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Craigslist Real Estate Scam Alert – Another Version

Recently I posted about a Craiglist real estate scam. Several people have written in with other aliases that the fraudsters used. Most recently, someone sent the entire email chain of correspondence between him and a scam artist, and I’m including it in the extended entry so that search engines will index it and other potential victims will find it during their research. (The name and contact information of the person who sent this have been omitted.)

If you’ve encountered this scam yourself, please take a moment to include relevant information about the scam in the comments field. You are free to use a pseudonym and hide your identity.

Whatever you do, if you’ve been approached by the scammers, cease communication with them and of course don’t send them a dime. Read the original post for more background.

        —–Original Message—–
        From: Scott Waltman [mailto:swaltman101@hotmail.com]
        Sent: Thu 12/27/2007 4:11 PM
        To: [SCAM TARGET]
        Cc:
        Subject: RE: $$$00 / 2br – 2 bedroom condo with Garage

       As regards the rent and deposit required to be paid by me in
order to secure this rental prior to our arrival,i will need you to
provide me with your full name in which the check will be issued and
your complete physical contact address to which it will be sent to by
my financier,as soon as you provide these,i will forward it to my
financier with an instruction to issue and send you the check.Please i
need you to also reconfirm the total move in costs,that is the rent and
deposit to be paid.

        And will like you to provide me with
a physical contact address {home/office} cos the payment will be sent
via UPS day delivery and does not deliver to p.o box address and my
daughter’s name is karen  if you need to know and am coming with no pet.

         I will look forward to your e mail with the required information. I wil be arriving the state on 12th of January 2008

         Due regards from me and my family,we are looking forward to meeting you soon.

        Dr. Scott

        > Subject: RE: $$$00 / 2br – 2 bedroom condo with Garage
        > Date: Thu, 27 Dec 2007 16:00:01 -0500
        > From:
        > To: swaltman101@hotmail.com
        >
        > Can you send me the name of your financier and contact info?
        >
        >         >
        > —–Original Message—–
        > From: Scott Waltman [mailto:swaltman101@hotmail.com]
        > Sent: Thu 12/27/2007 3:48 PM
        > To:
        > Cc:
        > Subject: RE: $$$00 / 2br – 2 bedroom condo with Garage
        >
        >
       > Thanks for your mail,i appreciate your wanting to help us
in our situation.I am a Pharmacist by profession and i am currently
working with Woodstock Pharmacy 24 High St, Woodstock, OX20 1TF, United
Kingdom.I will be in the states for the next one year with my wife and
my daughter and during my stay i will be working with Raymond V.
Gilmartin, chairman, president and chief executive officer of Merck
& Co "America’s Leadership in Pharmaceutical Research.We have a
financier that is based in the states and he will be handling the rent
deposit payment on our behalf,we will instruct him to send you the
check for this as soon as you give us the go ahead to make payment to
you.
        >
        > Due to the limited time that we
have before our arrival,we are making arrangements with a furniture
company to supply the home with furniture,so we will need you to
provide us with the measurements of the living room and bedroom so that
we can send it to the furniture company so that they can supply the
unit with furniture that will fit in well.
        >
      
> We can start the lease by the 1st of January and we will be doing
a 1yr lease although we will not be arriving until the January. You can
prepare the lease in my name (Dr. Scott Waltman).
        > Let
us know how to move ahead as we intend to complete this deal before we
move in by the middle of January,we will let you know the exact date as
soon as we get a booking on a flight to the states.
        >
        >
        > Thanks and sincere regards from me and my family
        >
        > Dr. Scott
        >
        > > Subject: RE: $$$00 / 2br – 2 bedroom condo with Garage
        > > Date: Thu, 27 Dec 2007 15:19:08 -0500
        > > From:
        > > To: swaltman101@hotmail.com
        > > CC:
        > >
        > > Scott,
        > > Just tried to call you and there seems to be a problem with the number you gave me
       > > I would like to fax some forms for you to fill out if
you could either call me on my cell or email a fax number I will send
you the forms to fill out.
        > > We will also need to know with whom you would be working with while in the States.
        > > I am attaching 2 forms for you to fill out.
        > > When you have a chance would you call me so that we can discuss this rental
        > >
        > > —–Original Message—–
        > > From: Scott Waltman [mailto:swaltman101@hotmail.com]
        > > Sent: Wed 12/26/2007 5:06 PM
        > > To:
        > > Cc:
        > > Subject: RE: $$$00 / 2br – 2 bedroom condo with Garage
        > >
        > >
        > > Hello,
        > >
       > > Thanks for your mail and details on this unit,i am
indeed serious about renting this unit and will be willing to offer you
2 months rent plus the security deposit in order to secure this unit
prior to our arrival.
        > > Could you be kind enough to
let me know what the electricity/utility cost would be?as i will really
need to have this unit to myself. You can send me the lease application
, to enable be review it ahead of time.i would eventually have it
signed physically when i arrive.In my opinion, appending signatories
should be done properly and at best physically.Please , send me a
picture view of the living room and bed rooms.
        > >
       > > This is an international situation .With this
arrangement, my financier in the states,will be effecting your payment
deposit to you.I believe we can work together and ensure every
arrangements that we shall both execute in line with my taking up the
tenancy should be done accordingly to ensure we have a proper
understanding.
        > >
        > > In view of my
work schedule, i would want us to finalise basic arrangements. I will
arrive the united states by late December, with my wife and a 9 yr old
daughter
        > >
        > > If you require any specific information, you can call me on my number +447024013797
        > > thanks
        > >
        > >
        > >
        > >
        > > > Subject: RE: $$$00 / 2br – 2 bedroom condo with Garage
        > > > Date: Wed, 26 Dec 2007 09:34:28 -0500
        > > > From:
        > > > To: swaltman101@hotmail.com
        > > >
        > > > Scott,
        > > > Thank you for responding to the ad.
       > > > To rent this condo the owner has requested the
following a Credit Report, and references. If you are here on a work
visa and we cannot run a credit report call me and we can discuss this.
        > > > Would you like to view the condo?
        > > > My contact info is below.
        > > >
        > > >
        > > >
        > > > —–Original Message—–
        > > > From: Scott Waltman [mailto:swaltman101@hotmail.com]
        > > > Sent: Wed 12/26/2007 9:25 AM
        > > > To:
        > > > Cc:
        > > > Subject: $$$00 / 2br – 2 bedroom condo with Garage
        > > >
        > > >
        > > > Hello,
        > > > I saw your apartment advertised on craigslist.com
and am interested in renting it. I will be signing a one year lease for
it and want to know the requirements for renting it.I will be doing a
one year research on pharmacy work while in the states and will be
staying with my wife and daughter .I will appreciate it if i hear from
you in time as i will want to conclude the rental process before the
end of this month.
        > > > Thank you.
        > > >
        > > >
        > > >
        > > > _____
        > > >

People reacted to this story.
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Comments to: Craigslist Real Estate Scam Alert – Another Version
  • Avatar
    December 28, 2007

    It’s worth noting that the email was clearly written by either an American or someone who had learnt US English, and NOT by someone who uses British English.

    Reply
  • Avatar
    December 28, 2007

    This scammer has been targeting me for 2 days now. I just bought a house to rent out in Austin, put it on craig’s list and started getting these exact same emails. A HUGE thanks for making this public!! The name the scammer used was Dr. Matthew Bruce at email drmathewbruce@yahoo.com.

    Reply
  • Avatar
    December 28, 2007

    Hi,
    You have an interesting blog.
    Hey do you want to access your favorite social networking site when you are away from your pc???? You can do it through your mobile and your phone doesn’t need to support internet or GPRS for this.
    Check out this MoDazzle site.
    http://www.modazzle.com/cms/userLogin.html?channel=CM&camp=mobilenethm
    MoDazzle gives you the opportunity to access SalesForce, Linkedin and Facebook on your mobile via SMS and email without internet or GPRS. You can also access other online services like Google maps Starbucks etc.

    Reply
  • Avatar
    January 3, 2008

    just had the same thing happen to me…just received a check for $9000 and was asked to send $3000 to a furniture company by Dr. Scott. i was suspicious as i hadn’t received my applicaiton or any personal information back from him so i googled him and found your blog. if you want a copy of my emails (very similar to the ones in the posting) let me know.

    Reply
  • Avatar
    January 3, 2008

    We just received an email from this scammer – he’s also using the name Scott Waltman drwaltman2002@gmail.com
    I just wanted to alert other craigslist users.
    THanks,
    Kelly

    Reply
  • Avatar
    January 4, 2008

    Just got solicited by Dr. Scott with drwaltman2002@gmail.com.
    He used the same exact emails.

    Reply
  • Avatar
    January 15, 2008

    I haven’t been hit with the scam, but I was just wondering something. Couldn’t a landlord avoid it by categorically stating that they will not forward the extra money until they receive the check and it clears their bank account? Or is that not standard operating procedure? Just asking.

    Reply
  • Avatar
    January 15, 2008

    A similar scam that targets hotels and restaurants.
    Hello,
    I am Dr Williams Nelson a Senior Lecturer of the Cambridg shire College of Agriculture England.
    I want book dinner for our college staffs who will be visiting your city.Please confirm these reservation
    Details of the Reservation:
    Date: 1st,2nd,3rd,4th,5th,6th,7th ,8th and 9th March 2008.No of people:10 people Arrival times: 6:30 PM each day
    Kindly get back to me with your rate and total cost for the 9 days dinner Ok.
    Mode of payment.
    Credit card only.(I hope you have credit card facilities ?)
    I await your swift response.
    Regards,
    Dr Williams Nelson
    Tel: +447045766679
    Mobile: +447045766674

    Reply
  • Avatar
    January 15, 2008

    From: Nelson William
    Subject:RESERVATIONS…….
    Greetings,
    I inquiry for reservations for 3 couples coming for their honey moon
    at your property,I would like you to get back to me
    with the following.
    1. The availability of the dates
    2. The Daily cost for the required dates
    3. The total cost for the length of their stay.
    4. Do you accept credit card payment.
    The arrival date for the couples will be 5th February and they will
    depart on 20th February 2008 ,Their stay will last for 15 days.
    do get back to me with the requirements as stated above.
    Kindest Regards,
    Dr William Nelson
    Tel: +447045766679
    Mobile: +447045766674
    …………………………………………………….
    Hello
    I am glad to tell you that we have concluded payment with the couples.
    However we are going to send you the credit card details that will cover the cost of our accommodation,and the necessary arrangement for the couples.
    Moreover, we have also made arrangements with a Logistic car hiring firm who will supply the couples with cars they will use during their stay.
    So once you are in receipt of it,confirm the amount of {£4,xxx), in your account then deduct the cost of your services £xxx. and send £4,000. via Western Union Transfer to the Logistics traveling/car hiring rental agent whose information will be forwarded to you once this is confirmed.
    So confirm this and provide me with your details as stated below.
    (1) YOUR FULL NAME :
    (2) ADDRESS:
    (3) PHONE NUMBERS: for office records.
    so that we can forward the visa card to you.
    Also the names of the couples are listed below,
    Mr. and Mrs Smith Ray
    Mr. and Mrs Dimson Anisi
    Mr. and Mrs Fabian kew
    I also hope the stay of the couples will be made comfortable.
    Kindest Regards,
    Dr William Nelson
    Tel: +447045766679
    Mobile: +447045766674

    Reply
  • Avatar
    January 22, 2008

    Just got the same scam for the last three days.
    The name used was Dr John Bulucci of Woodstock Pharmacy. I called the Pharmacy in the UK and they never heard of the guy, but have receieved over 200 similar phone calls and even documentation (leases, pictures, etc) over the past month. The email used was johnbulucci08@gmail.com. Wacth out, if it sounds TOO good to be true, it probably is.

    Reply
  • Avatar
    January 24, 2008

    I also have just been corresponding with a Dr. Waltman regarding a rental property in Connecticut, advertised in Craigslist. The emails I received are identical to some of the ones in this blog. He made a full price offer, two months’ rent plus an additional month for security deposit, all to be paid through a financier. The furniture story also matches. The phone number he supplied just rang and rang, or was busy, so he could never be reached to discuss the rental. And he ignored my requests for current address, employer verification contact, a copy of his offer letter to show his transfer, etc. I wasted a lot of time with this, and almost turned away a real renter in the process.

    Reply
  • Avatar
    January 27, 2008

    I have had two days of communication with Dr. Scott Waltman swaltman101@Hotmail.com. Same as above where he wants to deliver furniture and include in payment so we can pay. Says he is in Woodstock UK and coming in June.

    Reply
  • Avatar
    January 27, 2008

    I just recieve this scammers email two days ago I gave him my name and address like and Idot I knew it was scam anyway we can get this guy arrested? Here is my email chain
    Hello,
    Thanks for the informations. I have just discussed the issue of sending the check to you with my financier and he told me that it will be sent asap you are set. As regards my furniture,i am planning on having them delivered to the house before our arrival so that we can settle in comfortably,you can understand that transiting cross atlantic is not easy so we are making arrangement with the furniture company to deliver the furniture before our arrival after the rent and security deposit has been paid to you by my financier.
    We will ask you for a favour here,can we rely on you to take delivery of the furniture for us when they are delivered? We will instruct the furniture company to contact you to schedule a delivery date and time that will be convenient for you to receive the furniture for us.
    As you will be handling the delivery of the furniture for us,we will ask our financier to include the costs of our furniture with the rent and deposit to be sent to you so that you can help us to make the payment when it is delivered. We will really appreciate if you can do this for us and promise to compensate you adequately for your time and efforts on our arrival in your place.
    Please let me know if this will be okay with you so that i can instruct our financier to go ahead with the payment.
    N:B as regards the lease, i will like it to start from 01/02/2008 and i hope it works for you.
    Thanks and God bless.
    Dr. Scott
    ——————————————————————————–
    To: swaltman101@hotmail.com
    Subject: Re: 2br – NICE CORNER LOT HOUSE WITH BIG BACK YARD
    Date: Sun, 27 Jan 2008 17:56:35 -0500
    From: intstydrvn@aol.com
    JP
    XXX RD Rd
    r Florida
    —–Original Message—–
    From: Scott Waltman
    To: intstydrvn@aol.com
    Sent: Sun, 27 Jan 2008 8:58 am
    Subject: RE: 2br – NICE CORNER LOT HOUSE WITH BIG BACK YARD
    Hello
    Thanks for the mail, well my middle name is Mike, so that should not be a problem. Also about my phone number i believe its because of the distance. Yes i agree to pay the first and the last month including the security deposit. Also i will turn on the electric in my name that should not be a problem. Pls get back to me asap with the Full name to be on the check and the full mailing address to send it to… Hope to hear from you asap.. Thanks
    Dr. Scott.
    ——————————————————————————–
    To: swaltman101@hotmail.com
    Subject: Re: 2br – NICE CORNER LOT HOUSE WITH BIG BACK YARD
    Date: Sat, 26 Jan 2008 20:04:18 -0500
    From: intstydrvn@aol.com
    Dr Scott
    I really need to talk to you by phone. I tried your number you gave me and it didnt go thru. So that is a worry for me. Dr Scott or is it Dr Mike which is it
    I will need a photo copy of your drivers license and since I have no credit check on you I will need the signed lease $925 for the first money $925 last month 900 security Like I said before you will need to turn on the electric in your name that is $250 deposit to progress-energy as well as the water which is pasco county utilities $120 .
    Who is the financier here in the states?
    —–Original Message—–
    From: Scott Waltman
    To: intstydrvn@aol.com
    Sent: Sat, 26 Jan 2008 3:28 pm
    Subject: RE: 2br – NICE CORNER LOT HOUSE WITH BIG BACK YARD
    Hello,
    Thanks for holding the unit for me and my family. As regards the rent and deposit required to be paid by me in order to secure this rental prior to our arrival,i will need you to provide me with your full name in which the Certified Check will be issued and your complete physical contact address to which it will be sent to by my financier,as soon as you provide these,i will forward it to my financier with an instruction to issue and send you the check.Please i need you to also reconfirm the total move in costs,that is the rent and deposit to be paid.
    And will like you to provide me with a physical contact address {home/office} cos the payment will be sent via UPS day delivery and does not deliver to p.o box address. Also i will like you to know am coming with no pet.
    I will look forward to your e mail with the required informations. I wil be arriving the state by 2nd week of February
    Due regards from me and my family,we are looking forward to meeting you soon.
    Dr. Scott.
    ——————————————————————————–
    To: swaltman101@hotmail.com
    Subject: Re: 2br – NICE CORNER LOT HOUSE WITH BIG BACK YARD
    Date: Sat, 26 Jan 2008 06:50:58 -0500
    From: intstydrvn@aol.com
    Mr Bristol
    I am trying to get the house fully ready and going to the carpet company today as well as painting. What number can I fax the lease to. I also require a credit check or a last months rent. As I stated you will need to get the water and electric in your name and they each require a deposit $120 for the water and 200 I beleive for the electric. My direct phone number
    the living room / dinning room is 12ft x 23ft
    the master bed room is 13 ft x 12
    spare bed room is 12.5 x 11
    Florida room in the back of the house is 13.6ft x 9.6ft
    —–Original Message—–
    From: Scott Waltman
    To: intstydrvn@aol.com
    Sent: Sat, 26 Jan 2008 2:51 am
    Subject: RE: 2br – NICE CORNER LOT HOUSE WITH BIG BACK YARD
    Hello ,
    Thanks for your mail, I am indeed serious about renting this unit and will be willing to offer you one month rent to start with plus the security deposit in order to secure this unit prior to my arrival. You can send me the lease application, to enable me to review it ahead of time.
    I am a Pharmacist by profession and I am currently working with Woodstock Pharmacy, Woodstock, Uk. I will be in the states for the next one year and during my stay I will be working with the United States Implants & orthopedic Agency on a private research work.
    I have a financier that is based in the States and he will be handling the rent deposit payment on my behalf, I will instruct him to send you a Certified Check for this as soon as you give me the go ahead to make out payment to you.
    Due to the limited time that we have before our arrival,we are making arrangements with a furniture company to supply the home with furnitures,so we will need you to provide us with the measurements of the living room and bedroom so that we can send it to the furniture company so that they can supply the unit with furniture that will fit in well. Also send me a picture viewing the living room and the bed rooms.
    As regards the lease agreement, I want you to send it to me for my review. I will eventually have it filled and signed on my arrival in your place as I am of the opinion that such documents are best filled and signed physically. We can start the lease by 1st of February and I will be doing a one year lease. You can prepare the lease in my name and my wife’s name (Dr. Mark Bristol & Cheryl Bristol).
    Let me know how to move ahead as I intend to complete this deal before I move in a couple of days. I want all the arrangement to be solidified so I settle in comfortably when I arrive. I will let you know the exact date as soon as I get a booking on a flight to the states.
    I will look forward to your e mail with the required information.Here is my phone number +447024013797
    Thanks and sincere regards from me and my precious family. I await your urgent response.
    Dr. Mark
    ——————————————————————————–
    To: swaltman101@hotmail.com
    Subject: Re: 2br – NICE CORNER LOT HOUSE WITH BIG BACK YARD
    Date: Sat, 26 Jan 2008 00:07:48 -0500
    From: intstydrvn@aol.com
    just got your message its a house not an apartment
    925 monthly
    900 security
    electric usually runs 100 a month
    —–Original Message—–
    From: Scott Waltman
    To: intstydrvn@aol.com
    Sent: Fri, 25 Jan 2008 7:19 pm
    Subject: 2br – NICE CORNER LOT HOUSE WITH BIG BACK YARD
    Hello,
    I saw your apartment advertised on craigslist.com and am interested in renting it. I will be signing a one year lease for it and want to know the requirements for renting it. i.e
    Monthly Fees:
    Security Deposit
    Electricity/Utility Bills
    I will be doing a one year research on pharmacy work while in the states and will be staying with my wife and daughter .I will appreciate it if i hear from you in time as i will want to conclude the rental process before the end of the month.
    Thank you.

    Reply
  • Avatar
    January 28, 2008

    I have had the same emails for a villa in Florida.
    Has anyone lost money or had this person come and rob them? What has happened from all of this?
    Have you reported to the local authorities?
    I gave him my name and address only but really am worried. He is probsbly reading these with much joy!

    Reply
  • Avatar
    January 29, 2008

    Got a check for the florida villa today $5,780.00
    Bank–Trustmark National Bank. Jackson, Mississippi

    Reply
  • Avatar
    January 29, 2008

    typo-check is $6,780
    He wants me to cash and send to furniture co. in Las Vegas

    Reply
  • Avatar
    February 4, 2008

    Thanks for the heads up on this scam. I agree, wish someone could let us know if there are additional steps we can or should take help stop this person(s).

    Reply
  • Avatar
    February 5, 2008

    My roommate and I also have been contacted by this guy using craigslist. However, in our case he went my Mark Bristol, Cheryl Bristol, and Jerry Williams(godfree williams). He still had to same story, and its really scary, more people need to know about this.

    Reply
  • Avatar
    February 11, 2008

    The name he is using today is Fred Seligman. Same info and emails.

    Reply
  • Avatar
    February 17, 2008

    THANK YOU for this posting. We posted our house on Craig’s List on Friday and received the same exact email from Dr. Scott Waltman on Saturday (2/16/07). Thank you for letting all of us know about this scammer before we lost any money or took our house off the market.

    Reply
  • Avatar
    February 18, 2008

    Yup, that “Dr.” has many incarnations. Just received the exact same letters yesterday, 2/17/08 but thanks to great posters figured out by this morning that this was a scam. My guy (or gal?) went by Dr. Nick Ward. I also called the Pharmacy and they of course never heard of him either but did say that others had called. Thank goodness those ppor people at the pharmacy seem to have that stiff upper lip and take it with humor rather than slamming the phone down on us dumb yanks.
    Thanks for this posting opportunity. May it help others.
    Laurnce

    Reply
  • Avatar
    February 21, 2008

    I posted a few posts up. Yesterday, my roommate and I tried to repost our apt on craigslist and once again we were hit by this person. This time the name was Dr. Martinez Ricardo. Does anyone know if it’s a bot or a real person that’s doing this? Because all the emails are the same.

    Reply
  • Avatar
    February 21, 2008

    Posted a listing on craigslist and received the same emails from a Dr. Donald Johnson, said he and his daughter “Binta” are coming over for a year to work with Merck. Anyone know if anything bad came out of this back and forth emails with the crooked Dr?

    Reply
  • Avatar
    February 24, 2008

    Got the same email today from Dr. John Merritt about a home we have on craigslist. What a scam. Here’s the actual email…
    Hello ,
    Thanks for your mail, I am indeed serious about renting this unit and will be willing to offer you one month rent to start with plus the security deposit in order to secure this unit prior to my arrival. You can send me the lease application, to enable me to review it ahead of time.
    I am a Pharmacist by profession and I am currently working with Woodstock Pharmacy, Woodstock, Uk. I will be in the states for the next one year and during my stay I will be working with the United States Implants & orthopedic Agency on a private research work.
    I have a financier that is based in the States and he will be handling the rent deposit payment on my behalf, I will instruct him to send you a Certified Check for this as soon as you give me the go ahead to make out payment to you.
    Due to the limited time that we have before our arrival,we are making arrangements with a furniture company to supply the home with furnitures,so we will need you to provide us with the measurements of the living room and bedroom so that we can send it to the furniture company so that they can supply the unit with furniture that will fit in well. Also send me a picture viewing the living room and the bed rooms.
    As regards the lease agreement, I want you to send it to me for my review. I will eventually have it filled and signed on my arrival in your place as I am of the opinion that such documents are best filled and signed physically. We can start the lease by 1st of March and I will be doing a one year lease. You can prepare the lease in my name and my wife’s name (Dr. John Merritt & Cheryl Merritt).
    Let me know how to move ahead as I intend to complete this deal before I move in a couple of days. I want all the arrangement to be solidified so I settle in comfortably when I arrive. I will let you know the exact date as soon as I get a booking on a flight to the states.
    I will look forward to your e mail with the required information.Here is my phone number +447024013797
    Thanks and sincere regards from me and my precious family. I await your urgent response.
    Dr. John

    Reply
  • Avatar
    February 26, 2008

    What a scam! I got emails about my rental house that is listed on craigslist. Dr.Donald Johnson from Woodstock Pharmacy, 24 High St. and his daughter Binta are coming over for a year and wanted to rent my house. I got another email from a John Yearwood with similar info so I got suspicious. Thanks to this blog I found out it was a total scam. Thanks again.

    Reply
  • Avatar
    February 27, 2008

    Thanks for the public site. He’s made his way to California with the rental scheme. Below is his email – unsigned, illiterate – both tipped me off – my first impressions was that he’s either foreign with a limited grasp of English (strange that he’s being set to the US for such an important role!) or a scammer. My curiousity about the strange word “expanciate” sealed my suspicion – couldn’t find it in a dictionary, so I looked on Google – it appeared numerous times, and all seemed to point to Nigeria. We all know about those scams. It never stops, does it!
    Hope my post contributes to helping others as well. And maybe to catching the person(s) behind the scam.
    * * * * *
    Eric Rosenfeld wrote:
    Date: Mon, 25 Feb 2008 09:20:34 -0800 (PST)
    From: Eric Rosenfeld
    Subject: Re: Property Inquiry
    To: [OMITTED]
    Great,
    I will need some more information about the property for rent.
    Am in England Presently, and i am about to Move down to the US to carry-out some project survey for my present employer(Nettech solutions ltd(UK), as we are about setting up a new US branch office in the state,
    so i would be needing a place urgently.
    I have gone over the description of the property but will like to
    confirm the following information so i can make a decision.
    What is the available date when the property will be ready to move in
    I would appreciate any recent pictures of the interior/exterior if
    available
    How Much is the monthly Rent and deposit to secure the property
    what is the lease period you intend to offer.
    I will appreciate if you expanciate on the question above so it can
    help quicken my decision
    i await your response
    Regards

    Reply
  • Avatar
    February 28, 2008

    Same thing happened to us…..Although he says his name is Michael Williams…Woodstock Pharmacy…..say hes coming with daughter Lowrie

    Reply
  • Avatar
    February 28, 2008

    We have been communicating with this guy since Monday. The emails are all the same as everyone elses. He used the name Dr. John Merritt. Today he sent a check for over $8000.00 certified funds. The check is a Capital One Cashier’s Check. This morning he emailed me and told me he needed me to deposit the check in my bank account and then wire half of the money to Las Vegas. This tipped me off. I took the check to my bank and told them the situation. They immediately said it looked like fraud and called Capital One, who verified the check was fake. So glad I trusted my gut!

    Reply
  • Avatar
    February 28, 2008

    I have just been hit by this scam. He used the name Dr. Francis Adams. Luckily my bank contacted me and let me know it was a scam when I deposited the check, and was able to cancel the money gram and get a full refund. Let me know if there is anything I can do to help. This is the email address I received.. fadams101@gmail.com

    Reply
  • Avatar
    February 29, 2008

    Same story here Dr, Scott. Interesting thing I would like to know Dr. Scott want’s me to send $$ to a Earl S. Pipper in Las Vegas for the Furnature! I noteced that someone else also posted taht they were to send $$ to Las Vegas. I Googled this name and look for your self what I found. This can’t be what I think it is can it?
    My space Earl Samual Piper Las Vegas. Someone needs to get this guy.

    Reply
  • Avatar
    March 6, 2008

    Dr. Mark Bristol strikes again. See below…received from our Craigslist ad.

    Thanks for your mail, I am indeed serious about renting this unit and will be willing to offer you one month rent to start with plus the security deposit in order to secure this unit prior to my arrival. You can send me the lease application, to enable me to review it ahead of time.
    I am a Pharmacist by profession and I am currently working with Woodstock Pharmacy, Woodstock, Uk. I will be in the states for the next one year and during my stay I will be working with the United States Implants & orthopedic Agency on a private research work.
    I have a financier that is based in the States and he will be handling the rent deposit payment on my behalf, I will instruct him to send you a Certified Check for this as soon as you give me the go ahead to make out payment to you.
    Due to the limited time that we have before our arrival,we are making arrangements with a furniture company to supply the home with furnitures,so we will need you to provide us with the measurements of the living room and bedroom so that we can send it to the furniture company so that they can supply the unit with furniture that will fit in well. Also send me a picture viewing the living room and the bed rooms.
    As regards the lease agreement, I want you to send it to me for my review. I will eventually have it filled and signed on my arrival in your place as I am of the opinion that such documents are best filled and signed physically. We can start the lease by 15th of March and I will be doing a one year lease. You can prepare the lease in my name and my wife’s name (Dr. Mark Bristol & Cheryl Bristol).
    Let me know how to move ahead as I intend to complete this deal before I move in a couple of days. I want all the arrangement to be solidified so I settle in comfortably when I arrive. I will let you know the exact date as soon as I get a booking on a flight to the states.
    I will look forward to your e mail with the required information.Here is my phone number +447031859061
    Thanks and sincere regards from me and my precious family. I await your urgent response.
    Dr. Mark

    Reply
  • Avatar
    March 8, 2008

    yep, exact same email to me dr mark bristol and wife cheryl what a flake.

    Reply
  • Avatar
    March 14, 2008

    I too received scam emails within days of each other last week with the exact same wording as you mention. One was supposedly a Dr. Nick Ward with 2 kids 7 & 10, yada yada, pharmacist doing research who has a finacier. C’mon, when was the last time you heard that word used “financier?’ That was a tip off for me. PLus I am married to a Brit and have dealt with many clients and they don’t talk like the emails comes across.

    Reply
  • Avatar
    March 14, 2008

    I got the same e-mail from “cheif.vossen@gmail.com” in response to a rental property announcement listed on Craigs list…
    Thanks for your response and here is a brief introduction about my
    self;i am a Pharmacist by profession and I am currently working with
    the Woodstock Pharmacy, Woodstock,United Kingdom. I will be
    relocating to the united states of America for the next one year and
    during my stay i will be working for the United States Implants &
    orthopedic Agency on a private research work. I hereby reaffirm my
    interest about renting your home and will be willing to offer you one
    month rent for a start, plus the security deposit in order to secure
    the unit prior to our arrival to the united states.
    I have a financier based in U.S.A and he will be the one handling
    the rent deposit payment on our behalf,i will instruct him to send you
    a bank Check in payment for the rent as soon as you give me the go
    ahead to send payment to you. I’ll be coming with my wife and daughter
    Due to the limited time that we have before our arrival and in line
    with my work schedule ,we are making arrangements with a furniture
    company to supply the home with furnitures ,so we will need you to
    provide us with the accurate measurements of the living room and
    bedroom so that we can send it to the furniture company and they
    supply the unit with furniture that would fit in well… i would
    really appreciaite it if you could send me some pictures of the living
    room and the bed rooms.
    As regards the lease agreement form,you can have it forwarded to me
    for review.though i will have it filled and signed on our arrival to
    your place becuase i am of the opinion that such vital document is
    best filled and signed physically. We can start the lease by 1st of
    March and it shall be for a period of 12 months. You can prepare the
    lease in my name and that of my wife (Dr. Bristol & Cheryl Bristol).
    Let me know how to move ahead as I intend to complete this deal
    before I move in a couple of days. I want all the arrangement to be
    solidified so I settle in comfortably when I arrive. I will let you
    know the exact date as soon as I get a booking on a flight to the
    states.
    I will look forward to your e mail with the required information.Here
    is my phone number +447024013797
    Thanks and sincere regards from me and my precious family. I await
    your urgent response.

    Reply
  • Avatar
    March 15, 2008

    Same exact stuff, under the name Michael Williams with Daughter Lowrie. Does Craigs List know??? I won’t respond to this person any more!! And my email feels “dirty” now!!

    Reply
  • Avatar
    March 17, 2008

    Thanks guys, I get ALMOST SCAMMED by the same guy AS WELL:
    This was in Craigslist BOSTON
    ——————————————————
    MAIL 2-
    I am very glad to hear back from you in which i am indeed serious about renting the unit and will be willing to offer you 2 months rent plus the security deposit in order to secure his unit prior to our arrival. Could you be kind enough to let me know what the electricity/utility cost would be ?as i will really need to have this unit to myself. You can send me the lease application , to enable be review it ahead of time.i would eventually have it signed physically when i arrive.In my opinion, appending signatories should be done properly and at best physically.Please , send me a picture view of the living room and bed rooms. This is an international situation .With this arrangement, my financier in the states will be effecting your payment deposit to you.I believe we can work together and ensure every arrangements that we shall both execute in line with my taking up the tenancy should be done accordingly to ensure we have a proper understanding. In view of my work schedule, i would want us to finalise basic arrangements. My daughter Lowrie and I will be arriving in the united states on the 30th of March.If you require any specific information, pls let me know and i am very happy to share some pics of my late wife,mydaughter and i ,hope you like them .Thanks and God Bless
    My due regards
    Dr Michael Williams
    phone……..+447031966174(feel free to call me at anytime).
    —————————————————————–
    MAIL 1-
    Good day to you overthere,i am Dr Michael Williams, as i was browsing through craigslist.com in search for a unit to rent during my research programme, i saw your apartment advert which really suites my taste about what i am looking for and am really interested in renting it.I will be signing a one year lease at first and can later extend the lease depending on the first one year i will be spending at the unit it,i would want to know the modalities for renting it.I will be doing a one year research on pharmacy work while in the states and will be living with my lovely daughter(Lowrie) whom is of 12 years old, I will be very glad if you could get back to me in time as i will want to conclude the rental process before we arrive in the State on the 30th of March.
    Regards
    Dr Michael Williams of Woodstock Pharmacy 24 High St, Woodstock, OX20 1TF, United Kingdom.
    phone……..+447031966174(feel free to call me at anytime).

    Reply
  • Avatar
    March 20, 2008

    1st email read as follows:
    Hello over there my name is Donald Johnson, as i was brouwsing through the internet searching for a place to rent during my research i saw your apartment advert on craigslist.com and am interested in renting it.I will be signing a one year lease for it and want to know the modalities for renting it.I will bedoing a one year research on pharmacy work while in the states and will be staying with my daughter Binta I will be very GLAD if i can hear from you in time as i will want to conclude the rental process before we arrive in the State by APRIL 1ST. Regards Dr Donald Johnson of Woodstock Pharmacy 24 High St, Woodstock, OX20 1TF, UnitedKingdom.
    i can be reach at……
    Office….+447031973137
    Home……+447031905507
    ****After my response about how serious. He wrote:
    I am very glad to hear back from you in which i am indeed serious about renting the unit and will be willing to offer you 2 months rent plus the security deposit in order to secure his unit prior to our arrival. Could you be kind enough to let me know what the electricity/utility cost would be ?as i will really need to have this unit to myself. You can send me the lease application , to enable be review it ahead of time.i would eventually have it signed physically when i arrive.In my opinion, appending signatories should be done properly and at best physically.Please , send me a picture view of the living room and bed rooms. This is an international situation .With this arrangement, my financier in the states will be effecting your payment deposit to you.I believe we can work together and ensure every arrangements that we shall both execute in line with my taking up the tenancy should be done accordingly to ensure we have a proper understanding. In view of my work schedule, i would want us to finalise basic arrangements. My daughter Lowrie and I will be arriving in the united states on the 3rd of April.If you require any specific information, pls let me know and i am very happy to share some pics of my late wife,mydaughter and i ,hope you like them .Thanks and God Bless
    My due regards
    Dr Michael Williams
    phone……..+447031966174(feel free to call me at anytime).
    **** Notice daughter’s name changed. Final email,****
    Thanks for your email deatails,i appreciate your waiting to help us in all oursituation.I am a Pharmacy by profession and i am currently working with Woodstock Pharmacy 24 High St, Woodstock, OX20 1TF, United Kingdom. I will be in the states for the next one year with my daughter and during my stay i will be working with Richard T. Clark,, chairman, president and chief executive officer of Merck &Co “America’s Leadership in Pharmaceutical Research.We have a financier that is based in the states and he will be handling the rent deposit payment on our behalf,we will instruct him to send you the payment deposit for this as soon as you give us the go ahead to make payment to you. As regards the lease agreement,i want you to send it to me for myreview,i will eventually have it filled and signed on my arrival in your place. as i am of the opinion that such documents are best filled and signed physically in person .We can start the lease asap and wewill be doing a one year lease although we will not be arriving until APRIL 1S …You can prepare the lease in my name Dr Donald Johnson Let us know how to move ahead as we intend to complete this deal by end of this month ,we will let you know the exact date as soon as we get booking on a flight to the United states.
    Thanks and sincere regards from me and my Daughter
    Regards
    Dr Donald Johnson
    ****which is the same as one of the ones posted previously….
    BE CAREFUL

    Reply
  • Avatar
    March 23, 2008

    just got the same from Dr Scott Waltman Woodstock Pharmacy in the UK to rent our house in Temecula Calif Craigslist INland Empire

    Reply
  • Avatar
    March 23, 2008

    This guy gets around I received an email from him at about the same time wanting to rent my property in Nashville, TN

    Reply
  • Avatar
    March 23, 2008

    WOW!!!! its amazing to see that this guy is a FRUAD!!! The only reason we found out that he was a scammer was cause I was curious where he was coming from and instead of waiting for a reply copied his # into the google search and got this site. Sad to think that we almost took our house off the market. Hope more people hear about this.

    Reply
  • Avatar
    March 23, 2008

    I just received the SAME Email for our house for rent in PA….
    It read as follows….
    Good day to you overthere,i am Dr Michael Williams, as i was browsing through craigslist.com in search for a unit to rent during my research programme, i saw your apartment advert which really suites my taste about what i am looking for and am really interested in renting it.I will be signing a one year lease at first and can later extend the lease depending on the first one year i will be spending at the unit it,i would want to know the modalities for renting it.I will be doing a one year research on pharmacy work while in the states and will be living with my lovely daughter(Lowrie) whom is of 12 years old, I will be very glad if you could get back to me in time as i will want to conclude the rental process before we arrive in the State on the 3rd of April.
    Regards
    Dr Michael Williams of Woodstock Pharmacy 24 High St, Woodstock, OX20 1TF, United Kingdom.
    phone……..+447031966174(feel free to call me at anytime).
    Happy Easter day Celebration in advance!

    Reply
  • Avatar
    March 23, 2008

    Received a letter just like the rest from Dr. James and his wife Cheryl James for a house in Arizona. Everything else the same, a scam!

    Reply
  • Avatar
    March 24, 2008

    Thank G-d for this website. I am undergoing the same story as I’ve read on much of these posts. This scammer is trying this scam on me right now. I posted my rental on backpage.com (Village Voice) as well as on Craig’s List.
    I heard from a real estate broker friend of mine, that what they often do is pressure you on time, overpay the deposit + 1st month and ask and then ask you to write them a refund check for the amount they overpaid. Their check takes 6 days until it bounces and in that time, I assume, they hope to get your payment. Its really a mystery to me still.
    I am posting the intial email I received (this time he was Dr. James and his wife is Cheryl James). He says he works for Woodstock Pharmacy, applies great pressure, mentions the daughter, and says he’s coming to do pharmaceutical research. Here are the emails (notice he asked me to email him to a different address then the first one he used):
    from: rukkiey200@hotmail.com
    Hello,
    I saw your apartment advertised on backpage.com and am interested in renting it. I will be signing a one year lease for it and want to know the requirements for renting it. i.e
    Monthly Fees:
    Security Deposit
    Electricity/Utility Bills
    I will be doing a one year research on pharmacy work while in the states and will be staying with my wife and daughter .I will appreciate it if i hear from you in time as i will want to conclude the rental process before the end of March.So mail me back to my personal mail rukkiey_jackson4real@yahoo.com
    Thank you.
    – After I responded with some details he responded back immediately from: rukkiey_jackson4real@yahoo.com:
    Hello ,
    Thanks for your response and here is a brief introduction about my self;i am a Pharmacist by profession and I am currently working with the Woodstock Pharmacy, Woodstock,United Kingdom. I will be relocating to the united states of America for the next one year and during my stay i will be working for the United States Implants & orthopedic Agency on a private research work. I hereby reaffirm my interest about renting your home and will be willing to offer you one month rent for a start, plus the security deposit in order to secure the unit prior to our arrival to the united states.
    I have a financier based in U.S.A and he will be the one handling the rent deposit payment on our behalf,i will instruct him to send you a bank Check in payment for the rent as soon as you give me the go ahead to send payment to you. I’ll be coming with my wife and daughter.
    Due to the limited time that we have before our arrival and in line with my work schedule ,we are making arrangements with a furniture company to supply the home with furnitures ,so we will need you to provide us with the accurate measurements of the living room and bedroom so that we can send it to the furniture company and they supply the unit with furniture that would fit in well… i would really appreciaite it if you could send me some pictures of the living room and the bed rooms.
    As regards the lease agreement form,you can have it forwarded to me for review.though i will have it filled and signed on our arrival to your place becuase i am of the opinion that such vital document is best filled and signed physically. We can start the lease by 1st of April and it shall be for a period of 12 months. You can prepare the lease in my name and that of my wife (Dr.James & Cheryl James).
    Let me know how to move ahead as I intend to complete this deal before I move in a couple of days. I want all the arrangement to be solidified so I settle in comfortably when I arrive. I will let you know the exact date as soon as I get a booking on a flight to the states.
    I will look forward to your e mail with the required information.Here is my phone number +447024013797
    Thanks and sincere regards from me and my precious family. I await your urgent response.
    Dr.James
    Hope that helps…

    Reply
  • Avatar
    March 27, 2008

    I just got scammed, Went to the bank to cash & it is a fake check!!!
    this man is a hacker!!!!!!!!!!!!
    Hello,
    I just receive a confirmation today that the check have
    been delivered via UPS courier service. and i believe you have gotten
    it by now. I would like you to go ahead and cash the cashier’s check,
    deduct the deposit money in the amount of ($1100) and have the
    remaining of the fund in the amount of ($3790minus Moneygram fees)
    sent to the furniture company representative via Moneygram at any
    Walmart store so that they can proceed with my order and they can be
    able to come and deliver the furnitures into the unit before our
    arrival. Here is the furniture representative information to send the
    money to:
    Name: Earl Samuel Piper
    City: Las Vegas
    State: NV
    Zip Code: 89123
    Pls make sure you have the funds sent asap today because they had
    already contacted me today concerning my order and i told them they
    should be getting their payment by today which implies that if they
    dont get it my order will be cancelled. Kindly make sure you send the
    funds out today as we are almost set for our departure..
    After you have made the transfer, kindly get back to me with the
    reference#, actual amount sent, and sender’s name so i can forward it
    to the furniture company so that my furnitures can be supplied before
    weekend.
    Hope to hear from you asap. Thanks for making this a dream come true.
    God bless you.
    On 3/21/08, Kinya Tarrence wrote:
    > Mr. Bounenni Said that would be fine, He said he works 3-11 Monday
    thru
    > Thursday & 8 pm to 8 am Friday night to Sun. So they will have to
    call him
    > to set up a time available to him Ok. His e-mail address is
    > ayanajet@yahoo.com you can send him any questions you have OK.
    810-394-0864
    > Walid Bounenni
    >
    >
    >
    >
    > Scott Waltman wrote:
    >
    > I have just discussed the issue of sending the check to you with my
    > financier and he told me that it will be sent asap if you are set. As
    > regards my furniture,i am planning on having them delivered to the
    > house before our arrival so that we can settle in comfortably,you can
    > understand that transiting cross atlantic is not easy so we are
    making
    > arrangement with the furniture company to deliver the furniture
    before
    > our arrival after the rent and security deposit has been paid to you
    > by my financier.
    > We will ask you for a favour here,can we rely on you to take
    > delivery of the furniture for us when they are delivered? We will
    > instruct the furniture company to contact you to schedule a delivery
    > date and time that will be convenient for you to receive the
    furniture
    > for us.
    > As you will be handling the delivery of the furniture for us,we july
    > ask our financier to include the costs of our furniture with the rent
    > and deposit to be sent to you so that you can help us to make the
    > payment when it is delivered. We will really appreciate if you can do
    > this for us and promise to compensate you adequately for your time
    and
    > efforts on our arrival in your place.
    > Please let me know if this will be okay with you so that i can
    > instruct our financier to go ahead with the payment.
    > thanks
    >
    >
    >
    > ———————————
    > Never miss a thing. Make Yahoo your homepage.

    Hello,
    I saw your apartment advertised on craigslist.com and
    am interested in renting it.I will be signing a one year lease for it
    and want to know the requirements for renting it.I will be doing a one
    year research on pharmacy work while in the states and will be staying
    with my wife and daughter .I will appreciate it if i hear from you in
    time as i will want to conclude the rental process as soon as
    possible.
    Thank you.

    Reply
  • Avatar
    March 27, 2008

    Same general correspondence as previous entries, but now he is a Reverend named Morris Timmon. Excerpt from latest correspondence follows:
    Thanks for your mail,i appreciate your wanting to help us in our
    situation.I am a Reverend and am presently ministry in St. Luke’s
    Church, St. Luke’s Close, Hedge End, Southampton, SO30 2US, United
    Kingdom. I will be in the states for the next one year with my wife
    and my daughter and during my stay i will joining Missionary Bishop
    Martyn Minns and Suffragan Bishop David Bena at Saint Luke’s Anglican Church in spreading the word of GOD. We have a financier that is based in the states and he will be handling the rent deposit payment on our behalf,we will instruct him to send you the check for this as soon as you give us the go ahead to make payment to you.

    Reply
  • Avatar
    March 28, 2008

    same thing has happened with me. he is using Paul Edwards pedwards102@gmail.com. he is using +447031859061. i google searched his name and it brought me to this site. thank you so much for the info. what a creep.

    Reply
  • Avatar
    March 29, 2008

    Same thing has happened to me in the last 2 days. He is using the name Dr. Chris Hunt. It tipped me off because he kept using the word “apartment” instead of house. His email was drchris1984@gmail.com

    Reply
  • Avatar
    April 1, 2008

    GREAT WEBSITE…I ALMOST E-MAIL THESE F*&*^^%^ BACK, BUT THOUGHT I SHOULD GOOGLE THEM FIRST AND GOT THIS WEBSITE…HERE’S THE EMAIL AND YET ANOTHER I RECEIVED FROM ENGLAND F$%^..
    Michael williams (mwills500@gmail.com)
    Medium riskYou may not know this sender.Mark as safe|Mark as unsafe
    Sent: Tue 4/01/08 9:45 PM
    To: sckidnagra21@hotmail.com
    Good day to you overthere,i am Dr Michael Williams, as i was browsing through craigslist.com in search for a unit to rent during my research programme, i saw your apartment advert which really suites my taste about what i am looking for and am really interested in renting it.I will be signing a one year lease at first and can later extend the lease depending on the first one year i will be spending at the unit it,i would want to know the modalities for renting it.I will be doing a one year research on pharmacy work while in the states and will be living with my lovely daughter(Lowrie) whom is of 12 years old, I will be very glad if you could get back to me in time as i will want to conclude the rental process before we arrive in the State on the 15th of April.
    Regards
    Dr Michael Williams of Woodstock Pharmacy 24 High St, Woodstock, OX20 1TF, United Kingdom.
    phone……..+447031966174(feel free to call me at anytime).
    AND THIS IS THE OTHER E-MAIL
    WE NEED ROOM OR APT HOUSEING TO RENT‏
    From: ANITHA (vajnome@yahoo.com)
    Medium riskYou may not know this sender.Mark as safe|Mark as unsafe
    Sent: Tue 4/01/08 9:27 PM
    Reply-to: ANITHA_EVANS@YAHOO.COM
    To: touhyapartments@gmail.com
    Hello how are you doing today?…
    Am Ana from AT we need a place to rent
    with my Brother are comeing to state for a LOW program in any of the school arround
    your area 4 months cause, Am (28 years old lady , and my brother is 24 yeas old.), And
    will need rooms or apt/housei for them to rent for that 5 months in the state .And i will
    like us to rent a place in a good enviroment of where you stay and my DAD will will pay
    for the first( 2 month’s) rent first deposit okay, So after the 2 month’s rent we will now
    pay for the next 2remainning month’s, Pls if the rooms or apt/houseing is still vacant for
    rent kindly get back to me with the details of the place so that i can inform my DAD about
    it so that he can send the money to you so that you hold the place for us till we come to the
    state . But pls if is only one room or apt/houseing , we are going to manage it like that for
    the bolth of us so that my DAD will know that i have found a good place to rent for the
    bolth of us okay so pls get back to me with last price for the rent so that i can call my DAD
    to know about it okay.
    thanks from Ana.
    list this below
    Price …..
    cell # home #…..
    HERE IS MY DAD # +447024046680 / +2348039538695
    Email: ana11_koliix@yahoo.com
    F%^%^*&*( SCAMMERS

    Reply
  • Avatar
    April 1, 2008

    GREAT WEBSITE…I ALMOST E-MAIL THESE F*&*^^%^ BACK, BUT THOUGHT I SHOULD GOOGLE THEM FIRST AND GOT THIS WEBSITE…HERE’S THE EMAIL AND YET ANOTHER I RECEIVED FROM ENGLAND F$%^..
    Michael williams (mwills500@gmail.com)
    Medium riskYou may not know this sender.Mark as safe|Mark as unsafe
    Sent: Tue 4/01/08 9:45 PM
    To: sckidnagra21@hotmail.com
    Good day to you overthere,i am Dr Michael Williams, as i was browsing through craigslist.com in search for a unit to rent during my research programme, i saw your apartment advert which really suites my taste about what i am looking for and am really interested in renting it.I will be signing a one year lease at first and can later extend the lease depending on the first one year i will be spending at the unit it,i would want to know the modalities for renting it.I will be doing a one year research on pharmacy work while in the states and will be living with my lovely daughter(Lowrie) whom is of 12 years old, I will be very glad if you could get back to me in time as i will want to conclude the rental process before we arrive in the State on the 15th of April.
    Regards
    Dr Michael Williams of Woodstock Pharmacy 24 High St, Woodstock, OX20 1TF, United Kingdom.
    phone……..+447031966174(feel free to call me at anytime).
    AND THIS IS THE OTHER E-MAIL
    WE NEED ROOM OR APT HOUSEING TO RENT‏
    From: ANITHA (vajnome@yahoo.com)
    Medium riskYou may not know this sender.Mark as safe|Mark as unsafe
    Sent: Tue 4/01/08 9:27 PM
    Reply-to: ANITHA_EVANS@YAHOO.COM
    To: touhyapartments@gmail.com
    Hello how are you doing today?…
    Am Ana from AT we need a place to rent
    with my Brother are comeing to state for a LOW program in any of the school arround
    your area 4 months cause, Am (28 years old lady , and my brother is 24 yeas old.), And
    will need rooms or apt/housei for them to rent for that 5 months in the state .And i will
    like us to rent a place in a good enviroment of where you stay and my DAD will will pay
    for the first( 2 month’s) rent first deposit okay, So after the 2 month’s rent we will now
    pay for the next 2remainning month’s, Pls if the rooms or apt/houseing is still vacant for
    rent kindly get back to me with the details of the place so that i can inform my DAD about
    it so that he can send the money to you so that you hold the place for us till we come to the
    state . But pls if is only one room or apt/houseing , we are going to manage it like that for
    the bolth of us so that my DAD will know that i have found a good place to rent for the
    bolth of us okay so pls get back to me with last price for the rent so that i can call my DAD
    to know about it okay.
    thanks from Ana.
    list this below
    Price …..
    cell # home #…..
    HERE IS MY DAD # +447024046680 / +2348039538695
    Email: ana11_koliix@yahoo.com
    F%^%^*&*( SCAMMERS

    Reply
  • Avatar
    April 3, 2008

    We have a property in NV, the email exchanges were identical, only this guy presented himself as a Rev. Paul Edwards from St.Lukes Church in the United Kingdom. How sad that Craig’s List and the internet are able to provide crooks like this with a way to rip people off. I still don’t get how they prevail by sending a cashiers check…what happens if you just keep the money and never make payment to the so called furniture company? The entire email exchange smells badly of fraud!
    I hope more people find out about this. I also hope the folks at Craig’s List can somehow trace this ring of crooks and turn them in to the proper authorities.

    Reply
  • Avatar
    April 3, 2008

    I recently posted an add on Craig’s List, April 08. This scammer is back at it again using the name Robert Smith, but same story line regarding coming to the US with his wife and 10 year old daughter. I became very suspicious as the information I provided to the man did not resonate. He continued to ask the same questions about rent and utilities. We were having difficulties communicating and him grammar was poor.
    Thank you for outing this horrible person!!
    TLM, Oregon

    Reply
  • Avatar
    April 3, 2008

    posting for the record. This guy is busy.
    michael williams wrote:
    Good day to you overthere,i am Dr Michael Williams, as i was browsing through craigslist.com in search for a unit to rent during my research programme, i saw your apartment advert which really suites my taste about what i am looking for and am really interested in renting it.I will be signing a one year lease at first and can later extend the lease depending on the first one year i will be spending at the unit it,i would want to know the modalities for renting it.I will be doing a one year research on pharmacy work while in the states and will be living with my lovely daughter(Lowrie) whom is of 12 years old, I will be very glad if you could get back to me in time as i will want to conclude the rental process before we arrive in the State on the 15th of April.
    Regards
    Dr Michael Williams of Woodstock Pharmacy 24 High St, Woodstock, OX20 1TF, United Kingdom.
    phone……..+447031966174(feel free to call me at anytime).

    Reply
  • Avatar
    April 4, 2008

    I received a cheque from Alex Junkis, 3130 Amber Lane, Monroe Georgia for $2100 written on a company cheque of Global Collect BV which is at 3 Embarcadero Center , San Frandisco. I noticed that 3130 Amber Lane is up for sale doing a google search, and there is no such person at that address. I called Global Collect and left a message. What is this scam.
    Ty Wong

    Reply
  • Avatar
    April 8, 2008

    I’ve gotten three of these. Dr Lauren Cole, Barry Benson and Denise Walden, all with similar stories and different phone numbers with a UK “44” prefix. I suspected something when I got the same response on 2 very different units. How does it work? How would they get money from us?

    Reply
  • Avatar
    April 9, 2008

    Thanks a million for posting this scam. My “prospective tenant” also worked with Woodstock Pharmacy, Woodstock, United Kingdom. He went by the name Dr. George Bundy and Merry Bundy. Same story line as in a previous scam reported. He was going to be working for the United States Implants & Orthopedic Agency on a private research work. Also gave the same phone number listed in previous scam comments, +447024013797. He also listed having an undisclosed financier based in the USA and also needed bedroom & livingroom measurements to order rental furniture for the unit. AND, here I thought that my revised cleaver ad with craigslist had landed a possible tenant. Please keep up the great work in letting hardworking condo owners, who are just trying to rent their units out to decent tenants in this very hard rental market know of the SCAMS that are being done. Can’t thank you enough. I too might have missed a potential REAL TENANT if I had not tried to search out more information on this interest tenant from abroad.

    Reply
  • Avatar
    April 13, 2008

    I also got the emails, but from a Dr. Berry Benson. Same story though, 1 year of research, coming with wife and 9 yo daughter. Wow!! I’m glad I found this website……

    Reply
  • Avatar
    April 24, 2008

    Thanks for this site — I googled the reference given me by “Larry” and the address of the reference and it brought me to your site — and there it was the same address, different name. Amazed at the detail he gave but smelled funny from the get go. Here is what he wrote:
    Thanks for the details on the Property, i am satisfied and will
    like to proceed with the renting process,
    i will like you to go ahead and reserve the property for me.
    So i will be needing the following informations so that the check
    for payment of the deposit of $3600 can be processed and posted to you soon.
    Name:…………
    Address:………….
    Phone number(cell and land):…………
    I want the 12 month lease to start on the 15th May 2008, i will also
    want to notify you that i have in the mean time arrange with an interior
    decorator who will be handling the purchase of furnitures,entertainment
    system and other appliances that i will need in the property,they will as
    well be in-charge of moving down my luggages down to the states.
    So the check of $8300 will be sent over to you which is a relocation grant
    by my employer, and all you need to do is deduct the deposit $3600 and you
    will forward the rest to the Decorators so i can have the place all prepared
    for my arrival. All applications and lease will be signed as soon as i
    arrive.
    Also for familiarization I Am Larry Gallo,I am 32 yrs of age,a British
    citizen, married to a lovely lady, with a daughter (Family staying over in
    the UK), I work with LINK INSURANCE GROUP (UK), as a loss adjuster agent, I
    am a Christian, reserved in Nature, Non smoker also i don’t keep pets.
    I look forward to meeting you and hope to have a good relationship as a
    tenant with you.
    I await the details.
    you can reach me at this number +447024099236
    Below is my present landlords information for reference :
    Anthony Scott
    17,TIVOLI GARDEN SE185PD
    UNITED KINGDOM
    You can also call my employer at the number below to verify employment.
    (Ivan Samuel +447024017745)
    Cheers

    Reply
  • Avatar
    May 6, 2008

    I received emails requesting money transfer from this email address too:
    ana11_koliix@yahoo.com
    The story is basically similar. Very very bad people … Thanks for this website.

    Reply
  • Avatar
    May 6, 2008

    This scammer is still active. He tried to rent my condo in Florida in MAt 2008 using the Rev Allen James fake name with an address in the UK. The Uk address is valid but being used fraudently, i notified them. The mail content is the same. After two mails i stopped writing when i realized who it was. I confirmed my suspicions thru your web site, thank you
    martin

    Reply
  • Avatar
    May 8, 2008

    THE SCAM IS STILL GOING REIEVED THE SAME E-MAIL TODAY?
    HAS ANY ONE TRIED AN ISP SURH ON THIS?
    I HAVE A BUDDY THAT DID BLACK BAG JOBS FOR NSA FOR 9 YEARS. HE IS WORKING ON IT NOW HE THINKS THAT WITHIN FIVE DAYS HE CAN HAVE THEM. WILL POST AGAIN WHEN I KNOW AND ALL I FIND OUT.
    BE CAREFUL OUT THERE!
    HAVE A DAY FULL OF WONDER
    JOHN

    Reply
  • Avatar
    May 11, 2008

    Thanks for the info, this is the email chain I recieved, how would this scam work? Anyone know? Hope this helps other people.
    Thanks for the details on the Property, i am satisfied and will
    like to proceed with the renting process,
    i will like you to go ahead and reserve the property for me.
    So i will be needing the following informations so that the check
    for payment of the deposit of $3100 can be processed and posted to you soon.
    Name:…………
    Address:………….
    Phone number(cell and land):…………
    I want the 12 month lease to start on the 15th May 2008, i will also
    want to notify you that i have in the mean time arrange with an interior
    decorator who will be handling the purchase of furnitures,entertainment
    system and other appliances that i will need in the property,they will as
    well be in-charge of moving down my luggages down to the states.
    So the check of $7800 will be sent over to you which is a relocation grant
    by my employer, and all you need to do is deduct the deposit $3100 and you
    will forward the rest to the Decorators so i can have the place all prepared
    for my arrival. All applications and lease will be signed as soon as i
    arrive.
    Also for familiarization I Am Larry Gallo,I am 32 yrs of age,a British
    citizen, married to a lovely lady, with a daughter (Family staying over in
    the UK ), I work with LINK INSURANCE GROUP (UK), as a loss adjuster agent, I
    am a Christian, reserved in Nature, Non smoker also i don’t keep pets.
    I look forward to meeting you and hope to have a good relationship as a
    tenant with you.
    I await the details.
    you can reach me at this number +447024099236
    Below is my present landlords information for reference :
    Anthony Scott
    17, TIVOLI GARDEN SE185PD
    UNITED KINGDOM
    You can also call my employer at the number below to verify employment.
    (Ivan Samuel +447024017745)
    Cheers
    Andy McIntire wrote:
    The address is 24674 E Louisiana Cir, Aurora, CO 80018
    Monthly Rent is $1550 with $1550 required up front as a refundable security deposit
    Utilities are at your own expense
    Total move in cost would be $3100
    I will send you pictures shortly, if you would like to move forward I would like you to fill out a rental application so we can complete a credit check as well as a employment verfication.
    Thanks for your consideration
    Andy
    ——————————————————————————–
    Date: Thu, 8 May 2008 17:00:35 +0100
    From: larry2gallo@yahoo.co.uk
    Subject: RE: $1550 / 3br – Georgous 3BR 3Bath Home in Golf course community (Murphy Creek) (map)
    To: amac3309@hotmail.com
    With regards to the property i am inquiring about, i will like to get some
    more details about it,I am currently in the UK and i am Relocating over to
    the US to do a survey for my employer (LINK INSURANCE GROUP (UK)), as we
    are about to open an office in the state, so due to my non presence to inspect
    the Property, i will like you to give me the below detail
    # I need full details including address of the property and pictures if
    available
    # Monthly rentals/security deposits
    # If utilities is added to monthly rent
    # When the property would be available
    # Mail me the total move in cost
    I awaits your response soon.
    Regards.
    Andy McIntire wrote:
    yes it is, are you interested?
    ——————————————————————————–
    Date: Thu, 8 May 2008 08:03:16 +0100
    From: larry1gallo@yahoo.co.uk
    Subject: $1550 / 3br – Georgous 3BR 3Bath Home in Golf course community (Murphy Creek) (map)
    To: amac3309@hotmail.com
    Hello,
    I would like to know if the property you listed is
    still available.
    Regards.

    Reply
  • Avatar
    May 14, 2008

    I too also got an email. He goes by the name of Chris Hunt. Here is what he wrote.
    Tuesday, May 13, 2008 11:50 PM
    From: “Chris hunt”
    To:hbullock4@yahoo.com
    “Hello,
    I saw your apartment advertised on craigslist.com and am interested in renting it.I will be signing a one year lease for it and want to know the requirements for renting it.I will be doing a one year research on pharmacy work while in the states and will be staying with my wife and daughter .I will appreciate it if i hear from you in time as i will want to conclude the rental process as soon as possible.
    Thank you.”
    Make sure that you always type in their address to see if there is any info on them! That is how I found this great site! Thanks!

    Reply
  • Avatar
    May 14, 2008

    I also got an email from a man named Lowe Bud, seems fishy.
    Tuesday, May 13, 2008 7:41 AM
    From:”Lowe Bud”
    To:hbullock4@yahoo.co
    “Hi ,
    Good to see this postings.Could you confirm to me if the property for rent is still available ? If yes,do email me current pictures and details about the home.Should all goes well,what will be the preferred mode of payment .
    Lowe Bud”

    Reply
  • Avatar
    May 14, 2008

    This is the latest – I received on May 13, 2008 – note the “Christian” angle:
    Thanks for the details on the Property, i am satisfied and will
    like to proceed with the renting process,
    i will like you to go ahead and reserve the property for me.
    So i will be needing the following informations so that the check
    for payment of the deposit of $975 can be processed and posted to you soon.
    Name:…………
    Address:………….
    Phone number(cell and land):…………
    I want the 12 month lease to start on the 1st June 2008, i will also
    want to notify you that i have in the mean time arrange with an interior
    decorator who will be handling the purchase of furnitures,entertainment
    system and other appliances that i will need in the property,they will as
    well be in-charge of moving down my luggages down to the states.
    So the check of $5200 will be sent over to you which is a relocation grant
    by my employer, and all you need to do is deduct the deposit $975 and you
    will forward the rest to the Decorators so i can have the place all
    prepared for my arrival. All applications and lease will be signed as soon as i arrive.
    Also for familiarization I Am Larry Gallo,I am 32 yrs of age,a British
    citizen, married to a lovely lady, with a daughter (Family staying over
    inthe UK ), I work with LINK INSURANCE GROUP (UK), as a loss adjuster agent,
    I am a Christian, reserved in Nature, Non smoker also i don’t keep pets.
    I look forward to meeting you and hope to have a good relationship as a
    tenant with you.
    I await the details.
    you can reach me at this number +447024099236
    Below is my present landlords information for reference :
    Anthony Scott
    17, TIVOLI GARDEN SE185PD
    UNITED KINGDOM
    You can also call my employer at the number below to verify employment.
    (Ivan Samuel +447024017745)
    Cheers

    Reply
  • Avatar
    May 14, 2008

    Thank you for having this website posted, as well as a special thanks to GOOGLE for allowing me to shorten my research time to a simple word search.

    Reply
  • Avatar
    May 15, 2008

    Ditto on everyone’s posts above. The name used on my scam was Larry Gallo. Here’s the text:
    Thanks for the details on the Property, i am satisfied and will
    like to proceed with the renting process,
    i will like you to go ahead and reserve the property for me.
    So i will be needing the following informations so that the check
    for payment of the deposit of $2190 can be processed and posted to you soon.
    Name:…………
    Address:………….
    Phone number(cell and land):…………
    I want the 12 month lease to start on the 1st June 2008, i will also
    want to notify you that i have in the mean time arrange with an interior
    decorator who will be handling the purchase of furnitures,entertainment
    system and other appliances that i will need in the property,they will as
    well be in-charge of moving down my luggages down to the states.
    So the check of $6800 will be sent over to you which is a relocation grant
    by my employer, and all you need to do is deduct the deposit $2190 and you
    will forward the rest to the Decorators so i can have the place all
    prepared for my arrival. All applications and lease will be signed as soon as i arrive.
    Also for familiarization I Am Larry Gallo,I am 32 yrs of age,a British
    citizen, married to a lovely lady, with a daughter (Family staying over
    inthe UK ), I work with LINK INSURANCE GROUP (UK), as a loss adjuster agent,
    I am a Christian, reserved in Nature, Non smoker also i don’t keep pets.
    I look forward to meeting you and hope to have a good relationship as a
    tenant with you.
    I await the details.
    you can reach me at this number +447024099236
    Below is my present landlords information for reference :
    Anthony Scott
    17, TIVOLI GARDEN SE185PD
    UNITED KINGDOM
    You can also call my employer at the number below to verify employment.
    (Ivan Samuel +447024017745)
    Cheers

    Reply
  • Avatar
    May 16, 2008

    Hello over there my name is Donald Johnson, as i was brouwsing through the internet searching for a place to rent during my research i saw your apartment advert on craigslist.com <http://craigslist.com> and am interested in renting it.I will be signing a one year lease for it and want to know the modalities for renting it.I will bedoing a one year research on pharmacy work while in the states and will be staying with my daughter Binta I will be very GLAD if i can hear from you in time as i will want to conclude the rental process before we arrive in the State by june 1st . Regards Dr Donald Johnson of Woodstock Pharmacy 24 High St, Woodstock, OX20 1TF, UnitedKingdom.
    i can be reach at……
    Office….+447031973137
    Home……+447031905507

    Reply
  • Avatar
    May 21, 2008

    I got a similar email today.
    from: drlauren cole
    to:
    date: Wed, May 21, 2008 at 6:56 AM
    subject: $2500 / 4br…very urgent
    mailed-by: craigslist.org
    I’ll like to find out if the property that you posted for rent is still available.

    Reply
  • Avatar
    May 21, 2008

    The address for the email I posted from “drlauren cole” is:
    “drlauren111@gmail.com”

    Reply
  • Avatar
    May 21, 2008

    Please at what price per month as well as the deposit required ?
    I’m a 27 year old(male) medical student from U.K. I just finished my degree course in Nottingham University-London and I am relocating on sabatical leave for a year.. hoping to find an apartment or house before I arrive.I don’t smoke, I keep my place clean, and I like to cook.Also,I’m easygoing,Keeping no pets.
    The form of payment will be by cashier’s check/Money order,So i will like to pay for a month rent in advance,if that okay by you get back to me with your full name,physical contact address,zip code and phone number, so check of a month rent can be issue out to you ASAP..
    sincerely
    drlauren

    Reply
  • Avatar
    May 22, 2008

    Same Email Sitaution. New Name.
    Goodday to you overthere,i am Reverend John Matthew by name,i saw this unit been advertised on craigslist.com and am much more interested in renting it,having read the details about it in the ad which really suites me.I will be signing a one year lease or more for the unit depending on how the area is condusive for my daughter and i, i will want to know the modalities for renting it and the actual price to pay per month ,i will be working with the Christain Centres in the city and will be living with my lovely daughter(Lowrie) whom is 12yrs old.I will be looking forward to hear from you as soon as possible as i will want to conclude the rental process before i arrive on the 1st of June .
    Regards
    Rev John Matthew of St Anne’s Anglican Church(Diocese of London).
    phone……..+447031966174(feel free to call me at anytime).

    Reply
  • Avatar
    May 24, 2008

    I reported all the emails coming from this “Dr. Lauren Cole”. He offered first month’s rent, a deposit, and money to have his “furniture moved” to the apartment. WHen he failed to answer any of my questions and kept talking about “his financier” and having to handle some money situations I reported his email and posted an ad on craigslist to warn others of his scam. He is using the same subject on emails: $900, 3 bedroom…urgent!
    This is the email address he is using: dlauren111@gmail.com
    Ps. He has terrible grammar and uses poor english

    Reply
  • Avatar
    May 28, 2008

    WOW, so glad I saw your site – I mean the hair on the back of my neck was already standing – I just knew there was not a “United States Implants & orthopedic Agency” – the search for that agency led me to you site. Here’s the letter received from Dr. Micheal Jones:
    Thanks for your response and here is a brief introduction about my self;i am a Pharmacist by profession and I am currently working with the Woodstock Pharmacy, Woodstock,United Kingdom. I will be relocating to the united states of America for the next one year and during my stay i will be working for the United States Implants & orthopedic Agency on a private research work. I hereby reaffirm my interest about renting your home and will be willing to offer you one month rent for a start, plus the security deposit in order to secure the unit prior to our arrival to the united states. I have a financier based in U.S.A and he will be the one handling the rent deposit payment on our behalf,i will instruct him to send you a bank Check in payment for the rent as soon as you give me the go ahead to send payment to you. I’ll be coming with my wife and daughter Due to the limited time that we have before our arrival and in line with my work schedule ,we are making arrangements with a furniture company to supply the home with furnitures ,so we will need you to provide us with the accurate measurements of the living room and bedroom so that we can send it to the furniture company and they supply the unit with furniture that would fit in well… i would really appreciaite it if you could send me some pictures of the living room and the bed rooms.As regards the lease agreement form,you can have it forwarded to me for review.though i will have it filled and signed on our arrival to your place becuase i am of the opinion that such vital document is best filled and signed physically. We can start the lease by 5th of June and it shall be for a period of 12 months. You can prepare the lease in my name and that of my wife (Dr.Jones & Mary Jones). Let me know how to move ahead as I intend to complete this deal before I move in a couple of days. I want all the arrangement to be solidified so I settle in comfortably when I arrive. I will let you know the exact date as soon as I get a booking on a flight to the states.I will look forward to your e mail with the required information.
    Even tho, I did find a successful renter on Craigslist, for now, my current ad has been deleted.

    Reply
  • Avatar
    June 11, 2008

    He just sent me this inquiry for my property in Colorado:

    Goodday to you overthere,i am Reverend Michael Williams by name,i saw this unit been advertised on craigslist.com and am much more interested in renting it,having read the details about it in the ad which really suites me.I will be signing a one year lease or more for the unit depending on how the area is condusive for my daughter and i, i will want to know the modalities for renting it and the actual price to pay per month ,i will be working with the Christain Centres in the city and will be living with my lovely daughter(Lowrie) whom is 12yrs old.I will be looking forward to hear from you as soon as possible as i will want to conclude the rental process before i arrive on the 20th of June
    .
    Regards
    Rev Michael Williams of St Anne’s Anglican Church(Diocese of London).
    phone……..+447031966174(feel free to call me at anytime).

    Reply
  • Avatar
    June 11, 2008

    This is CRAZY!!!
    I was totally not aware of this rental scam through craiglist until beginning of this week. I had been exchanging emails with a “Dr. James Allen” whom claimed to be a minister at the St. Luke’s Anglican Church in the UK, coming to the US on a mission (although very similar story as Dr. Scott). The emails used are clearly the same as Dr. Scott’s. I got a check in the mail for $9800 and he had asked me to transfer $3300 to the furniture company.
    Phone numbers he provided didn’t work and when I asked him to call me back he said that his financier was away in Africa on a mission….couldn’t be reached at the moment.
    He sounded Nigerian on the phone and I could barely understand what he was saying…towards the beginning of this week he tone of voice changed completely through email as he demanded the money to be transferred right away!
    Something needs to be done about this. SOON.
    I had already given my tenants a 30 days notice to vacate the property.
    Be watchful.

    Reply
  • Avatar
    June 12, 2008

    THX TO U I FOUND OUT THAT EVERYTHING WAS JUST A SCAM. I GOT SUSPICIOUS WHEN HE SAID HE WILL BE MAKING PAYMENT IN CHECKS THROUGH SOMEONE

    Reply
  • Avatar
    June 13, 2008

    wow im glad i typed scott’s full name in a search engine and found out its a scam! i was about to fall for it! wow

    Reply
  • Avatar
    June 15, 2008

    :
    Thats for this blog. I received the following email from Dr. Scott today also.
    What should I do?
    This sender is DomainKeys verified
    “Scott Waltman”
    View contact details
    To:
    “Linda Schuster” Hello,
    Thanks for your mail and details on this unit,i am indeed serious about renting this unit and will be willing to offer you 1 months rent plus the security deposit in order to secure this unit prior to our arrival.
    Could you be kind enough to let me know what the electricity/utility cost would be?as i will really need to have this unit to myself. You can send me the lease application , to enable be review it ahead of time.i would eventually have it signed physically when i arrive.In my opinion, appending signatories should be done properly and at best physically.Please , send me a picture view of the living room and bed rooms.
    This is an international situation .With this arrangement, my financier in the states,will be effecting your payment deposit to you.I believe we can work together and ensure every arrangements that we shall both execute in line with my taking up the tenancy should be done accordingly to ensure we have a proper understanding.
    In view of my work schedule, i would want us to finalise basic arrangements. I will arrive the united states by first week in july, with my wife and a 9 yr old daughter
    If you require any specific information, you can call me on my number +447024070838.
    thanks

    Reply
  • Avatar
    June 20, 2008

    This person is also now hitting the rentalsite.com. I received two emails this morning. One off of craigs list for our property, and one from the rental site. See attached emails.
    APARTMENT NEEDED!!! Re: Reply to your ThatRentalSite.com ad – 5845 black creek rd., 3 beds, 2.0 baths, 1492 sqft.
    Friday, June 20, 2008 7:24 AM
    From:
    This sender is DomainKeys verified
    “michael williams”
    Add sender to Contacts
    To:
    tanyanjoseph@yahoo.com
    Goodday to you overthere,i am Reverend Michael Williams by name,i saw
    this unit been advertised on craigslist.com and am much more
    interested in renting it,having read the details about it in the ad
    which really suites me.I will be signing a one year lease or more for
    the unit depending on how the area is condusive for my daughter and i,
    i will want to know the modalities for renting it and the actual price
    to pay per month ,i will be working with the Christain Centres in the
    city and will be living with my lovely daughter(Lowrie) whom is 12yrs
    old.I will be looking forward to hear from you as soon as possible as
    i will want to conclude the rental process before i arrive on the 1st
    of July.
    Regards
    Rev Michael Williams of St Anne’s Anglican Church(Diocese of London).
    phone……..+447031966174(feel free to call me at anytime).

    Goodday to you overthere,i am Reverend Michael Williams by name,i saw
    this unit been advertised on craigslist.com and am much more
    interested in renting it,having read the details about it in the ad
    which really suites me.I will be signing a one year lease or more for
    the unit depending on how the area is condusive for my daughter and i,
    i will want to know the modalities for renting it and the actual price
    to pay per month ,i will be working with the Christain Centres in the
    city and will be living with my lovely daughter(Lowrie) whom is 12yrs
    old.I will be looking forward to hear from you as soon as possible as
    i will want to conclude the rental process before i arrive on the 1st
    of july
    .
    Regards
    Rev Michael Williams of St Anne’s Anglican Church(Diocese of London).
    phone……..+447031966174(feel free to call me at anytime)
    Goodday to you overthere,i am Reverend Michael Williams by name,i saw
    this unit been advertised on craigslist.com and am much more
    interested in renting it,having read the details about it in the ad
    which really suites me.I will be signing a one year lease or more for
    the unit depending on how the area is condusive for my daughter and i,
    i will want to know the modalities for renting it and the actual price
    to pay per month ,i will be working with the Christain Centres in the
    city and will be living with my lovely daughter(Lowrie) whom is 12yrs
    old.I will be looking forward to hear from you as soon as possible as
    i will want to conclude the rental process before i arrive on the 1st
    of July.
    Regards
    Rev Michael Williams of St Anne’s Anglican Church(Diocese of London).
    phone……..+447031966174(feel free to call me at anytime).

    Goodday to you overthere,i am Reverend Michael Williams by name,i saw
    this unit been advertised on craigslist.com and am much more
    interested in renting it,having read the details about it in the ad
    which really suites me.I will be signing a one year lease or more for
    the unit depending on how the area is condusive for my daughter and i,
    i will want to know the modalities for renting it and the actual price
    to pay per month ,i will be working with the Christain Centres in the
    city and will be living with my lovely daughter(Lowrie) whom is 12yrs
    old.I will be looking forward to hear from you as soon as possible as
    i will want to conclude the rental process before i arrive on the 1st
    of july
    .
    Regards
    Rev Michael Williams of St Anne’s Anglican Church(Diocese of London).
    phone……..+447031966174(feel free to call me at anytime).
    Go to Previous message | Go to Next message | Back to Messages
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    Reply
  • Avatar
    June 20, 2008

    This person is also now hitting the rentalsite.com. I received two emails this morning. One off of craigs list for our property, and one from the rental site. See attached emails.
    APARTMENT NEEDED!!! Re: Reply to your ThatRentalSite.com ad – 5845 black creek rd., 3 beds, 2.0 baths, 1492 sqft.
    Friday, June 20, 2008 7:24 AM
    From:
    This sender is DomainKeys verified
    “michael williams”
    Add sender to Contacts
    To:
    tanyanjoseph@yahoo.com
    Goodday to you overthere,i am Reverend Michael Williams by name,i saw
    this unit been advertised on craigslist.com and am much more
    interested in renting it,having read the details about it in the ad
    which really suites me.I will be signing a one year lease or more for
    the unit depending on how the area is condusive for my daughter and i,
    i will want to know the modalities for renting it and the actual price
    to pay per month ,i will be working with the Christain Centres in the
    city and will be living with my lovely daughter(Lowrie) whom is 12yrs
    old.I will be looking forward to hear from you as soon as possible as
    i will want to conclude the rental process before i arrive on the 1st
    of July.
    Regards
    Rev Michael Williams of St Anne’s Anglican Church(Diocese of London).
    phone……..+447031966174(feel free to call me at anytime).

    Goodday to you overthere,i am Reverend Michael Williams by name,i saw
    this unit been advertised on craigslist.com and am much more
    interested in renting it,having read the details about it in the ad
    which really suites me.I will be signing a one year lease or more for
    the unit depending on how the area is condusive for my daughter and i,
    i will want to know the modalities for renting it and the actual price
    to pay per month ,i will be working with the Christain Centres in the
    city and will be living with my lovely daughter(Lowrie) whom is 12yrs
    old.I will be looking forward to hear from you as soon as possible as
    i will want to conclude the rental process before i arrive on the 1st
    of july
    .
    Regards
    Rev Michael Williams of St Anne’s Anglican Church(Diocese of London).
    phone……..+447031966174(feel free to call me at anytime)
    Goodday to you overthere,i am Reverend Michael Williams by name,i saw
    this unit been advertised on craigslist.com and am much more
    interested in renting it,having read the details about it in the ad
    which really suites me.I will be signing a one year lease or more for
    the unit depending on how the area is condusive for my daughter and i,
    i will want to know the modalities for renting it and the actual price
    to pay per month ,i will be working with the Christain Centres in the
    city and will be living with my lovely daughter(Lowrie) whom is 12yrs
    old.I will be looking forward to hear from you as soon as possible as
    i will want to conclude the rental process before i arrive on the 1st
    of July.
    Regards
    Rev Michael Williams of St Anne’s Anglican Church(Diocese of London).
    phone……..+447031966174(feel free to call me at anytime).

    Goodday to you overthere,i am Reverend Michael Williams by name,i saw
    this unit been advertised on craigslist.com and am much more
    interested in renting it,having read the details about it in the ad
    which really suites me.I will be signing a one year lease or more for
    the unit depending on how the area is condusive for my daughter and i,
    i will want to know the modalities for renting it and the actual price
    to pay per month ,i will be working with the Christain Centres in the
    city and will be living with my lovely daughter(Lowrie) whom is 12yrs
    old.I will be looking forward to hear from you as soon as possible as
    i will want to conclude the rental process before i arrive on the 1st
    of july
    .
    Regards
    Rev Michael Williams of St Anne’s Anglican Church(Diocese of London).
    phone……..+447031966174(feel free to call me at anytime).
    Go to Previous message | Go to Next message | Back to Messages
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    Reply
  • Avatar
    June 20, 2008

    Thank you so much for posting this mess. All I did was google in the phone number listed on the email and this site pulled up. If they start changing phone numbers then will it pull up for other people to read??

    Reply
  • Avatar
    June 20, 2008

    Thank you so much for posting this mess. All I did was google in the phone number listed on the email and this site pulled up. If they start changing phone numbers then will it pull up for other people to read??

    Reply
  • Avatar
    June 20, 2008

    This guy or people are busy. Our rental property is listed on several sites. It is NOT just craigs list.
    Hello, Thanks for your mail and details on this unit,i am indeed
    serious about renting this unit and will be willing to offer you 2
    months rent plus thesecurity deposit in order to secure this unit
    prior to our arrival, Could you be kind enough to let me know what the
    electricity/utility cost would be ?as i will really need to have this
    unit to myself. You can send me the lease application , to enable be
    review it ahead of time.i would eventually have it signed physically
    when i arrive.In my opinion, appending signatories should be done
    properly and at best physically.Please , send me a picture view of the
    living room and bed rooms.This is an international situation .With
    this arrangement, my financier in the states,will be effecting your
    payment deposit to you.I believe we can work together and ensure every
    arrangements that we shall both execute in line with my taking up the
    tenancy should be done accordingly to ensure we have a proper
    understanding.In view of my work schedule, i would want us to finalise
    basic arrangements. I will arrive the united stateson the 1st of
    July. and my daughter Lowrie. If you require any specific information,
    pls let me know and i am very happy to share some pics of my late
    wife,mydaughter and i ,hope you like them .Thanks and God Bless
    My due regards
    Reverend Michael Williams
    phone……..+447031966174(feel free to call me at anytime).

    Goodday to you overthere,i am Reverend Michael Williams by name,i saw
    this unit been advertised on craigslist.com and am much more
    interested in renting it,having read the details about it in the ad
    which really suites me.I will be signing a one year lease or more for
    the unit depending on how the area is condusive for my daughter and i,
    i will want to know the modalities for renting it and the actual price
    to pay per month ,i will be working with the Christain Centres in the
    city and will be living with my lovely daughter(Lowrie) whom is 12yrs
    old.I will be looking forward to hear from you as soon as possible as
    i will want to conclude the rental process before i arrive on the 1st
    of july
    .
    Regards
    Rev Michael Williams of St Anne’s Anglican Church(Diocese of London).
    phone……..+447031966174(feel free to call me at anytime).

    Reply
  • Avatar
    June 27, 2008

    i had gotten a reponse from my babysitting ad on craigslist from these scammers. said that would pay me $3,000 to keep her son while she worked in ohio. now i am an investigator also from home and i knew this isnt something an average person says in an email, i mean come on why would you tell me you will pay me up front to keep your kid!this is what my last email said—— When are you needing me to start? By next week sunday i will bring him to you okay
    Here is my +2348039538695 my name is koliix—————–thats funny bc i asked when U needed ME to start……——–this is the scam email i got 1st————————
    Yes thanks for the address you sent to me and the reply you mail to me agin, Know am going to contact my boss to issue the payment to you this week okay.
    And immediatly as you get the payment with you i will want you to do this grate hellp for me ,At that very day that you will hellp send $2,850, my travleing agent coss the amount you are going to get from my boss is $3,850.
    So first thing i want you to do for me you will have to go and hellp me send that amount to my travleing agent that will hellp me and my son to get our (flight document ) ready for us to get there ontime and also for us not miss our way to the the addess you gave me okay,
    pls and pls that is what i want understand that i dont want to miss that contract that my boss gave to me cos the contract cos about $35,000, So pls just try your best hellp me out okay so that we can meet together in your place okay and you will be able to start the job ontime okay.
    — On Fri, 6/27/08 — WHAT A SCAM….I DONT THINK SHE WILL SHOW UP AT MY HOUSE WITH AND CHILD AND 3 GRAND IN CASH IN HAND– DO YOU????I NEVER GAVE HER MY HOME ADDRESS EITHER.. SHE SIAD IN THE EMAIL I DID!!!!!I THINK SOMEONE NEEDS TO SHOW UP AT HER HOUSE WITH SOME CUFFS.. AND A WARRANT FOR THESE SCAMS….

    Reply
  • Avatar
    June 30, 2008

    Here is another example of the scam…I just received today, June 30, 2008. What I picked up on is his poor grammar…
    =========================================================
    Thanks for the details on the Property, i am satisfied and will
    like to proceed with the renting process,
    i will like you to go ahead and reserve the property for me.
    So i will be needing the following informations so that the check
    for payment of the deposit of $3000 can be processed and posted to you soon.
    Name:………….
    Address:………….
    Phone number(cell and land):………….
    I want the 12 months lease to start on the 15th July 2008, i will also
    want to notify you that i have in the mean time arrange with an interior
    decorator who will be handling the purchase of furnitures,entertainment
    system and other appliances that i will need in the property,they will as
    well be in-charge of moving down my luggages down to the States.
    So the check of $7800 will be sent over to you which is a relocation grant
    by my employer, and all you need to do is deduct the deposit $3000 and you
    will forward the rest to the Decorators so i can have the place all
    prepared for my arrival. All applications and lease will be signed as soon as i arrive.
    Also for familiarization I Am Steve Bryant,I am 32 yrs of age,a British
    citizen, married to a lovely lady, with a daughter (Family staying over
    in the UK ), I work with LINK INSURANCE GROUP (UK), as a loss adjuster agent,
    I am a Christian, reserved in Nature, Non smoker also i don’t keep pets.
    I look forward to meeting you and hope to have a good relationship as a
    tenant with you.
    I await the details.
    you can reach me at this number +447024099236
    Below is my present landlords information for reference :
    Anthony Scott
    17, TIVOLI GARDEN SE185PD
    UNITED KINGDOM
    You can also call my employer at the number below to verify employment.
    (Ivan Samuel +447024017745)
    Cheers

    Reply
  • Avatar
    July 1, 2008

    Great Post. Just wanted to comment on that. I’ve visited this site a few times now and thought this time I’d leave my thoughts.

    Reply
  • Avatar
    July 3, 2008

    absolutely the same here…dr scott…lol……told me he’d be working directly w/ the ceo of honeywell..(recently featured in business week.) So why would a pharmacist come to study/work in the states in northern FLORIDA when Honeywell is in NJ? And put your wife and child in singlewide trailer out in the wetlands??
    Thanks for this wake up call, I attached a copy of the email below.PS it was already July 2nd when this was sent.
    Hello,
    Thanks for your mail,i appreciate your wanting to help us in our situation.I am a Pharmacist by profession and i am currently working with Woodstock Pharmacy 24 High St, Woodstock, OX20 1TF, United Kingdom. I will be in the states for the next one year with my wife and daughter and during my stay i will be working with David M. Cote Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Honeywell International Inc.We have a financier that is based in the states and he will be handling the rent deposit payment on our behalf,we will instruct him to send you the check for this as soon as you give us the go ahead to make payment to you.
    Due to the limited time that we have before our arrival,we are making arrangements with a furniture company to supply the home with furniture,so we will need you to provide us with the measurements of the living room and bedroom so that we can send it to the furniture company so that they can supply the unit with furniture that will fit in well.
    As regards the lease agreement,i want you to send it to me for my review,i will eventually have it filled and signed on my arrival in your place as i am on the opinion that such documents are best filled and signed physically.We can start the lease by 1st of july and we will be doing a one year lease although we will be arriving third week of july You can prepare the lease in my name and wife Sandra….
    We will let you know the exact date as soon as we get a booking on a flight to the states.
    Thanks and sincere regards from me and my family.
    Dr Scott

    Reply
  • Avatar
    July 8, 2008

    Now he is Dr. Mike Bedard with wife Sandra and daughter Karen.

    Reply
  • Avatar
    July 11, 2008

    He contacted me just today asking questions regarding my rental and luckily i checked your blog, that was exactly the first intro but this time construction. thank you.

    Reply
  • Avatar
    July 21, 2008

    Same Deal – see emails below:
    —–Original Message—–
    From: Allen James [mailto:rukkiey205@googlemail.com]
    Sent: Monday, July 21, 2008 10:42 AM
    To:
    Subject: Re: $4995 / 5br – Luxurious Brick Colonial Estate on nearly 1 Acre (Bowie/Tall Oaks Estates) (map)
    Hello ,
    Thanks for your response and here is a brief introduction about my self;i am a Pharmacist by profession and I am currently working with the Woodstock Pharmacy, Woodstock,United Kingdom. I will be relocating to the united states of America for the next one year and during my stay i will be working for the United States Implants & orthopedic Agency on a private research work. I hereby reaffirm my interest about renting your home and will be willing to offer you one month rent for a start, plus the security deposit in order to secure the unit prior to our arrival to the united states.
    I have a financier based in U.S.A and he will be the one handling the rent deposit payment on our behalf,i will instruct him to send you a bank Check in payment for the rent as soon as you give me the go ahead to send payment to you. I’ll be coming with my wife and daughter Due to the limited time that we have before our arrival and in line with my work schedule ,we are making arrangements with a furniture company to supply the home with furnitures ,so we will need you to provide us with the accurate measurements of the living room and bedroom so that we can send it to the furniture company and they supply the unit with furniture that would fit in well… i would really appreciaite it if you could send me some pictures of the living room and the bed rooms.
    As regards the lease agreement form,you can have it forwarded to me for review.though i will have it filled and signed on our arrival to your place because am of the opinion that such vital document is best filled and signed physically. We can start the lease by 1st of July and it shall be for a period of 12 months. You can prepare the lease in my name and that of my wife(Dr.James & Cheryl James).
    Let me know how to move ahead as I intend to complete this deal before I move in a couple of days. I want all the arrangement to be solidified so I settle in comfortably when I arrive. I will let you know the exact date as soon as I get a booking on a flight to the states. I will look forward to your e mail with the required information.
    Here is my phone number +Tel: +44 7045751034 or +447824013797 Thanks and sincere regards from me and my precious family. I await your urgent response.
    Dr.James.
    —–Original Message—–
    From:
    Sent: Saturday, July 19, 2008 11:09 AM
    To: ‘Allen James’
    Subject: RE: $4995 / 5br – Luxurious Brick Colonial Estate on nearly 1 Acre (Bowie/Tall Oaks Estates) (map)
    Allen,
    Thank you for your interest in XXX XXXXXX XX. The full listing and pictures can be viewed at: [MLS URL]
    Info as requested:
    Monthly rent: $4,995
    Security Deposit: $4,995
    Average Utility Bill: $500
    For your reference I’ve attached a copy of the synopsis, the rental application and a sample lease.
    Sincerely,
    Chris
    —–Original Message—–
    From: Allen James [mailto:rukkiey205@googlemail.com]
    Sent: Saturday, July 19, 2008 8:40 AM
    To:
    Subject: $4995 / 5br – Luxurious Brick Colonial Estate on nearly 1 Acre (Bowie/Tall Oaks Estates) (map)

    Hello,
    I saw your advertised on craigslist.com and am interested in renting it. I will be signing a one year lease for it and want to know the requirements for renting it. i.e
    concerning the house/apartment you posted for lease, i am expressing my sheer interest in taking up the unit, what the modalities in taking up the place, please have the requirements sent in these form .
    Monthly Fees:
    Security Deposit
    Electricity/Utility Bills
    I will be doing a one year research on pharmacy work while in the states .I will appreciate it if i hear from you in time as i will want to conclude the rental process before the end of July
    Thank you.

    Reply
  • Avatar
    August 13, 2008

    Very informative website! I found by checking the international phone number. As I was scrolling through and reading some of these emails, I’m surprised they are still sending them.I noticed their email address remains the same with a different story. Here is one that I received this morning from the Famous (Dr. or Reverend) Michael Williams.
    Message from Reverend Michael Williams in reply to Rental Home
    Email: mwills500@gmail.com
    Phone: +447031966174
    Comments: Goodday to you overthere,i am Reverend Michael Williams by name,i saw this unit been advertised on thatrentalsite.com and am much more interested in renting it,having read the details about it in the ad which really suites me.I will be signing a one year lease or more for the unit depending on how the area is condusive for my daughter and i, i will want to know the modalities for renting it and the actual price to pay per month ,i will be working with the Christain Centres in the city and will be living with my lovely daughter(Lowrie) whom is 12yrs old.I will be looking forward to hear from you as soon as possible as i will want to conclude the rental process before i arrive on the 1st of September.
    Regards
    Rev Michael Williams of St Anne’s Anglican Church(Diocese of London).
    ———————————————————-

    Reply
  • Avatar
    August 15, 2008

    I just received emails from people interested in my rental property in the Tampa Bay Area through Craigslist. One was “Michael Williams of St.Ann’s Arch Diocese” as listed above and the other was a “Rev. Waller Smith” whom claims to be a chemist. I communicated with Dr.Smith(HAHA)this morning and I did not know all of this at them time. Luckily I have not given either any of my personal information. Both emails are almost to a “T” as the first postings. As this is the 15th of August, these scammers are up and running today.
    BEWARE!

    Reply
  • Avatar
    August 15, 2008

    Thanks for the posts that alerted me to this scam. I googled United States Implants & Orthopedic Agency and got nothing and tried http://www.us.gov and got nothing and then googled Woodstock Pharmacy and found this.
    Here is the email I received. Strange he asked for a copy of the lease when I had already sent him one. haha.
    From: Micheal Jones [mailto:drmichealjones@googlemail.com]
    Sent: Friday, August 15, 2008 9:57 AM
    Subject: Re: $975 / 3br – $975 / 3br – Nice Forest Grove 3 Bdrm, 1 1/2 bath Apt. w/ garage & park
    Hello ,
    Thanks for your response and here is a brief introduction about my self;i am a Pharmacist by profession and I am currently working with the Woodstock Pharmacy, Woodstock,United Kingdom. I will be relocating to the united states of America for the next one year and during my stay i will be working for the United States Implants & orthopedic Agency on a private research work. I hereby reaffirm my interest about renting your home and will be willing to offer you one month rent for a start, plus the security deposit in order to secure the unit prior to our arrival to the united states. I have a financier based in U.S.A and he will be the one handling the rent deposit payment on our behalf,i will instruct him to send you a bank Check in payment for the rent as soon as you give me the go ahead to send payment to you. I’ll be coming with my wife and daughter Due to the limited time that we have before our arrival and in line with my work schedule ,we are making arrangements with a furniture company to supply the home with furnitures ,so we will need you to provide us with the accurate measurements of the living room and bedroom so that we can send it to the furniture company and they supply the unit with furniture that would fit in well… i would really appreciaite it if you could send me some pictures of the living room and the bed rooms.As regards the lease agreement form,you can have it forwarded to me for review.though i will have it filled and signed on our arrival to your place becuase i am of the opinion that such vital document is best filled and signed physically. We can start the lease by first of August and it shall be for a period of 12 months. You can prepare the lease in my name and that of my wife (Dr.Jones & Mary Jones). Let me know how to move ahead as I intend to complete this deal before I move in a couple of days. I want all the arrangement to be solidified so I settle in comfortably when I arrive. I will let you know the exact date as soon as I get a booking on a flight to the states.I will look forward to your e mail with the required information.
    Here is my phone number +447024031289
    Thanks and sincere regards from me and my precious family. I await your urgent response.
    Dr. Jones

    Reply
  • Avatar
    August 18, 2008

    Aug 18th, 2008 – Advertised on Boston CraigsList
    My inquiry was the Rev. Michael Williams “Goodday to you overthere,i am
    Reverend Michael Williams by name,i saw
    this unit been advertised on craigslist.com and am much more
    interested in renting it,having read the details about it in the ad
    which really suites me.I will be signing a one year lease or more for
    the unit depending on how the area is condusive for my daughter and i,
    i will want to know the modalities for renting it and the actual price
    to pay per month ,i will be working with the Christain Centres in the
    city and will be living with my lovely daughter(Lowrie) whom is 12yrs
    old.I will be looking forward to hear from you as soon as possible as
    i will want to conclude the rental process before i arrive on the 1st
    of September.”—
    Regards
    Rev Michael Williams of St Anne’s Anglican Church(Diocese of London).
    phone……..+447031966174(feel free to call me at anytime).
    I did respond, then his response just set off all the wrong vibes.
    Respose
    Subject: Re: $1750 / 3br – 6 room duplex – 3 bedrooms
    Hello, Thanks for your mail and details on this unit,i am indeed
    serious about renting this unit and will be willing to offer you 2
    months rent plus thesecurity deposit in order to secure this unit
    prior to our arrival, Could you be kind enough to let me know what the
    electricity/utility cost would be ?as i will really need to have this
    unit to myself. You can send me the lease application , to enable be
    review it ahead of time.i would eventually have it signed physically
    when i arrive.In my opinion, appending signatories should be done
    properly and at best physically.Please , send me a picture view of the
    living room and bed rooms.This is an international situation .With
    this arrangement, my financier in the states,will be effecting your
    payment deposit to you.I believe we can work together and ensure every
    arrangements that we shall both execute in line with my taking up the
    tenancy should be done accordingly to ensure we have a proper
    understanding.In view of my work schedule, i would want us to finalise
    basic arrangements. I will arrive the united stateson the 1st of
    September. and my daughter Lowrie. If you require any specific
    information, pls let me know and i am very happy to share some pics of
    my late wife,mydaughter and i ,hope you like them .Thanks and God
    Bless
    My due regards
    Reverend Michael Williams
    phone……..+447031966174(feel free to call me at anytime).
    Obviously the spelling was the ‘red flag’ for me.

    Reply
  • Avatar
    August 21, 2008

    He is Dr. Michael Jones now and his wife is Mary Jones. I wondered about anyone claiming those names and claiming to be from the U.K. that could not use the King’s English. You’d think he would come up with a new company. Probably has?

    Reply
  • Avatar
    August 22, 2008

    Hello – I advertised a home for rent on Craigslist i Lehigh Acres Florida and got the same emails – about comming to the states and doing pharmacutical work with hubby and daughter and then next e mail about sending me money and sending remainer to furniture company. This time name is MARY ASHBROOK. I replied that I would be doing my research and if this is a sam I would call the law.
    Its a shame…

    Reply
  • Avatar
    August 23, 2008

    I just got the same as everyone else. This time he was using Kenneth Hunt and Link Insurance Co. I can’t figure out the scam though. Is it that you deposit the check, send a check to the furniture people, and then his bounces? Anyone have any ideas on how to scam him?

    Reply
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    September 4, 2008

    Hello,
    please be careful! I am searching an apartment in New York City and received the following emails:
    No. 1:
    a)
    First of all I would like to thank you for your reply.
    Now I would like to clear up some details. LOCATION: 100 John Street New York, NY 10038.
    Located downtown Manhattan, this apartment features newly renovated one bedroom, livingroom, kitchen, bath, in the heart of village directions, close to everyday amenities like video rental, pharmacy, and takeout, ideal for downtown professional singles or couple.
    The apartment is available for rent starting now for $ 1,600.00/month (parking spot and laundry facilities included).
    The lease can be for a minimum 3 months. I’m the full right owner, I’m no broker or something else… The other utilities aren’t included in this price (rent/month), utilities are about $60.00-$80.00/month. Everything in this apartment is functional because is new. If you need to do some repairs in the apt(the worst case that could happen), i will refund the reparations cost, or i will deduct those from monthly payment. I moved with my job in United Kingdom, Liverpool, and I need money to pay the rent here; that is the reason I want to rent for this price, and also to find a trustworthy person for my apartment. I can rent you the apt for max. 5 years because I have signed a working contract here for this period. Unfortunately I am the only person who own the keys, no one else have access in the apartment because it’s a private property, but i am sure that we will find a compromise.
    My conditions are: you must have two months rent in advance at the beginning of your staying and you will begin paying the rent normally from the 3rd month.
    Your background credit must be clean.
    Thank you for your interest and wait news from you.
    Best Regards!
    Melissa,
    b)
    Hi again ,
    Thank you for your reply. I’m in Liverpool/England already. Like I informed you before, the price you shall pay for one month of rent will be $ 1,600.00 with no extra taxes to pay. The money I want to receive it monthly to my bank account, I hope will be no problem for you to wire the money to my bank account during the lease term (you will start paying me beginning with the third month, as you will make the deposit for the first 2 months of rent). 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 or not.
    Obviously we need a way to complete this deal that will allow us to make sure we receive what we are after. I found a convenient way for both of 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 a company called TNT which is similar to FedEx, DHL or UPS, which will handle the payment and delivery of the Keys.
    I also found a procedure that will allow you to pay for the rent of the apt only after you will receive the keys – through this procedure you will see it and decide if you will stay in the apt or not before I receive my payment.
    Let me know if you are interested please because I really need to take care of this matter by the end of this week.
    Thank you for your interest and wait news from you,
    Best Regards!
    Melissa,
    c)
    Dear Manuel,
    I want to inform you that TNT will hold the money until you will confirm to them that you like the apt and keep the keys. If you don’t like it, you only have to return the keys to them after they will refund the money to you and they will deliver the keys back to me on my expense.
    I will need to inform you the steps about how this service works and how we can make it happen. You will only have to deposit to TNT Service 2 months of rent – $ 3,200 – so they can proceed with the shipping, and you can receive the keys and the contract.
    Like I said, I will pay for a 2 days delivery so you will receive the Keys and the contract signed by me right away. I will explain to you step by step how this will work:
    1 – To start this transaction i will need to know your full shipping information, full name, full shipping address to proceed with this deal .
    2 – I go to the TNT Office and leave the Keys and the contract in your name as the intended receiver.
    3 – TNT will check the envelope to see if everything is OK with it and also the legal papers that will come along with the Keys.
    4 – TNT will send you a delivery notification to let you know they have the Keys and the papers in their custody, in which you will be told that they have the Keys and that they checked it.
    5 – At this point you will have to go to a Money Gram Agent Location and make a money transfer deposit on the TNT agent name assigned with this transaction for the amount we agreed, the total amount you shall deposit is for the first 2 months of rent.
    6 – After you make the deposit you will have to send the infos about the money deposit to TNT (Reference Number, sender’s name and address)
    7 – TNT will verify the payment informations and if everything is in order they will deliver the Keys and the contract to you .
    8 – After you receive the package, You will go and check the apt and in 2 days you must contact them and tell them if you keep the apt or not, if everything is in order you will instruct TNT to release the funds to me.
    If you don’t like the apt they will send your money back and you will send them the keys and the contract to them to return the package back to me on my expense.
    I will pay TNT Service for the shipping and you will pay Money Gram for the Money Transfer fees.
    Now i must know for sure if you agree because here are a lot of peoples interested to have this apartment rented and i want to know for sure what i must tell them. If you agree what i suggested i will tell the other people that my apartment is already rented and i will keep it for you. I also must have all your correct shipping details so i will be able to make all the arrangements for the TNT transaction.
    Thank you for your interest and wait news from you.
    Best Regards!
    (mIss948@gmail.com)
    No. 2:
    Thanks for your response.
    My name is Jennifer R.Liebetreu and I wish to inform you that
    the apartment at 261 West 28th Street, New York is still available
    and belongs to my husband and I. However, we are very busy
    people and we will not like to take much of your time, therefore
    I will go straight to breaking down the terms and conditions
    that apply to the apartment.
    My husband and I have our preferences in giving out the
    apartment. This means we could be a bit choosy but we apologize
    in advance if it seems to be rather harsh. The apartment is
    furnished as you can see from the picture attached. We are
    looking out for a responsible person, preferably single. If we
    accept any married couple, we cannot accept above three kids. In
    the case of married couple, they will accept full responsibility
    for property damages during their stay. Pets are allowed and we
    may be given out the apartment at a very low and reasonable
    price but we are given it out for a minimum period of at least
    3 months starting from this September or preferably a longer lease
    period to as much as 5 years lease. Since we cleared the
    apartment for renovation on March, we have not been in New
    York due to business. I, my husband and my children have
    relocated to England, so we could give out the apartment for a
    long duration at $1,850 month rate. Our
    priority is taking a responsible, careful, understanding and
    reasonable tenant that will take good care of the property,
    since we will be away for most of the period.
    The rental agreement will contain issues like;
    rental payments
    duration of lease
    parking
    subletting
    damage to premises
    painting
    pets
    payment of utilities
    lockouts
    right of inspection
    deposit refunds
    terminating the lease
    We do not have time for games so we suggest that if you are not
    serious about the apartment, you try somewhere else. My time is
    very valuable and my husband is a very busy person but he will
    like to still speak with you over the telephone before any
    arrangement for you to inspect the apartment because we cannot
    just give attention to everyone that is interested in the
    apartment. My husband’s full names are Robert Kenneth Liebetreu,
    Tel: +44-704-575-4496. Call only if you are serious about taken
    the apartment and let us know how long you will like to have the
    apartment to help us make our decision. If satisfied, we can
    discuss on how to get the document and the keys of the house to
    you to inspect. In your response, tell us a little about
    yourself like your names, current address, your present
    occupation, marital status, if you like pets and why you want
    to take the apartment?
    As soon as we hear from you, we will contact you with more
    details.
    Regards,
    Jennifer Liebetreu and Robert Kenneth
    No. 3:
    It has come to my notice that you are interested in leasing one of my apartment on 140 Riverside Boulevard New York City, NY 10023, For sure you have got the necessary details of the apartment from the site you contacted. For the benefit of doubts I will go through it again.
    The Furnished one bedroom apartment available for lease on your move in date is on the 4th floor of the building unit 402. It comes with a living room, has one (1) Bedroom, one bed, one (1) Bathroom, one bath and toilet, 713sq. ft
    Facilities in The Apartment:
    *Washer and dryer are in the bathroom
    *Central Air Conditioning
    *Deck with furniture and gas grill
    *Cable TV,DVD/VCR
    *Wireless Internet Connectivity
    *Dishwasher, Microwave, Coffee pot, Toaster, Dishes, Pots and Pans, Blender- all in A well equipped Kitchen having the state of art cooking utensils and accessories, and
    *Iron/Board, Blankets, pillows and sheets are all in the bedroom
    * Pet Friendly Apartment
    Building Amenities and services include:
    1. 24-hour doorman & concierge
    2. Health Club
    3. Rooftop Sundeck
    4. Entertainment room
    5. Valet and housekeeping services available at an additional charge
    6. An Elevator
    7. Business Center
    8. Fitness Center
    9. Covered Parking for your car: an extra car attracts a $55 charge monthly
    10.Pool
    Living Room
    Dinning
    Bedroom
    Application For Rental
    To you my estimable client I have attached in this email a personal data form which you will fill and return to me via email to affirm your interest in the apartment.
    Haven gone through the details from the site, I will go straight to the pricing.
    Lease Options
    1. ONE MONTH PLAN: Pay one month rental fee and security deposit and get 0.0% discount.
    2. THREE MONTHS PLAN: Pay three months rental fee and security deposit and get 10.0% discount on rental fee.
    3. SIX MONTHS PLAN: Pay six months rental fee and security deposit and get 15.0% discount on rental fee.
    4. ONE YEAR LEASE PLAN: Pay six months rental fee and security deposit and get 20.0% discount on rental fee.
    5. A flexible Lease option can be arranged.
    Monthly Rental Fee: $1600(Utilities inclusive) and Security deposit of $1200
    Weekly Rental Fee: $460(Utilities inclusive) and Security deposit of $1200
    Daily Fee: $95(Utilities inclusive) and Security deposit of $1200
    Securing the Apartment:
    Payment can be made through the following means:
    1.A dedicated Bank Account for long term lease.
    2.Money Gram
    I have also attached pictures of the apartment in this email so you can have an idea of what the apartment looks like and also appreciate cleanliness of the apartment.
    Apartment Available
    It is in your best interest that you get back to me the response to the following questions highlighted above so that I can serve you better.
    Travis Roberts
    trobertsapt@aol.com
    Please take care if you receive such mails!!
    Regards,
    Manuel

    Reply
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    September 18, 2008

    just got this 2nd e-mail today in response to a rental i listed on craig’s list. sender uses the name Dr. Allen James.
    Thanks for your response and here is a brief introduction about my self;i am a Pharmacist by profession and I am currently working with the Woodstock Pharmacy, Woodstock,United Kingdom. I will be relocating to the united states of America for the next one year and during my stay i will be working for the United States Implants & orthopedic Agency on a private research work. I hereby reaffirm my interest about renting your home and will be willing to offer you one month rent for a start, plus the security deposit in order to secure the unit prior to our arrival to the united states.
    I have a financier based in U.S.A and he will be the one handling the rent deposit payment on our behalf,i will instruct him to send you a bank Check in payment for the rent as soon as you give me the go ahead to send payment to you. I’ll be coming with my wife Due to the limited time that we have before our arrival and in line with my work schedule ,we are making arrangements with a furniture company to supply the home with furnitures ,so we will need you to provide us with the accurate measurements of the living room and bedroom so that we can send it to the furniture company and they supply the unit with furniture that would fit in well… i would really appreciaite it if you could send me some pictures of the living room and the bed rooms.
    As regards the lease agreement form,you can have it forwarded to me for review.though i will have it filled and signed on our arrival to your place because am of the opinion that such vital document is best filled and signed physically. We can start the lease by 1st of September and it shall be for a period of 12 months. You can prepare the lease in my name and that of my wife(Dr.James & Cheryl James).
    Let me know how to move ahead as I intend to complete this deal before I move in a couple of days. I want all the arrangement to be solidified so I settle in comfortably when I arrive. I will let you know the exact date as soon as I get a booking on a flight to the states. I will look forward to your e mail with the required information.
    Here is my phone number +Tel: +44-774-008-2424 Thanks and sincere regards from me and my precious family. I await your urgent response.
    Dr.James.

    Reply
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    September 20, 2008

    Sept 20,2008. He is still doing the same scam on Craigs list. Using the name of Dr Allen & Cheryl James, Pharmacist for Woodstock Pharmacy, Woodstock United Kingdom. Gave phone # 01994801434 & 447824013797. Employed by United States Implants & Orthopedic Agency. Appreciate this post that gave me a heads up.

    Reply
  • Avatar
    October 17, 2008

    Always check the “First Last” AND “scam” on google to see who pops up. I’ve been contacted for rental scams from postings on craigslist and purchase scams from e-bay.
    If you do a “First Last” search alone, you can acually get people who are legitimate and it is misleading.
    Been there, done that…

    Reply
  • Avatar
    October 23, 2008

    I got contacted on Craig’s List too. The poor English and asking information that was already in the ad was a tip-off. I googled the phone # and got your site.
    Here’s the e-mail:
    Please let me know if this unit is still available for rent.
    > Provide me adequate information on your rent
    > procedures, and the current situation of
    > this house. Is this house furnished? I would prefer it
    > unfurnished as i intend placing order for my own kind
    > of furniture that will sooth my taste. Can you
    > send me a few pictures of the unit?.
    > Treat as urgent pls.44 70457 46081
    >
    > Cordial,
    >
    > Elias Shahem
    >
    I really like the “soothing” taste! 🙂

    Reply
  • Avatar
    October 26, 2008

    HERE IS A NEW VERSION OF THE SCAM:
    From: Roberts Tedrow [mailto:tedrobert03@yahoo.co.uk]
    Sent: Sunday, October 26, 2008 4:54 PM
    To: Housing
    Subject: details
    Thanks for the details on the Property, i am satisfied and will
    like to proceed with the renting process,
    i will like you to go ahead and reserve the property for me.
    So i will be needing the following informations so that the check
    for payment of the deposit of $5400 can be processed and posted to you soon.
    Name:………….
    Address:………….
    Phone number(cell and land):………….
    I want the 12 months lease to start on the 15th Nov 2008, i will also
    want to notify you that i have in the mean time arrange with an interior
    decorator who will be handling the purchase of furnitures,entertainment
    system and other appliances that i will need in the property,they will as
    well be in-charge of moving down my luggages down to the States.
    So the check of $9800 will be sent over to you which is a relocation grant
    by my employer, and all you need to do is deduct the deposit $5400 and you
    will forward the rest to the Decorators so i can have the place all
    prepared for my arrival. All applications and lease will be signed as soon as i arrive.
    Also for familiarization I Am Robert Tedrow,I am 32 yrs of age,a British
    citizen, married to a lovely lady, with a daughter (Family staying over
    in the UK ), I work with LINK INSURANCE GROUP (UK), as a loss adjuster
    agent,I am a Christian, reserved in Nature, Non smoker also i don’t keep pets.
    I look forward to meeting you and hope to have a good relationship as a
    tenant with you.
    I await the details.
    you can reach me at this number +447024099236
    Below is my present landlords information for reference :
    Anthony Scott
    17, TIVOLI GARDEN SE185PD
    UNITED KINGDOM
    You can also call my employer at the number below to verify employment.
    (Ivan Samuel +447024017745)
    Cheers
    — On Sun, 26/10/08, Housing wrote:
    From: Housing
    Subject: RE: $1800 / 4br – Great 4 Bedrm in 2 Family House Sec. 8 Welcome (xxxxx) (map)
    To: tedrobert03@yahoo.co.uk
    Date: Sunday, 26 October, 2008, 6:27 AM
    ________________________________________
    From: Robert Tedrow [mailto:tedrobert002@yahoo.co.uk]
    Sent: Saturday, October 25, 2008 11:52 PM
    To: Housing
    Subject: RE: $1800 / 4br – Great 4 Bedrm in 2 Family House Sec. 8 Welcome (XXXXXX) (map)
    With regards to the property i am inquiring about, i will like to get
    some more details about it,I am currently in the UK and i am Relocating over
    to the US to do a survey for my employer (LINK INSURANCE GROUP(UK)), as we are about to open an office in the state, so due to my non presence to
    inspect the Property,
    i will like you to give me the below detail
    Most of these details are in the listing:
    # I need full details including address of the property and pictures if
    available
    http://xxxxx.craigslist.org/gbs/abo/XXXXXXXXX (apts by owner)
    # Monthly rentals/security deposits
    It would be 1st, last and Security Deposit (=to the value of rent 3xs)
    # If utilities is added to monthly rent
    Utilities are not included
    # When the property would be available
    The property is available immediately
    # Mail me the total move in cost
    I do not know what this means….
    I awaits your response soon.
    Regards.

    Reply
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    October 31, 2008

    HERE HE IS AGAIN.
    Good day to you over there,i am Reverend Michael Williams by name,i
    saw this unit been advertised on craigslist.com and am much more
    interested in renting it,having read the details about it in the ad
    which really suites me.I will be signing a one year lease or more for
    the unit depending on how the area is condusive for my daughter and i,
    i will want to know the modalities for renting it and the actual price
    to pay per month ,i will be working with the Christian Centres in the
    city and will be living with my lovely daughter(Lowrie) whom is 12yrs
    old.I will be looking forward to hear from you as soon as possible as
    i will want to conclude the rental process before i arrive on the 15th
    of november.
    .
    Regards
    Rev Michael Williams of St Anne’s Anglican Church(Diocese of London).
    phone……..+447031966174(feel free to call me at anytime).

    Reply
  • Avatar
    October 31, 2008

    Now he is a Reverebd
    Good day to you over there,i am Reverend Michael Williams by name,i
    saw this unit been advertised on craigslist.com and am much more
    interested in renting it,having read the details about it in the ad
    which really suites me.I will be signing a one year lease or more for
    the unit depending on how the area is condusive for my daughter and i,
    i will want to know the modalities for renting it and the actual price
    to pay per month ,i will be working with the Christian Centres in the
    city and will be living with my lovely daughter(Lowrie) whom is 12yrs
    old.I will be looking forward to hear from you as soon as possible as
    i will want to conclude the rental process before i arrive on the 15th
    of november.
    .
    Regards
    Rev Michael Williams of St Anne’s Anglican Church(Diocese of London).
    phone……..+447031966174(feel free to call me at anytime).

    Reply
  • Avatar
    November 4, 2008

    Good day to you over there,i am Reverend Michael Williams by name,i saw this unit been advertised on craigslist.com and am much more interested in renting it,having read the details about it in the ad which really suites me.I will be signing a one year lease or more for the unit depending on how the area is condusive for my daughter and i, i will want to know the modalities for renting it and the actual price to pay per month ,i will be working with the Christian Centres in the city and will be living with my lovely daughter(Lowrie) whom is 12yrs old.I will be looking forward to hear from you as soon as possible as i will want to conclude the rental process before i arrive on the 15th of november.
    .
    Regards
    Rev Michael Williams of St Anne’s Anglican Church(Diocese of London).
    phone……..+447031966174(feel free to call me at anytime).

    Reply
  • Avatar
    December 2, 2008

    I have been in communication with this guy as well. He is now targeting Idaho. Seems like a huge waste of time now, but I think I want to play! I am waiting for his check, I will “deposit” it into my bank, have my bank verify it is not a good check, then when he requests that moneys be sent to the furniture company, continually let him know that I have done it. When it doesn’t go through, I will make sure “I send another one! I don’t know what happened!” I feel like having fun with this one since he is a scammer. Maybe a waste of time, but at least he might figure it out that we all know about him, I can waste his time as well, mess with him a bit, then see where it goes. THIS is going to be fun!

    Reply
  • Avatar
    December 12, 2008

    This is what I’ve recieved after I’ve posted an advertisement on craiglist.com
    Good day to you over there,i am Reverend Michael Williams by name,isaw this unit been advertised on craigslist.com and am much moreinterested in renting it,having read the details about it in the adwhich really suites me.I will be signing a one year lease or more forthe unit depending on how the area is condusive for my daughter and i,i will want to know the modalities for renting it and the actual priceto pay per month ,i will be working with the Christian Centres in thecity and will be living with my lovely daughter(Lowrie) whom is 12yrsold.I will be looking forward to hear from you as soon as possible asi will want to conclude the rental process before i arrive on the 15thof december.
    RegardsRev Michael Williams of St Anne’s Anglican Church(Diocese of London).phone……..+447031966174(feel free to call me at anytime).

    Reply
  • Avatar
    December 13, 2008

    Same thing happened these are the several I had today.
    One:
    Micheal Jones [drmichealjones@googlemail.com]
    I saw your apartment advertised on Criagslist.com and am interested in
    renting it. I will be signing a one year lease for it and want to know the
    requirements for renting it. i.e Monthly Fees: Security Deposit
    Electricity/Utility Bills I will be doing a one year research on pharmacy
    work while in the states and will be staying with my wife and daughter .I
    will appreciate it if i hear from you in time as i will want to conclude the
    rental process before the 5th of January Thank you.
    Dr Micheal Jones PhD.
    (Chemist) Christie Hospital
    NHS Trust Winslow Road,
    Worthington, Manchester
    M20 4BX United Kingdom
    +447024031289
    email…drmichealjones@gmail.com
    Two:
    Hello ,
    Thanks for your response and here is a brief introduction about my self;i am a Pharmacist by profession and I am currently working with the Woodstock Pharmacy, Woodstock,United Kingdom. I will be relocating to the united states of America for the next one year and during my stay i will be working for the United States Implants & orthopedic Agency on a private research work. I hereby reaffirm my interest about renting your home and will be willing to offer you one month rent for a start, plus the security deposit in order to secure the unit prior to our arrival to the united states. I have a financier based in U.S.A and he will be the one handling the rent deposit payment on our behalf,i will instruct him to send you a bank Check in payment for the rent as soon as you give me the go ahead to send payment to you. I’ll be coming with my wife and daughter Due to the limited time that we have before our arrival and in line with my work schedule ,we are making arrangements with a furniture company to supply the home with furnitures ,so we will need you to provide us with the accurate measurements of the living room and bedroom so that we can send it to the furniture company and they supply the unit with furniture that would fit in well… i would really appreciate it if you could send me some pictures of the living room and the bed rooms.As regards the lease agreement form,you can have it forwarded to me for review.though i will have it filled and signed on our arrival to your place because i am of the opinion that such vital document is best filled and signed physically. We can start the lease by 5th of January and it shall be for a period of 12 months. You can prepare the lease in my name and that of my wife (Dr.Jones & Susan Jones. Let me know how to move ahead as I intend to complete this deal before I move in a couple of days. I want all the arrangement to be solidified so I settle in comfortably when I arrive. I will let you know the exact date as soon as I get a booking on a flight to the states.I will look forward to your e mail with the required information.Here is my phone number +447024031289
    Thanks and sincere regards from me and my precious family. I await your urgent response.
    Dr.Jones
    Three:
    Engr. Mike Ball [mightymike7000@googlemail.com]
    Hello,
    I really appreciate your timely response.I want you to know that am very much serious about renting the house and very much willing to offer two month rent plus the security deposit in order to secure this unit prior to my arrival. You can send me the lease application, to enable me to review it ahead of time
    I will be in the states for the next one year and during my stay I will be working with the Culligan International Corp on a private engineering work.I will be working with Mark Seals, the Chief Executive Officer you can contact him on 832-615-1294.
    I have a financier that is based in the States and he will be handling the rent deposit payment on my behalf, I will instruct him to send you a Certified Check to secure the house as soon as you give me the go ahead to make out payment to you.Due to the limited time that we have before our arrival,we are making arrangements with a furniture company to supply the home with furnitures,so we will need you to provide us with the measurements of the living room and bedroom so that we can send it to the furniture company so that they can supply the unit with furniture that will fit in well. Also send me a picture viewing the living room and the bed rooms
    As regards the lease agreement, I want you to send it to me for my review. I will eventually have it filled and signed on my arrival in your place as I am of the opinion that such documents are best filled and signed physically. We can start the lease by January 1st and I will be doing a one year lease. You can prepare the lease in my name.
    Let me know how to move ahead as I intend to complete this deal before I move in a couple of weeks. I want all the arrangements to be solidified so I settle in comfortably when I arrive. I will let you know the exact date as soon as I get a booking on a flight to the states.
    Looking forward to your e- mail with the required information.
    Thanks and sincere regards from me and my precious family. I await your urgent response.
    Mike Ball
    +447024058482
    Four:
    Hello,
    My name is Mike Ball. I am an industrial engineer presently working for A Managerial and Engineering Company (AMEC) in the United Kingdom.I came across your advert for an apartment you want to rent on craigslist.com. I will be doing a one year lease for it and i want to know the necessary requirements for renting it.
    Kindly let me know what the Monthly Fees, Security deposit and the Electricity/Utility bills are.The reason am enquiring about the house is because i will be doing a one year engineering project while in the state and i need a place to stay.
    I will be coming with my wife and 7year old son and no pet.I will appreciate it if i hear from you in time as i will want to conclude the rental process as soon as possible.
    Thanks

    Reply
  • Avatar
    December 16, 2008

    The lower case letters and calling himself a reverend raised my suspicians. Here is what was sent for my listing and the email.
    mwells600@gmail.com
    Good day to you over there,i am Reverend Michael Williams by name,i
    saw this unit been advertised on craigslist.com and am much more
    interested in renting it,having read the details about it in the ad
    which really suites me.I will be signing a one year lease or more for
    the unit depending on how the area is condusive for my daughter and i,
    i will want to know the modalities for renting it and the actual price
    to pay per month ,i will be working with the Christian Centres in the
    city and will be living with my lovely daughter(Lowrie) whom is 12yrs
    old.I will be looking forward to hear from you as soon as possible as
    i will want to conclude the rental process before i arrive on the 2nd of January.
    Regards
    Rev Michael Williams of St Anne’s Anglican Church(Diocese of London).
    phone……..+447031966174(feel free to call me at anytime).

    Reply
  • Avatar
    December 18, 2008

    Now he’s an engineer (Scott Waltman) and wife Jennifer. Almost the same identical letter as used above. I could tell this was some sort of a scam and thanks for having this post to verify.

    Reply
  • Avatar
    January 4, 2009

    This scam is still running not only did I get an email from drchris1984@gmail.com but another one from rayterry115@gmail.com
    Hello,
    Thanks for getting back to me, I really interested in the unit wishing to offer two month rent with a security deposit in order to retain this unit prior to our arrival into the state.Could you be kind enough to let me have the idea of utilities cost pay in the unit? as i will need to have its to myself.
    Do you lease agreement form in which i can review it ahead of time, which i would eventually have it signed physically when i arrive in the state. In my opinion, appending signatories should be done properly and dated in the best physically.Please, can i have the picture of the living room and bedrooms, due to international situation which can make me to know how its look like..
    With this arrangement, my financier in the states will be effecting for your deposit payment to you. I believe we can work together and ensure every arrangements that can work out truely. In view of my work schedule, i would like us to conclude every arrangements as soon as possible.
    I will arrive the united state by the Middle of January with my wife and a 12yrs old son. If you have any further question to ask you can e-mail me for a quick reply
    Thanks
    Engr.Terry
    +447031833187

    Reply
  • Avatar
    January 18, 2009

    I received a similiar inquiry. The scammer used the same name, but presented himself in a different profession. I found this blog when doing a name search. Thank you for helping me avoid becoming the next victim. Here’s the text of the scammer’s contact:
    Good day to you over there,i am Reverend Michael Williams by name,i saw this unit been advertised on craigslist.com and am much more interested in renting it,having read the details about it in the ad which really suites me.I will be signing a one year lease or more for the unit depending on how the area is condusive for my daughter and i,i will want to know the modalities for renting it and the actual priceto pay per month ,i will be working with the Christian Centres in the city and will be living with my lovely daughter(Lowrie) whom is 12yrs old.I will be looking forward to hear from you as soon as possible as
    i will want to conclude the rental process before i arrive on the 1st of February.
    Regards
    Rev Michael Williams of St Anne’s Anglican Church(Diocese of London).
    phone……..+447031966174(feel free to call me at anytime).

    Reply
  • Avatar
    January 19, 2009

    The scam is the same, the name and email are newer:
    Dr. Zoran Cojbasic
    44 70457 46081
    CEO of Euro Club 22 Ltd
    cojbasic26@gmail.com
    Owner beware…do not give out any info…

    Reply
  • Avatar
    January 25, 2009

    Subject: details
    from lary brown
    Thanks for the details on the Property, i am satisfied and will
    like to proceed with the renting process,
    i will like you to go ahead and reserve the property for me.
    So i will be needing the following information so that the check
    for payment of the deposit of $2190 can be processed and posted to you
    soon.
    Name:…………
    Address:………….
    Phone number(cell and land):…………
    I want the 12 months lease to start on the 15th Feb 2009, i will also
    want to notify you that i have in the mean time arrange with an interior
    decorator who will be handling the purchase of furnitures,entertainment
    system and other appliances that i will need in the property,they will as
    well be in-charge of moving down my luggage down to the States.
    So the check of $6800 will be sent over to you which is a relocation grant
    by my employer, and all you need to do is deduct the deposit $2190 and you
    will forward the rest to the Decorators so i can have the place all
    prepared for my arrival. All applications and lease will be signed as soon
    as i arrive.
    Also for familiarization I Am Larry Brown,I am 32 yrs of age,a British
    citizen, married to a lovely lady, with a daughter (Family staying over
    in the UK ), I work with LINK INSURANCE GROUP (UK), as a loss adjuster
    agent,I am a Christian, reserved in Nature, Non smoker also i don’t keep
    pets.
    I look forward to meeting you and hope to have a good relationship as a
    tenant with you.
    I await the details.
    you can reach me at this number +447024099236
    Below is my present landlords information for reference :
    Anthony Scott
    65 Oak Hill,Woodford Green IG89NY
    UNITED KINGDOM
    You can also call my employer at the number below to verify employment.
    (Ivan Samuel +447024017745)
    Cheers

    Reply
  • Avatar
    February 19, 2009

    I just found this and thought it might be useful for those who have lost $$$$$
    http://www.fraudwatchinternational.com/ife/where-to-report-internet-fraud/

    Reply
  • Avatar
    February 19, 2009

    Looked unusual since he referred to CL.net instead of “.org”, so I googled the email address and found your blog. Thank you for saving my mom (and me) a big headache. I just put the ad up around a hour ago. I also got another one that has a scam alert referring to a variation on the email name right on craigslist. This is apparently a variation on an email name reported as a scam artist.
    I found this link:
    http://spokane.craigslist.org/roo/1015937708.html
    where the person states that:
    Email is from a person trying to get people to accept Money orders and fake Bank checks.I pasted that email below as well. I forwarded to abuse@aol.com since it was an AOL account.
    Michael williams Thu, Feb 19, 2009 at 12:05 AM
    To: hous-1040710616@craigslist.org

    Good day to you over there,i am Reverend Michael Williams by name,i saw this unit been advertised on craigslist.com and am much more interested in renting it,having read the details about it in the ad which really suites me.I will be signing a one year lease or more for the unit depending on how the area is conducive for my daughter and i,i will want to know the modalities for renting it and the actual price to pay per month ,i will be working with the Christian Centers in the city and will be living with my lovely daughter(Lowrie) whom is 12yrs old.I will be looking forward to hear from you as soon as possible as
    i will want to conclude the rental process before i arrive on the 1st of March.
    Regards
    Rev Michael Williams of St Anne’s Anglican Church(Diocese of London).
    phone……..+447031966174(feel free to call me at anytime).
    anjajamesjames@aol.com Wed, Feb 18, 2009 at 10:43 PM
    To: hous-1040714553@craigslist.org
    Hello
    Hope you are doing good today…..My name is Anja James, i am 26 years old .,i read through your posting on craigslist, i am interested in taking the room, what are the requirements in renting the place I will be waiting for your email ,I want you to know that i really need the room now and i am serious about paying rent ,when emailing me please tell me more about the place and more pics if you have them …I am open to any type of lease..
    Kind Regards
    Thanks

    Reply
  • Avatar
    July 28, 2009

    I got the same stupid thiong for my vacant unit,, he itroduced himself as Doctor Eamon Cox a pharmacist , work with woodstock pharmacy and as a refrence brought Honeywell International UK the chairman David M. Cote , i had my friend check the whole thing out,, all B.s

    Reply
  • Avatar
    August 5, 2009

    Do NOT answer to any craigslist ads with the reply email swaltman001@gmail.com
    Those ads are SCAMS.

    Reply
  • Avatar
    August 5, 2009

    By the way, if anyone investigating this case is reading it, “Scott” sent me a cashier’s check. Luckily, I made a copy of it. Anyone the same?

    Reply
  • Avatar
    August 6, 2009

    My parents received the same type of letter but theirs was sent by a “Dr Eddie Graver.” I am so glad that I researched this bizarre email… I am forwarding it to the Attorney General. Hopefully someone can stop this moron before he gets someone elses money. I got some advice from another site… have them fill out a rediculous amount of paperwork and provide US references, etc… you know, make them fustrated… keep them going but don’t EVER send them anything, DRIVE THEM CRAZY, like they have done to us. What has this world come to???

    Reply
  • Avatar
    March 24, 2010

    To change the topic a bit…btw…I have received my share of rentals also..so obviously fake.
    What about scams for posting something for sale on craigslist. I posted a saddle for $500 for sale. A girl in Oregon? wanted to purchase it and sent me a check for $3,000 for the saddle. The check was from Ross Dept. Store. I wrote back and told her I would tear it up and call the police. She wrote me back and said aww…please my sister just cashed one…nothing is safe anymore and it has sure taken the fun out of the good transactions I had in the past.

    Reply

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