More so Now, I went for a Crusade in the West Africa and i will like you to get in touch with my wife in the states for more discussion as She is with the keys and the documents to the Apartment.Pls i want you to note that,i am a kind and honest man and also i spent a lot on my property that i want to give you for rent,so i will solicit for your absolute maintenance of this apartment and want you to treat it as your own,is that taken,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 want have trust in you as i always stand by my words.Where are you located? let us know how soon you are willing to move in.Email my wife Janet, on (janetmoriss33@yahoo.com) and she will attend to you better.


ADDRESS TO THE APARTMENT :1951 Frank St Santa Monica Los angeles CA 90404


Thanks for your interest.
Richard Moriss.

Anonymous said...

omg thats really bad i replied to an add exactly the same only 2 days ago, but the difference is my cousin is a copper

Unknown said...

Wow...thanks for the head's up. This scam is still going on. I'm glad I looked it up before sending any information out.

Anonymous said...

Here's the Ad:

$550 / 1br - Large One Bedroom-New Kitchen/Bath (long beach)
Date: 2010-04-06, 10:03AM PDT
Reply to: hous-82cgk-1679022522@craigslist.org [Errors when replying to ads?]

Large one bed, one bath apartment in long beach. This unit has been completely remodeled!! New Kitchen, Bathroom, Tile Floors, Carpet, AC Unit, Heater, Refrigerator, Stove, Microwave, Custom Paint, Ceiling Fans, Big closets, and much more. Security Building, Laundry on Site, One parking space, Courtyard, one year lease. Available Now! Move-In Today



* cats are OK - purrr
* dogs are OK - wooof
* Location: long beach
* it's NOT ok to contact this poster with services or other commercial interests



Here was his reply to my inquiry:
Hello,


Thanks for your email and it is my gladness to hear from you.I am Richard Moriss,the owner of the Apartment you are making inquiry on.Actually I resided in the apartment with my family,presently we moved away due to my transfer from my working place, my apartment is still available for rent for $550 per month including the utilities like hydro,washer and security,it is furnished.More so Now, I went for a Crusade in the West Africa and i will like you to get in touch with my wife in the states for more discussion as She is with the keys and the documents to the Apartment.Pls i want you to note that,i am a kind and honest man and also i spent a lot on my property that i want to give you for rent,so i will solicit for your absolute maintenance of this apartment and want you to treat it as your own,is that taken,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 want have trust in you as i always stand by my words.Where are you located? let us know how soon you are willing to move in.Email my wife Janet, on (janetmoriss33@yahoo.com) and she will attend to you better.


ADDRESS TO THE APARTMENT :1557 Pacific Ave Long Beach, CA 90813


Thanks for your interest.
Richard Moriss.

Anonymous said...

I received similar response today. Had to delete some in order to post.

Hello Dear,
Sorry for the late response!!!! Calvary greetings to you,also to your house hold..I did get your response concerning the AD I posted on craigslist... .I am the owner of the
house you are making enquiry of.I am looking for responsible tenants that he/she is going to take care of the house as if it were your own and he/she will be willing to make the Property clean as we left it.Actually I resided in the house with my family,such as my wife and my only daugther before and presently we had packed due to my transfer from my working place and now situated in the (West Africa Nigeria)and won't be coming to the House until Four years now and that means we are renting the Property for long term and short term lease is also acceptable. and presently my house is still available for rent for $1000 which the deposit is $500 dollars including the utilities like Heat, A/C in wall/window, Hydro, cable, Garbage Disposal, Fireplace , Fridge, stove, Dishwasher, Dryer, Breakfast Bar, Dining Table and Sofa Set,Refrigerator,Canopied deck overlooking nature.,internet access e...t.c ..,it is furnished or if u wish to move in with your furnitures no problem..Moreso Now, i went for a Crusade in West Africa .Pls i want you to note that,i am a kind and 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 mentenance of this house and want you to treat it as your own,is that taken, it is not the money the main problem but 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.

SO IF YOU ARE REALLY INTRESTED I WILL WANT YOU TO FILL THE RENTAL APPLICATION FORM BELOW FOR RECORD PURPOSE
PLEASE TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF

HOW SOON CAN YOU HAVE THE DEPOSIT PAYMENT SENT TO ME
HOW SOON DO YOU WANT TO RECEIVE THE KEYS AND DOCUMENTS OF THE HOUSE
You could give me a call as soon as possible so we could proceed asap...
You will only be able to drive by the house for now but not have a look at the interior until i have sent the keys and documents of the house to you..and the requirement
forgetting the keys and documents of the house is a fully refundable payment of $500 USD,which is the security deposit. Please note that the deposit made is fully refundable should in case you finally gain entrance into the house after receiving the keys and documents and feel unsatisfied or uncomfortable with the interior,but i am
giving you a benefit of doubt that you will love everything about this lovely home..

PLEASE NOTE THAT YOUR RENT ONLY STARTS COUNTING AFTER YOU HAVE FINALLY MOVED INTO THE HOUSE, SO YOU NEED NOT TO WORRY ABOUT MAKING THE DEPOSIT PAYMENT NOW AND NOT MOVING IN IMMEDIATELY,ALL YOU'RE DOING IS SECURING THE HOUSE IN YOUR FAVOUR IN ORDER NOT TO LOOSE IT TO OTHER INTERESTED APPLICANTS..
Looking forward to hear from you with all this details so that i can have it in my file incase of issuing the receipt for you and contacting you.Await your urgent reply so that we can discuss on how to get the document and the key to you,please we are giving you all this base on trust and again i will want you to stick to your words,you know that,we do not see yet and only putting everything into Gods hand,so please do not let us down in this our property and God bless you more as you do this.
I ALSO WANT YOU TO KNOW THAT THE HOUSE WAS FORMALLY FOR SALE,BUT DUE TO THE ADVICE OF MY WIFE I DECIED NOT TO SALE IT ANY MORE.SO THE HOUSE IS NOW FOR RENT AND THERE IS NOTHING TO WORRY ABOUT THE SIGN IN THE FRONT OF THE HOUSE.ONCE YOU MOVE IT YOU CAN TAKE OFF THE SIGN.
PROPERTY DESCRIPTION
Bedrooms:4Bedrooms
Bathrooms: 3
Sq Footage 2,624
A month rent:$1000
Refundable Security Deposit Payment:$500
Application fee:$0
Pet policy:ok
Smoking inside:Not allowed

Thanks and remain blessed

Anonymous said...

BTW - the 4 bedroom house I just posted on, the email came from

Mary a Divietri

This property was in Lansing Michigan...

OH yeah don't worry about the for sale sign in the yard! COME ON GET SERIOUS!!!!

Anonymous said...

A new tip of scam... please read more...

http://allyouneedtoknow.blog.com/2010/04/10/212-561-7300-call-me-you-will-lose-your-money/

Anonymous said...

Another Scam Rental......

The Ad:
Craigslist, Los Angeles, Long Beach

$1000 / 3br - The perfect 3 bedroom home near El Dorado Park! (Long Beach)
Date: 2010-04-16, 7:54AM PDT
Reply to: jeanstuder@yahoo.com [Errors when replying to ads?]

The perfect 3 bedroom home near El Dorado Park! Completely updated with New paint inside and out, new carpet and flooring, 2 cars detached garage, covered patio, fenced rear yard. Just Blocks away from Milikan High school, El Dorado Park and Cal State Long Beach this is a super clean home at a great price!

•3 total bedroom(s)
•1 total bath(s)
•1 total full bath(s)
•Approximately 980 sq. ft.
•Single story
•Type: Single Family
•2 car garage
•Cooling features: Ceiling Fan(s)
•Exterior construction: Stucco
•Roofing: Composition Shingle
•Approximate lot is 57x101
•Lot is 5757 sq. ft.
•Approximately 0.13 acre(s)
•Lot size is less than 1/2 acre
•School District: Long Beach Unified

Interior Features
DINING ROOM/AREA FEATURES: Area

* cats are OK - purrr
* dogs are OK - wooof
* Location: Long Beach
* it's NOT ok to contact this poster with services or other commercial interests

The Response to my email:
Hi,

Thanks for emailing me regarding the house is still available, but presently I'm on business trip to West Africa. I bid for a portion of petroleum land sometimes ago in West Africa and fortunately I won, so I have to move quickly down to Africa to have my company set up. I came over here with my wife, we both bought the house when we got married. As soon as we settle down here I had a thought of selling the house, so I have to look for an agent and getting one we strike a deal but later my wife advised me on selling the house. I reasoned with her and accepted her advice. So I contacted the agent back and requested for my keys and documents. Later we decided to have the house rent out, we would have given the same agent this job also but the truth of the matter is that the agent would want to handle it professionally and the occupant may not be able to reason along with him later and moresome I do not have anyone in the area I can leave the keys behind with so that is why I posted ad myself. If you notice, you will discover that the price we are offering is far below standard price and I this is enough for you to know that we are not after the rental fee but the absolute care for the property. I know there is no way I can be sure that you are the right person to live in the house because we won't be able to see physical before sending you the keys and the documents to occupy the space. The house is available for as long as you want and if you drive by the house you may see a sign there, you have nothing to worry about it belongs to my previous agent so you have absolutely nothing to worry about and you don't have to call them because they do not have access to the house anymore.

Please if you are ready now to occupy the house kindly provide the information below for record purpose

PLEASE TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF
Full Name__________________________________________________ Home Phone ( ) ________________________
Date of Birth_________________________________
Other Phone ( ) ___________________
Current Address_______________________________Apt#________ City__________________ State______ Zip________
Reasons for Leaving____________________________Rent $__________Phone ( ) ____________________________
Are you married____________________________
How many people will be living in the house____________________________
Do you have a pet____________________________
Do you have a car____________________________
Occupation____________________________
Move In Date____________________________

P.S: YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO VIEW THE INTERIOR PART OF THE HOUSE BECAUSE I HAVE THE KEYS HERE WITH ME BUT I CAN SEND YOU PICTURES.

House Address
3080 Palo Verde Ave Long Beach, CA 90808

Sincerely,
Jean Studer
+234-802-953-1391
011-234-802-953-1391

Optimum Performance said...

Watch out for 1124 12th Street also a scam from west africa.

Unknown said...

Here is an email I received. This is actually the property owners name so they must do their research first. "Hello,

God bless you for your interest about my House. bedrooms, House is still available for rent and also we intend to sale this house but we have changed our mind to rent it out is no more for sale,pls if you see any for sale reject it immediately.. I am renting this house to a responsible and neat person or family who has the fear of God and treat my house as his or her own. Presently Myself and my wife have moved out of the house due to my work transfer to West Africa and will be away for 8 years or more and this is why we are actually renting it out so if you are interested and will take good care of our house then we will be ready to accept you as our future tenant and family friend. If you really impress me by taking good care of our house then you will be allowed to stay as long as you wish okay. This is the address of the House. 5906 Woodside Trl Sylvania OH

Hope you are okay with the price of $1000/month and Security Deposit $800 with heat laundry facilities, air condition and so on. PETS ARE WELCOME! I am looking forward to hear from you as soon as possible I will Like you to fill The Rental Application form below, also are you ready to rent it now or when?




I WILL WANT YOU TO FILL THE RENT APPLICATIONS FORM BELOW
Rental Application
Applicant Information

Name:
Date of birth:
Cell:
Phone:

Current address:

City:

State:

ZIP Code:

Own( ) Rent (x )
Monthly Income:
Monthly payment or rent:

How long?

Previous address:


City:
State:
ZIP Code:





Looking forward to hear from you with all this details so that I can have it in my file incase of issuing the receipt for you and contacting you. Await your urgent reply so that we can discuss on how to get the document and the key to you, please we are giving you all this base on trust and again I will want you to stick to your words, you know that we do not see yet and only putting everything into Gods hand, so please do not let us down in this our property and God bless you more as you do this.


Christopher Keller

Thanks"

Anonymous said...

I got a similar email in response to an inquiry about an ad on Craigslist for a 4BR home for rent. I sent an email to see if the price was right, because it seemed way too low. In this area a 4BR home for rent is about $1800, the ad said $900.

Sure enough, I got this in response:

Hello

Thanks for your response regarding your interest in having my house for rent.The house is much available for now and it a 4 bedroom home..I want you to know that i am the owner of this building situated at (...) But i am now presently in West Africa for my Hopitals Project prayer crusade with my wife and we have the keys right here with us.I will like to inform you that it was due to my transfer that makes us to leave the house and also want to give it out for rent and looking for a resposible person that can take very good care of it as we are not after the money for the rent but want it to be clean at the time and the person that will rent it to take it as if it were its own..So for now,We are here in West Africa, NIGERIA our new house and also with the keys of the house,we are trying to look for an agent that we can give this document before we left but could not see and we are as well as don't want our house to be used any how in our absent that is why we took it along with us here.We are only willing to give the house out to a lovely and caring family only, so if you know you cannot give the house the neatness it deserves please don't contact me.But if you promise to always take good care of the house,get back to me on how you could take care of our house or perhaps experience you have in renting a home.Hope you are okay with the monthly price of $900 with hydro,heat laundry facilities,air-condition Etc which security deposit is $700. I am looking forward to hear from you ASAP,Our house number is 011234-802-374-1210 or +234-802-374-1210 , below is the application form for you to fill and discuss on how to get the house for rent.. It is a long term lease...

Kindly confirm your interest by filling the form below:
TENANT RENT APPLICATION
FIRST NAME: __________________
MIDDLE NAME: __________________
LAST NAME: __________________
PROFESSION: ________________
PHONE (____) __________ (CELL)
PHONE (____) __________ (WORK)
PHONE (____) __________ (HOME)
MARITAL STATUS: _________
KIDS _____ (YES/NO), HOW MANY ________
HOME ADDRESS: ___________________________
CITY: _______________
STATE: ______________
ZIPCODE: ____________
HOW LONG? ___________IF RENTING
WHY ARE YOU LEAVING? _______________________________________________________________________
CURRENT RENT: _______
IF THIS HOUSE IS BEING GIVEN TO YOU,
HOW LONG DO YOU INTEND STAYING? ____________
WHEN DO YOU INTEND MOVING IN? ______________
____________________
Looking forward to hear from you with all this details so that i can have it in my file incase of issuing the receipt for you and contacting you.Await your urgent reply so that we can
discuss on how to get the document and the key to you, please we are giving you all this base on trust and again i will want you to stick to your words,you know that,we do not see yet
and only putting everything into Gods hand,so please do not let us down in this our property and God bless you more as you do this.

Regards...
Brijesh K Nigam


________________________________

Funny thing is when I searched on Google about this scam I got nothing. I finally came across this site because I typed in the bogus phone number! Beware!

Anonymous said...

I recieved this email 2 Days ago for this apartment In Perth. I thought is was I bit suspicious so I inquired to make sure.

Thanks for your email and it is my gladness to hearing from you.I am Rev ,the owner of the apartment you are making inquiry of.Actually I resided in the apartment with my family,such as my wife and my only daughter before and presently we had packed due to my transfer from my working place and now situated in Uk and presently my apartment is still available for rent for $120 per week and a bond of $500 including the utilities like hydro,washer and security,it is furnished. More so Now, i went for a Crusade in west Africa and i will like you to get in touch with my wife in the UK for more discussion as She is with the keys and the document to the apartment.Pls i want you to note that,i am a kind and honest man and also i spent a lot on my property that i want to give you for rent,so i will solicit for your absolute maintenance of this apartment and want you to treat it as your own,is that taken,it is not the money the main problem but want you to keep it tidy all the time so that i will be glad to see it neat when i came 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 katerria on ( mailto:katerriakatsoulis@gmail.com ) and ask for picyure of the apartment. she will attends to you better.

Anonymous said...

I replyed to this exact add also, there were a few give aways, if you really work for a company that will transfer you around the world, why would you use an anonymous pop email like gmail? The names are different to the email address, his mentions his wife sophie then gives me an email address katerria, but she introduces herself as Katerina! I received some photos which appeared professionally taken then they asked for passport and Drivers license in a dodgy little application form. I played with it a little to see how far they would go but in the end their lameness was just hilarious. I had to send a cheaky email of course. Good rule: If it sounds too good to be true, it usually is :-)

Anonymous said...

Here is another one in the DC area.

Hello,

Thanks for your email and it is my gladness to hear from you.I am John Carter,the owner of the apartment you are making inquiry of.Actually I resided in the apartment with my family,presently we moved away due to my transfer from my working place,my apartment is Located 4417 Fairstone Dr, Fairfax, VA 22033 and presently my apartment is still available for rent for $550 per month including the utilities like water,washer and security,it is furnished.More so Now, I went for a Crusade in the West Africa and i will like you to get in touch with my wife in the states for more discussion as She is with the keys and the documents to the apartment.Please i want you to note that,i am a kind and honest man and also i spent a lot on my property that i want to give you for rent,so i will solicit for your absolute maintenance of this apartment and want you to treat it as your own,is that taken,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 want have trust in you as i always stand by my words.Where are you located? let us know how soon you are willing to move in.Email my wife Mary, on (mrycarter1@gmail.com) and she will attend to you better.

Thanks for your interest.
John Carter

Anonymous said...

I wish I had looked this up sooner. I already submitted the rental application. I feel so stupid. I don't know what they're going to do with my information, but this really scares me now.

Miss Anonymous said...

Here's one I got in San Diego


>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>




Hello,
Thanks for your interest in the rent, i am very happy that you contact me, regarding my 2 Bed, 2 Bath, Apartment.

Currently i and my family are both in west Africa, it was due to my transfer that made me and my family to leave the house, Am on missionary mission for God,By the state Christ church, and we try to get an agent that we can give this documents before we left but couldn't find any trust and responsible agent and we are as well as don't want our house to be used anyhow in our absent that is why we the keys along with us.

All we want is to give out for rent and looking for a responsible person that can take very good care of it, we are not after the money for the rent but want it to be clean at all time and the tenant t hat will rent it to take it as if it were its own. Now my house is still available for rent for $600 including public services such like,Air Conditioning, Dishwasher, Fireplace, Garage, Outside Smoking OK,Washer & Dryer.

brown plush carpet, custom paint, stone tile counter tops in kitchen with backsplash, electric built-in stove top, microwave and large pantry in kitchen. Ceiling fan and wall a/c unit. Master bedroom has private vanity area leading to full bath with tub/shower combo and additional vanity area off hall across from second bedroom, also leads to the full bath. Gated common area offers pool, spa and nice exercise facility. Central San Diego location near Mission & Fashion Valley shopping, restaurants and easy freeway access. Water, trash and basic cable included.


So if you are still interested i want you to get back to me with the information below.

RENTAL / LEASE APPLICATION
Applicant Co-Applicant
Name:
Cell:
Vehicle Model / Year
Additional Occupants:
List everyone, including children, who will live with you:
Full Name Relationship to Applicant
Personal References / Emergency Contacts:
Name Relationship City / State Phone #
RENTAL - LEASE HISTORY / REFERENCES
Current Address:
Dates Lived at Address:_____________ Monthly Rent Amount:_________
Reason for Leaving:_______
Occupation_________
How soon do you want to receive the keys and documents of the house________________________



Residence Type: Condo
Price / Rate: $600 Per Month
Refundable Security Deposit: $400
Total Move-In: $1,000.

Location:
San Diego, CA 92108
Street Address:
6780 Friars Road Unit 366


Date Available:AVALIABLE NOW!
Lease Term:
2 Year, 18 Month, 12 Month
Liveable Space:
~ 957 Square Feet

Alan Llanos. J *(Mr and Mrs)
jesus_llanos@live.com
+234-709-093-9829
HAVE A BLESSED DAY

Anonymous said...

OMG this is freaky, I'm so glad I found this blog!!!!


Hello,


It is a great pleasure you are interested in my apartment .Thanks for your email and it is my gladness to hearing from you.I am the owner of the Apartment you are making inquiry of.Actually I resided in the Apartment with my family,such as my husband and my only daughter before and presently we had packed due to my work transfer now situated in (West Africa)and presently my Apartment is still available for rent for $800 per month including the utilities like,Electricity,Gas,Water,Ceramic Tile Floors, Vinyl Tile Floors, Wall to Wall Carpet, Unfurnished, Window Shutters, Community Laundry, Library, Dishwasher, Garbage Disposal, Main Floor Master Bedroom, Breakfast Nook, Formal Dining Room, Walk-In Closet(s), Water Included, Air Conditioning.You can have it furnished and unfurnished.

Please i want you to note that,i am a kind and honest Person and also i spent a lot on my property that i want to give you for rent,so i will solicit for your absolute maintenance of this my Apartment and want you to treat it as your own,is that taken,it is not the money that is the main problem that is why is very cheap 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.You can't see the inside of the apartment at this time. here is my husband's number feel free to call him on this number +234 805 777 3811 .the pictures are attached for you to see.

BEDROOMS: 2 Bedrooms
BATHROOMS: 2 Baths
RENTAL AMOUNT. ..........$800
TOTAL MOVE IN COST ....$1600
APARTMENT ADDRESS ........ 681 South Orange Grove Blvd Unit #3 Pasadena, CA 91105

Contact me immediately with the following details.

APPLICANT'S PROFILE
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 Apartment?
6)Do you have a pet?
7)Do you have a car?
8)Occupation?
9)How long are you renting for?

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

LONG AND SHORT TERMS ARE BOTH ALLOWED..
ALL PETS ARE ALLOWED.(WELL BEHAVED)

Thanks and God bless

Rosa
+234 805 777 3811

Unknown said...

Thank the LORD I found this website all because of a hunch I had. The SAME guy Emailed me, I found his posting on craigslist for 350 lemon street- EVERYTHING he said about the house was legit, i even had my mom drive past it and she confirmed that the house REALLY was for sale (i was going to rent it for $700 a month). It sounded way too good to be true esp. because he told me that my family and I could move in ASAP as soon as we sent the money through. He gave me his phone number (actually, 2!) and when we tried to call it didnt work, i thought MAYBE its cuz I cant make phone calls to West Africa, and thats when I got my hunch.. I searched and couldnt find anything with the specific # he gave me so then I thought "ok, maybe im typing it in wrong" so I searched "west africa phone numbers" (thinking it would show me how to dial it- maybe with a +1 or something before the number) and I came across this website! I knew it sounded too good to be true!! I got my hopes up and so did my fiance! The worst part of it all is that my family and I were in desperate need of somewhere to go after our lease is up where we are at now- the economy STINKS these days and for $700 for a house in this area- that was AMAZING! The house was gorgeous, too!! I told this man my 'sob story' so to speak, too. How cold hearted of him!! Needless to say I called the Warminster, PA police station and reported him! I hope they catch him ASAP cuz now I can see that hes been doing it since AT LEAST 2008. Thank God we never sent that money!

Anonymous said...

omg just got the same email i went to check out the house and neighborhood and saw a different price and phone number so diceded to look it up in the internet, but i have always learned that if it seems too good to be true its probably cause it is, follow your instincs
Martha

Anonymous said...

Thanks!
I found this blog just in time. this is the email I got, again "too good to be true"...

"Hello Dear,

God bless you for your interest about my house,yes is still available for rent. I am renting this house to a responsible and neat person or family who has the fear of God and treat my house as his or her own.Presently I and my wife have work for USAID.USAID works in agriculture, democracy & governance, economic growth, the environment, education, health, global partnerships, and humanitarian assistance in more than 100 countries to provide a better future for all.
USAID still faces an uncertain future. In many developing countries, HIV/AIDS and health issues are having a dramatic impact on social cohesiveness and economic strength, blocking the very development goals we seek. Virtually all the new democracies in the world today are fragile; others are democracies more in name than substance. Nearly a quarter of the people living in developing countries, or about one billion people, live in absolute poverty. There are a host of other threats - ranging from terrorism to infectious disease and violent conflict - that challenge us and the developing nations we seek to help.Here is USAID Web address:- www.usaid.gov
USAID efforts to foster world-wide economic growth and increased trade,and tackling cross-border issues such as the spread of HIV/AIDS and trafficking in persons.To safe the live of peoples from primitive death that claims the souls of younger ages as a result of casual sex gave us transfer to West Africa and we will be away for 8 years or more and this is why we are actually renting out house,so if you are interested and will take good care of our house then we will be ready to accept you as our future tenant and family friend. If you really impress me by taking good care of our house then you will be allowed to stay as long as you wish okay.

This is the address of the house: 328 S Patterson Park Ave,Baltimore, MD

So get back to me on how you could take care of our house or perhaps experience you have in renting home. Hope you are okay with the price of US$900/month and $400 for security deposit with hydro, heat laundry facilities, air condition and so on. PETS ARE WELCOME!

I am looking forward to hear from you ASAP so that i can forward you an application to fill out and discuss on how to get the house for rent, also are you ready to rent it now or when?
Await your reply.

Feel free to call me on these numbers +2348034901610 or 0112348034901610
Regards
Alicia Bustamante Family"

Anonymous said...

Well my mom was right. IT WAS TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE! Such a great house. When she told me it was a scam i googled the house & it said the house was up for sale not for rent. The real owners are short saling the house. Good thing i have my mom to tell me if something is too good to be true. This is the message they sent to me !!








Hello Jessica,

The house is still available for rent and everything is in order but presently I and my wife are not around at the moment... We made a bid for a petroleum land in West Africa sometime ago and fortunately for us we won the bid so we had to move down to West Africa to set up our Company because we will still have to rebid for it next 5 years. We bought the house when we got married, as soon as we settled down here, we had a thought of renting our home out so we looked for an agent that will handle it professionally but they all want to rip us off so we requested for the keys and documents for the house, If you notice, you will discovered that the price we are offering is far below standard price, this is enough for you to know that we are not after the rental fee but the absolute care for the property. I know there is no way I can be sure that you are the right person to live in the house because we won't be able to see physical before sending you the keys and the documents to occupy the space. But I just had a feeling that anyone who knows what it takes to put the kind of structure down should know that maintaining a building is mandatory, so if you belief you can take good care of the house and handle it like yours then I will be more than happy to let you rent the house.Please if you are ready now to occupy the house i will like you to fill out the application for below so we can have the record of who we are renting our home to and I hope you understand;

Full Name__________________________________________________
Home Phone ( ) ________________________
Date of Birth_________________________________
Other Phone ( ) ___________________
Current Address_______________________________Apt#________ City__________________ State______ Zip________
Reasons for Leaving____________________________Rent$__________
Are you married____________________________
How many people will be living in the house____________________________
Do you have a pet____________________________
Do you have a car____________________________
Occupation____________________________
Move In Date____________________________

TAKE NOTE: YOU CAN ONLY DRIVE BY AND SEE MY HOUSE FROM THE OUTSIDE AND IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN RENTING GET THE APPLICATION FORM FILLED OUT AND SEND IT BACK TO ME SO THAT I CAN SHIP MY KEYS TO YOU FOR YOU BE ABLE TO GO AND LOOK AT THE INSIDE OR MOVE IN IMMEDIATELY. I WOULD HAVE REALLY LOVE TO SHIP THE KEYS TO SOMEONE IN STATE BUT I DON'T HAVE ANYBODY THERE RIGHT NOW AND I DON'T WANT TO MAKE USE OF ANY THIRD PARTY THAT IS WHY AM HANDLING MY PROPERTY MYSELF..

House Address
6904 Duckling Way
Sacramento, CA

Monthly Fee: $700
Security Deposit: $500
Pets Allowed

Available: Available Now for move in

Mobile :+234-7042862935

Regards and God Bless!!

Brian Moses




Well.. Mr. Moses almost got me! i let the REAL owners of the house or the real estate company know there is a scam going on about the house. Now i will have a more open mind about houses. Quite sad, got over excited, didnt give him any info which is good haha... Just a little upset now! If only i could see them in person! i would knock there block off for tricking me!

Anonymous said...

I am one more to add to the long list of people above. I got the same reply as mentioned in other comments above and I actually filled out the application and got a call from the so called "owner". He wanted to make the transaction right away. At that moment I decided that I wouldn't send any $ until I had seen the apt. Since I was suspicious about the whole scenario, I decided to look up the West African phone number and that's when I found this site. THANK GOD!
The owners of this particular scam, went the names of Reverend Mark Johnson and his wife Joy Johnson. They're supposedly the owners of a unit in Costa Mesa, CA.

Hopefully this will help out someome else who's honestly searching for a decent place to live.

Suzanne said...

An incredibly useful blog post. As much as I WANTED this to be true, "West Africa" made the red lights start flashing in my head. I checked the United Methodist Global Ministries site, which has a searchable staff listing - no listing for the person. I then Googled "Craigslist Rental Scams" and found this post. (For which I thank you!!!)

The house listed on Craigslist IS actually for rent. It's listed on the local Metro Board of Realtors web site. The Craigslist posting copied that listing's description word for word, and also included some photos from that site. The Craigslist posting was just about $400 a month less than the realtor listing. Still, someone actually did research on this and created the posting carefully. I can see how someone could get fooled by it!

For the benefit of anyone else who might be Googling this, here's the email I received:

Greetings!

Thanks for your email. The house is still available. I decided to rent the house because we are going to spend more time here in West Africa, about 4 years... Let me start by introducing myself.
I must confess that I am very very new in this landlord business.. However, My name is Sherry L Anderson . I own the house located at (568 Shining Star Ln, Avon, IN 46123-9887). Due to my job as a missionary with the General Board of Global Ministries of the United Methodist Church International, I am presently serving as Area Financial Executive (AFE) with the United Methodist Church in Lagos, West Africa.I am responsible for receiving distribution of funds for various UMC projects in West Africa , and all related works with other mission personnel. my current home is in the vineyard of the Lord in BENIN West Africa.I spent less time in the States so I could not get a hold on any Realtor to handle this rent issue, although it was when I knew how long we are going to stay in Africa that I decided to rent out the house. However, the initial plan was to sale out the House. which I tried, but sometimes the agents inflates the prize and it takes longer to sell. because of this reason and more we need a responsible person (With good credit) that can take very good care of it as we are not after the money , but want it to be clean and for you to take it as if it were yours.

The rent is $800 and 500 for Security Deposit

For this 3 Bedroom, 3 Bath

Features: Air Conditioning, Dishwasher, Garage, Outside Smoking OK,Swimming Pool, Washer & Dryer, Yard


LEASE APPLICATION FORM

FULL CONTACT NAME?

OCCUPATION?

RESIDENTIAL HOME ADDRESS? YOUR CELLPHONE NUMBER?

YOUR HOME PHONE NUMBER? YOUR WORKPLACE NUMBER?

WHAT TIME IS THE` BEST TIME TO REACH YOU?

AGE & MARITAL STATUS?

OWN A PET?

OWN A CAR?

HOW MANY PEOPLE SHALL RESIDE IN THE PREMISES?

ANTICIPATED MOVE IN DATE?

REFERENCE?

============================== =======
Application Comment
============================== =======

Please make sure this questions are fill correctly because the best way you answer with your comment will impress me the more to accept your applications.

Regards,
Sherry L Anderson

Unknown said...

OMG! I got the same reply e-mail. this is occured in SF, CA

Firstly, I was so glad I got reply email from Craigslist because it's pretty hard to contact to the owner self while I am still in my hometown (Bangkok) but I just could'not remember which house I sent email to (I sent about 10 emails) so I search from his email which is he gave, to find the link to the house.

but now I love internet much much more than ever!!! Thank you you all so much.

here we got,

Hello,


Thanks for your email and it is my gladness to hear from you.I am John Carter,the owner of the apartment you are making inquiry of.Actually I resided in the apartment with my family,presently we moved away due to my transfer from my working place,my apartment is Located in 1856 Pacific Ave San Francisco, CA 94109 USA and presently my apartment is still available for rent for $550 per month including the utilities like water,washer and security,it is furnished.More so Now, I went for a Crusade in the West Africa and i will like you to get in touch with my wife in the states for more discussion as She is with the keys and the documents to the apartment.Please i want you to note that,i am a kind and honest man and also i spent a lot on my property that i want to give you for rent,so i will solicit for your absolute maintenance of this apartment and want you to treat it as your own,is that taken,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 want have trust in you as i always stand by my words.Where are you located? let us know how soon you are willing to move in.Email my wife Mary, on ( mrycarter1@gmail.com) and she will attend to you better.

Thanks for your interest.
John Carter

Unknown said...

Just got one of these same scam responses tonight in re: to a rental posting I found on Craigslist - Los Angeles. Here's what the scammer wrote me...so similar!!!

Hi,
I did get your response concerning the AD I posted on craigslist.My house is still available but presently I'm not within the States,i am on a ship building contract with nigerdock plc.Nigeria www.nigerdock.com.I flew down to the country with my wife and 4 year old daughter and we are going to be here till my project is concluded so we want the place occupied asap.

My House Address is:(xxx N Edinburgh Avenue Los Angeles, CA 90048).My cell phone number(01123470-423-350-39) you can reach me anytime.
We initially wanted to sell but we later changed our minds and wanting to rent now and looking for someone to move in asap,the place is sparkling clean and furnished. For now we are looking at a 1 or 2 year lease or rather lets know how long you wish to stay because my house is ready for move in for $800 + security deposit of $400, my home was recently renovated sparkling clean and it's ready for occupancy asap.My home features washer dryer,refrigerator, internet cable plus parking inclusive,hardwood floor and spotless kitchen,very
close to public transport and shopping in an absolutely safe and calm neighborhood,washer dryer internet plus parking and electricity utilities are all included in rent.

Since i am handling the rental process myself i will require you to provide me with the below information's

TENANT RENT APPLICATION
FIRST NAME: __________________
MIDDLE NAME: __________________
LAST NAME: __________________
PROFESSION: ________________
PHONE (____) __________ (CELL)
PHONE (____) __________ (WORK)
PHONE (____) __________ (HOME)
MARITAL STATUS: _________
KIDS _____ (YES/NO), HOW MANY ________
Home ADDRESS: ___________________________
CITY: _______________
STATE: ______________
ZIP CODE: ____________
HOW LONG? ___________IF RENTING
WHY ARE YOU LEAVING? _______________________________________________________________________
CURRENT RENT: _______
IF THIS House IS BEING GIVEN TO YOU,
HOW LONG DO YOU INTEND STAYING? ____________
WHEN DO YOU INTEND MOVING IN? ______________
HOW SOON CAN YOU HAVE THE DEPOSIT PAYMENT SENT TO ME___________________________
HOW SOON DO YOU WANT TO RECEIVE THE KEYS AND DOCUMENTS OF THE HOUSE___________________________

Please note that you will only be able to drive by the house for now but not have a look at the inside until i have sent the keys and documents of the house to you and the requirement for getting the keys and documents of the house is $400,which is the security deposit. Please note that the deposit is made fully refundable should in case you finally gain entrance into the house after receiving the keys and documents and feel unsatisfied or uncomfortable with the inside,but i am giving you a benefit of doubt that you will love everything about our house.

I Await your response so that we can discuss on how to get the document and the keys across to you asap.

Yours Sincerely.

Charles Murray.

I knew the listing was too good to be true...thank goodness I was at least not stupid enough to fall for the "Im out of the country...but send me $400" trick. I hope that websites like these will help out others from making the same potential mistake. Buyer Beware!

Anonymous said...

OMG this has happened to me twice already!!!!. Be careful people.

Anonymous said...

OMG this has happened to me TWICE already!!!. Be careful people. Do not send money anywhere. Any transaction must be done in person.

Anonymous said...

Don't trust a beautiful apartment in a great location in Brooklyn for 750 a month.

Hi,
I am very happy to inform you that the apartment is still very much
available for rent, my intentions and plans is to give out the
apartment to a Reliable and Responsible person that would be able to
take proper care of the lovely home. It’s indeed a lovely and
comfortable home and available to move in as soon as possible May the
Peace of the Good Lord be with you for considering my home.


Fees:
Per Month: $750 (Including Utilities)
Security / Deposit: $150 (Refundable)


APARTMENT FEATURES:
- spacious bedroom
- High ceilings
- Hardwood flooring throughout
-walk in closet
-tons of sunlight
-quiet building


I would like you to know that i am giving this home out for rent
because i just relocated to West Africa for a research program
and it will last for 5 years before rounding up the
program. So my family and i have decided that we would be moving to
our other home when we get back. i would like you to fill the below
details:
==========================================================================
RENT APPLICATION FORM
FIRST NAME:_________
MIDDLE NAME: _________________
LAST NAME: __________________
AGE: _____
PROFESSION: ________________
MARITAL STATUS____________
TIME ON YOUR JOB:______
PHONE NUMBERS
(CELL)PHONE _____
(WORK)PHONE ____
(HOME)PHONE _____
KIDS ___ (YES/NO), HOW MANY _____
PRESENT ADDRESS: ____
WHY ARE YOU LEAVING?
HOW LONG DO YOU INTEND STAYING? _______
WHEN DO YOU INTEND MOVING IN? ________
IF YOU HAVE A PET?_____-
DO YOU SMOKE? ______________
DO YOU DRINK? _________
DO YOU WORK LATE NIGHT? ____
========================================================================
I would like you to know that you are free to contact me at any time.
After I receive these details, I would get back to you soonest and
then let you know my terms.


PLEASE NOTE YOUR QUESTIONS BELOW.?


I hope to hear from you soonest.
God Bless





Just awful

Anonymous said...

i got the similiar email about a house that was 800 a month with an 800 dollar deposit and his email was daniel.cook@yahoo.com... same application I wrote him back and told him no one in their right mind would go for something like this... its sad that ppl are this stupid and try to scam others looks as though this person is using many different names

Anonymous said...

I just found your blog and have gotten caught on a strange side of this scam.
I am renting a house that (unfortunately) is now up for sale. A man came to our door and asked my boyfriend a bunch of questions. It turns out he had almost fallen victim to this scam, he had been e-mailing with a man that claimed he was a missionary in west africa with a house for rent.
the "missionary" then used the house listings online and sent him pictures of the house (inside and out!!!) with our address.
this isn't the first time people have come to our door b/c the house is for sale but is the first person to come to our door saying someone from west africa was going to rent it to him

Anonymous said...

holy shit! I had the exact same email..I thought it was slightly weird..! THANKS SO MUCH!!!

Thanks for your email and it is my gladness to hearing from you.I am Rev ,the owner of the apartment you are making inquiry of.Actually I resided in the apartment with my family,such as my wife and my only daughter before and presently we had packed due to my transfer from my working place and now situated in US and presently my apartment is still available for rent for 160 pounds per week and a security deposit of 500 pounds including the utilities like hydro,washer and security,it is furnished. More so Now, i went for a Crusade in west Africa and i will like you to get in touch with my wife in the US for more discussion as She is with the keys and the document to the apartment.Pls i want you to note that,i am a kind and honest man and also i spent a lot on my property that i want to give you for rent,so i will solicit for your absolute maintenance of this apartment and want you to treat it as your own,is that taken,it is not the money the main problem but want you to keep it tidy all the time so that i will be glad to see it neat when i came 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 laura on (laurapereira101@gmail.com) and ask for picture of the apartment anf full address. she will attends to you better.

Unknown said...

Dear everyone effected by these scammers, I too was scammed and am very angry and dissapointed. Though craigslist is a free way to search for jobs and rentals, it is also a complete nightmare, I feel I cant trust anyone anymore, Here is the email I recieved in response to the house that I actually DROVE BY and took a look at..Argh!

Hello Dear,

I am happy with your reply and interest in my house. I am the owner of the house you are making inquiry of. Actually I resided in the house with my family, My wife and my 12yrs daughter before and currently we had moved due to my transfer from my church branch and now situated in Lagos,West Africa.Currently my house is still available for rent at $800 including the Utilities like Water; washer etc.I will accept deposit of $400 + 1 month rent, total of $1200,which is also your rent for 2 months.

Bedrooms:3 bdrm
Bathrooms: 2.5baths
Square footage:1600 sq. ft.
Address:37 HILLCREST AVE
HAVERTOWN PA
Availability:NOW
Pets:Allowed

I want to let you know that money is not the issue but what we are after is absolute care for our home.Someone that will always keep our home clean. A good Tenant that have the fear of God. I am with the keys and the papers to the house.Please I want you to note that, we are a kind and honest family and also we spent a lot on our property that we want to give to you for rent.

So I will solicit for your absolute maintenance of this house and want you to treat it as yours, I hope this is clear to you because I want you to keep it tidy all the time so that I will be glad to see it neat when I get back. You can stay in the house for as long as 4years.. I also want you to let me have trust in you as I always stand on my word. I would like to talk with you on phone. I await your mail so that i can send you a Rental Application Form. Email or call me so that we can talk better.

Thanks and may God bless you,
Adams Eleanore
+2347090846687

COMPLETE UTTER DISGUST. I google searched Eleanore Adams of Havertown, Pa, and she is probably the actual owner of the home and a registered voter in that town. This womens information and address were probably stolen from someone in west africa over the internet. HOPE people dont continue to drive by this poor womans house..Good luck to everyone out there trying to get by..

Amanda A. Philadelphia, Pa

Unknown said...

Dear everyone effected by these scammers, I too was scammed and am very angry and dissapointed. Though craigslist is a free way to search for jobs and rentals, it is also a complete nightmare, I feel I cant trust anyone anymore, Here is the email I recieved in response to the house that I actually DROVE BY and took a look at..Argh!

Hello Dear,

I am happy with your reply and interest in my house. I am the owner of the house you are making inquiry of. Actually I resided in the house with my family, My wife and my 12yrs daughter before and currently we had moved due to my transfer from my church branch and now situated in Lagos,West Africa.Currently my house is still available for rent at $800 including the Utilities like Water; washer etc.I will accept deposit of $400 + 1 month rent, total of $1200,which is also your rent for 2 months.

Bedrooms:3 bdrm
Bathrooms: 2.5baths
Square footage:1600 sq. ft.
Address:37 HILLCREST AVE
HAVERTOWN PA
Availability:NOW
Pets:Allowed

I want to let you know that money is not the issue but what we are after is absolute care for our home.Someone that will always keep our home clean. A good Tenant that have the fear of God. I am with the keys and the papers to the house.Please I want you to note that, we are a kind and honest family and also we spent a lot on our property that we want to give to you for rent.

So I will solicit for your absolute maintenance of this house and want you to treat it as yours, I hope this is clear to you because I want you to keep it tidy all the time so that I will be glad to see it neat when I get back. You can stay in the house for as long as 4years.. I also want you to let me have trust in you as I always stand on my word. I would like to talk with you on phone. I await your mail so that i can send you a Rental Application Form. Email or call me so that we can talk better.

Thanks and may God bless you,
Adams Eleanore
+2347090846687

COMPLETE UTTER DISGUST. I google searched Eleanore Adams of Havertown, Pa, and she is probably the actual owner of the home and a registered voter in that town. This womens information and address were probably stolen from someone in west africa over the internet. HOPE people dont continue to drive by this poor womans house..Good luck to everyone out there trying to get by..

Amanda A. Philadelphia, Pa

Anonymous said...

motherf***ers!
i cant believe this is still happening, in Australia AND the US
i replied to an advert
http://adelaide.locanto.com.au/ID_104712958/Beautiful-Furnished-Flat-for-rent.html
for an apartment in Adelaide, South Australia and got some weird emails. At the time i was so excited that i didnt trust my instincts and i did fill out the application form. BUT i didnt send any money. googled rent scam "mission of god" and came up with alot of scam warnings. KNEW it was too good to be true. hope they cant use my personal info against me in anyway.

heres the emails:

Hi,

Thanks for your email and it is my gladness hearing from you, am Rv Thomson i owner the house you are making inquiry of, Actually I resided in the house with my family,such as my wife and my only daughter before and presently we had packed due to my transfer from my working place and now situated in the London and presently my house is still available for rent for 650per month including the utilities like hydro,washer and security,it is furnished.

More so Now, i went for a Crusade in Africa and i will like you to get in touch with my wife in London for more discussion, as she is with the keys and the document to the house. Pls i want you to note know that we're kind and honest family, and also spent alot on our property that we want to give you for rent,so i will solicit for your absolute maintenance of this house and want you to treat it as your own,is that taken, it is not the money the main problem but want you to keep it tidy all the time, so that i will be glad to see it neat when i came for a check up. I also want you to let me have trust in you as i always stand on my word.

Email my wife Katherine on ( katherineprays47@sify.com or katherinekedward@live.co.uk ) and she will attends to you better, pls make sure you send email to both address,

Thanks and you are welcome.....
Regards

_____

Hello,

Thanks for your response,my name is Katherine,my husband owned the apt you are interested in, we are given it out for rent but we are looking for a responsible person that can take very good care of the house for us. It was due to our transfer that makes us to leave the house, as we are not after the money for the rent,but wanted it to be clean/tidy all the time, interested person that will rent it, will take care of the house as if it were its own.

So for now,am here in our new house in London,England, and also with the keys/documents of the house,we try to look for an agent that we can give this document before we left but could not see, and we don't want our house to be used any how present, that is why we took it along to us here, and as you know that my husband over in Africa for a mission of God,so i hope you will promise us to take very good care of the house.So get back to me on how you could take care of our house or perhaps experience you have in renting home.

Hope you are okay with the price of 650 monthly with hydro,heat laundry facilities,air condition and so on.


I look forward to hearing from you asap, so that i can forward you a application to fill out and discuss on how to get the house for rent,also are you ready to rent it now or when? Tell me about your and what you do for living and where?

Thanks And God Bless You

Await your reply,
Kate

______

when i realised it i sent a reply saying that i cant rent it anymore because i was "moving overseas"

will report it to the Office of Consumer and Business Affairs ASAP

Akuma said...

Ive also reported this to IC3 the FBI's internet crime complaint center.

Anonymous said...

Thank you! this scam just resurfaced, thanks to you we didn't go further! My gut didn't feel right indeed. Things just didn't add up quite right.

Cheers!

Anonymous said...

Yeah, same thing with me, except he replied this.

Hello,

Thanks for your email .I'm John Hilary,the owner of the Apartment you are in renting.Actually I resided in the apartment with my family for some months and we moved away due to my transfer from my working place, my apartment is still available for rent for $550 per month including the utilities like hydro,washer and security,it is furnished.Right now I'm in West Africa for a crusade and i would like you to get in touch with my wife in the United states for more discussion as she is with the keys and the documents to the apartment.Please I want you to note that,i am a kind and honest man and also I spent a lot on my property,so i will solicit for your absolute maintenance of this apartment and I want you to treat it as your own.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 want to have trust in you as I always stand by my words.Let us know how soon you are willing to move in.Email my wife Mary,on (mryhilary@gmail.com ) and she will attend to you better.

ADDRESS TO THE APARTMENT : 1808 Connecticut Ave NW Washington, DC 20008

Thanks for your interest.
John Hilary

If anyone comes across it again, please keep posting it on here so that others won't be scammed! Thanks again guys!

Anonymous said...

Here is another text to compare to. Hope it becomes searchable so others can find it:
*************************
fromSolomon Breland
to: ********@*****.com
dateMon, Jan 24, 2011 at 5:30 AM
subjectRe: $800 / 1br - Gorgeous One Bedroom Apartment For Rent (mountain view)

5:30 AM (15 hours ago)

Hello,


Thanks for your email and it is my gladness to hear from you.I am Solomon Breland,the owner of the apartment you are making inquiry of.Actually I resided in the apartment with my family,presently we moved away due to my transfer from my working place,my apartment is Located in : 3355 Showers Dr ,Mountain View, CA 94040 and presently my apartment is still available for rent for $800 per month including the utilities like water,washer and security,it is furnished.More so Now, I went for a Crusade in the West Africa and i will like you to get in touch with my wife in the states for more discussion as She is with the keys and the documents to the apartment.Please i want you to note that,i am a kind and honest man and also i spent a lot on my property that i want to give you for rent,so i will solicit for your absolute maintenance of this apartment and want you to treat it as your own,is that taken,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 want have trust in you as i always stand by my words.Where are you located? let us know how soon you are willing to move in.Email my wife Jasmine,on (jasminejack101@gmail.com) and she will attend to you better.


Thanks for your interest.
Solomon Breland

Anonymous said...

THANKS FOR THE WARNING!!! I am looking for an apt and I saw the same Craigslist ad. They are jerks! I got the below response.

"Right now I'm in West Africa for a crusade and i would like you to get in touch with my wife in the United states for more discussion as she is with the keys and the documents to the apartment.Please I want you to note that,i am a kind and honest man and also I spent a lot on my property,so i will solicit for your absolute maintenance of this apartment and I want you to treat it as your own.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."

Anonymous said...

Damn! Damn! Damn! Damn! I was about to fall for it, but I thought the West Africa story was a bit too much information from someone trying to rent their house..
That was a close one!

Thanks, Amanda

This is what I got from the scammer:

From: kevin johnson

Hello,

God bless you for your interest about my house,yes is still available for rent.... I am renting this house to a responsible and neat person or family who has the fear of God and treat my house as his or her own.Presently my wife and i work for USAID. USAID works in agriculture, democracy & governance, economic growth, the environment,education, health, global partnerships, and humanitarian assistance in more than 100 countries to provide a better future for all..

US-AID still faces an uncertain future. In many developing countries, HIV/AIDS and health issues are having a dramatic impact on social cohesiveness and economic strength, blocking the very development goals we seek. Virtually all the new democracies in the world today are fragile; others are democracies more in name than substance. Nearly a quarter of the people living in developing countries, or about one billion people, live in absolute poverty.. There are a host of other threats - ranging from terrorism to infectious disease and violent conflict - that challenge us and the developing nations we seek to help. Here is USAID Web address:-http://www.usaid.gov

USAID efforts to foster world-wide economic growth and increased trade,and tackling cross-border issues such as the spread of HIV/AIDS and trafficking in persons.To safe the live of peoples from primitive death that claims the souls of younger ages as a result of casual sex gave us transfer to West Africa and we will be away for 8 years or more and this is why we are actually renting out house,so if you are interested and will take good care of our house then we will be ready to accept you as our future tenant and family friend.. If you really impress me by taking good care of our house then you will be allowed to stay as long as you wish okay cause we have decided not to SELL our property anymore with the property management.

This is the address of the Single family house: 3925 Sunflower Ln, Plano, TX 75025



So get back to me on how you could take care of our house or perhaps experience you have in renting home. Hope you are okay with the price of $1000/month and $600 for security deposit with hydro, heat laundry facilities, air condition and so on. PETS ARE WELCOME!

You are advised to go and view the property exterior before getting back to me with the rental application.

My Husband Contact Number: 0112348191686060 or +2348191686060

Utilities:
Air Conditioner Dishwasher Walk-in Closet Disposal
Microwave Views Playground washer/dryer Public Trans.


I WILL WANT YOU TO FILL THE RENT APPLICATIONS FORM BELOW
RENT APPLICATION FORM
Pls let me get this answer:
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 children?Ages?
7)Do you have a car?
8)Occupation?
9)Monthly income
10)When will you like to move in?
11)How long will you like to rent the property?
12)Reason for relocating?
13)HOW LONG DO YOU INTEND STAYING?
14)HOW MANY MONTHS DO YOU WHICH TO PAY UPFRONT?
15)DO YOU HAVE A PET?

Looking forward to hear from you with all this details so that i can have it in my file incase of issuing the receipt for you and contacting you.Await your urgent reply so that we can discuss on how to get the document and the key to you,please we are giving you all this base on trust and again i will want you to stick to your words,you know that we do not see yet and only putting everything into Gods hand,so please do not let us down in this our property and God bless you more as you do this.


Regards

Anonymous said...

There is an ad on Craigslist in Victoria, sounded of course too good, but I inquired. I am always weary of "out of the country" scenarios, and fully intended on a title search before anything further negotiation. Just thought i would Google "West Africa Crusades" to see what would happen first - and glad I did!! Thankfully no info has exchanged. Can't wait to email back, as I intend on having some fun with this. The email from Victoria Craigslist on Feb 28th follows:

Hello,
Thanks for your email and it is my gladness to hearing from you.I am Wilfred Jones.Am the owner of the flat you are making inquiry of.Actually I resided in the flat with my family,such as my wife and my only son before and presently we had packed due to my transfer from my working place and now my wife is presently in Australia and presently my flat is still available for rent,the rent including the utilities like hydro,washer and security,More so i went for a Crusade in the West Africa and i will like you to get in touch with my wife asap for more discussion as She is with the keys and the document to the flat.Please i want you to note that,i am a kind and honest man and also i spent a lot on my property that i want to give you for rent,so i will solicit for your absolute maintenance of this flat and want you to treat it as your own,is that taken,it is not the money the main problem but want you to keep it tidy all the time so that i will be glad to see it neat when i coming 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 Sophie on, (sophiejoness45@yahoo.com) and she will attends to you better.
Thanks and God bless you.
Wilfred.

Well....God Bless Wilfred Jones - I think when he responds I will tell him that I like and trust him so much, that I will just forward him my online banking information and he can take the rent right out of my account as he desires, and even encourage him to take a little extra each month so he can purchase extra bibles for his pals!!! DMK in Victoria, BC

Anonymous said...

I got an email from this scammer also. I'm located in CA and I noticed the rest were in different parts of the country...I guess he's making his way over to Cali now.

I got an email from Mark James (markjames0088@yahoo.com)in response to an apartment ad in Walnut Creek which I knew had to be too good to be true even before I got the email from "Mark" The email says:

Hi,

I did get your response concerning the AD I posted on craigslist. My name is Mark James.i am the owner of the apartment you are making enquiry of, and i also want you to know that it was due to my transfer that makes me and my wife and little daughter to leave the Home and also want to give it out for rent and looking for a responsible person that can take very good care of it while we are not at the state as we are not after the money for the rent but want it to be clean at the time and the person that will rent it to take it as if it were its own. So for now, we are here in West Africa ,in our new Home and put all my worries off concerning the maintenance of the Home, since i am not residing there for now. I left behind some Facilities and electronics which include the rent, DVD player, air conditioning, alarm system. The kitchen is fully equipped with all necessary cooking utilities, refrigerator-freezer, four-hob and oven, microwave, dishwasher and washing machine, my computer is connected with Internet access also the keys and document of the Home are right here with us in West Africa, and the lease document Which i can send to you after all necessary agreement has be accepted. Also i will like you to know that the rent charges is not really the issue, hope you are okay with the price of ($800 per month) in including utilities like hydro, heat laundry facilities, air condition, gas, water, Cable and so on, but your absolute maintenance of my Home is most important thing, if you are realy interested in renting this Home, fill the application below and get back to me with the answers.

______RENT APPLICATION FORM_______


Full Name__________________________________________________ Home Phone ( ) ________________________
Date of Birth_________________________________
Other Phone ( ) ___________________
Current Address_______________________________Apt#________ City__________________ State______ Zip________
Reasons for Leaving____________________________Rent $__________Phone ( ) ____________________________
Are you married____________________________
How many people will be living in the home____________________________
Do you have a pet____________________________
Do you have a car____________________________
Occupation____________________________
Move In Date____________________________
1 or 2 Month Rent Payment will be Deposit Down Now Before You Move in?____________________________
Reference Details_________________________
Pictures of all the Occupant that will stay in my home.

TAKE NOTE: YOU CAN ONLY DRIVE BY AND SEE MY HOME FROM THE OUTSIDE AND IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN RENTING IT GET THE APPLICATION FORM FILLED OUT AND SEND IT BACK TO ME SO THAT I CAN SHIP MY KEYS TO YOU FOR YOU TO BE ABLE TO GO AND LOOK AT THE INSIDE OR MOVE IN IMMEDIATELY. I WOULD HAVE REALLY LOVE TO SHIP THE KEYS TO SOMEONE IN STATE BUT I DON'T HAVE ANYBODY THERE RIGHT NOW AND I DON'T WANT TO MAKE USE OF ANY THIRD PARTY THAT IS WHY AM HANDLING MY PROPERTY MYSELF..

Address: 320 N Civic Dr
Walnut Creek, CA 94596


Monthly Fee: $800
Security Deposit: $600

Pets Allowed:
Available :Available Now for move in.


NB: I will like you to give me a call on this effect to know how serious you are in this rent.
+2348024017913

So pls get back to me today.
I await your reply ASAP



Out of the many, many things that stuck me as odd I noticed he asked for a picture of the occupants....EWW..Creepy!

Anonymous said...

Anonymous said....Happened to us also, found an add on Kijiji,sent an email and basically his reply was the same, asking for my personal info. etc before exchange of keys etc. I actually went to the address of the house for rent to see who was living there as he claimed it was empty only to find out the people (the owners) knew nothing of it. They actually posted their house on Kijiji FOR SALE, and this scammer took that info and posted it again FOR RENT looking for dummies to fall for his scam! He had posted this add on Kijiji in several cities! He used the real owners name (1st & last). and even copied the picture used in the add. the (real) owners were shocked & upset to find out this was happening. The scammer even made up a same email add. as the real owner, but instead of @ hotmail, it was @ Yahoo. So renters beware....if it sounds to good to be true...IT IS!!!!

Trudi said...

I just received this email from a ad I responded to on Craiglist, thanks so much for letting people know that there is a real scam like this out there. thank goodness Craiglist removed his ad.

I did get your response concerning the AD I posted on craigslist. The house is still available but presently I'm not around.. I did bid for a portion of petroleum land sometimes ago in West Africa and fortunately I won the bidding so I have to move quickly down to Africa to have my company set up because I will still have to rabid for it in the next 10 years. I came over here with my wife, we both bought the house when we got married. As soon as we settle down here I had a thought of selling the house so I have to look for an agent, after getting one, we got a deal but later my wife advised against that. She said we may not be able to win the bidding next time, in other to keep our head when we return that we have to keep the house. I reasoned with her and accepted her advise. So I contacted the agent back and requested for my keys and documents. Later we decided to have the house rent out, we would have give the same agent this job also but the truth of the matter is that the agent would want to handle it professionally and the occupant may not be able to reason along with him later. If you notice, you will discovered that the price we are offering is far below standard price, this is enough for you to know that we are not after the rental fee but the absolute care for the property. I know there is no way I can be sure that you are the right person to live in the house because we won't be able to see physical before sending you the keys and the documents to occupy the space. But I just had a feeling that anyone who knows what it takes to put the kind of structure down should know that maintaining a building is mandatory, so if you belief you can take good care of the house and handle it like yours then I will be more than happy to let you rent the house.
Please if you are ready now to occupy the house kindly provide the information below for record purpose.


********RENT APPLICATIOM FORM*********

PLEASE TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF
Full Name__________________________________________________ Home Phone ( )________________________
Date of Birth_________________________________
Other Phone ( )___________________
Current Address_______________________________Apt#________ City__________________ State______ Zip________
Reasons for Leaving____________________________Rent $__________Phone ( )____________________________
Are you married____________________________
How many people will be living in the house____________________________
How many people will be living in the house____________________________
Do you have a pet____________________________
Do you have a car____________________________
Occupation____________________________
Move In Date____________________________

TAKE NOTE: YOU CAN ONLY DRIVE BY AND SEE MY HOUSE FROM THE OUTSIDE AND IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN RENTING GET THE APPLICATION FORM FILLED OUT AND SEND IT BACK TO ME SO THAT I CAN SHIP MY KEYS TO YOU FOR YOU BE ABLE TO GO AND LOOK AT THE INSIDE OR MOVE IN IMMEDIATELY. I WOULD HAVE REALLY LOVE TO SHIP THE KEYS TO SOMEONE IN STATE BUT I DON'T HAVE ANYBODY THERE RIGHT NOW AND I DON'T WANT TO MAKE USE OF ANY THIRD PARTY THAT IS WHY AM HANDLING MY PROPERTY MYSELF..

House Address:4205 Balboa Drive, Liverpool NY 13090
Monthly Fee ;$800
Security Deposit:$500
Pets Allowed:Yes
Available :Available Now for move in.

So pls get back to me today.
I await your reply ASAP.
Best Regard

Christopher A Camp

Anonymous said...

Latest version of this scam (just received 10/2011 in Washington DC)
Hello,


Thanks for your email and it is my gladness to hear from you.My Name is Samuel Olander owner of the apartment you want for rent i resided in the apartment with my wife and Kid before i had to move for a missionary work in West Africa and my wife went ahead to United Kingdom on her own Mission.My apartment is Located at (1861 Mintwood Pl NW,Washington, DC 20009) and presently the apartment is still very available for rent at $1200 Per Month including utilities and appliances and it's available for short and long term (The apartment is Fully Furnished & Can Be Made Unfurnished)..More so Now, I am on a missionary work in West Africa and i will like you to get in touch with my wife in the United Kingdom for more discussion as She is with the keys and documents of the apartment,she's in the UK due to am not around and she had to go for a christian mission with our only daughter, you get in touch with her she will let you know all things about the apartment.Please i want you to note that,i am a kind and honest man and also i spent a lot on my property that i want to give you for rent,so i will solicit for your absolute maintenance of my apartment,is that taken?.I want to have trust in you as i always stand by my words.Where are you located? let us know how soon you are willing to move in.Email my wife Sophia,on (sophialine121@gmail.com) and she will attend to you better.


Thanks for your interest
Samuel Olander.

Anonymous said...

Thanks so much to you and all the commenters for posting about this. Four years later and they're still at it apparently:

MESSAGE #1:
Hello and thanks for your message regarding your interest about my apartment, the issue at hand is that i am currently in Philippines at the moment for some personal issue. But the apartment is available so i would advise you drive by to view the exterior of the building and get back to me for pictures and more details if you love the location. here is the address - 230 S Hamilton Dr, Beverly Hills, CA 90211. Rent is $700 per month
Let me know once you have driven by,
Regards.

MESSAGE #2:
Thanks for your interest in my apartment. The apartment is available for long term & short term lease is acceptable as I am going to be away for about two years. The building is in a great location situated in the quiet and safe area and offers secure access. internet, cable, laundry in-suite, storage facilities, heat, water, electric and parking is included in the rent and pets allowed..
Attached are the interior pictures for you to have an idea how beautiful and spacious the inside looks, I will like you to get back to me with your final decision after viewing the interior pictures and let me know if you are interested in proceeding with the rental so that I can forward the application form to you.
I look forward to hearing from you ASAP.
Regards

MESSAGE #3:
Thanks for your mail. I am glad you are willing to proceed with the rental. I have the keys and the apartment documents here with me and I will be shipping it to you through DHL courier service but before the shipping arrangement. I will like you to answer the questions below and email it back to me asap for processing in case you are unable to open the attached form.
RENTAL APPLICATION FORM
FIRST NAME:__________
MIDDLE NAME:__________
LAST NAME:__________
(CELL)PHONE__________
(HOME)PHONE__________
KIDS _____ (YES/NO), HOW MANY ________
PRESENT ADDRESS: _____________________
CITY: _______________
STATE:______________
ZIP CODE: ____________
WHEN DO YOU INTEND MOVING IN? ______________
HOW LONG DO YOU INTEND STAYING? ____________
HOW MANY MONTH RENT ARE YOU WILLING TO PAY UPFRONT_________
DO YOU HAVE PET _________
KIND OF PETS: _____________
HABITS
DO YOU SMOKE ______________
DO YOU DRINK ______________
DO YOU WORK LATE NIGHT _________
REFERENCE
NAME_____________
ADDRESS_____________
Once I received the filled copy of the rental application form, I will make an arrangement on how to get the apartment keys and documents shipped to you through DHL courier service without any further delay. Please I am renting the apartment to you based on Trust & Honesty and again I want you to stick to your words, I am putting everything into Gods hand, so please do not let me down. God bless you more as you do this.
I await your swift response.
Regards

--------
Aaaand that's when I stopped responding.

** For those who might be enduring the same BS as me right now, I was dealing with "Jamie Brick" (brickjamie210@yahoo.com).

Ven1106 said...

Oh goodness! I was looking for an inexpensive apartment to rent in California, and found one. I emailed and promptly received a distinctly parallel reply:

Thanks for your email . I'm Collins Matt the owner of the Apartment you are in renting.Actually I resided in the apartment with my family for some months and we moved away due to my transfer from my working place, my apartment is still available for rent for $550 per month including the utilities like hydro,washer and security,it is furnished.Right now I'm in West Africa for a crusade and i would like you to get in touch with my wife in the Melbourne,Australia for more discussion as she is with the keys and the documents to the apartment.Please I want you to note that,i am a kind and honest man and also I spent a lot on my property,so i will solicit for your absolute maintenance of this apartment and I want you to treat it as your own.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 want to have trust in you as I always stand by my words.Let us know how soon you are willing to move in.

ADDRESS TO THE APARTMENT : [blahblah]

Special Notice : Pls note that there's none of us to show you the apartment,as we would have to send you the keys through UPS COURIER SERVICE ON A NEXT DELIVERY TO YOUR HOME and move in asap. A refundable deposit is required.if you are ok with this pls Email my wife Mildred at ( mdredmatt@gmail.com ) and she will attend to you better.


It's a good thing I did a quick Google search on this... :/

Anonymous said...

4 years after you wrote this blog I just got an email in reference to a condo I was interested in. He mentioned "West African crusade" in the email and I thought it sounded strange so I googled "West African crusade" to see what the hell it was. That's how I found this blog! I was so close to setting up a meeting with the guy. Thanks for posting this. It was a huge help.