I mentioned in a previous post about some scams I got in the LA area regarding housing. I just wanted to post them hopefully so people will become more aware that these are most likely scams.
LETTER 1
paul.lemeu@yahoo.com
$700 / 1br - 609 South Grand Avenue, Los Angeles (Los Angeles)
Hello,
Thank you for your interest. I have available the apartment but now I’m in Milano ,Italy with my job , I will stay here for 3 years. So this is the reason that I want to rent the apartment. I can rent you the apt for max 3 years because I have a contract here for this period. I’m the owner of the apt and its like in the pics. The rent for 1 month is $700.00 including all utilities (water,electricity,internet,cable, parking,gas). You can move in the apt in the same day when you receive the keys.I must inform you that the keys from my apartment are with me but I have found a way for us to complete the deal safely and fast, and in this way you will receive the Keys in less than 2 days, if you move fast as well. The solution is provided by a company called TNT which is similar to Fedex, DHL or UPS, which will handle the delivery of the Keys.All you have to pay first is only the shipping taxes of delivery of the keys ( $150 ) and you will receive the Keys and the contract signed by me right away.After you will check the apt and if you like it you will sign the contract and pay the rent.
Let me know if you are interested please because I really need to take care of this matter by the end of the next week.
Regards,
LETTER 2
lisaljzl@gmail.com
Apartmnet to let at 14124 Chadron Ave, Hawthorne, 90250
Hello,
Thanks for your interest. First of all, I must thank the Lord that I found an intending tenant for my apartment ,My name is Pastor Lisa Lilienthal, I own the apartment you are interested in and I lived there with my Husband and my only daugther before we relocated to West Africa.
My Job here in Nigeria involves going to interior villages to give food and clothes to the less priviledged ones in the Niger delta region and I also use this opportunity to preach the word of God bringing them to the knowledge of the gospel of Christ,We work with the a charity organisation. You can learn more from: http://www.orphanage.org/africa/nigeria/childrenofmary/index.html .
I came here with my family and It was due to my transfer thats we left the apartment and also want to give it out for rent. We are looking for a resposible person that can take very good care of it as we are not after the money for the rent but want it to be clean at the time, and the person that will rent it to take it as if it were its own.My Husband is also a pastor with christ embassy church here in Nigeria as well.
This 1 bedroom apartment at 14124 Chadron Ave, Hawthorne, 90250 which goes for $600 monthly.It has the folowing features: Air conditioning, Walk-in closet, Hardwood floor, Tile floor, Living room,Breakfast nook, Refrigerator, Stove/Oven,garage, Balcony, Deck, or Patio, Cable-ready, High-speed internet ,Garage parking.
This apartment is not furnished and We want to give it for rent and looking for a resposible person that can take very good care of the apt. for us.So for now,We are here in Lagos,and our house and the keys/documents of the house are with us here,we tried to look for an agent that we can give this document before we left but could not see and we are as well as dont want our house to be used any how in our absence that is why we took it along
with us here.
I hope you will promise us to take very good care of the house. If you are comfortable with the price and really need this apartment, Contact me immediately with the following details.
APPLICANT’S PROFILE
1)Your Full Name
2)Your Full Address
Phone Number?
3)How old are you?
4)Are you married?
5)How many people will be living in the Apartment?
6)Do you have a pet?
7)Do you have a car?
8)Occupation?
9)What is your religion?
10)How long are you renting for?
Looking forward to hear from you with all this details so that i can have it in my file incase of issuing the receipt for you and contacting you.Await your urgent reply so that we can discuss on how to get the document and the key to you,please we are giving you all this base on trust and again i will want you to stick to your words,you know that,we do not see yet and only putting everything into Gods hand,so please do not let us down in this our property and God bless you more as you do this.
You can also call my Husband asap: +234 803 669 0002 for more details.
The pictures are attached and you can also go see the building, though you cant view the inside because we have the keys here.
Thanks and you are welcome
Regards
Mrs Lisa Lilienthal
LETTER 3 (Hey this reads the same way as 2 funny they must have lived at both houses that look exactly the same based on the pics I have.
lisaljzl@gmail.com
Apartment to let at 500 san vicente, santa monica, 90401
Hello,
Thanks for your interest. First of all, I must thank the Lord that I found an intending tenant for my apartment ,My name is Pastor Lisa Lilienthal, I own the apartment you are interested in and I lived there with my Husband and my only daugther before we relocated to West Africa.
My Job here in Nigeria involves going to interior villages to give food and clothes to the less priviledged ones in the Niger delta region and I also use this opportunity to preach the word of God bringing them to the knowledge of the gospel of Christ,We work with the a charity organisation. You can learn more from: http://www.orphanage.org/africa/nigeria/childrenofmary/index.html .
I came here with my family and It was due to my transfer thats we left the apartment and also want to give it out for rent. We are looking for a resposible person that can take very good care of it as we are not after the money for the rent but want it to be clean at the time, and the person that will rent it to take it as if it were its own.My Husband is also a pastor with christ embassy church here in Nigeria as well.
This 1 bedroom apartment at 500 san vicente, santa monica, 90401 which goes for $700 monthly.It has the folowing features: Air conditioning, Walk-in closet, Hardwood floor, Tile floor, Living room,Breakfast nook, Refrigerator, Stove/Oven,garage, Balcony, Deck, or Patio, Cable-ready, High-speed internet ,Garage parking.
This apartment is not furnished and We want to give it for rent and looking for a resposible person that can take very good care of the apt. for us.So for now,We are here in Lagos,and our house and the keys/documents of the house are with us here,we tried to look for an agent that we can give this document before we left but could not see and we are as well as dont want our house to be used any how in our absence that is why we took it along
with us here.
I hope you will promise us to take very good care of the house. If you are comfortable with the price and really need this apartment, Contact me immediately with the following details.
APPLICANT’S PROFILE
1)Your Full Name
2)Your Full Address
Phone Number?
3)How old are you?
4)Are you married?
5)How many people will be living in the Apartment?
6)Do you have a pet?
7)Do you have a car?
8)Occupation?
9)What is your religion?
10)How long are you renting for?
Looking forward to hear from you with all this details so that i can have it in my file incase of issuing the receipt for you and contacting you.Await your urgent reply so that we can discuss on how to get the document and the key to you,please we are giving you all this base on trust and again i will want you to stick to your words,you know that,we do not see yet and only putting everything into Gods hand,so please do not let us down in this our property and God bless you more as you do this.
You can also call my Husband asap: +234 803 669 0002 for more details.
The pictures are attached and you can also go see the building, though you cant view the inside because we have the keys here.
Thanks and you are welcome
Regards
Mrs Lisa Lilienthal
From: Robert Kinoshita [mailto:robert.kinoshita02@yahoo.com]
Sent: Friday, July 18, 2008 8:42 AM
Subject: Re: $1350 / 2br - Charming furnished 2 Bedroom Single Family house For Rent (mountain view)
Hello
I am Robert Kinoshita by name,thanks for your interest in Our House which is located on Dale Ave,mountain View. Actually we use to resided in the House with my two Kids and my wife. presently,we have relocated to West Africa(Nigeria) Due to my new job offer in Nigeria and presently our House is available for rent and the entire house cost $1350(per Month).
The accommodation comprises of 2 Bedrooms, 2 Bathroom, living room. The living room is (17′0×16′0), kitchen breakfast room (13×11), bedroom 2 (12′10×10′5), bathroom and a separate WC.Facilities and electronics like satellite TV and internet, and a sony DVD player, air conditioning, alarm system. The kitchen is fully equipped with all necessary cooking utensils, a refrigerator-freezer, four-hob and oven, microwave, dishwasher and washing machine.
Security Deposit of $800.
The minimum lease term is three months, but a maximum of 5 years.
Pet allowed :Allowed
You can move in as soon as we finalize.
I want you to know that,we are kind and honest people and also we spent a lot on my property that we are offering for rent ,so i will solicit for your absolute maintenance of this house and i want you to treat it as your own. Note that we are not after the money, that is why the rent fee for our house is Cheap. All we need is someone, who will occupy our house and always keep it clean at all time. we are going to be here for so long. so please let me know how long you would like to rent the house.
The House Address:
1354 Dale Ave
Mountain View,
CA 94040
You can drive by and visit the house but you can not go inside the keys/document are with me here in West Africa.
Please we are offering you this house base on trust and i want you to promise us that you will take very good care of the house as if its your own.
Also note that gas, water, and electricity bills are not inclusive, You will have to settle those bills at your convenient time each month, which i think shouldn’t be a problem if we later reach an agreement. As i discounted the utilities from running, when i was relocating, as there was no one occupying the House. As for the monthly bills you can settle the bills with AGL and Energy .
So i can send you the interior and exterior pictures of the house, and we can proceed.
Regards
NB:THERE IS A RENT APPLICATION FORM WITH THE MAIL FILL OUT AND SEND IT BACK TO ME.THIS WILL ENANBLE ME CREATE A FILE FOR YOU.
RENTAL APPLICATION FORM Equal Housing Opportunity
1)Your Full Name?
July 18, 2008 @ 11:43 am2)Your Full Address & Phone Number?
3)How old are you?
4)Are you married?
5)How many people will be living in the house?
6)Do you have a pet?
7)Do you have a car?
8)Occupation?
9)When do you want to move in?
10)How long do you want to stay in my apartment?
11)Pictures of all the Occupant that will stay in my apartment?
12) Reason for moving out of Current home?
Hmmm, I wonder if we should just create a blog just for posting these.
July 19, 2008 @ 3:16 amI almost got scamed today by postor lisa lilienthal. I can’t believe i found her on caigslist! I thank you for your scam alerting . Thank you.
July 31, 2008 @ 1:37 pmfrom Robert Kinoshita
Calvary Greeting to you,And may the Blessing of the Lord be upon you and your family
My name is Robert Kinoshita I own a 2 bedrooms home and its located @ 1354 Dale Ave.Unit #9 Mountain View, CA 94040.and also want you to know that it was due to my transfer that makes me my wife and Son to leave the house and also want to give it out for rent and looking for a responsible person that can take very good care of it as we are not after the money for the rent but want it to be clean at the time and the person that will rent it to take it as if it were its own. So for now, We are here in west Africa, our new house and put all my worries off concerning the maintenance of the apartment for, since i am not residing there for now.I left behind some Facilities and electonics which include the rent, and a DVD player, air conditioning, alarm system. The kitchen is fully equipped with all necessary cooking utensils, arefrigerator-freezer, four-hob and oven, microwave,dishwasher and washing machine, My Computer Connected with Internet Acess Also the keys to the House are right here with me, and the lease document. Which i can send to you after all necessary agreement has be accepted. Also i will like you to know that the rent charges is not really the issue ,but your absolute maintenance of my apartment is most important thing so will want you to get back to me with the Application form below
RENT APPLICATION FORM
1)Your Full Name
2)Your Full Address & Phone Number
3)How old are you?
4)Are you married?
5)How many people will be living in the house?
6)Do you have a pet?
7)Do you have a car?
8)Occupation?
9)When do you want to move in
10How long do you want to stay in my house
11 Pictures of all the Occupant that will stay in my House
12 Reason for moving out of Current home
One Mr Brasson called me about the apartment,I told him that I can’t give him the house because he loves smoking,drinking and dont want him to get drunked and damaged my property one day so If you are still interested, Note that the rent is going to be $1,350.00 Per month No extra fees.I will like you to give me a call on this effect to know how serious you are.below is my phone number
Security Deposit of $800.
The minimum lease term is three months, but a maximum of 5 years.
Pet allowed :Allowed
You can move in as soon as we finalize.
0112347027619730 Or +2347027619730
I personally will actually come visiting you sometimes during the year as our new tenant.
Looking forward to hear from you with all this details so that i can have it in my file in case of issuing the receipt for you and contacting you. Await your urgent reply so that we can discuss on how to get the document and the keys of the house to you. The address of the house is 1354 Dale Ave.Unit #9 Mountain View, CA 94040 .
Thanks
August 6, 2008 @ 6:50 pmRobert Kinoshita
I was just about to fall for the F***ing scam until I found this website. Thank you to all you previous posters! I figured the I would post the letters that I received so that more folks are rprivy to “Mrs. Lawpet”. Here is the first one:
Letter 1
It is a great pleasure that to you are interested in my Place.Thanks for your email and it is my gladness to hearing you I am a Single Christain Mother, With no kid, My Husband Pass by Last 4 Month (got dead). Due to the Fatal Accident we Had she got Dead, and I got Dislocation on my Legs and Hand, My name is Pastor Rev Carol Warner Lawance The Owner of the 2 bedroom home and its located @ 2620 13th St NW Washington, DC 20009, USA I am presently in West Africa due to my transfer that makes me leave the house and also want to give it out for rent and looking for a responsible person that can take very good care of it as we are not after the money for the rent but want it to be clean at the time and the person that will rent it to take it as if it were its own. So for now, i am here in west Africa, My new house and put all my worries off concerning the maintenance of the apartment for, since i am not residing there for now.I left behind some Facilities and electonics which include the rent, and a DVD player, air conditioning, alarm system. The kitchen is fully equipped with all necessary cooking utensils, arefrigerator-freezer, four-hob and oven, microwave,dishwasher and washing machine, My Computer Connected with Internet Acess Also the keys to the House are right here with me, and the lease document. Which i can send to you after all necessary agreement has be accepted. Also i will like you to know that the rent charges is not really the issue ,but your absolute maintenance of my apartment is most important thing so will want you to get back to me with the Application form below
RENT APPLICATION FORM
1)Your Full Name
2)Your Full Address
3)Phone Number
4)How old are you?
5)Are you married?
6)How many people will be living in the house?
7)Do you have a pet?
8)Do you have a car?
9)Occupation?
10)When do you want to move in?
11)How long do you want to stay in my apartment?
12) Pictures of all the Occupant that will stay in my apartment if you have any
One Mr Brasson called me about the apartment,I told him that I can’t give him the apartment because he loves smoking,drinking and dont want him to get drunked and damaged my property one day so If you are still interested, Note that the rent is going to be $600 Per month No extra fees.I will like you to give me a call on this effect to know how serious you are.below is my phone number
Cell +2348026813334 OR 0112348026813334
I personally will actually come visiting you sometimes during the year as my new tenant.
Looking forward to hear from you with all this details so that i can have it in my file in case of issuing the receipt for you and contacting you. Await your urgent reply so that we can discuss on how to get the document and the keys of the house to you. The address of the house is 2620 13th St NW Washington, DC 20009, USA
August 8, 2008 @ 9:53 pmLetter 2
August 8, 2008 @ 9:58 pmThanks for your Kind Respond,
I am glad you responded to me on time, i want you to know that i am very happy and excited that i have finally found a Good caring person for my place and i want you to promise me in the name of God that you will take very good care of the place. I will like to let you know that the only way you could be able to view the place is for you to pass-by as at now Due to my last Exprience i had with my last Agent in the state i gave the Keys of the Home to the agent incase of people who are willing to rent the Place are willing to see the Inside of the home but Unfourantely the Agent stole all my property and when i got to Notice this, It was too late, I have to come back to the state and get all the Place Refurnished and when i got all the place Refurnished there was nobody i could Trust that i could give the Keys too so i deceided to take along the documents and Keys Down with me here in the West Africa, so if you are Intrested In view the Place you can only pass by, due to security Reason and I want you to Know That,i can get the keys and documents send you to you if you are ready to make a Month payment, in which as soon as i get the documents and keys on transit i will get back to you with the tracking number for you track the status of the documents and keys online. i have attached you the pictures of the home so let me know if you are okay with me so that i can go striaght to the shipping service and get the documents and keys on Transit, and as soon as i am back i will email you the tracking number# including the western union information you should be making the payment too. so if you can make an Unfront payment now. this will gaurantee me that i have already found someone for my place, in which the documents and keys will be with you, till you will move in by the time you want to move in. so let me know if you are okay with me or not, so may be i could proceed with someone else or not.
Thanks and God bless you.
Letter 3
Thanks for the mail…and i am very happy that you are ready to take very good care of our apartment and i want you to know.Once again i Thank you very much for your reply l can see your willingness in this apartment I want you to know that i am satisfied with a Little profile you have Provided me and l also believe l can have trust in you…l want you to know that l can let you stay in my Place
I will like to let you know That I am giving out the Place For a Cheap Rate due to that here in the West Africa I am, I have been Accomodated with all My Needs, So i am doing this for God for Those who dont have the Much money to Rent my Home That is why i put it for $600 per Monthly.so kindly get back to me
I want you to know that the rent fee is among the flat utilities so you can use them anytime but make sure you take proper care of my properties I will come and pay you a visit after you have moved into our home to see how you are maintaining it, 1 or 2 Month Rent Payment have to be Deposit as a security deposit to me via Western Union or Money Gram and as soon as i confirm the payment the keys and the documents of the apartment will send to the address you fill in the application form via DHL or UPS because l think it reliable,secured and fast,l wish you best of luck in your work, from your profile l can see that you are responsible and a hard working person may the almighty Lord lead you in what ever you wish to do.
NOTE;….. If you are Okay with me…I will go ahead and Get the Documents and Keys on TRANSIT and I will get back to you with the Tracking Number# for you to Track the status, of the Documents and Keys That will be Delivery to you Next Day Delivery…and as soon as the Documents and Keys are on TRANSIT you Kindly Make Payment..!! so That i can Pay off the shipping Fees and some Necessary Bills that can Cause Delay on Hold of the Documents and Keys….
I want you to Know That the Utitlities are Included In with the Month Rent Which all Cost $600 I want you to Know That i am Doing this For God, Because where I am In the West Africa for a Christain Missionary Work, I have been Accomodated will all My Need so I am doing This favour For people That Dont have Much Money… and I hope you will Promise me you willl take very Good Care of the Place
If you can Call me Now That will be Great +2348026813334
Amenities
………………………… …………
# Bedroom 2
# Bathroom 2
# Extra Toilet 2
# Extra Guest Room 1
# Sofa Bed 2
# Bed Linen 2
Accommodation Features
………………………… …………………
Wood Floor
Heater
Central Heating
Equiped Kitchen
Tv: Cable/Satellite TV
Video/Stereo
Internet
Air Conditioning
Full Kitchen
Refrigerator
Garage/Car park
pets allowed
Kitchen Features
…………………. ………..
Washing machine
Juice Machine
Iron
Toaster
Oven
Dishwasher
Coffee Maker
Microwave
Refrigerator
Stove
So let me know your final decision today so that i can make an arrangement on how the keys and the documents will be sent to you tonight and you are going to recieve them first thing tomorrow , if the deposit payment Is Ready to be Made, I can Get the Documents and Keys on TRANSIT and i will get back to you with the Tracking Number# for you to Track the status, and as soon as the Documents and Keys are On Transit… Then you make a Deposit Payment of a Month Once again l’m giving you this apartment on trust and do not dissapoint me because l dont want my house to be destroyed, Let me know if i can forward you the information on where to send the payment to me via Western union or Money Gramm local agent store around you. I wait to Read back your Prompt respond.you can call me at +2348026813334
Thanks and God bless you…
Best Regards
August 8, 2008 @ 10:00 pmFinal Letter
I am so sorry that i did not repsond to you on time, i was so busy in the Church, I have not Yet Found a Tenant are you still intrested in my home, so we can proceed in you getting the Documents and Keys and how payment will be Made to me.
August 8, 2008 @ 10:02 pmShe’s now known as Rosa Mae Leonberger:
Hello,
Thanks for your interest. First of all, I must thank the Lord that I found an intending tenant for my apartment ,My name is Pastor Rosa Mae Leonberger, I own the apartment you are interested in and I lived there with my Husband and my only daugther before we relocated to West Africa.
My Job here in Nigeria involves going to interior villages to give food and clothes to the less priviledged ones in the Niger delta region and I also use this opportunity to preach the word of God bringing them to the knowledge of the gospel of Christ,We work with the a charity organisation. You can learn more from: http://www.orphanage.org/africa/nigeria/childrenofmary/index.html .
I came here with my family and It was due to my transfer thats we left the apartment and also want to give it out for rent. We are looking for a resposible person that can take very good care of it as we are not after the money for the rent but want it to be clean at the time, and the person that will rent it to take it as if it were its own.My Husband is also a pastor with christ embassy church here in Nigeria as well.
This 1 bedroom apartment at 3995 Overland Ave, Culver City, CA 90232 which goes for $800 monthly.It has the folowing features: Air conditioning, Walk-in closet, Hardwood floor, Tile floor, Living room,Breakfast nook, Refrigerator, Stove/Oven,garage, Balcony, Deck, or Patio, Cable-ready, High-speed internet ,Garage parking.
This apartment is not furnished and We want to give it for rent and looking for a resposible person that can take very good care of the apt. for us.So for now,We are here in Lagos,and our house and the keys/documents of the house are with us here,we tried to look for an agent that we can give this document before we left but could not see and we are as well as dont want our house to be used any how in our absence that is why we took it along
with us here.
I hope you will promise us to take very good care of the house. If you are comfortable with the price and really need this apartment, Contact me immediately with the following details.
APPLICANT’S PROFILE
1)Your Full Name
2)Your Full Address
Phone Number?
3)How old are you?
4)Are you married?
5)How many people will be living in the Apartment?
6)Do you have a pet?
7)Do you have a car?
8)Occupation?
9)What is your religion?
10)How long are you renting for?
Looking forward to hear from you with all this details so that i can have it in my file incase of issuing the receipt for you and contacting you.Await your urgent reply so that we can discuss on how to get the document and the key to you,please we are giving you all this base on trust and again i will want you to stick to your words,you know that,we do not see yet and only putting everything into Gods hand,so please do not let us down in this our property and God bless you more as you do this.
You can also call my Husband asap: +234 803 646 4993 or 011234 803 646 4993 for more details.
The pictures are attached and you can also go see the building, though you cant view the inside because we have the keys here.
Thanks and you are welcome
Regards
Mrs Rosa Leonberger
August 14, 2008 @ 1:49 amThank you so much for this info everyone!!! I happen to live in the same complex in Mtn. View that is listed in one of these scams. The unit listed is unoccupied and was on the market for a while. The mail box is even marked as unoccupied, so I bet that is why the address is being used by this ridiculous scam. I’m going to let my HOA know about this right away so the real owners know what their property is being used for!
August 15, 2008 @ 11:40 amHello,
August 22, 2008 @ 11:46 pmThanks for your response regarding your interest in having my house for rent.The house is much available for now and it a 5 bedroom home.I want you to know that i am the owner of this building situated at 2635 E Verbena Dr
Phoenix, AZ 85048 .But i am now presently in West Africa for my Hopitals Project prayer crusade with my wife and we have the keys right here with us.I will like to inform you that it was due to my transfer that makes us to leave the house and also want to give it out for rent and looking for a resposible person that can take very good care of it as we are not after the money for the rent but want it to be clean at the time and the person that will rent it to take it as if it were its own.So for now,We are here in West Africa,NIGERIA our new house and also with the keys20of the house,we are trying to look for an agent that we can give this document before we left but could not see and we are as well as don’t want our house to be used any how in our absent that is why we took it along with us here.We are only willing to give the house out to a lovely and caring family only, so if you know you cannot give the house the neatness it deserves please don’t contact me.But if you promise to always take good care of the house,get back to me on how you could take care of our house or perhaps experience you have in renting a home.Hope you are okay with the monthly price of $1300 with hydro,heat laundry facilities,air-condition Etc.I am looking forward to hear from you ASAP, below is the application form for you to fill and discuss on how to get the house for rent.
RENT APPLICATION FORM
Also,Pls let me get this answer.
1)Your Full Name
2)Your Full Address & Phone Number
3)How old are you?
4)Are you married?
5)How many people will be living in the house?
6)Do you have a pet?
7)Do you have a car?
8)Occupation?
9)What is your religion?
10)Are you born again?
Looking forward to hear from you with all this details so that i can have it in my file incase of issuing the receipt for you and contacting you.Await your urgent reply so that we can discuss on how to get the document and the key to you,please we are giving you all this ba se on trust and again i will want you to stick to your words,you know that,we do not see yet and only putting everything into Gods hand,so please do not let us down in this our property and God bless you more as you do this.
Regards.
Thanks,
I almost fell for it too– a Craigslist ad! Does this look familiar?
(Thank you for the blog– I suspected fraud but your site convinced me.)
Hello
I am Maria Kim by name,thanks for your interest in Our House which is located on Dale Ave,mountain View. Actually we use to resided in the House with my two Kids and my wife. presently,we have relocated to West Africa(Nigeria) Due to my new job offer in Nigeria and presently our House is available for rent and the entire house cost $1350(per Month).
The accommodation comprises of 2 Bedrooms, 2 Bathroom, living room. The living room is (17′0×16′0), kitchen breakfast room (13×11), bedroom 2 (12′10×10′5), bathroom and a separate WC.Facilities and electronics like satellite TV and internet, and a sony DVD player, air conditioning, alarm system. The kitchen is fully equipped with all necessary cooking utensils, a refrigerator-freezer, four-hob and oven, microwave, dishwasher and washing machine.
Security Deposit of $800.
The minimum lease term is three months, but a maximum of 5 years.
Pet allowed :Allowed
You can move in as soon as we finalize.
I want you to know that,we are kind and honest people and also we spent a lot on my property that we are offering for rent ,so i will solicit for your absolute maintenance of this house and i want you to treat it as your own. Note that we are not after the money, that is why the rent fee for our house is Cheap. All we need is someone, who will occupy our house and always keep it clean at all time. we are going to be here for so long. so please let me know how long you would like to rent the house.
The House Address:
1354 Dale Ave.Unit #9
Mountain View,
CA 94040
You can drive by and visit the house but you can not go inside the keys/document are with me here in West Africa.
Please we are offering you this house base on trust and i want you to promise us that you will take very good care of the house as if its your own.
Also note that gas, water, and electricity bills are included. As i discounted the utilities from running, when i was relocating, as there was no one occupying the House. As for the monthly bills you can settle the bills with AGL and Energy .
So i can send you the interior and exterior pictures of the house, and we can proceed.
Regards
NB:THERE IS A RENT APPLICATION FORM WITH THE MAIL FILL OUT AND SEND IT BACK TO ME.THIS WILL ENANBLE ME CREATE A FILE FOR YOU.
RENTAL APPLICATION FORM Equal Housing Opportunity
1)Your Full Name?
2)Your Full Address & Phone Number?
3)How old are you?
4)Are you married?
5)How many people will be living in the house?
6)Do you have a pet?
7)Do you have a car?
8)Occupation?
9)When do you want to move in?
10)How long do you want to stay in my apartment?
11)Pictures of all the Occupant that will stay in my apartment?
12) Reason for moving out of Current home?
0112347027619730 Or +2347027619730
I personally will actually come visiting you sometimes during the year as our new tenant.
Looking forward to hear from you with all this details so that i can have it in my file in case of issuing the receipt for you and contacting you. Await your urgent reply so that we can discuss on how to get the document and the keys of the house to you. The address of the house is :-1354 Dale Ave.Unit #9
Mountain View
CA 94040
Thanks
August 30, 2008 @ 4:17 pmMaria Kim
Thank you. Just got the initial email from one of these scammers - the spelling tipped them off, but it was good to get confirmation about this being a scam! It’s happening on the Kansas City craigslist, too, so be careful folks!
September 3, 2008 @ 3:06 pmHey, i just wanted to let everyone know that i came across this scam site by searching for the email robert.kinoshita02@yahoo.com (i had a feeling that is was a scam and i wanted to verify). By what i have found i would say this person is trying to scam people. There is another email address that this person is using as well which is ricehannah78@yahoo.com so be careful.
September 7, 2008 @ 10:30 pmHi folks
This is a reply I got when I responded to a housing ad on Craigslist.
Beware…..
Thanks
Hello
I am Ben Poker by name,thanks for your interest in Our House which is located on Adeline Ave San Jose. Actually we use to resided in the House with my two Kids and my wife. presently,we have relocated to West Africa(Nigeria) Due to my new job offer in Nigeria and presently our House is available for rent and the entire house cost $1,650(per Month). The accommodation comprises of 3 Bedrooms, 3.5 Bathroom, living room. The living room is (18′0×17′0), kitchen breakfast room (14×12), bedroom 3 (13′10×10′7), bathroom and a separate WC.Facilities and electronics like satellite TV and internet, and a sony DVD player, air conditioning, alarm system. The kitchen is fully equipped with all necessary cooking utensils, a refrigerator-freezer, four-hob and oven, microwave, dishwasher and washing machine.
Security Deposit of $650.
The minimum lease term is three months, but a maximum of 5 years.
Pet allowed :Allowed
You can move in as soon as we finalize.
I want you to know that,we are kind and honest people and also we spent a lot on my property that we are offering for rent ,so i will solicit for your absolute maintenance of this house and i want you to treat it as your own. Note that we are not after the money, that is why the rent fee for our house is Cheap. All we need is someone, who will occupy our house and always keep it clean at all time. we are going to be here for so long. so please let me know how long you would like to rent the house.
The House Address:
478 Adeline Ave
San Jose, CA 95136.
You can drive by and visit the house but you can not go inside the keys/document are with me here in West Africa.
Please we are offering you this house base on trust and i want you to promise us that you will take very good care of the house as if its your own.
Also note that gas, water, and electricity bills are included. As i discounted the utilities from running, when i was relocating, as there was no one occupying the House. As for the monthly bills you can settle the bills with AGL and Energy . So i can send you the interior and exterior pictures of the house, and we can proceed.
NB:THERE IS A RENT APPLICATION FORM WITH THE MAIL FILL OUT AND SEND IT BACK TO ME.THIS WILL ENANBLE ME CREATE A FILE FOR YOU.
RENTAL APPLICATION FORM Equal Housing Opportunity
1)Your Full Name?
2)Your Full Address & Phone Number?
3)How old are you?
4)Are you married?
5)How many people will be living in the house?
6)Do you have a pet?
7)Do you have a car?
8)Occupation?
9)When do you want to move in?
10)How long do you want to stay in my House ?.
11)Pictures of all the Occupant that will stay in my House ?.
12) Reason for moving out of Current home?
You Can Contact Me @ 0112347027619730
I personally will actually come visiting you sometimes during the year as our new tenant.
Looking forward to hear from you with all this details so that i can have it in my file in case of issuing the receipt for you and contacting you. Await your urgent reply so that we can discuss on how to get the document and the keys of the house to you. The address of the house is :-478 Adeline Ave
San Jose, CA 95136.
Thanks
September 16, 2008 @ 10:54 amBen Poker
here is a new one on CRIAGLIST sept. 2008. I wanted to see how far they would go, they really think we will send money WESTERN UNION.
LETTER ONE
Hello,
Thanks for your interest. First of all, I must thank the Lord that I found an intending tenant for my apartment ,My name is Pastor Rosa Martins, I own the apartment you are interested in and I lived there with my Husband and my only daugther before we relocated to West Africa.
My Job here in Nigeria involves going to interior villages to give food and clothes to the less priviledged ones in the Niger delta region and I also use this opportunity to preach the word of God bringing them to the knowledge of the gospel of Christ,We work with the a charity organisation. You can learn more from: http://www.orphanage.org/africa/nigeria/childrenofmary/index.html .
I came here with my family and It was due to my transfer thats we left the apartment and also want to give it out for rent. We are looking for a resposible person that can take very good care of it as we are not after the money for the rent but want it to be clean at the time, and the person that will rent it to take it as if it were its own.My Husband is also a pastor with christ embassy church here in Nigeria as well.
This 1 bed room Apartment 4901 CLAIR DEL AVE LONG BEACH, CA 90807 vwhich goes for $650monthly.It has the folowing features: Air conditioning, Walk-in closet, Hardwood floor, Tile floor, Living room,Breakfast nook, Refrigerator, Stove/Oven,garage, Balcony, Deck, or Patio, Cable-ready, High-speed internet ,Garage parking.Dashwasher
This apartment is not furnished and We want to give it for rent and looking for a resposible person that can take very good care of the apt. for us.So for now,We are here in Lagos,and our house and the keys/documents of the house are with us here,we tried to look for an agent that we can give this document before we left but could not see and we are as well as dont want our house to be used any how in our absence that is why we took it along
with us here.
I hope you will promise us to take very good care of the house. If you are comfortable with the price and really need this apartment, Contact me immediately with the following details.
APPLICANT’S PROFILE
1)Your Full Name
2)Your Full Address
Phone Number?
3)How old are you?
4)Are you married?
5)How many people will be living in the Apartment?
6)Do you have a pet?
7)Do you have a car?
8)Occupation?
9)What is your religion?
10)How long are you renting for?
Looking forward to hear from you with all this details so that i can have it in my file incase of issuing the receipt for you and contacting you.Await your urgent reply so that we can discuss on how to get the document and the key to you,please we are giving you all this base on trust and again i will want you to stick to your words,you know that,we do not see yet and only putting everything into Gods hand,so please do not let us down in this our property and God bless you more as you do this.
You can also call my Husband asap: +234 807 868 5848 for more details.
The pictures are attached and you can also go see the building, though you cant view the inside because we have the keys here.
Thanks and you are welcome
Regards
Mrs Rosa Martins
LETTER TWO
Hello,
Thanks for your response and for promising us that our flat will be well taken care of,and I appreciate your expression,so i want you to stick to your words and handle our house as if its your personal property.? And the below is the final question that you must answer to qualify for the rent of my flat? You can move in with your pets if necesary. The rent include utilities and also if we approve your application, we shall send you the keys and rental documents via FEDEX courier while payment will be wired to us via Western Union Money transfer on monthly basis. The rent included all utilities
My husband will be visiting in 6 months time to inspect the apartment and to know how clean you are keeping the Flat. We do a long term and short term renting anytime you which to leave the flat will be greatful cos we will be here till 2012.note that you will not be able to enter in the house,because keys and documents are with me here in Lagos West Africa.
Fell free to go and take a look at the apartment,You can only view the building but the pictures already should convince you the flat is a great and convinient one. Fill out the application below and return asap.
Thanks
Juan
Rental Application
Neatly complete all information below. All applicants over the age of 18 must complete and sign their own application.
1. Applicants full name:
Phone #:
DOB;
2. Current Address:
City:
State:
Zip:
3.Current Landlords Name:
Landlords Phone #:
How long at this address:
Reason for leaving:
4. Previous Address:
City:
State:
Zip:
Previous Landlords Name;
Phone #:
How long at this address:
Reason for leaving:
5. Job Info:
Present Employer:
Phone #
Position:
Mo. Income:
How long at job:
Other income/source:
EmployersAddress:
City:
State:
6. Personal References
Name:
Years. Known;
Relationship:
Phone #:
I CERTIFYanswers given here in that are true and complete to the best of my knowledge.
I authorize investigation of all statements contained in this application for tenant screening as may be necessary in arriving at a tenant decision, I also agree to pay $… monthly for the apartment and I am ready to pay upfront of (——–) months in advance before moving ino the apartment.
I understand that the landlord may terminate any rental agreement entered into for any misrepresentations made above.
Date
Thanks
—————————— —————————— ——— (Your Full names)
(Intending Tenant
You can call my husband on this number +234 8078 6858 48
LETTER ThREE
Hello,
I want you to know that the rent fee includes utilities so you can use them anytime but make you take proper care of my property.We will come and pay you a visit after you have moved into my home to see how you are maintaining it,I will be receiving the first month deposit payment from you via Western Union Money Transfer because l think it reliable,secured and fast,l wish you best of luck in your work, from your profile l can see that you are responsible and a hard working person may the almighty Lord lead you in what ever you wish to do.
l see no reason l why l should collect damages deposit since you have promise that you will take proper care of my home l think l am ok.
As soon as the first months deposit payment has been confirmed by me via Western union,l will go ahead and commence on how the apartement keys/Documents will be delivered to you via FEDEX on next day delivery and it will be delivered to the address you provided.Let me hear back from you as soon as possible so that l can go arrange for the delivery of the keys/Documents..Once again l’m giving you this apartment on trust and do not dissapoint me because l dont want my apartment to be destroyed again,no problem if you wish to move in with your own furniture.l still have one extra room that is empty so you can easily put my own things that you think you dont need in there.
Here are the contents that will be delivered to you via FEDEX courier service.
1) Entrance and the rooms Keys
2)Paper/Permanent Flat form(Containing your reference details) 3)The Flat documented file.
4)Payment Receipt.
5)Full address and description of the house.
To make the payment of $700, walk into any grocery store and send the money via western union money transfer to my Secretary’s name and address
below:
Name: Albert Collins
Address: 21, Shell avenue,
City: Lagos
Country: Nigeria
Question: Colour
Answer: Yellow.
Like I said earlier money is not my major concern , I want you to handle this property like your personal belonging. I waiting for the payment confirmation asap.
Thanks and God bless you…
September 16, 2008 @ 11:01 amBest Regards,
Thanks for posting!!! These people just emailed me so I googled the phone number and found your website. I think there should be a website just for these scams!
September 24, 2008 @ 4:08 pmOMG i almost fell for a scam as well!!! i responded once and i even spoke to someone on the phone!! mine was pastor martins…..with the same things however it was in studio city, ca
September 30, 2008 @ 12:38 amHere’s the email response I received this morning from Ben Poker. Ben seems to be slipping a bit. While he provided the address of the house he owns, he did not specify the unit number. With a little research, I was able to determine that the property is actually a large apartment complex with about 200 apartments - all of which are owned by a corporation, and not by any of the individual tenants. The ad appeared this morning on Craigslist, but was removed within an hour of when I first saw it.
Hello
I am Ben Poker by name,thanks for your interest in Our House which is located on Poinciana Drive Santa Clara. Actually we use to resided in the House with my two Kids and my wife. presently,we have relocated to West Africa(Nigeria) Due to my new job offer in Nigeria and presently our House is available for rent and the entire house cost $1,250(per Month). The accommodation comprises of 2 Bedrooms, 1 Bathroom, living room. The living room is (17′0×17′0), kitchen breakfast room (14×12), bedroom 2 (13′10×10′7), bathroom and a separate WC.Facilities and electronics like satellite TV and internet, and a sony DVD player, air conditioning, alarm system. The kitchen is fully equipped with all necessary cooking utensils, a refrigerator-freezer, four-hob and oven, microwave, dishwasher and washing machine.
Security Deposit of $500.
The minimum lease term is three months, but a maximum of 5 years.
Pet allowed :Allowed
You can move in as soon as we finalize.
I want you to know that,we are kind and honest people and also we spent a lot on my property that we are offering for rent ,so i will solicit for your absolute maintenance of this house and i want you to treat it as your own. Note that we are not after the money, that is why the rent fee for our house is Cheap. All we need is someone, who will occupy our house and always keep it clean at all time. we are going to be here for so long. so please let me know how long you would like to rent the house.
The House Address:
3707 Poinciana Drive.
Santa Clara,CA 95051.
Features
Bedrooms:2 Bathrooms:1
Located On Floor #:Upstairs Floors In Bldg:2
Square Footage:900 Parking Spaces:1
Pets Allowed:Cats/Dogs Year Built:1978
You can drive by and visit the house but you can not go inside the keys/document are with me here in West Africa.
Please we are offering you this house base on trust and i want you to promise us that you will take very good care of the house as if its your own.
Also note that gas, water, and electricity bills are included. As i discounted the utilities from running, when i was relocating, as there was no one occupying the House. As for the monthly bills you can settle the bills with AGL and Energy . So i can send you the interior and exterior pictures of the house, and we can proceed.
NB:THERE IS A RENT APPLICATION FORM WITH THE MAIL FILL OUT AND SEND IT BACK TO ME.THIS WILL ENANBLE ME CREATE A FILE FOR YOU.
RENTAL APPLICATION FORM Equal Housing Opportunity
1)Your Full Name?
2)Your Full Address & Phone Number?
3)How old are you?
4)Are you married?
5)How many people will be living in the house?
6)Do you have a pet?
7)Do you have a car?
8)Occupation?
9)When do you want to move in?
10)How long do you want to stay in my House ?.
11)Pictures of all the Occupant that will stay in my House ?.
12) Reason for moving out of Current home?
You Can Contact Me @ 0112347027619730
I personally will actually come visiting you sometimes during the year as our new tenant.
Looking forward to hear from you with all this details so that i can have it in my file in case of issuing the receipt for you and contacting you. Await your urgent reply so that we can discuss on how to get the document and the keys of the house to you. The address of the house is :-3707 Poinciana Drive.Santa Clara,CA 95051.
Thanks God Bless You
September 30, 2008 @ 4:25 pmBen Poker.
LOL, 011 is the UK
September 30, 2008 @ 9:10 pmon my email he gave a 234807 number and he contacted me once!!! i spoke to him then found this website! i later emailed him and told him i reported to craigslist and that there is a whole website dedicated to his scams so people know!! this morning he called me 4xs i never answered and he never left a message!! BE CAREFUL!!
September 30, 2008 @ 9:30 pmThis is what I got from one Carol Lawpet
It is a great pleasure that to you are interested in my Place.Thanks for your email and it is my gladness to hearing you I am a Single Christain Mother, With no kid, My Husband, Pass by Last 4 Month (got dead). Due to the Fatal Accident we had he got Dead, and I got Dislocation on my Legs and Hand, My name is Pastor Rev Carol lawance The Owner of the 2 bedroom home and its located @ 1117 10th Street Nw, Washington DC 20001 I am presently in West Africa due to my transfer that makes me leave the house and also want to give it out for rent and looking for a responsible person that can take very good care of it as I am not after the money for the rent but want it to be clean at the time and the person that will rent it to take it as if it were its own. So for now, i am here in west Africa, My new house and put all my worries off concerning the maintenance of the apartment for, since i am not residing there for now.I left behind some Facilities and electonics which include the rent, and a DVD player, air conditioning, alarm system. The kitchen is fully equipped with all necessary cooking utensils, arefrigerator-freezer, four-hob and oven, microwave,dishwasher and washing machine, My Computer Connected with Internet Acess Also the keys to the House are right here with me, and the lease document. Which i can send to you after all necessary agreement has be accepted. Also i will like you to know that the rent charges is not really the issue ,but your absolute maintenance of my apartment is most important thing so will want you to get back to me with the Application form below
RENT APPLICATION FORM
1)Your Full Name
2)Your Full Address
3)Phone Number
4)How old are you?
5)Are you married?
6)How many people will be living in the house?
7)Do you have a pet?
8)Do you have a car?
9)Occupation?
10)When do you want to move in?
11)How long do you want to stay in my apartment?
12) Pictures of all the Occupant that will stay in my apartment if you have any
One Mr Brasson called me about the apartment,I told him that I can’t give him the apartment because he loves smoking,drinking and dont want him to get drunked and damaged my property one day so If you are still interested, Note that the rent is going to be $600 Per month No extra fees.I will like you to give me a call on this effect to know how serious you are. You can call me at :
+2347089051455 or 0112347089051455 I will be Very Greatful to speak with you.
I personally will actually come visiting you sometimes during the year as my new tenant.
Looking forward to hear from you with all this details so that i can have it in my file in case of issuing the receipt for you and contacting you. Await your urgent reply so that we can discuss on how to get the document and the keys of the house to you. The address of the house is 1117 10th Street Nw, Washington DC 20001
HOUSE PICTURES IS BELOW
I wait to Read back your Prompt Respond.
Thanks and God Bless you
2nd letter:
Thanks for the mail…and i am very happy that you are ready to take very good care of our apartment and i want you to know.Once again i Thank you very much for your reply l can see your willingness in this apartment I want you to know that i am satisfied with a Little profile you have Provided me and l also believe l can have trust in you…l want you to know that l can let you stay in my Place
I will like to let you know That I am giving out the Place For a Cheap Rate due to that here in the West Africa I am, I have been Accomodated with all My Needs, So i am doing this for God for Those who dont have the Much money to Rent my Home That is why i put it for $600 per Monthly so kindly get back to me
I want you to know that the rent fee is among the flat utilities so you can use them anytime but make sure you take proper care of my properties I will come and pay you a visit after you have moved into our home to see how you are maintaining it, 1 or 2 Month Rent Payment have to be Deposit as a security deposit to me via Western Union or Money Gram and as soon as i confirm the payment the keys and the documents of the apartment will send to the address you fill in the application form via DHL or UPS because l think it
reliable,secured and fast,l wish you best of luck in your work, from your profile l can see that you are responsible and a hard working person may the almighty Lord lead you in what ever you wish to do.
NOTE;….. If you are Okay with me…I will go ahead and Get the Documents and Keys on TRANSIT and I will get back to you with the Tracking Number# for you to Track the status, of the Documents and Keys That will be Delivery to
you Next Day Delivery…and as soon as the Documents and Keys are on TRANSIT you Kindly Make Payment..!! so That i can Pay off the shipping Fees and some Necessary Bills that can Cause Delay on Hold of the Documents and Keys… If a deposit of First 2 Month is sent you will be getting 1 Month Rent Extra for Free. and if it is only 1 Month Rent you are willing, there is no Problem Regarding that, it okay by me.
I want you to Know That the Utitlities are Included In with the Month Rent Which all Cost $600 I want you to Know That i am Doing this For God, Because where I am In the West Africa for a Christain Missionary Work, I have been Accomodated will all My Need so I am doing This favour For people That Dont have Much Money… and I hope you will Promise me you willl take very Good Care of the Place
Amenities
…………………………. ………….
# Bedroom 2
# Bathroom 2
# Extra Toilet 2
# Extra Guest Room 1
# Sofa Bed 2
# Bed Linen 2
Accommodation Features
……………………………… …………………
Wood Floor
Heater
Central Heating
Equiped Kitchen
Tv: Cable/Satellite TV
Video/Stereo
Internet
Air Conditioning
Full Kitchen
Refrigerator
Garage/Car park
pets allowedKitchen Features
…………………… ………..
Washing machine
Juice Machine
Iron
Toaster
Oven
Dishwasher
Coffee Maker
Microwave
Refrigerator
Stove
So let me know your final decision today so that i can make an arrangement on how the keys and the documents will be sent to you tonight and you are going to recieve them first thing tomorrow , if the deposit payment Is Ready to be Made, let me know ! And also let me know if you are willing to make First 2 Month security deposit so that you can have 1 month rent extra for free or 1 Month only. so that I can Get the Documents and Keys on TRANSIT and i will get back to you with the Tracking Number# for you to Track the status, and as soon as the Documents and Keys are On Transit….. Then you make a Deposit Payment of a Month Once again l’m giving you this apartment on trust and do not dissapoint me because l dont want my house to be destroyed, Let me know if i can forward you the information on where to send the payment to me via Western union or Money Gramm local agent store around you. I wait to Read back your Prompt respond. Thanks and God bless you…
Best Regards
October 9, 2008 @ 11:51 amTHIS IS THE EMAIL THESE SCAMMERS SENT ME
Hello, Thanks for your interest in my pet. The puppy is still very much available for Adoption. She is 10 weeks old.She is AKC registered and shots are given up to date. All the papers will accompany the puppy,but right now i am in Africa on a Christain mission with my wife and we have the puppy right here with us.we are going to ship to you via express delivery on next day delivery after shippment through a shipping agent,so if you are interested in having the puppy, i want you to get back to me with your fullname,address including the nearest airport to you. Please if you know that you are not going to take very good care of my baby, do not reply me becuase i am not giving because of bad condition or anything i am only giving this pupppy out because we dont have time to take care of the puppy again due to the mission work before us here. She will be going for free so i will like you to get back to me with your full name and full address including your nearest airport and your contact phone number so that i can carry out shipping.
Price: Free
October 11, 2008 @ 2:25 pmShipping Fees:$150.00 Usd
Totat cost:$150.00Usd