Scammers Use Aliases "Juan Chavez" and "DeAndre Stewart" in Exact Same Emails

A reader finds that scammers always use the same scam text over and over:

FROM READER:

I can't figure out what they are up to but something is going on. I received these responses two days apart from each other from two different people. What are the odds?!
Hey there.
When's the best time for me to swing by and check it out? I'm generally
available weekdays after 5:30pm.
Let me know,
Juan Chavez 

And two days before that.....

Hey there.
When's the best time for me to swing by and check it out? I'm generally
available weekdays after 5:30pm.
Let me know,
DeAndre Stewart 

Scammer Using Alias "Geoffrey Aubrey" Ticks a Reader

FROM READER:

I found your blog and I was wondering if you could post this scam below. I am 20 and just looking for a job and I got the email below from some jerk obviously trying to take advantage of me in some way. Why do they do this? It makes me so mad.
Thank You
Jessica

FROM SCAMMER:

From: Geoffrey Aubrey <ageoffreyubrey@gmail.com>
Date: Mon, Jul 16, 2012 at 7:42 PM
Subject: Re: Customer Service/General File Clerk (tampa bay)
Hello ,
How are you doing today? I’m very happy that you want to becoming part of our company by working for us. Thanks for the mail...I am looking for someone who can handle my personal and business errands at his/her spare time.Someone who can offer me these services: Mail services Receive my mails and drop them off at UPS(nothing illegal)Shop for Gifts,Art works,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. It does not matter where you are located as long as you reside in the united states.Let me know if you will be able to offer me any/all of these services.

Where are you located? I would love to meet up with you to talk about this job but I am currently away on business. I am in Australia so there will be no interview.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 me or our customers. 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,art works,antiques business and personal letters.. All expenses and taxes will be covered by me. You will work between 15 and 20hrs a month..I will pay $450.00 weekly, That is not a bad offer is it? I need your service because I am constantly out of town. I work in a realestate and I own an Art Gallery in Australia. I will return to USA in September,2012 so this process will be on going till then.If you don't mind, I will meet up with you when I return and then we can talk about the possibility of making
this long term. Well, 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.

I will provide you with 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 as 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?

Kindly,provide me with the following details below
Full Name:
Full Address:
(NO P.O.BOX)
City:
State:
Country:
Zip Code:
Phone Number
if you have yahoo messenger or hotmail to chat with you also about the job....
Age:
Thank you!
NB:You can give me a call on my australia number or my US number which is roam to australia.

Geoffrey Aubrey.
Tel:(+61)2939-77545 Tel:(213)-437-6057.

Scammer Uses "Michelle Cowan" as Alias

Reader asks me how she can mess with a scammer. I would like other people to offer their opinions:

I've included here an email from a potential Craigslist scammer. I'm pretty confident this is a scam because I've read about people using courier services to send money as a way to bypass any federal crimes (apparently, if you send money by USPS, then it's considered a federal penalty). Furthermore, they want to pay an extra $50 for the price I am listing. Some people have also suggested that I play along with scammers, because each time they send money by courier services, they spend their own money.
In any case, I'm wondering what your suggestions are. I kind of played along by giving them my school mailing address (I'm a graduate student, so we get our own mailboxes at the department office). I'm tempted to just get the check, tell them that I didn't receive it and ask them to send one again, or just tell them that my item has been destroyed by a fire or some crazy story like that.
Of course, I won't cash any checks. I know they're fake.
Thanks for your time!

FROM SCAMMER:

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Michelle Cowan <aquatwin1@gmail.com>
Date: Fri, Jul 13, 2012 at 11:45 AM
Subject: Re: ~*NEW*~ Evan Picone - Marilyn Halter Dress; Size: 4P; Color: BLACK - $56 (Irvine, CA)
Hello,
   Thanks for the details. I'm glad to let you know that the deal is still on, the payment is being sent via the courier service and the item will be picked up as soon as you receive the payment, and get payment cashed. Then I will instruct the shipper to get in contact with you for the pick up schedule time and date. I will like to tell you that you would be receiving an overdraft amount of payment to cover the shipment of the items bought and other items that am purchasing for I might not be on hand when the payment arrives as am
going for my business trips. So as soon as you receive the check have it cashed and remove your money for the item and send the remaining funds to the shipper via Western Union money transfer.
My shipper is also picking some of other items at the same city of ours, hence you need to transfer the remaining amount of $ to the shipper when you have receive the payment. You will have to deduct $50
for your running around that I have caused you during the transaction period. Please let me know if I can trust you on this so we can move forward from here and email you the tracking number of the payment
soonest.
Thanks for your understanding,
Michelle Cowan

Scammer Uses "Mary J Cotton" as Alias

FROM READER:

Hello! I was recently emailed this scam letter from looking at rentals on craigslist. I am beyond furious, she sent me back another email too, which had I not realized it was a scam already would have by that one talking about money transfers. It makes me so mad people can scam others with a clear conscience and on top of it have the audacity to sign it "God Bless." I would like it if you posted this story, it really almost screwed my friend and I over. Also the pictures attached are used in the scam... so I guess you could post those too if you wanted.

FROM SCAMMER:

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Mary J. Cotton <mjcott01@gmail.com>
Date: Sun, Jul 15, 2012 at 8:00 AM
Subject: Re: Interested in Renting

Hi,
Thanks for your response, I am Mary J. Cotton the owner of the Apartment you are making inquiry of. I used to stay in the Apartment not until i left for China for a Business, and i am now Happily married and we are currently on our Honey Moon. I will be in China for five years so presently my apartment is much available for rent and all utilities included, it is furnished and "PETS" NOT allowed. Please i want you to note that, I am a kind and honest woman and also i spent a lot on my property, so i will solicit for your absolute maintenance of this apartment. Hope you understand that it is not the rent that is my problem but i want you to keep it tidy at all times, hope we have an understanding.I want a tenant i can trust so i will ask for you to tell me more about yourself. We will be Staying in China now that is why I have made up my mind to put up all my apartment for rent to whom ever that will take good care of it. Also how long do you intend to stay? How soon do you intend to move in?
Address: 205 East Beaver Avenue State College, PA 16801
RENT FEE:$650 monthly
Amenities:
Interior:
Fireplace (wood burning)
Hardwood
Storage Area/Room
Walk-In Closets
*******FILL THE RENT APPLICATION FORM******
( Private and Confidential )
Date:
Full name of Tenant:
Home Phone:
Date of Birth:
Sex :
Occupation
Marital Status?
Present Address:
How long at this address?
Rent?
How Many Month Rent Are You Willing To Pay ( First 1month rent )
Reason for moving?Present Occupation:
How many people will be living in the apartment?
Move in Date?
......................................................................................................................
TERMS AND CONDITION:
~The lease is month to month , 6 month or 1yrs and can be renewed
~It can be rented furnished or unfurnished
~ You will have to take good care of my home
~Utilities are included in the rent
~Pets not Allowed
Please feel free to ask any questions you do not understand and i will be looking forward to receive your email as soon as possible.
Thanks & God Bless
Regards,
Mary J. Cotton

Scammer Using Alias "Bethany Fett" is Back at It

Note how Bethany Fett has different email addresses in her replies.

From: Bethany Fett <kesteredworld112@gmail.com>
Date: Wed, Jul 11, 2012 at 6:43 AM
Subject: 1991 Honda Civic Hatchback JDM with 5 speed - $1800 (Guntersville,AL Arab,AL)
--
Good to have your reply,I am Bethany Fett, from harrisburg Pennsylvania and would have love to come for further face to face inspection at your residence myself, but I am a US Army Reserves working as a flight doctor under the auspices of the aircraft Maintenance here in Rhode Island. I am buying this for my son in Warsaw Poland, as a surprise gift and understand i want you assure me it's in condition described. I will appreciate more pictures if available and will be sending your money asap. My shipper will be available to pick this up as soon as payment is made. Do you have paypal account? because, I have a paypal account that I can easily send money through because, its good for business payments. Get back to me with your paypal email address and name in order for me to have your money sent on time. Confirm sale to me and remove the add from posting.
Regards
CDT. Bethany Fett,

FROM:  Bethany Fett bmail000xx@gmail.comto me

Due to my present location, my choices are limited and I do not have much access to my phone facilities as i would have called to iron out issue reason been that i am of the busy type. I am an honorable woman and you will receive your money cash in hand before this is picked up. However, it's easy and free to open a paypal account. Just go to there website www.paypal.com and sign up a personal account there. Paypal is
the world leading payment master that protects both buyer/seller interest. And with paypal, you are on a secured transaction. Above all, it's like instant cash. As soon as you open an account, get back to me with the name and email that you linked with your paypal account and I will have your money sent asap. And due to the nature of my job and having being a paypal customer for the past 18 months with no charge back, I feel more comfortable sending my funds via paypal due to there various security measures at ensuring safe and secured transaction between both buyer/seller. But, if you feel otherwise, I totally understand.
CDT. Bethany Fett,

Scammer's use Aliases "Lisa Adams" and "Petroga Znef" for Childcare Scam

A reader says that a Mar. 29 saved him from falling for a child care scam offering. Here's the readers note:

I recently received an email that said the exact same thing as the email you have from March 29 regarding child care. But now they have a different email address.
lisa.adams011@yahoo.com and the "daughter's" name is Anna. I was Sent a check for 3,050.00 dollars. 1,200 was for the child care and I was suppose to send the rest to Lisa Adam's "Travel Agent". I even have the name and address of where I was suppose to send the money to the travel agent.

Petroga Znef
Mukluho Maklaya, 9/8
Muscow, Russia 987234

I can't believe I almost sent them money out of MY pocket because their check wouldn't clear in my bank! I'm glad I found this post.
I really hope these people get caught!!

Here's the email from "Lisa Adams"

From: Lisa Adams <lisa.adams011@yahoo.com>
Sent: Wednesday, June 20, 2012 3:50 PM
Subject: Re: seeking nanny (chicago)

Thank you for getting back to me....Am presently in Russia and we are coming to the States on the 10th of July and will need your service from the 12th of July-8th of August,2012 excluding Weekends,other days that you won't be available. Will you will be available at that period?
Firstly I want to get a Babysitter/Nanny for my little girl Ana before we book our vacation home/hotel in the United states. We are not sure of the area we would be visiting since we don’t have a nanny to take good care of her. Your decision will determine where we would be staying in your location, let us know if you can take care of her in your home.If you cannot,that is not a problem.
You will take care of the food aspect,you can purchase any food for her,she is not allergic.Am offering $300 a week for the job and you will take care of my daughter for 4 weeks from Monday-Friday from 10am-5pm,$1200 will be paid for the 4 weeks...The main reason why I need your service is that I will be busy during the week days because we have to visit some places and I also have lot of Humanitarian works to do around the City.We will be dropping her off and pick her up later around your schedules.
Ana is a kid, one would like to be with,full of fun and love playing around,she loves toys. I am sure you will be able to give the best care.She is gentle,hardly fall sick,she likes sports,loves to watch cartoons,likes going to the beach,she likes to watch TV mostly and can eat by herself,I’m sure you wont have problems with her.Kindly answer all my questions accordingly.
The payment will be made in form of Most acceptable,safer and reliable means of payment which is United state certified money order/Cashier Check and it will get to you prior to my arrival in order to make payment for your service and the duration that my kid will be taken care of....Please get back to me with your Name,Address and phone number .I am offering you $1200 for the service and the payment will be sent to you as soon as possible.
Looking forward to read from you.
Mrs Lisa.

Scammers Posting Ads for Roseville CA Neighborhood

From Reader:

Recieved this after seeing how far I could get with the scammer. This is one of 8 ads I found yesterday. Most homes go for 1200-1500 month

Ad:

$700 / 2br - home in popular Roseville neighborhood. Home (Roseville,CA)Date: 2012-07-07, 2:28PM PDT
Reply to: r6kzx-3124982001@hous.craigslist.org
Ideal home in popular Roseville neighborhood. Home features great room plan with a fireplace, breakfast bar, and newer A/C. Enjoy your own private patio with awning. Take a short walk to the club house for a swim. Wonderfully price and location. Must see!

Note from Scammer after Victims response to Ad:

Hello
thanks for your email and interest in renting my house,actually I resided in the house with my family, my wife and my only daughter before and presently we have moved out due to my transfer from my work now in West African. presently my house is still available for rent for $700 (rent already includes utilities). please i want you to note that i spent a lot on my property that i want to give to you for rent,so i will solicit for your absolute maintenance of this house and want you to treat it as your own, It is not the money that is the main problem but i want you to keep it tidy all the time so that i will be glad to see it neat when i come for a check up. I also want you to let me have trust in you as i always stand on my word .I'm looking for a quick responsible tenant that can rent and take very good care of the house and treat as own for me as soon as possible he/she move in.

the house is month to month rent and you can move in if you have any pets with you and make sure you tell me more about you and when you ready to move in because all the bad people have spoilt the good people in the world to trust each other , could you please let build a trust and honest together for now as one family .

house description:
Fantastic two bedroom, one bath home located in the Roseville,CA .The family room, dining room and kitchen are the center locations of the home which make this great for family style living. you will enjoy a fireplace in the family room, and a pass thru window in the kitchen to the lanai. the home has a split bedroom plan and a two car garage. This quarter acre lot has an open style pool with spa just off the covered lanai. This large backyard is fenced for your privacy and enjoyment. You have access to the lake through the Home Owners Association, so bring your canoe and boat. The owner is doing some minor repairs and installing… new carpet to make this the perfect home for you! drive by you won't be disappointed.
Please note once again that, we are a kind and honest family,that spent a lot on property that is available for rent, so in one accord,we are soliciting for your absolute maintenance of this house and want you to treat it as your own. we want you to keep it tidy all the time so that we shall be glad to see it whenever we are around on a visit.
SO IF YOU ARE REALLY INTERESTED I WILL WANT YOU TO FILL THE RENTAL APPLICATION FORMS BELOW.
1)Your Full Name
2A)Home Phone ?
2B)Cell Phone Number ?
3)Your Full Address :
4)How old are you?
5a)Are you married?
5b)How many people will be living in the house?
6a)Do you have a pet?
6b)What type
7a)Do you have a car?
7b)What type?
8)Occupation?
9)Do you smoke?
10)Do you Drink ?
11)Do you work at Night ?
12)What is your monthly income?
13)Reference Contact Name and Address?
14)When do you intend Moving in?
15)private email :
16 )When can you pay for your deposit to secure or move in?

Note: You can drive by the house for now to see the outside since i and every member of my family are out of town due to my work transfer and as soon as you have the keys and documents with you, then you can view the interior. Await your prompt reply so that we can discuss on the rental terms and agreement, please we are renting the house to you base on trust and again i will want you to stick to your words. So please do not let us down in maintaining this our property and God bless you more as you do this.
House Address: 9068 Cortina Circle, Roseville,CA 95678
all pets allow : dog and cat
monthly rent : $700
deposit :$500
----------------------------------------
total move in : $700
---------------------------------------
Remain Blessed

Scammer Using "Perry Smith" Alias Purchasing Swingset

Why would anyone capitalize their honeymoon state of ALABAMA?

Perry Smith <companyuseonly.falcon@gmail.com> wrote:

Hello! thanks for getting back to me let's do like this, actually now I'm not in town for now, I came to visit my family so i wont be able to meet with you to see the item but am ok with the price as seen on the advert. I don't mind to give you $50 to withdraw the advert for you to see how serious i am in the transaction, i will contact my secretary to issuing a Check out to you and when you received the check I will make arrangement for pick up. So get back to me with below details to be on the check asap. Name: Address: City: State: Postal Code: Phone Number: And as soon as this is provided, the payment will be overnight to you and i will let you know when its mailed out. I need you to be honest with the sale as I am a God fearing person.Note you don't need to worry about shipping the items for me as soon as you have the check and have the check cash my shipper will come over for pick up Thanks God Bless

 2nd email:

From: Perry Smith <companyuseonly.falcon@gmail.com>
Sent: Wed, Jul 4, 2012 1:11 pm
Subject: Re: Rainbow Swingset - $850 (Upper Arlington)
Hello I appreciate your quick response sorry for late respond and am happy you are selling to me. I got your details and have forward it to my secretary, payment has been issued out to you and sent to you via USPS POSTAL SERVICE, I will email you with the tracking number for confirmation as soon as am provided with it. I will also like to let you know that shipping company funds was included with your payment due to i might not be around once the payment arrive to you because am going to ALABAMA for my honeymoon Once the payment arrive you will go ahead and have the check cash then you deduct the money for your item with additional $100 for your Gas and running around then you have the rest of the money send to my shipper via western union and money gram then i will contact shipper to get ready to come over for pick up immediately. LET ME KNOW IF I CAN trust you in this transaction. Note you are not responsible for shipping as soon as you have the check and have it cashed my shipper will be coming over for pick up Hope to hear back from you soon. Thanks for your understanding

 3rd email:

From: Perry Smith <companyuseonly.falcon@gmail.com>
Sent: Mon, Jul 9, 2012 1:02 pm
Subject: Re: Rainbow Swingset - $850 (Upper Arlington)

Hello thanks for been keeping this item for me since all this days Sorry for getting back to you so late i had a confirmed from USPS that the payment had been delivered to you Here is the tracking number for you to check the status of the delivery {9101969010386939226826} As i told you before that i might not be around when the check arrive due to am going to ALABAMA for my honeymoon Here is what you need to do. Just go straight to your bank and cashed the check instantly or you can deposit it into your bank account it will only take 24hrs for the check to be verify and the money will be available in your account and as soon as you have the cash go ahead and deduct your money for the item with additional $100 for your Gas and running around then have the rest of the money send to mover via western union money transfer so that shipper can be coming over for pick up immediately. Here is the shipper information to send the rest of the money to via western union or money gram transafer. 

NAME: BABAK HARIRI
ADDRESS: 1028 Reseda blvd
CITY: Tarzana
STATE: CA
ZIP CODE: 91356
Shipper have ready to come to your location anytime from now she informed me that the only thing holding her up is the shipping funds. so immediately you have the money send to shipper i will require the following information on the western union transfer receipt such as........ 1: Sender's name and address used in sending the money 2: The MTCN number which is the 10 digits number on the western union receipt 3: Actual amount sent.after western union charging 4: date and time you want shipper to come over for pick up Note. email me your map quest for shipper to locate to place with the best time you want the shipper to come over for the pick up today cos i do still have some other items at another location with shipper need to pick up for me that is why you need to send all the rest of the money to my shipper for shipper to proceed on is work immediately **Please note that youwill be paying whatever the western union charges to send the money from the excess fund before sending the rest to shipper thanks for your understanding hope to hear back from you soon. God bless you

Scammer using Alias "Ronald Martin" Has Different Rent Questionnaire

Scammer's applications are usually worth reading for a little chuckle. Like the one below, where the scammer using Alias "Ronald Martin" asks for the personality of the pet and whether the rentor works late at night. What?

From Reader:

Hey Joey,
Thanks a lot for your blog it is very helpful. I recently received this email from a “landlord” as I was house hunting. Before emailing I had a feeling this was a scam as the rent was not comparable to the other postings in the area but I decide to give it a try just being curious. I googled the number and a link to your blog came up with a similar posting. I hope they catch this guy. I tried emailing them back trying to mess with them but they already had canceled the email account.

From Scammer:

From: Ronald A Martin [mailto:martinronalda@yahoo.com]
Sent: Monday, July 09, 2012 5:44 AM
Subject: Re: Rental??
Thanks for your email and interest in renting my house..I am the owner of the Home you are making inquiry of…Actually I resided in the Home with my family, my wife and my only daughter before and presently we have moved out due to my transfer from my work now in Warsaw,Poland. Presently my house is still available for rent (rent already includes utilities).More so Now, i’m currently in the (West African)for an international Christian follower’s crusade.Pls i want you to note that i spent a lot on my property that i want to give to you for rent,so i will solicit for your absolute maintenance of this house and want you to treat it as your own, It is not the money that is the main problem but i want you to keep it tidy all the time so that i will be glad to see it neat when i come for a check up.I also want you to let me have trust in you as i always stand on my word..
This is the address of the House is : 68 Oldwell Court San Jose, CA 95138
 It has a dramatic entry foyer with ceramic floor. Extremely spacious rooms throughout with lots of big windows…nice and light! New neutral paint and some newer carpet.....Very quiet, low traffic area. New fridge I believe its absolutely a perfect home for you and your family.Utilities include Water,Trash,Sewer,Gas Etc....
 SO IF YOU ARE REALLY INTERESTED I WILL WANT YOU TO FILL THE RENT APPLICATION FORM BELOW.
                                                           RENT APPLICATION FORM.
Name (First name/ Middle name/Surname ) : __________?
Phone # : __________?
E-mail : __________?
Best time to call : __________?
How many proposed occupants : __________?
List all in addition to yourself including approx age : __________?
Present Address : __________?
City/State : __________?
Will you have pets : __________?
Please describe Breed, size : __________?
Personality of pet : __________?
Preferred move in date : __________?
Intended length of lease: __________?
Earliest possible date of deposit payment: __________?
Length of previous tenancy : __________?
Present occupation : __________?
Monthly Incme: __________?
Are you a section 8 applicant : __________?
Do you run a business from home : __________?
If so what kind of business : __________?
Do you work late night : __________?
Do you smoke : __________?
Do you drink : __________?
Looking forward to hearing 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 to you,please we are giving you all this based on trust and again i will want you to stick to your words,you know that we have not seen yet and only putting everything into Gods hands,so please do not let us down in this our property and God bless you more as you do this… The house is available for rent at the moment so you are free to move in as soon as you wish to…A Deposit of $1000 (which happens to be the security deposit) is required before moving in…Feel free to call my number is (+234-8106596344 OR 011+234- 8106596344).me for more information and arrangements on how to get the keys and other necessary documents delivered to you…The house will be available for rent for a period of 4 years so you have a choice of deciding how long you intend sm/property.
Thanks And God Bless You
Ronald.

Marine Engineer Scammer Uses "Jim Barnes" Alias

From Reader to Let's Get the Craigslist Scammers:

I happened across your blog when I recieved a hit on one of my craigs list items. Your blog helped identify the scammer, thanks for that  I'll attatch the email chain below. After the last email my inbox was flooded with spam, everything from penis enhancement to AARP memberships oh and the free ipod nano It appears the scam was used as nothing more than a scheme to get my email address for spamming purposes. Once again, thanks for the blog 

 Email from jim.barnes080@gmail.com

"Hi,

Is this listed item still available for sale? what is your last offer???
Jim"

Response from reader:

"Jim,
Thanks for contacting me. The bed is still available. The last offer recieved was $1200.

Response from Scammer

jim.barnes080@gmail.com"Hi thanks for mailing, i am a marine engineer, i am at sea right now.I am buying this for my son as a surprise gift so am willing to offer you $1,500 and I can only pay through PayPal at the moment as i don't have access to my bank account online(i don't have internet banking with it), but i have it attached to my PayPal account, and this is why i insisted on using PayPal to pay,all i will need is your PayPal email address to make the payments, and if you don't have a PayPal account yet, you can set one up at www.paypal.com it cant take you less than 3mins to do that, i will be expecting your PayPal email so l can pay and also get back to me with your best price on this. I have a pick up agent that will come for the pick up after payments has been sorted. l will be waiting for your reply asap

Response from reader:

"Jim,
Unfortunately I will not be able to accommodate payment of this sort. Due to scams and other issues involved with selling items online I have to insist that the transaction be cash only and that a designated representative be present to confirm (ie, it is what was listed and what was agreed uppon for the price at the time of sale) the mattress at the time of purchase.

Reader Gets Scam Notes from Scammers with Alias "Jennifer West" and "Paul Rubin"

From Reader:

I put my boat up for sale on Craigslist and received 2 responses that were very similar. Has to be a scam so I thought I would share with you. Your blog is great.....I wish there was a way to stop all this garbage. Its a sad world that we live in these days, cant trust anyone that wont come shake your hand. Please feel free to add these two responses to your blog, maybe it will help someone from falling into whatever trap these people are trying to set. Just curious...what are they trying to gain from this type of transaction?

"Here is the line of bull crap from: Jennifer West  jeniferwes@gmail.com

Thanks for your mail and im very sorry for the late response,I will not be coming to view it because of my Job,i am an oceanist and i am buying this for my Dad. i accept your offer and i will be happy to accept my offer.I can only pay through paypal at the moment as i dont have access to my bank account online,but i have it attached to my paypal account, and this is why i insisted on using paypal to pay,all i will need is your paypal email address to make the payments,and if you dont have a paypal account yet,its pretty easy to set one up at www.paypal.com i will be expecting your email. my mover will come for arrange to pick up after payment clear .Thanks and nice doing business with you...i hope we can make the purchase as fast as possible?

And here is the bull crap from: Paul Rubin paulrubin15@gmail.com

I'm interested and consider it sold, I'm buying it for my father and payment would be through PayPal, my agent will come for pick up, actually I'm working in a ship and most time I am off shore. Expecting your prompt reply, with the name and email address on the your PayPal account so that I can make the payment and please provide me with recent pictures including this item so I can see the condition before we proceed since I would not be seen it in person so I can make a payment right away, and pick up would at your residence. And lastly, I'm offering additional $100 to your final price for you to keep it off from other offer. If you don't have paypal account yet, it is very easy to set up, go to http://www.paypal.com and get it set up.. looking forward to your response.

Scammer Using "Stephanie Haynes" Alias Goes All Out

Okay, here's a good one. Scammer going by the alias "Stephanie Haynes" has been using copy and paste a lot with her scam. Note the similarity between the note below and the one that was sent to a "Johnstone" commenter on this post in May. They are exactly the same, except for the address of the house for rent. See the pictures of the house that "Stephanie" tried to pass off as hers.


From Reader:

Hey Joey,
Received this from the scammers and since this is Canada, asking for a damage deposit is what got my attention. I also received emails from the supposed husband frankhaynes12@gmail.com Please feel free to use this on your site, please remove my name.
All the best to you.

From Scammer:

From: Stephanie Haynes <stephaniehaynes7@hotmail.com>
Date: Wed, Jul 4, 2012 at 11:24 AM
Subject: HOUSE FOR RENT-- Information & Picture !

Yes, my husband in respect of Frank Haynes owned a house located at 362 Plains Rd E, Burlington, Ontario, you will only be staying in 1 room and taking care of the whole house for us, it comes furnished and also I want you to know that it was due to my husband transfer that makes us to leave the place and also want to give it out for rent and looking for a responsible person, non-party someone that can take very good care of it as if it were there own as we are not after the money for the rent but want it to be kept clean and tidy all the time, do the cleaning of the kitchen always and so on.....I am here to stay with my mum until my husband return and brought the keys down here,we try to look for an agent that we can give the keys and paper document before we left but could not see one and my husband suggested that I should take it down here and send it to whoever is ready to rent it, We are Roman Catholic, We are dedicated christian and always keep to our word. I hope you are ready to take care of this place for us so that I can be very happy when i come to check on you after 3 month of staying to see how you are caring for it.
Rent : $500/Month Including Utilities mentioned below.
Damage Deposit: $250
Utilities: Hydro, Gas, Washer, Dryer, Car Parking and Internet hook up.
Pet: Allow ( Cat & Dog )
Lastly, Let me know how you promise to take care of the place for us and more about yourself (Rental Experience will be appreciated)
Awaiting your reply soonest.
Thanks,
Stephanie

Another House Rental Scam

From: Walter Harris [mailto:walterharris545@yahoo.com]
Sent: Friday, July 06, 2012 5:16 AM
Subject: Re: $900 / 3br - Single-Family Home (Fairfield )
Importance: Low

Hello,
 It's my great pleasure that you are interested in our lovely 3BR, 2bath home for rent. I am Walter L Harris owner of this home, Actually we resided in this home before and presently we have packed out due to my transfer as a matter of my profession,where I work as a volunteer with Evangelical Council of Financial Accountability (ECFA),here is the site for more detail about why I am here in West Africa. (http://www.wycliffe.org) And my wife who is a missionary's dealing with Bible Translation and literacy worldwide.

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. I reasoned with her and accepted her advise. So I contacted the agent back and requested for my keys and documents. Later we decided to have the house rent out, we would have give the same agent this job also but the truth of the matter is that the agent would want to handle it professionally and the occupant may not be able to reason along with him later. If you notice, you will discovered that the price we are offering is far below standard price, this is enough for you to know that we are not after the rental fee but the absolute care for the property.

We will be serving for a long term and now our home is locked up now and presently we have found a new home here which we will be staying for a very long term which might last 5 years in (West Africa,) and presently our lovely home is still available for rent for ($900)as first month rent and ($600)for deposit which includes the utilities More so,Now that we on Retreat program over here.Please I want you to note that all we will want is a very honest and neat person,so i will solicit for your absolute understanding and maintenance of this home and want you to treat it as your own,i am with the keys and documents here with me which will be sent to any responsible and interested tenant through FedEx further more you have to undergo some processes before i could be willing and convince to let my home to any tenant. The money is not the main problem but i want you to keep it tidy always. I also want you to let me have trust in you as i have always stand on my word.

****RENT APPLICATION DETAILS****
Please if you are ready now to occupy the house kindly provide the information below for record purpose:
PLEASE TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF
Full Name__________________________________________________ 

Home Phone ( & nbsp; )________________________
Date of Birth_________________________________
Other Phone ( )___________________
Current Address_______________________________Apt#________ City__________________ State______ Zip________
Reasons for Leaving____________________________Rent $__________

Phone ( )________________________
Are you married____________________________
How many people will be living in the house____________________________
How many people will be living in the house____________________________
Do you have a pet____________________________
Do you have a car____________________________
Occupation____________________________
How soon can you have the deposit and rent payment sent to me_________________________
How soon do you want to receive the keys________________________________________
Move In Date____________________________
Your Family Pictures____________________________

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 to you,please we are giving you all this base on trust and sincerity so I won't like you to disappoint us.It is available for a long term lease as we will be here for 5 years and also intend buying a new home on getting back to the states.

House Address:
3698 Kohn Drive

Fairfield OH 45014

Rent:$900
Security Deposit: $600

Bedrooms: 3
Bathrooms:2
Pet Allowed
Utilities included in the rent

Lease Terms :
A Year and More

Best Regards
Walter L Harris
+234-806-166-0375 (call anytime)

Scammer Hall of Fame

Here are the names and email addresses of scammers who seem to have been getting the most attention on this site over the last six months, as tracked by Google Analytics of reader visits to these postings:

1) Sgt. Nathan Adams

2) Katherine and Tammy Hights

3) Amanda Jones

4) David Edward

5) Sgt. McBride

6) Irene Porter

7) David Salford

8) Donald Simmons

9) Posts that include "Family Life and HIV Education"

10) Katherine Shepard

"Chks Nnely" Uses "Hanson Gould" Email Address, Wife Ashley

This reader notes how a scammer actually called her! Here's what she said:

This person's email address is Hansongould600@yahoo.com But the name on the account is Chks Nnely. He even gave me a call to give me some information about the rental. And his wife sent me two pictures of passports, but they were hard to see because they were blurry.

FROM SCAMMER:

Thanks for your email and it is my gladness to hear from you.I am Hanson Gould,the owner of the Apartment you are making inquiry of.Actually I resided in the apartment with my Family,presently we moved away due to my transfer from my working place,my apartment is Located in 616 St. Paul Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90017 ,and presently my apartment is still available for rent for $500 per month including the utilities like washer,dryer and security, it is furnished.I went for a Crusade in the West Africa and i will like you to get in touch with my wife in the states for more discussion as She is with the keys and the documents to the Apartment..Pls i want you to note that,i am a kind and honest man and also i spent a lot on my property that i want to give you for rent,so i will solicit for your absolute maintenance of this apartment and want you to treat it as your own,is that taken,I want you to keep it tidy all the time so that i will be glad to see it neat when i come for a check up.I do that once in a while.I want have trust in you as i always stand by my words.Where are you located? let us know how soon you are willing to move in.Email my wife Ashley,on (ashleygould2000@gmail.com )

FROM SCAMMER'S WIFE TO INTENDED VICTIM

Good hearing from you that you are promising us that our flat will be well taken care off,and I really appreciate your expression.So,Like I told you there's none of my friends or relatives to show you the flat.I want you to stick to your words.Is that okay with you?And the below is the final question that you must answer to qualify for the rent.
Hope you have a nice working day,Infact I will like to meet you when coming to visit you soonest.We do a long term and short term renting anytime you which to leave the place will be greatful and we are ready to rent a long-term for 2 years lease or more. Note that you will are not allowed to enter the flat,because the keys/document is here with me in New jersey.
*******RENT APPLICATION FORM*******
(Private & Confidential)
Also,Pls let me get this answer.
1)Your Full Name
2)Present Full Address(where you reside now) & Phone Number to Reach You
3)Age
4)Are you married?
5)Sex?
6)How many people will be living in the house?
7)Do you have a pet?
8)Do you have a car?
9)What is your religion?
10)Occupation?
11) Citizen of which Country?
11) How Many Month Deposit ???
12) When are you ready to Move In ?
13) When are u planning to leave the flat ?
Looking forward to hear from you with all this details for approval so that i can have it in my file 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
Sent from my iPhone

Scammer Keeps it Simple, Uses "Mr. Jones" as Alias

FROM READER:

Hello Joey,
This has got to be a scam. I had read the warning on Craigslist about only dealing locally, but I would have been suspicious anyway. What honest person buys an expensive used item without seeing it (or negotiating) and then dictates the payment method and shipping? "Jones" contacted me almost immediately after I posted on Craigslist. My only correspondence with him prior to this email was to respond that the desk was still available. Needless to say, there was no word from him after I said that we only accept cash and that we could be very flexible to accommodate his work schedule so he could come see the desk.
Feel free to post on your blog. Keep up the good work!

FROM SCAMMER:

From: Jones <mr.jones464@gmail.com>
Date: July 4, 2012 11:18:38 AM PDT
Subject: Re: MINT CONDITION MISSION-STYLE SOLID OAK EXECUTIVE DESK SET!!! - $1530 (Ojai)

 Thanks for the swift response, just to let you know that am okay with the condition and price of the item, am ready for its purchase and my form of payment will be by sending you Check via UPS next day delivery.  

I'll be responsible for the pick-up and the pick up money will be included in your payment to avoid delay and to enable pick up company to schedule an appropriate time for he pick-up at your location after check has been cashed,as i have other properties to be moved alongside with yours.
I would have really love to come for the viewing but due to my work frame that might not be possible,but if you have the pics,might want to have a good look.Please do get back to me with your full name and address including your cell and land number so i can make out payment.
Regards.

Scammer Uses Marine Engineer Cover ID

FROM READER:

I posted my sons car for sale (not drivable) It has been very frustrating. I have made appointments with two people to come to see it and negotiate. Neither showed up or let me know that they weren't coming. Two people offered less than half of what I was asking, sight unseen. Here is one of the responses in my email. See below.

FROM SCAMMER:

Hello,
Thanks for the prompt response; I'm very glad that the item is still available. I live in Indiana but presently am out of the state on a business trip. I work as a Marine Engineer, so phone calls are not allowed when on duty. I wish I could do just that. Nevertheless, I will love to make an instant purchase, so please and please do withdraw the posting from Craigslist, I don't mind adding an extra $20.00 for you to take the posting down from Craigslist so that I can be rest assured that am at hand of the item. I will also like you to know that I will be paying either with a certified cashier check or credit card, and it will be over night payment due to the distance. You don’t need to bother yourself with the shipment; OK, I will take care of that. So I will need you to provide me with the following information to facilitate the mailing of the check.

1. Your full name
2. Your mailing address [be it residential address and not P.O.Box.]
3. Your phone number.

Once again, I will like you to know that you will not be responsible
for shipping...I will have my mover come over for the pick up as soonas you have cashed the check.

Scammer Uses Alias "Michael Roland"

FROM READER:

Got this one yesterday. Saw the email address also on your blog.

FROM SCAMMER:

On Jul 2, 2012 10:15 PM, "Micheal Roland" <king.kind011@gmail.com> wrote:
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