Rental Scams

Haha, I am so glad to find your blog. I've got the exactly same e-mail from the guy, Andy Coleman, claiming that he has a flat to rent in London. I thought something was wrong too but wasn't 100% sure if it was a scam before reading your blog. God, there really exists people like him. If you are interested, I've got another mail from Andy's wife Mary and I can show you how ridiculous they are (well, most probably it's done by one person, to be honest). Cheers. Regina

By all means, post it here. If it's a form letter, it might help other people spot the scam ;-)

It's odd how they keep using the same names over and over.

So how does this work? He's not asking for credit card information. Does he ask you to send him the rent and then he promises to give you the keys? I'm not doubting that it's a scam, just wondering about the logistics.

I heard an example of this on the CBC a few weeks ago. Basically, the user claims that the apartment is sitting empty and you just need to send them the first month's rent by Western Union and they'll send you the keys.

hahahahahaha its hitting new zealand too! I've got the exact same e-mail, but with Mr Mark and Ms. Mary Hills, who's on a " crusade" in United Kingdom, and somehow he's in West Africa! and she's deaf and paralysed!!!!

btw dude, Thnk u so much!! It just sounded too good to be true so I thought I'll google the name to check it out and voila!!

Daniel:

I found an ad like this on Regina's Craigslist. I didn't think was entirely fraudulant since the rents here can be pretty cheap. A lot of people here often sublet their places when they travel or work out of town, anyhow.

So, I replied, and got this message. It may be in someone's best interest to bring this up to the people who run that building (it's a Boardwalk property, I believe) and let them know what's going on.

-Diz

Now, the response:

Hello,

I am so much excited. My name is Pastor Mark Robert the owner of the apartment and also want you to know that it was due to my transfer that makes me and my wife and little daughter to leave the apartment and also want to give it out for rent and looking for a responsible person that can take very good care of it while we are not at the state as we are not after the money for the rent but want it to be clean at the time and the person that will rent it to take it as if it were its own. So for now, we are here in West Africa, our new house and put all my worries off concerning the maintenance of the apartment for, since i am not residing there for now. I left behind some Facilities and electronics which include the rent, DVD player, air conditioning, alarm system. The kitchen is fully equipped with all necessary cooking utensils, refrigerator-freezer, four-hob and oven, microwave, dishwasher and washing machine, my computer connected with Internet access also the keys and document of the apartment are right here with us in West Africa, and the lease document. Which i can send to you after all necessary agreement has been accepted. Also i will like you to know that the rent charges is not really the issue, hope you are okay with the price of $600 per month including utilities like water, gas, heat laundry facilities, air condition and so on, but your absolute maintenance of my apartment is most important thing, if you are really interested in renting this apartment get back to me so that i can forward you an application form for you to fill so that i can start all necessary arrangement asap.

THE ADDRESS OF THE APARTMENT:27 Kleisinger Crescent Regina,Saskatchewan , S4R 6Z4.

***** RENT APPLICATION FORM******
(PRIVATE & CONFIDENTIAL)

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

MORE DETAILS

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

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


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

One Mr Jeff Smith called me about the apartment,I told him that I can't give him the apartment because he loves smoking,drinking and don't want him to get drunked and damaged my property one day so If you are still interested, No extra fees.I will like you to give me a call on this effect to know how serious you are. I personally will actually come visiting you sometimes during the year as our new tenant.Looking forward to hear from you with all this details so that i can have it in my file in case of issuing the receipt for you and contacting you. Await your urgent reply so that we can discuss on how to get the document and the keys of the house to you. My Number is +2348084691693.. I personally will actually come visiting you sometimes during the year as my new tenant. Looking forward to hear from you with all this details so that i can have it in my file in case of issuing the receipt for you and contacting you. Await your urgent reply so that we can discuss on how to get the document and the keys of the house to you.

I wait to Read back from you
Pastor Mark Robert

Oh, and another point: the apartment he's advertising is apparently two floors, but the website for the building(http://www.bwalk.com/Rental/infosheetA.asp?projectno=214&lng=#floor) suggests it's a one floor. Bad research on their behalf!

11/2/09 update: The scammer is now using the name "Alan and Mary Johnson" and is offering a nice apartment in Santa Monica, CA for only $500/mo. (The Craig's List post is in L.A. Posting ID: 144623684.) "Alan" is now on a crusade in West Africa while his poor wife "Mary" is in a wheelchair after an accident that affected her hearing and legs (perhaps her ear bones are connected to her heal bones).

Everything else - including the phone number - is the same. ("Alan" is not very imaginative, is he?) The Craig's List posting has been flagged.

This is recent, like today 11/18/2009. I am so glad to find this website, be careful!

Good hearing from you that you are promising us that our apartment will be well taken care off , and I really appreciate your expression. I am after the good care of my apartment, I am willing to rent the apartment to you for as long as you want.We are willing to rent for as long as you are willing to stay. The rent includes all tax & bills included. I had an accident which affected my hearing and my legs , I am currently on a wheel chair right now, I do not use a phone that's why I am always online, you can reach my husband on +2348084691693 OR 0112348084691693.if you are interested, you can fill out the rent application below and get back to me as soon as possible                                                                                                                                                                                                *******RENT APPLICATION FORM*******                                              (Private & Confidential)Also, Please let me get these answers.1) Your Full Name2) Present Full Address3) Phone Number4) Are you married?5) How many people will be living in the house?6) Do you have a pet?7) Do you have a car?8) Age9) Occupation?10) Citizen of which Country?11) When are you ready to Move in ?12) When are u planning to leave the apartment ?13)  How many months rent can you deposit upfront14)Occupant picture Looking forward to hear from you with all this details for approval so that I can have it in my file in case of issuing the receipt in your name and contacting you .Await your urgent reply so that we can discuss on how to get the documents and the keys to you, Please we are giving you all this transaction is based on Trust & Honesty and again I want you to stick to your words, We are putting everything into Gods hand, so please do not let us down in this property of ours and God bless you more as you do this. Thanks so much and have a nice day.Mary

Thanks for your response once again, I really appreciate your expression. We don't have any friend or relative to show you inside the apartment because I'm with the keys and documents.I want you to stick to your words. I want you to fill out the questions below, you must answer those questions to qualify for the rental of our apartment. In fact my husband would like to meet you when coming to visit you soonest. We would offer a long term and short term rental anytime you wish to leave the apartment will be grateful and we are ready to rent for as long as you want. Note that you will not be allowed to view inside the apartment until everything is being finalize as the keys/document are with me in Texas USA.You can only view the apartment from the outside.APT #3

********RENT APPLICATION FORM********
(Private & Confidential)

Also, Please let me get these answers.

1) Your Full Name
2) Present Full Address (where you reside now) & Phone Number to Reach You
3) Age
4) Are you married?
5) How many people will be living in the apartment?
6) Do you have a pet?
7) Do you have a car?
8) Occupation?
9) Citizen of which Country?
10) When are you ready to Move in ?
11) When are u planning to leave the apartment ?
12) How many months rent can you deposit upfront (plus security
deposit.

Looking forward to read from you with all this details for approval so that we can have it in our file in case of issuing the receipt in your name and contacting you .Await your urgent reply so that we can discuss on how to get the documents and the keys to you, Please we're doing this transaction based on Trust & Honesty and again I want you to stick to your words,we're putting everything into Gods hand, so please do not let us down in this property of ours.

N:B : We're doing this because of God & as good Christians, If you can pay two months, you will get one month free.I had an accident which affected my hearing and my legs , I am currently on a wheel chair right now, I do not use a phone that's why I am always online, if you are interested, you can fill out the rent application above and get back to me as soon as possible. You can call my husband on +2348084691693

Note:- We're looking for someone who is ready to move in as soon as possible since our apartment is free right now and we will be giving out a month free.God bless you as you do this.

Regards
Mary Johnson

I got this reply 2 days ago...thought i will just post it here =]

Thanks for the email I Rev George Lawrence and my husband Dr Michelle Lawrence own the Property available for rent and also want you to know that it was due to my transfer that makes me and my wife to leave the house and also want to give it out for rent and looking for a responsible person that can take very good care of it as we are not after the money for the rent but want it to be clean at the time and the person that will rent it to take it as if it were its own. So for now, We are here in west Africa, our new house and also with the keys of the our home, we try to look for an agent that we can give this documents before we left but could not see and we are as well as don't want our home to be misused in our absence that is why we took it along with us. I and my wife are volunteer with World Mental Health to improve the lives of people with mental illness by providing practical and pragmatic help such as housing, jobs, community. So I hope you will promise us to take very good care of our home. So get back to me on how you could take care of our house or perhaps experience you have in renting home. Hope you are okay with the monthly rent which also includes the utilities with heat laundry facilities, air condition. I will like that you call me later ok and fill the rental application below.

RENTAL APPLICATION

Name tenant:
Desired date of occupancy:

Desired length of occupancy:

Desired No: Of occupants:
Smoker:
Pets:
PRESENT ADDRESS
City:

State:

How long:
Home Phone No.

Cell Phone No:

Current rent payment:

Reason for moving:

Employer:
Address:

City:

State:
Position:

If a student:
Name of the School:

Personal References:

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

Thanks and God Bless
cell phone #:0112347041165887
Rev George Lawrence

N:B(You can only view the outside of our home at this time because the property is locked and also once you have been approved and all necessary steps has been taking the keys and documents will be FedEx to you.)

THE LETTER SURE LOOKS FAMILIAR! I WAS LOOKING FOR A HOUSE TO RENT IN EL PASO TX AND WENT ON CRAIGS LIST. I REPLIED TO THE EMAIL AND STATED I WAS INTERESTED. I THEN RECEIVED THIS EMAIL IN FORM OF A LETTER. SOME BITS AND PIECES OF THE EMAIL STRUCK ME AS ODD. FOR EXAMPLE THE FACT THAT THEY ARE OUT OF COUNTRY IN NIGERIA BUT WOULD LIKE TO RENT IT FROM AFAR. I ALSO GOOGLED THE PHONE THEY GAVE ME AND IT TOOK ME TO YOUR SITE. I ALMOST FELL FOR IT IF NOT FOR THE FACT THAT THEY STATED THAT THEY HADNT GIVEN THE HOUSE TO ANY REALTY OR RENTAL AGENCY, WHEN INFACT THE HOUSE HAD ALREADY BEEN POSTED SEVERAL MONTHS PRIOR!!!

Hello

Thanks for your response regarding your interest in having my house for rent.The house is much available for now ..I want you to know that i am the owner of this building.But i am now presently in West Africa for my Hospitals Project prayer crusade with my wife and we have the keys right here with us.I will like to inform you that it was due to my transfer that makes us to leave the house and also want to give it out for rent and looking for a responsible person that can take very good care of it as we are not after the money for the rent but want it to be clean at the time and the person that will rent it to take it as if it were its own..So for now,We are here in West Africa,NIGERIA our new house and also with the keys of the house,we are trying to look for an agent that we can give this document before we left but could not see and we are as well as don't want our house to be used any how in our absent that is why we took it along with us here..We are only willing to give the house out to a lovely and caring family only, so if you know you cannot give the house the neatness it deserves please don't contact me.But if you promise to always take good care of the house,get back to me on how you could take care of our house or perhaps experience you have in renting a home.Hope you are okay with the Deposit price of $800 with hydro,heat laundry facilities,air-condition Etc.I am looking forward to hear from you ASAP, Our house number is+234-808-469-1693 OR 011-234-808-469-1693, below is the application form for you to fill and discuss on how to get the house for rent..

Kindly confirm your interest by filling the form below:

TENANT RENT APPLICATION

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

House Address

Address of the house: 809 Phil Hansen El Paso, TX 79835

No Smoking inside

Rent:$800 Deposit:$800

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

Regards...
KEVIN J & VANESSA RIESE

Crystal Cardenas
is trying the same trick with apartments in L.A. ... all in the name of God.
They should go to hell better..