Rental House Scam from David Edward Aliased Scammer

From a reader:

I came across this scammer while helping a friend find an apartment in California. Clearly, the house has been put up for sale by its real owner, and the scammer claims that he decided not to sell after all and to "disregard" the "For Sale" sign. The email is very well written, and it may fool somebody out there, which is why I'm sending this to you to post on your site.

FYI: I read about guys like these in the OC newspaper... These are scammers trying to rip renters off!! You can read the article for yourself: http://www.ocregister.com/articles/rent-352608-property-deposit.html

I did a search for "Serving in Mission" on Google because I was curious about the guy's link. SIM is a legitimate website for a Christian missionary non-profit. It's shameful that scammers would misuse these websites for their greedy, evil purposes.

Just remember, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

From scammer:

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: DAVID EDWARD <davidedward483@yahoo.com>
Date: Wed, May 23, 2012 at 6:55 PM
Subject: Regarding 3-bdrm house
Hello
Thanks for your interest and inquiries about my house.the house is still available for rent and we are looking for a responsible person/family to occupy and maintain the house now that we are not around. Myself and Wife just traveled to West Africa for a program called SERVING IN MISSION (SIM), you can view the link for more info: http://www.sim.org/index.php/content/our-purpose . We will be away for 2 to 3 years or more that is why I have made up my mind to put up my house for rent to whom ever that will take good care of it. However, my initial plan was to sell the house but it was not successful because the Realtor raised the price which made it difficult for me to sell before leaving the States so never mind if you see the for sale sign in front of the house, It has already been taken off the market as for sale so there is no need to contact any Realtor.Also how long do you intend to stay? How soon do you intend to move in?

FEATURES : Laundry, Electric Range, Electric Heat, Master Bedroom, Playground, Car Park.
AMENITIES: Air Conditioning, Patio/Party Deck, Cable TV, Ceiling Fans, 24 hours Internet service, Dishwasher, Fireplace, Garbage Disposal, Microwave, security alarm, Pets Friendly, Refrigerator, Washer / Dryer.section 8 is considered.

DETAILS ABOUT THE HOUSE
Number of bedrooms: 3
Rental price: $900 per month and security Deposit is $300(Security Deposit is Refundable) Utilities included in monthly rent
Pets are Welcome.
Below is the address to the house:

So let me know if you are still interested so that i can forward you the Rental Questionnaire to fill out...

Phillips Scott Needs Triplet Stroller. Really?

From: Philips Scott <philip.ry004@gmail.com>
Sent: Wednesday, May 23, 2012 10:01 PM
Subject: Triplet Stroller

Hello ,
How are u doing today, i really appreciate your response and the information and am glad to have this purchase from you and thanks for the information once again,I just contact my secretary now and she told me that your payment has been been mailed first thing in the morning after i gave her you information to issue out the check to so, I will need you to hold the package on my behalf till the payment arrives,Moreover my secretary made mistake to issue the check with shipping fund and will like to inform you that the check sent comes in excess (extra) funds ... this extra fund in it will be for the Shipper.... who will be picking the item up... which implies that as soon you get the check and cash it..You will be deducting extra $100 for your own running around and the rest funds will be sent via Western Union to my Shipper. I will send the Shipper information to you a soon as the payment deliver to you, hope to hear back from you now so that i will continue with the transaction.........Regards.

"James Chavez" May Be Alias for Scammer

What do you think? Scam or legitimate?

Dear Sir / Ma ,

Thank you so much for getting back to me about the Apt , sorry i found one , i needed the Apt for my daughter but i found one , i live alone in my house with her but i will be traveling next week for business and i would not want only her to be in the house , thats why i needed an Apt for her to share with people so she wont be alone in the house , dont know if you might be interested in this job , I need someone who can help me with these for fews months before i get back, I am looking for someone who can handle my personal and business errands at his/her spare time,if possible , Someone who can offer me these services: Mail services: Receive my mails and drop them off at UPS(nothing illegal)Shop for Gifts Bill payment ( pay my bills on my behalf)Sit for delivery( at your home) or pick items up at nearby post office at your convenience. Let me know if you will be able to offer me any/all of these services. Where are you located?

I will prepay you in advance to do my shopping. I will also have my mails and packages forwarded to your address. If you will be unable to stay at your house to get my mails, I can have it shipped to a post office near you and then you can pick it up at your convenience. When you get my mails/packages; you are required to mail them to where I want them mailed to. You don't have to put money out of your pocket, all you have to do is have packages shipped to your house and do my shopping. You are allowed to open the packages to reveal its content. The content of the packages are computer and electronics, clothings business and personal letters.. All expenses and taxes will be covered by me.
How much will you charge per week? I will pay $300.00. That is not a bad offer is it? I need someone because I will be out of town.I will return to USA on the 24th of August so this process will be on going till then. If you don't mind, let me know if you are able to handle the position.

Hope to hear from you I will email you the list and pictures of what to shop for when I am ready. No heavy packages is involved You can do the shopping at any nearest stores. You will be shopping for Electronics and clothing's.. I will provide you my personal UPS account number for Shipping. All you have to do is provide my account number to UPS and shipping charges will be applied into the account. I will provide clear set of instructions for each task I need done as well the funds to cover them. If I were to mail you money to do my shopping plus upfront payment for your service, where would you want it mailed to? How should your name appear on the money? Maybe you can provide me with the following details below

Full Name:
Full Address:
(NO P.O.BOX)
City:
State:
Country:
Zip Code:
Phone Number:
Age:
Nationality:
Occupation :

Thank you

Mr James Chavez

"Scott Winstead" Appears to Be Alias Used by Scammer

From: Scott Winstead [mailto:chaottnsteaad1@yahoo.com]
Sent: Tuesday, May 22, 2012 4:29 PM
Subject: Details

Thanks for the details on the Property, i am satisfied and will like to proceed with the renting process,
i would like you to go ahead and reserve the property for me. I would also be needing the following information so that the cashier's check for payment of the deposit of $2050 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 1st June 2012, i also want to notify you that i have in the mean time arrange with an interior decorator who will be handling the purchase of furniture, 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 cashier's check of $6600 will be sent over to you which is a relocation grant by my employer, and all you need to do is deduct the deposit $2050 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 on arrival.

Also for familiarization I Am Scott Winstead, 35 yrs old,a British citizen, I work with Apex Engineering,
I am a Christian, reserved in Nature and i do not 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 +447047780240 Below is my current landlords information for reference :

Mark Lebon
60 STOCKWELL PARK CRESCENT
LONDON SW9 0DG
UNITED KINGDOM
EMAIL:karkileboni@yahoo.com

You can also contact my employer:Richard Shwe
 

ENTE-CS Solutions llc
6 GOLDERS GARDENS
LONDON NW11 9BT
Telephone: +442087688025
Hope to read from you soon.

Thanks a bunch.

From: Scott Winstead [mailto:chaottnstead@yahoo.com]
Sent: Tuesday, May 22, 2012 12:43 AM
Subject: RE: $1050 / 3br - 1172ft² - 3/2/2 Yukon Address/ Mustang Schools (Yukon) (map)

Thanks so much for your response.I would like to get some more details about the property i am inquiring about.I am currently in the UK and i am relocating over to the US to do a survey for my employer (Apex Engineering),as we are about to open an office in the State, due to the fact that i can not be present to inspect the Property, i would like you to give me the below detail

# I need full details including address of the property and pictures
if available Sorry, no pictures. You can view the outside and area on Google Maps:
# Monthly rentals/security deposits $1050.00 plus $1,000.00 security deposit
# If utilities is added to monthly rent must establish and pay utilities. Would need Gas, Electric and Water/Garbage
# When the property would be available 6/1/12
# Mail me the total move in cost $2,050.00 plus deposits for the utilities.

You will also need a refrigerator. It has a stove and dishwasher.

I await your response soon.
Regards.

Reader Tells of How They were Scammed

This note shows how the scam typically works:

Hi Joey,
I am recently scammed by this Katherine Shepard, before I saw your post. I have lost $1,574. Please post my bad experience to every one. Thanks.

I sent a poster on craiglist at May 4, 2012 to sell my piano, as we are moving to another state recently and cannot move this piano. On May 6, I received a reply from a email "mandotman00@gmail.com" with name of "Katherine Shepard". I continued to contact with this guy and he started to use the email of kshepard2008@gmail.com to contact with me. The price is $270 for this piano. He sent me a fedex with $1,990 check on May, 16. and I deposit this money on the same day in my bank. He asked me to send the mover the moving fee with $1,450 (this price is high as he said the movers will collect more pianos one time). Then I send the cash on May, 17 through western Union. The total money is $1,574 which include $124 transfer fee and $1,450. The receiver is Tammy Hight, fort Worth, Texas 76116. On May 21, which is Monday morning, I found the check of $1,990 is returned, and the Bank agent said this check is not valid. Thus, I lost &1,574 to this Katherine Shepard and Tammy Hight. I have all the record of gmail chat for this issue. Please let every one know Katherine Shepard is a scammer, I hope no one will be scammed by him.

Gordon Atkinson Selling Camper Likely a Scam

It's notes like these that keep me going:

Thank you so much for this blog! I thought a camper for sale on Craigslist by Gordon.atkinson67@gmail.com was to good to be true and it is! Great advice in googling the email! Thanks again! Saved me from someone taking my hard earned money and heartache!

Alleged "Sgt McBride" has New Car Scam Going

From a reader:

Hi, Would you please post this on your scam blog http://craigslistscammer.blogspot.com/2012/02/honda-accord-sold-by-sgt-mcbride-looks.html for me? I would appreciate it if you leave my identity off of the posting. This is just crazy! After I received the email back, I searched his name and found your blog -- thank you very much. Note the one picture of the truck is covering up the license plate -- that was a flag for me!
Thanks.

From the "Sgt:":

Fw: Re: -2001- Dodge 4x4 Dakota -SLT- Great Shape! - $1990 (rochester) - Message
From: "Sgt Alexander McBride" alebrid@gmail.com
Date: 05/23/12 06:48
Subject: Re: -2001- Dodge 4x4 Dakota -SLT- Great Shape! - $1990 (rochester) - Message

Hi there,
The truck it is in perfect condition, there's not a scratch or any dents on it. Everything from engine to tires is mint condition. I have a clear title with no liens or loans. I'm selling it low as my medical team will deploy back to Afghanistan on June 6th for a 2 year contract and I won't let it go to waste in my backyard, therefore I need a fast and reliable buyer. If you are interested email me back.

A few words about the truck:
2001 Dodge Dakota SLT 4x4
Price $1,990
Mileage: 114,316
Exterior: Black
Interior: Black
Transmission: Automatic
Fuel Type: Gasoline
Trim/Package: QUAD CAB SLT 4x4
Engine: 8-Cylinder 4.7L V-8
Pics available at: http://s1161.photobucket.com/albums/q509/dodge01dakota/

Best Regards,
Senior Medic Sgt. 1st Class Alexander McBride

Alicia Burke/Odens Martin. What?

"Don't send it to me," says Alicia Burke, "send it to Odens Martins in the Ukraine. That will be even more believable!"

From: Alicia Burke (aliciaburke88@gmail.com)
Am really happy that my coming over there is now turning to reality..i've been busy preparing for my big move also My shippers will move in my things as soon as the money is been sent to them via Western Union money transfer..I don't have much time here again..Please kindly locate a nearest Western Union Outlet/location and get the money ($2,400 cash ) sent,you are not to send money order to them,you will have to go to the Western Union location with the money in cash and get it sent to them in their present location via WESTERN UNION MONEY TRANSFER.Here is there present location information where you will send the Money to via Western Union Money Transfer..Also i will want you to please deduct the western union service charge from the money you are sending..

Name: ODENS MARTINS
Address : 12 pamebi road
City : Kiev
State : Kiev
Zip Code : 90855
Country : Ukraine

So as soon as the money is been sent to them today,they will leave their present location for South Dakota to pick my things as they've only gone there to deliver other customers shipment..After sending the money you will be given some information at the Western Union outlet that the receiver will use to pick up the money at any western union location.This are the information below.

1. 10 Digit reference number(MTCN #).
2. The amount sent after deducting the Western Union transfer charges.
3. The senders name and address as used in sending the money.

With the information above my shipper will be able to pick the money up.Then they will be able to come and deliver my things. Meanwhile i will keep on persuading my traveling agent to make my traveling document available.And as soon as they get it ready i will forward the whole flight schedule to you so that you will know my arrival time and date,As well as the Airport that i will be flying into.

Thanks and i will appreciate if you can please help me get the money sent to them today,and do get back to me to truly know that you receive this email.
Alicia .

Bola Benson May Be Scam Alias

Reader says Bola Benson living on Chevron Drive is a likely scam:

From Reader:

I responded to a craigslist ad recently and had the following exchanges. [after the second email] I was suspicious, but i continued to correspond with her. Eventually we got the the point where i was to pay first months rent and security for the apartment. They told me to moneygram the money to "Her husbands assistant" By the name of Bola Benson. I was suspicious, but i continued to correspond with her. 

From Scammer:

Thanks for your e.mail concerning the AD I posted. Vintage charm in a convenient downtown location!! - Studio apartment. Hardwood floors with area rugs. Secured entry. Water/sewer/garbage paid!! Landlord pays for electricity. Pets Allowed!
We wish for someone to occupy this space as i will like to bring to your notice that i had to join my husband who was recently transferred to oversee the activities of his company in Africa. The name of his company is Chevron (www.chevron.com/) and i had to travel two days ago with our 3 year old daughter.

We wanted to sell the place before since we will be away for a long time, but since its taking longer than we`ve expected, my husband decided we`ll rent it. So you can rent the place as long as it works with us. We intend renting from here as we would send the keys to you so you can take possession if we conclude.

Its a lovely house, so we will require you get back if you are really interested and ready to abide by our mode of renting, as we are just trying to ensure we rent to the right person, as we want a clean and responsible person, someone that will take absolute care of the place, as my husband feels it wouldn't be right to leave such a clean, beautiful place unoccupied. Get back to me so i can know your plans and give you the next step as the house is absolutely clean and note that there's a refundable $500 security deposit plus a $400 monthly rent.

Best Regards,
Gaelan L Rommes.

Hi,
How is your day going? Like i said in my earlier email, my husband got transferred. So we had to move in a hurry. We are a small christian happy family who look forward to having a good person occupy our place. For security reasons, we had the place locked and the keys are here with us. We shall send the keys to your address via the UPS Express Delivery Service if you are serious about renting since we can't do a showing as a result of our absence. At this point, if you want to proceed, then my husband Richard has the final say on who occupies, so i urge you to call him on 011 234 708 986 6762(you need to purchase an international calling card), brief him about yourself and have a little chat.
Please let him know you got referred to him by me. Then, you are to also provide one or two references, your move in date, your full name, address and phone number for effective correspondence.

Best Regards,
Gaelan L Rommes.

P.S- Its pet friendly and the place is available for rent for as long as 4 yrs. Find pic on attached.


Hi,
Prior to your conversation with my husband, we have searched for a close location where you can send the funds to us. Our daughter grew so sick this morning and i`ve been very busy with her in the hospital, doctor said it was due to the change of environment. My husband and i have decided that you send the funds to my husbands personal assistant. Kindly find his details below. I have been instructed to proceed to the UPS office as soon as we are in receipt of the funds.
MoneyGram Store.
ALBERTSONS - #568
3075 HILYARD ST
EUGENE, OR 974053772
Tel: (541) 687-1742
Work Hours: Mon-Sun 09:00-21:00

Send the funds to Bola Benson
Receivers Name: Bola Benson
Receivers Address: 213 Chevron Drive, Lekki, Lagos State, Nigeria.
Text Question: Gaelan`s favorite color?
Text Answer: Pink
You shall be provided with a reference number which you shall provide to us as a proof of payment.

"Toms Bruce" Going to London is Red Flag

A reader of this blog says "Sounds like a scammer to me. Email is tbruce1987123@gmail.com". What do you think?

From: toms bruce
Date: May 23, 2012 10:13:19 PM
Subject: Re: Suzuki SX4 Tires Frisco - $150 (Frisco)

Hi, Thanks for your response. I'm going on a vacation to London but I will instruct my assistant to prepare and mail your payment which I'm sure you will get in about 4 - 6 business days. I'll add $20 extra for the delay. I'll pay by M O or cashier check so send me your info (i.e full name, mailing address and your phone number) so payment can be mailed out immediately. I will also make arrangement for pick-up which will be after you must have received and cashed the payment. Awaiting
your info.
Thanks

Scammer uses Matt Guiling Name as Alias

From a reader:

I was selling a printer this is the email I got from the scammer: He was using the name and email, matt.guiling99@gmail.com **I was on your website looking up a paypal and western union scam my boyfriend recently fell for(regardless of my warning from the beginning).thank you.

From the scammer:

"Thanks for the prompt response to my mail. I will be buying from you so please kindly withdraw the advert from C.LIST. Please be informed that i will be paying with a certified check from my Bank it will be delivered to you via United Parcel Service (UPS), so I'll need you to provide me with the following information to facilitate the mailing of the check...

Name to be on the payment........... Home address........... City.............. State........... Zip Code.............. Cell phone #................

I will make arrangements for the pick up as soon as you have your money I am completely satisfied with the advert and the payment will be delivered within 24hours.** I use a hearing impaired phone # and will receive your calls via email **..I'm sorry for the late respond to your email ...N.B UPS does not deliver to a P.O box addresses.Thanks."

I was quick to catch on and emailed him back "sorry I only take cash" and what a surprise no prompt email back....

Scammer Uses "Irene Porter" Alias to Attempt Camper Scam

"Too good to be true" should always raise red flags: 

Hi Joey,
I saw a Craigslist ad that was too good to be true. $2000 for a 2001 Coleman Utah camper that should be worth more like $6000. I did respond to the ad, and this is what was sent back to me (see the forwarded message below). Suspicious, I found your blog and read your suggestion to Google a part of the email. That was brilliant. Thanks for that tip!
My question is, how does the scammer benefit from this? Do they sell the email addresses? Should I be worried something else might happen? I feel like such a dummy. I actually sent back an email expressing my condolences.
Also, I received another email from "Irene Porter" the scammer (see below). Again, thanks for the tip to google the email. I found other scams using the same wording, with different names. I would not have known this if it hadn't been for your website!
Thanks for your blog! I am right there with you! Let's get those Craigslist Scammers!!!
Best regards,
REader

From the scammer:

From: Irene Porter <ireneporter001@gmail.com>
Date: Tue, May 15, 2012 at 11:47 AM
Subject: Re: Coleman camper
Hi,
My name is Irene Porter, and I'm emailing you regarding the camper that I have for sale. It is in perfect condition, with no need for any additional repairs. Flawless exterior/interior condition, no scratches and no dents. It has never been involved in an accident. It has a clear title with no loans or liens on it.Sleeps 8, 2 King beds, Roof top Coleman air conditioner, Outside shower, City water hookup & 20 gallon water capacity and much more.I'm selling the camper because my 21's years old son died 2 months ago in a car crash. A drunk driver hit him and his fiancee. They were with her car on their way to his little brother's birthday. It was his camper and it brings me bad memories and that's the reason I want to sell it as soon as possible. The price that I'm asking is $2.000
Just let me know if you are interested and where are you located.
Thank you,
Irene

*****************************
Hello,
Please let me explain to you the process of this transaction and you can decide if you want to proceed or not. As I told you in my first email, I recently lose my son. I also got a new job and moved to Omaha,Nebraska in order to start over. I'm in Omaha but my presence won't be necessary because I prearranged the deal with eBay. The camper is in Omaha at the shipping company, ready to be delivered. The deal includes free delivery and it will arrive at your address in 3 days. You will have 5 days to test it and inspect the camper prior to making any purchase and if by any reason you find something you don't like about it you can send it back at my expense. If you want to make this deal I need the following details from you: full name, address, and phone#.
Once I have your info I will forward them to eBay to get things started. eBay will contact you shortly after they have the details with all the information that you need to complete this
deal and you will also have proof that I am covered by them and a legitimate seller. Waiting for your email with the requested details.
Regards

Scammer Who Works for AIDS NGO

A reader reminds us how devastating these scam attempts can be on people just trying to live their honest ordinary everyday lives without some evil person trying to take advantage of them. 

Hello,
I almost recently fell prey to a scam. When I realized it was a scam (tonight) I was so upset and outraged I felt I could cry. I lost my job 2 weeks ago and have been actively looking for employment so I come across many scams but never anything like this before. Here are all of the emails I got.

Hello,

I am Archie Honrada a single father who lives in the Netherlands(Europe).I will be relocating to the United Sates of America (U.S.A) due to my transfer to Florida.I am looking for childcare/babysitter who can assist me to watch my daughter while i am at work. I want you to get back to me with your service charges from monday to friday.
Thanks as i await your sincere reply.
With regards,
Archie Honrada.

Thanks for your quick response to my email,I work for an N.G.O Non Governmental Organisation that takes care of children living with HIV/AIDS we are sponsored by UNIAIDS and A.S.O Aids Service Organisation so am just sationed here. We will be arriving Florida by next friday 18th of May hence we will set up an interview with you piror to your resumption but i have to make sure everything is well organized and arrange before leaving. I want you to get back to me with your service charges from monday to friday.You will be watching her from 8am-5pm.
My daughter Nicole is 2 years old,she likes to play around with kids and like to be pampered with toys. My daughter is healthy,i just need someone to take care for her when am at work.All necessary contracts will be filled on the interview thats if you do the contract thing.I attached some copies of her picture in this email. I would like you to get back to me with your total charges for a month during your available periods because my affilated company will make an upfront payment for my first month in the states to help me settle down.
Kindly send the following details to get your paycheck processed .
---------Name:
---------Address:
---------City:
---------State:
---------Zip code:
---------Phone: Home and cell:
---------Age:
---------Sex:
---------Present
---------Present occupation:
---------Number of years as a babysitter:
---------Number of available reference:
---------Email
I would anticipate your response,Thanks for your anticipated service.
Regards
Mr Hondara.

Thanks for your sincere response to my emails.I am ok with your asking price but there are some things i will like to know about you?Will you be responsible for her feeding and diapers?Or will i have to bring it my self weekly?Will i have to pay extra fee for feeding and diapers?are you married or a single parent like me?Do you have kids?Is your enviroment kid friendly?Do you have pets?Get back to me so i will be sure of what kindda enviroment my daughter will be living at or would you prefer to watch her at my place.Kindly be informed that you would be getting an upfront payment for the first 4 weeks of your working period before i start caring for the bills myself after i am settled in Gainsville.
The paycheck would be issued to you as soon as possible,also i wont want you to be suprised to have some excess fund on the Check of $1800 that will be mailed to you cus i will need your assistant by helping me to send the remaining excess funds that will be on the check to the agent in charge of the furniture and fittings of my new home in Gainsville.All you need to do upon the receipt of the payment is to deduct your own charges for 4 weeks and forward the rest to the agent who will be in charge of the furniture and fittings of my new home.
Thanks so much for willing to watch over my daughter for me.
I hope to hear from you soon.
Regards,
Mr. Honrada.

Thanks so much for the email and thanks so much for letting me know that my daughter will be in a safe hand. Regarding the check its for Nicole's child allowance from my working place plus my furnishing allowance thats but my child is more important to me that the furnishing thats why i would like you to get yours first and then help me with furnishing thats why the check will be more than your pay please bear with me and regarding the excess on the check you will help me send it to the agent incharge of the furnishing of our new house in Gainsville so she can commence with the furnishing before we arrive. After this first payment I will be paying you every 2 weeks cash. Randi I am so happy and exicted you are the one that will be looking after nicole you sound caring and responsible, we really cant wait to meet you.
Looking forward to read from you.
Archie.

Brenda
How are you doing today???Thanks so much for the email, i am so sorry that am just replying your email i have been so busy. I am using this opportunity to say a big THANK YOU for willing to look after my daughter and willing to help settle down i so much appreciate everything. Regarding the payment you are to deduct your charges for the first 4 weeks and help me get the across to the agent incharge of the furnishing of my new house in Gainesville so she can start with the furnishing of my house. We really cant wait to meet you, Nicole is saying Hi. I will be looking forward to read from you.

From the reader:

As you can see he clearly sent the last email to the wrong person... me... I was already suspicious when he was suggesting that I would have to take part of the check he sent me and send those funds to another person.... I couldn't understand why he couldn't simply do it himself. After the last email was sent I was convinced. His email is fingerscove0@hotmail.com. He also sent 3 pictures of a little girl please let me know if you would like them for your site.
Thank you,

Cajun Oilman Ups and Leaves to UK - Scam

A reader identifies "David Ramirez" as likely scammer:

From: David W Ramirez <ramirezdavidw@yahoo.com>
Date: May 16, 2012 3:46:56 AM EDT
Subject: Re: $900 / 3br - 2311ft² - Custom French country 3 bedroom 2 bath (Lake Charles LA 70611)

Hello,

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

Full Name :
Home Phone ( )
Date of Birth:
Cell Phone ( )
Current Address:
Apt#:
City:
State:
Zip:
Reasons for Leaving:
Are you married:
How many people will be living in the house:
Do you have a pet:
Do you have a car:
Occupation:
Move In Date:

Amount : $900
Upfront : 1 Month fee and security deposit.$900
Total Move IN:$1800
House Address:137 Reserve Drive, Lake Charles LA 70611
Pets Allowed

Get back to me Asap with the filled Application form so that i can forward it to my Lawyer so he can know how to send the Keys and the neccesary document to you as soon the agreement is reached.
+447024027699
Ramirez

Discussion of Bethany Fett Hits Breeders' Forum

The Arabian Breeders Network Forum is abuzz with discussion of a scam notice that appears on this site. I love the pride in Harrisburg!

http://forums.arabianbreeders.net/topic/55207-craislist-scamer-bethany-fett/

Scammers Continue to Use Sgt. McBride Alias

Irate scam victim responds:

Joey: I would like to thank you for making your craigslistscammer.com site available. I had responded to this ad, and then googled his name when he responded, and found he is a scammer! I wrote back to him last night and gave him a piece of my mind!

From the scammer

Monday, May 7, 2012 4:56 PM
First of all I have to tell you that I can't use the phone due the military security reasons I'm restricted from leaving the unit's facility under any purpose and have strictly limited phone access.I hope you can understand that we will have to stick to email for now.Right now I'm in a military base of Tennessee National Guard. The vehicle is here with me at the base but I’ve already made all the arrangements with DAS to pick it up from the base.The title will be sent with the car. I think the car will be in 3-5 days to your address.I will take care of shipping charges . I will send all necessary paperwork (clear title, bill of sale, user’s manual, pink slip etc). Regarding the payment I want to use Google Checkout protection program. You'll get 5 days to inspect and test drive after delivery. During that 5 days testing period I will not be getting any money. Once you inspect and decide to keep the car, will confirm your decision with Google and only then they will re-route me the money. In this way we are both protected.
I need to know if you are interested in buying it so I can ask Google to send you the details on how this works. I have to fill out a form on Google and I need the name that will go on the title and an address where you want the car delivered. Once I do it, Google will email you all the details on this transaction and we can get the ball rolling.

From: Sgt Alexander McBride <alxeride@gmail.com>
Sent: Monday, May 7, 2012 1:21 PM
Subject: Re: ^^Ford 2003 Escape^^ 4x4 Xlt - $3400 (northern WI)

Hi there,
The 2003 Ford Escape 4x4 XLT it is in perfect condition, there's not a scratch or any dents on it. Everything from engine to tires is mint condition. I have a clear title with no liens or loans. I'm selling it low as my medical team will deploy back to Afghanistan on May 12th for a 2 year contract and I won't let it go to waste in my backyard, therefore I need a fast and reliable buyer. If you are interested email me back.
A few words about the car:

Price $3,400
Mileage 88,000
Body Style: Sport Utility
Exterior Color: White
Interior: Leather Seats
Engine: 6 Cylinder Gasoline
Transmission: 4 Speed Automatic with Overdrive
Drive Type: 4 wheel drive - front
Fuel Type: Gasoline
Doors: Four Door

Pics available at: http://s1167.photobucket.com/albums/q639/escapewihite03/
Best Regards,
Senior Medic Sgt. 1st Class Alexander McBride

ToGodBeTheGlory1970 or ToGodBeTheeGlory1970 are likely scammer email addresses

From a reader:

Here is another one for your blog so that other folks can be aware. The scammer used the following alias "Davon Smith" with the email address togodbetheglory1970@yahoo.com. This is an email address for an impostor responding to an apartment for rent in Craigslist. The additional issue is that the senders email address is listed by Yahoo as "Domain Keys Verified". It is also possible that the domain name, "togodbetheeglory1970 " may be tainted too. Please note that "the" and "thee" are spelled different and both may be used. Keep up the great work with your blog.

Here are the detailed responses:

"Do you still have any room available for rent as at now?Is the room of average size?I will like to make an inquiry and to know more about the room.Is the room available as furnished?Do you have pictures of it? I will check in for your reply ..

And the follow up after the initial contact was

Hi thanks so much for your quick reply,I am 26,an easy-going professional female.I had my degrees in Nursing years back at the University of Oregon and i have relocated to UK since 3-years ago for a permanent contract assignment for the Red cross union at the teaching hospital here in UK.I just got your reply message and i am glad to read back the reply to my room inquiry.It's good to know that you have a room open for rent as at now and i will be glad to rent the room asap.Will it come furnished or otherwise so that when i get down there i can then look into furnishing the house to my own preferred taste and get all the basic bed sets in there when i am there in person.I am very interested in the room cos i will there by 22nd of May. I will finish up here in UK and i will be glad to rent the room and let me know the price in your next mail.Kindly reply and let me know more about the room How is the weather like out there at this season of the year?What kind of car will work best there cos i am planning to get a good all- wheel drive when i get there cos i bet i will sure need one.Please hold the room for me and when i am in town in by 22nd of May, I am a very Friendly person and i get along fine with all, i don't do drugs, i do not smoke though i do not have any allergy to people who smoke being around me.I am friendly,i get along easily with all and i will try to see if i can get my picture attached to my next email.In my spare time i read novels and go to the movies on weekends.
I attend a catholic church and i look forward to my stay there.Reply soon cos my finance officer is ready to make payments to you so that you can hold the room down until my arrival.You can sum up the total amount and let me know the sum total too.I Will Be Waiting For Your Reply.........Thanks
Deborah. "

Scammer Using "David Salford" Alias

Reader informs that scammer using "David Salford" alias also uses this email address: takecare70@gmail.com

Here's the scam:

From: david salford <david.slfrd0100@gmail.com>
Date: May 9, 2012 6:46:28 AM CDT
Subject: Re: DINING TABLE!! COUNTER HEIGHT 7PC! - $600 (Keller)
Hello,
Thanks for the prompt response to my mail. I will be buying it from you, so please kindly withdraw the advert and i don't mind giving you extra $50 in order to delete the advert . Please to be informed that i will pay you with a certified bank check or cashier check and once you have the check cashed at your bank then i will arrange for the pick up at your place..I will need the following details to mail the payment as soon as possible.
Name to be on the check___________________
Home address or office address PLS.DONT SEND P.O BOX______________
City__________________________________
State_________________________________
Zip Code_______________________________
Cell phone #____________________________
Please get back to me asap.
Mr David.

Scammer Uses "Robert Miller" Alias in Same Game

Scammers don't reinvent the wheel. Here's a victim who found the exact same verbiage around offer of employment.

I received this message a few moments ago and suspected it was a scam, so I searched around online to try to figure things out. Sure enough, an exact scam has been floating around. Different email address but same message content. Now I'm forwarding it to people with blogs like yours so others will be aware.
Thanks for getting the news out through that blog of yours!

from scammer

From: Robert Miller millerrobert976@gmail.com

Date: May 9, 2012 2:08:58 PM PDT

Subject: Re: Application for Front Desk Receptionist position- Danielle Purkey

Dear Applicant,
I got your application resume. I'm looking for someone that can be trusted and reliable to work very well with good understanding. This position i am offering is home-based and flexible, working with me is basically about instructions and following them, my only fear is that i may come at you impromptu sometimes, so i need someone who can be able to meet up with my irregular timings. As my Personal Assistant, your activities amongst other things will include;
Primary Responsibilities:

* Creating orders/pick slips/invoices/credit memos.
* Processing return authorizations for me as needed.
* Running personal errands.
* supervisions and monitoring.
* Scheduling programmes, flights and keeping me up to date with them.
* Acting as an alternative telephone correspondence while I'm away and when needed as i am hard on hearing that is why computer works for me.
*Making regular contacts and drop-offs on my behalf.
*Handling and monitoring some of my financial activities as the case maybe.

Basic wage is $400 Weekly, I tend to have a very busy schedule at this point. Please note that this position is not office based for now because of my frequent travels and tight schedules, it's a part-time
work from home for now and the flexibility means that there will be busier weeks than others. I have reviewed with your Resume and I think I am impressed with it and would like to give you an immediate trial,
so if you are interested kindly get back to me. As I have been checking my files and schedules and would need someone urgently to run some errands for me this week/next week, while I am away. I will have
some funds sent to you to complete the errands and would get back to you with more information on that, get back to me with your Personal/Contact Details such as:
FULL NAMES:
ADDRESS,Include Apt # If Available(No PO.BOX please):
CITY:
STATE:
ZIP CODE:
HOME PHONE #:
MOBILE PHONE#:
EMAIL ADDRESS:
SEX:
AGE:
PRESENT JOB:
Thanks in anticipation of your prompt response
Yours Sincerely
Miller Robert

Tara Robin Alias Used by Scammer

A reader reports this correspondence to his ad:

From: Tara Robin <ava.forsy06@gmail.com>
Date: May 2, 2012 12:28:39 PM CDT
Subject: Re: Gibson Echoplex Digital Pro Plus - $1000 (Birmingham, AL)
Thanks for the response. I am willing to pay your asking price. I am paying with Money Order /Cashier Check and I would like to send payment directly to you the above mentioned. You should receive payment within the coming ( 2-3 days ). As per pick-up,I have a reputable shipping company and i will make arrangement with the manager of my shipping moving company to come for pick-up after payment has been received by you and cashed out. The payment will be sent via Fedex Mail and a fedex tracking number will be provided to you. I don't mind offering you an extra $60 so that you can tell other buyers the item is no more available. My assistant will mail out the payment to you once i have the details below from you :

FULL NAME ( Name to issue the payment to. )
HOME OR OFFICE Address ( No P.O Box Address Please )
CITY,
STATE,
ZIPCODE/POSTAL CODE,
PHONE NUMBERS.

Immediately i have these above information from you i will have it handled to my assistant so that he can proceed on sending out the payment to you today. I would really appreciate if you take the posting off craigslist today and consider it sold to me. .We'll proceed on the shippment once the payment is delivered to you by the
FedEx Mail man.
Thanks for your understanding and i will really like doing business
with you......
Warm Regards.

Scammer Donald Simmons Tries Rental Property in Livermore, CA

From reader:

Hi Joey,
I received this email and it sounded fishy so searched and found your blog on scammers. Word for word, except this guy wants to give me extra cash that I need to mail onto his interior decorators.  You're welcome to post if you would like.Thank you for what you do!

The scam correspondence, read from bottom. Note the two different email addresses given by Donald Simmons, on Yahoo. I have about 4 email addresses, but none of them are on the same platform, and none are so radically different from my name, which I suspect is true of most honest people but not scammers:

From: Donald Simmons <xesnldsimmons@yahoo.com>
Sent: Wed, May 2, 2012 2:47:18 PM
Subject: Details
Thanks for the details on the Property, i am satisfied and will like to proceed with the renting process,
i would like you to go ahead and reserve the property for me. I would also be needing the following information so that the cashier's check for payment of the deposit of $4400 can be processed and posted to you soon.
Name to issue the Deposit check on:...............
Address where you want the deposit mailed to:........
Phone number(cell and land):............
I want the 12 months lease to start on the 15th May 2012, i also want to notify you that i have in the mean time arrange with an interior decorator who will be handling the purchase of furniture, 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 cashier's check of $8900 will be sent over to you which is a relocation grant by my employer, and all you need to do is deduct the deposit $4400 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 on arrival.
Also for familiarization I Am Donald Simmons, 35 yrs old,a British citizen, I work with ENTE-CS Solutions llc, I am a Christian, reserved in Nature and i do not 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 +447045780240 Below is my current landlords information for reference :
Mark Lebon
60 STOCKWELL PARK CRESCENT
LONDON SW9 0DG
UNITED KINGDOM
EMAIL:lebonfetark2w@yahoo.com
You can also contact my employer:Richard Shwe
ENTE-CS Solutions llc
6 GOLDERS GARDENS
LONDON NW11 9BT
Telephone: 02087688025
Hope to read from you soon.
Thanks a bunch.
_________________________________________
From: Craigslist Advertiser
Subject: Re: $2200 / 4br - 1750ft² - court location, near downtown (dublin / pleasanton / livermore)
To: xesnldsimmons@yahoo.comDate: Tuesday, May 1, 2012, 9:08 PM
Hi Donald,
Thank you for your interest in the rental. The address is Livermore CA . The home was completely refinished last summer with new flooring, paint, kitchen and bathrooms. Also, all new doors, windows, Central A/C, duct work and landscaping were installed.

The home is in a Cul-de-sac and a couple blocks from the elementary school, great for family. 4 bedrooms, 2 baths, with living and family room – each with a wood burning fire place. Rent and deposit is $2200 each for a total move in cost of $4400.

Kitchen appliances included except refrigerator & microwave. Hookups for washer and dryer in the 2 car garage. Yard is on automated irrigation so ease of use. Rent includes yard service and garbage service. Water and PG&E are the responsibility of the tenant.

Section 8 is ok, No Pets, No Smoking
Front of 863 Ventura Ct before landscaping was complete.
________________________________
From: Donald Simmons <canaldmmons21@yahoo.com>
Sent: Tue, May 1, 2012 9:25:22 AM
Subject: Re: $2200 / 4br - 1750ft² - court location, near downtown (dublin / pleasanton / livermore)
Thanks so much for your response.I would like to get some more details about the property i am inquiring about.I am currently in the UK and i am relocating over to the US to do a survey for my employer (ENTE-CS Solutions llc),as we are about to open an office in the State, due to the fact that i can not be present to inspect the Property, i would 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 await your response soon.
Regards.

Scammers Expand their Realm to Homeschool Classifieds Site

A reader tells us that the following correspondence came from a scammer responding to his ad on a homeschool classifieds site. So apparently Craigslist isn't the only place where these scum are picking up opportunities to scam:

From: Sahad Crusman <scrus88@gmail.com>
Date: Wed, May 2, 2012 at 7:53 PM

Good Afternoon,

Thanks for the prompt response i want you to know that am okay with the condition of the item and i will like to make an instant purchase. I will be mailing(overnight) a certified cashiers check from my bank account to cover the cost, while you hold the item on my behalf. As soon as you confirm the check clearance, you will then notify me in order to mail the books. Give me the following informations to issue out the payment.

1.Name to be on the check
2.Home address
3.City
4. State
5. Zip code
6.Cell phone #
7. Amount:

** Please note that the payment will be mailed overnight via the courier to your address and its bound to delivered within 2 to 3 days. I am very satisfied with the ads and i really need this for my daughter, I would appreciates that you hold this for me till the payment arrives.

Awaiting your response,

Regards,
Sahad Crusman .

Spam the Scammers!

I've been approached by a guy who has set up a website to get even with scammers and disrupt their operations. Here's the link http://www.scammerspammer.com/ and here's what they are set up to do:

When a scammer sends out emails he/she sits by their email waiting for a reply from some sucker! What ScammerSpammer does is clogs up the scammers email with a random number of pointless and complete nonsense emails that contain NOTHING meaningfull. This will cause the scammer to waste time sorting through all these Emails in the hope of finding one sucker. In most cases the scammer will simply abandon the Email account and move on and create another Email address to try scamming from. So if some poor sap did send his personal account information to the scammer it will most likely go unnoticed in the sea of SpammerScammer Email that has clogged his/her Email address.
This only works with YOUR HELP!
The ScammerSpammer only works with YOUR HELP. Please check your "Junk" or "Spam" folders in your email program and submit the scam Email addresses now! If you are unsure what to look for, Check out the "Examples" page located in the menu on the top of this page.

**This website does not work with Internet Explorer.