←

→

SCAM Exposed

February 17th, 2012 | Buying and Selling tips

What a day I woke up to.  I got quite a few inquiries on one of our properties today.  Problem is, all of this activity surrounded the scam that someone was running on craigslist.  This scam has been around for a while nationally, but it home with us locally at Perry Wellington Realty today.  Turns out someone was posting a rental house on craigslist that seemed like a great deal.  Once contacted, the ‘owner’ gave out the property information for one of our listings in Johnstown.  The prospective renters were blown away with the awesome deal – $600 a month rent for a 4 bedroom 3 bath house.
Right, too good to be true.  This house was not for rent by the owner.  The owner is

trying to sell it.  Some scammer hijacked his information and used it to bait renters into sending the ‘owner’ money.
You can read the full transcript below from just one of the many people we talked to today.  I took out all of the identifiable information to protect their identity.
We also talked to the media to get the word out.
And the police.
So if it looks like a deal that is too good to be true………
From: xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
To: ”cdbkz-2852933657@hous.craigslist.org” <cdbkz-2852933657@hous.craigslist.org>
Sent: Wednesday, February 15, 2012 5:24 PM
Subject: Re: 3Bath Single-Family Home – $600 / 4br
** CRAIGSLIST ADVISORY — AVOID SCAMS BY DEALING LOCALLY
** Avoid: wiring money, cross-border deals, work-at-home
** Beware: cashier checks, money orders, escrow, shipping
** More Info: http://www.craigslist.org/about/scams

Hello,
I’m interested in the listing you have for the single family home! Please contact me for additional information via email (this one is fine) or by phone 814-111-1111
Thank you!
Axxxxxxx
Axxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Sent from my iPhone

—–Original Message—–
From: Tomi Hamilton <namechangedforthisarticle@yahoo.com>
To: xxxxxxxxx
Sent: Fri, Feb 17, 2012 5:07 am
Subject: Re: 3Bath Single-Family Home – $600 / 4br

I’m the owner of the house you are interested in,located at Johnstown 4 bedroom 3 bathroom.I’m presently in Machester due to job transfer.I went there with all my family.I decided to look for a responsible and caring person to maintain and take proper care of my house as I do.Right now i don’t have a local rep due to limited time so if you are interested in renting property and willing to work with me despite my absence then i would email the necessary papers for the lease to you, for necessary endorsement.Please I want you to know that I am a kind and honest person also I spent a lot of time on my properties so I want you to treat it as your own.

Rent $600/month utilities included and security deposit $600(Security deposit Refundable)the money involved does not matters to me,but I want you to keep it tidy all the time so that I will be glad to see it neat when I come for a check up.

The House is located at 398 Hostetler Road, Johnstown PA

Firstly, I will like you to go and take a look at the Neighborhood and exterior part of the house because you will not be able to go inside to see the interior, hence I have all the keys with me.I will be willing to send you pictures of the interiors if you demand for it.Here is a rent application form which I will like you to fill and send back to me.Which will be used to process all documents that will be coming together with the keys leading to the house and this will come to you through courier service.
1. Last Name
2. First Name
3. Age
4. Telephone Number
5. Current Address
6. Are you married
7. How many people will be living in the house
8.when do u intend to move in
9. Do you have a car
10. Occupation
11. Do you have a pet
12. Reference.
I Await your response so that we can discuss on how to get the document and the keys to you.My cell phone number is +447024035070

This message was remailed to you via: cdbkz-2852933657@hous.craigslist.org
If this email is a scam or spam please flag it now:
http://www.craigslist.org/flag/20120216012445VFZJAj1Y4RGrJde8TriJjA

From: xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Date: February 17, 2012 3:21:03 PM EST
To: xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: Re: 3Bath Single-Family Home – $600 / 4br
Reply-To: xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
I appreciate the Rental Application Form u filled. I am writing with happiness to let you know that we have decided to let you rent our house. As we have found your application very satisfactory and acceptable.I would give u consideration over other prospective tenants applying.However,for the fact that you are been considered the most eligible,does not guarantee your interest,because there are other prospective tenants,i would have to put on hold,depending your confirmation of seriousness.which is meeting with the financial aspect of the transaction.We will be receiving the security deposit and first month rent payment from you via Western Union.After making the payment i will send u the document of the house and key then u can move in at your own convenience.Let me known when u are ready to send the money, so that i can send u the payment information.

From: xxxxxxxx
To: xxxxxxxxxx
Sent: Friday, February 17, 2012 7:42 AM
Subject: Re: 3Bath Single-Family Home – $600 / 4br

Good Morning!
I received your email bright and early this morning and i am very interested.  Right now I have a close friend who lives with me in a home that we also rent.  We are looking for somewhere closer to where we work which happens to be right in the area where your house is located.  I did search the house on google and it looks absolutley GORGEOUS!! I can tell you right off the bat that I CLEAN LIKE CRAZY.  I do have a pet, she is a short haired Lab, but she is crate trained and if you were to walk into the house im currently renting you would never even know that i own an animal.  I did see that the property was listed for sale and was interested in how that would work.  The questions I have are as follows; how long would the lease be signed for? What utilities are included? How would the payments be paid because you are not in town? Will you be showing the house while we are renting? will you contact us if and when the house will be looked at or does sell?  How long would we have to prepare to look for another place of residence?
To answer some of your questions:
Last Name: xxxxxx
First Name: xxxxx
Age: xx
Telephone Number: 814-111-1111
Current Address:xxxxxxxx, Johnstown PA 15905
Marital Status: Single
It will be me and 1 other person, we both have full time, 40 hour a week jobs, plus my roommate waitresses on top of that
We both have cars
We both work for xxxxxx
I have one Pet, she is 2 years old, Crate Trained, House broken, VERY loving and non-destructive
Reference: Mxxxxxx – neighbor and long term friend – she knows how i live and how neat and tidy i keep everything
I would love to be able to speak with you further on the telephone about this property, we would like to get the specifics first and then move in within the next month if possible.  I have already spoken with my friend and she also was very thrilled about getting further details on the home.  I work xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx. My cell phone number is the number i have provided above and you can reach me whenever is convenient for you. I am very excited and look forward to hearing back from you!
Thank you so much!
Axxxxx