New Twist on Nigerian Scam?

Posted by: Meredith   
January 27th,
2008

I think I may have found a new twist on the Nigerian scam. I am helping a friend look for an apartment in DC, and I saw a posting on Craigslist that looked too good to be true – $600/mo for a 3-bedroom apartment in DC proper! So I sent the following e-mail to the address on the listing:

Hi, I am a little puzzled by your Craiglist posting. You are offering a 3br house for rent for $600/mo? Can you clarify on this? Where is the house located? I am helping a friend look for an inexpensive place in DC, he lives in NYC now so I am helping out because I know what is a safe neighborhood better than he does, etc.

Eight hours later, I received the following reply:

from: stevens.hook@yahoo.com
Hello Dear,

Thanks for the email. I own the apartment and also want you to know that it was due to my transfer to West Africa, Nigeria that makes me and my wife to leave the house and also want to give it out for rent and looking for a responsible person that can take very good care of it as we are not after the money for the rent but want it to be clean all 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 and will be staying here for the next 4 years in our new house and also with the keys of the apartment for rent, we try to look for an agent that we can give this documents and the keys before we left but could not find, and we as well do not want our house to be used any how in our absence that is why we took it along with us. I and my wife came over to Africa for a missionary work, so i hope you will promise us that you will take very good care of the house. So get back to me on how you could take care of our house or perhaps experience you have in renting home. Hope you are okay with the price of $600 per month with hydro,heat laundry facilities, air condition and so on.This is the address of the Apartment (1311 28th Street Southeast, Washington DC 20020 )

SO IF YOU ARE REALY INTERESTED I WILL WANT YOU TO FILL THE
RENT APPLICATIONS FORM BELOW
RENT APPLICATION FORM
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?
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.
Thanks and you are welcome
Regards.

There are so many red flags in this, it looks like Gay Days at Disneyland.

  • Obviously this person is not a native English speaker, but that’s not unusual; this city has a lot of different nationalities.
  • Hmm, they got transferred to West Africa? Do you get transferred when it’s missionary work, or do you get sent? I would have thought the latter, but I could be wrong.
  • Nigeria…I’m sure “scam” is the first word people associate with that country these days. Yes, missionaries do work there, but still – “Nigeria” just screams scam.
  • They took all the keys with them, well, that was prudent, but it also makes it impossible to inspect the house. Wouldn’t it have been better to leave them with a trustworthy neighbor?
  • The address – nobody ever writes “Southeast” like that. It’s SE, that’s how you write it.
  • Four years? You’re going to be gone four years?
  • You’re charging $600/month for a 3-bedroom in an area where similar apartments are $1300. Riiiiiight.
  • The last paragraph is so awful. “We are giving you all this based on trust” and “await your urgent reply” are straight out of the usual scams where some relative has died or whatever.
  • It’s illegal to discriminate on the basis of religion regarding housing. Craigslist doesn’t say anything about it – some other listing sites do – but if you say “you’re the wrong religion, you can’t rent from me” you will get your ass taken to court.
  • And if you haven’t figured it out by now, here’s the kicker. They expect you to send them $600 a month. Hello?!

So, yeah. This looks like a new – to me – twist on the usual Nigerian scam. I think I’ll take it over to Scam Victims United and see if anybody’s heard of it before. And if I’m wrong, I’ll eat my hat. The one I’m going to sew out of baby spinach leaves, of course.

Added: I can’t find the posting anywhere on Craigslist now. Gee hmmmm.

More: Aha! Found it.

Added 10/20/09: Almost two years after I made this post, Snopes has weighed in on the matter.

This entry was posted on Sunday, January 27th, 2008 at 9:10 am. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.
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127 Responses for "New Twist on Nigerian Scam?"

Adrienna
January 27th, 2008 at 10:42 am   

thank you for putting this out here, I got really excited about nothing, even if I won’t live in SE.

Condom Man
January 29th, 2008 at 7:15 pm   

WOW those bastards are everywhere now, huh?

Patrick
February 3rd, 2008 at 12:19 pm   

I found this exact same scam in Craigslist in Charleston, SC

Andrey
February 5th, 2008 at 12:50 am   

Shit, I found similar one in Vancouver, BC, Canada. It sounded so freaking nice. Too good to be true, so I had to do some research. And here we go. Thanks, man for posting this. Hope it will help other ones to realize the scam before they send there money to them.

Jess
February 6th, 2008 at 2:18 pm   

Same scam…….in Kitchener, ON
I can’t believe these people!!!

Kerry
February 7th, 2008 at 6:20 am   

Same in Huntsville, AL…One reads almost identical, but another that I received today reads similar, but a different twist…
“Hello,

Thanks for the email and it is my gladness to hearing from you.I am
Rev Charles Chris,the owner of the house you are making inquiry
of.Actually I resided in the house with my family,since my Wife
died,am with my only daughter before and presently we had packed due
to my transfer from my Church and now situated in Missouri Usa.And
presently my house is still available for rent in,for ($700) including
the utilities like hydro,washer and security,WIFI, washing machine,
and central or electric heating, The house includes utilities heat,
hydro, cable, fridge, stove, it cooks with dishwasher, hall, dining
room, bath, cleanliness, elevator, conditioned air, TV, DVD, terrace,
located in a well communicated very exclusive zone and with downtown.
lovely furnished Hrdwd, Jacuzzi, loft, kitchen in beautiful Victorian
house. 3 rooms Include: 3 Queen Bed,2 bathrooms, We accept pets like
cat and Dogs.it is furnished. Price in Per/month and it is very much
available , with parking space for 3 cars. All room wired for
internet/cable and telephone .I want you to get back to for more
information as the keys and the document to the house.Pls i want you
to note that, i am a kind and honest man and also i spent alot on my
property that i want to give you for rent,so i will solicit for your
absolute maintenance of this house and want you to treat it as your
own,is that taken,it is not the money the main problem but want you to
keep it tidy all the time so that i will be glad to see it neat when i
came for a check up.i do that once in a while.I also want you to let
me have trust in you as i always stand on my word and my ph number is
240-949-2932.

House Address:

6500 Walden Run Circle
Huntsville, AL 35806

Square meters: 100 m²
Nº Bedrooms: 3
Nº Bathroom: 1

Other Details
Bedrooms
·Single Bed·Wardrobe·Sheets & Blankets·Double Bed
The Livingroom
·Video·Sofa·Furnished·DVD·Iron·TV
The Kitchen
·Gas Hob·Furnished·Microwave·Electric Hob·Fridge·Washing Machine·Plates
& cutlery·Oven
General Description
·Terrace·Furnished·Gas Heating·Air Conditioning

RENT APPLICATION FORM
Also,Pls let me get this answer.
1)Your Full Name
2)Your Full Address & Phone Number
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?

Pls i want you to note that,i am a kind and honest person and also i
spent alot on my property that i want to give you for rent,so i will
solicit for your absolute maintenance of this flat and want you to
treat it as if it is your own, money is not 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 do that once in a while.I also want
you to let me have trust in you as i always stand on my word. I will
also like to know how many months you will want to rent and you can
call me on my line 240-949-2932.

I await your response, so that we can proceed from there and if you
are interested let me know so i can give you a phone number to reach
me on.

Thanks And God Bless……….

Regards.

Andrea
February 7th, 2008 at 9:48 am   

Same on Long Island NY. Like an idiot, I emailed this guy twice from my work email address so he has my full name. Can they do anything with that? Thank God I found these posts. You know what they say, if it sounds too good to be true………….I hope someday they get theirs.

Chris
February 10th, 2008 at 4:29 am   

Same thing in Portland, OR

jonh vic
February 15th, 2008 at 9:33 pm   

I THINK THEY ARE GOOD PEOPLE WHEN I WAS THERE AND TRYING TO FIND A LIVING, BECAUSE IT HARD OVER HERE.

Scandall
February 21st, 2008 at 2:08 pm   

jonh vic, I think I speak for everyone who reads this blog when I say, “What?”

Same scam running rampant on Craiglist in Calgary, AB. Numerous listings. Does anyone know if there are any extradition agreements with Nigeria for capital fraud? I decided to play around with one of the scammers that I e-mailed, including listing William “Billy” Corgan as my work supervisor, Shannon Hoon as my reference, and my home phone number as: 8-6-7-5-3-o-9(ee-eye-n).

The dumbass actually wrote me back with Western Union transfer information. By the way, if you’re ever in Yaba, Nigeria, be sure to visit “Christian Leonard” at 201-209 Wayne Avenue. :)

Jenney
February 22nd, 2008 at 1:02 am   

I got the same reply for a listing in Portland, OR. The thing is, they gave a real address and had pictures of a real home. I wonder if the home owners know they are being used in this scam

Mark
March 3rd, 2008 at 11:36 pm   

The same also goes for people who are renting rooms. I have two rooms in my apartment I am renting and I get lots of people saying they are from Canada, Germany, France, UK or even Russia and they want to live with me really bad. They just need my full name, address and telephone number to get me the money order or cashiers check and they will pay in advance.

Most likely I would get something that wouldn’t clear and they would tell me they can’t make it or that they need the money back quickly with some sob story, so I am supposed to feel sorry for them and send it back before the fake money clears (or doesn’t).

The kicker is my ad is VERY descript and they usually tell me to send them details that are printed multiple times in my ad including pictures.

Beware of people responding to your ads, not just the ads that are posted.

Marci
March 16th, 2008 at 12:28 am   

We just received an e-mail from the same couple on their missionary trip to West Africa, Nigeria. The only difference with this one is that they are trying to get soneone to adopt their poor Yorkshire puppy whom they bought in the states and took with them, but have since found out the African weather is not good for the puppy and want someone to send $250.00 for shipping the dog back to the states. My elderly parents almost fell for this, but I told them I thought it might be a scam and that they needed to check into it. I’m glad I found this article about what sounds like the same couple trying to scam people any way they think they can. I hope that many others will be warned by this website and these two blogs that have been posted, as well as searching out these kinds of e-mail they receive before falling for them. Thank you Meredith for your posting your experience and thank you to all the others who have contributed to revealing these scammers. They will get theirs someday. I just pray that it is before too much damage has been done.

Quirked Eyebrow
July 14th, 2008 at 3:04 am   

They are not, alas, a rare breed. :(

But at our blog, we’re always willing to post information that people pass on to us.

Be careful out there!

Miss Gullible
August 21st, 2008 at 11:09 pm   

Ugh, I just got an email about an apartment I found for my best friend who is moving from Chicago to Santa Barbara. Apartments are crazy expensive and I found a furnished one for $700 with pictures and all. I should have known better when the email said that the author (a Scottish woman) had fallen in love with an African and his music producer job transferred him to “Victoria Garden city, Lagos Nigeria”. I stupidly gave out my cell phone number — are they smart enough to do anything with that?

The sad things is, they are probably the same people who tried to scam me out of an LCD projector I had for sale on ebay last year!

Colin
December 6th, 2008 at 8:17 am   

This is good, because when my brother trying to fin a living he have a many trabls!

Stezphen
December 7th, 2008 at 5:38 am   

Gee, thanks for the heads up! I nearly almost fell for it. Your postings really alerted me. I would also like to do the same, so that these criminals will not get away with it.

nicole
December 26th, 2008 at 3:44 am   

here is what i got and almost fell for in hawaii.

Hello,

Thanks for your response regarding your interest in having my property for rent.The home is much available for now.I want you to know that I am the owner of this building situated at 95-1023 Kaapeha St. #50 Mililani, HI, HI.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 home 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 keys of the home,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 dont want our home 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 home 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 home or perhaps experience you have in renting home.Hope you are okay with the price of $1100 and the security deposit is $500 so on.i look forward to hearing from you ASAP so that i can forward you an application to fill out and discuss on how to get the property for rent,also are you ready to rent it now or when?pet is allow and you can drive by the home.also they is a pool in the home. Await your reply

Call me on +2348024243988.

Cindy
January 12th, 2009 at 1:25 pm   

I almost fell for it to. The woman at western union warned me! Red Deer, Alberta Canada. It was a man who was apparently doing research in nigeria. If it sounds to good to be true it probably is!

Maie
February 4th, 2009 at 4:41 pm   

Funny! I received this email: Hello Dear,

Thanks for the email. I own the house and also want you to know that it was due to my transfer to (West Africa, Nigeria) that makes us to leave the house and also want to give it out for rent and looking for a responsible person and God fearing person who can take very good care of the house in our absence.we are not after the money for the rent but want it to be clean all 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 and will be staying here for the next 4 years in our new house and also with the keys of the House for rent, we try to look for an agent that we can give this documents and the keys before we left but could not find, and we as well do not want our house to be used any how in our absence that is why we took it along with us. I and my wife came over to Africa for a missionary work, so i hope you will promise us that you will take very good care of the house. So get back to me if you know you could take care of our house or perhaps experience you have in renting home. Hope you are okay with the price of $1000 per month and the security Deposit is $500.Get back to me for the rental application.You can go and view.
Here is my contact number:+2347058014164 or 0112347058014164.

LOL!

aoey
February 10th, 2009 at 8:15 pm   

i got the same exact reply… this time its in Bellevue, Washington… $1000/ 4br… gotta check it through when its too good to be true…

disappointedt
February 13th, 2009 at 12:44 pm   

Same thing in West Linn, Oregon!!!!!

Hello,

Thanks for your response regarding your interest in having my house for rent.The house is much available for now and it a 4 bedroom home.I want you to know that i am the owner of this building situated at 1808 Hall Ct.West Linn, OR.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 responsible person that can take very good care of it as we are not after the money for the rent but want it to be clean at the time and the person that will rent it to take it as if it were its own.So for now,We are here in West Africa,NIGERIA our new house and also with the keys of the house,we are trying to look for an agent that we can give this document before we left but could not see and we are as well as don’t want our house to be used any how in our absent that is why we took it along with us here.We are only willing to give the house out to a lovely and caring family only, so if you know you cannot give the house the neatness it deserves please don’t contact me.But if you promise to always take good care of the house,get back to me on how you could take care of our house or perhaps experience you have in renting a home.Hope you are okay with the monthly price of $1100 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.

Kindly confirm your interest by filling the form below:
TENANT RENT APPLICATION
FIRST NAME: __________________
MIDDLE NAME: __________________
LAST NAME: __________________
PROFESSION: ________________
PHONE (____) __________ (CELL)
PHONE (____) __________ (WORK)
PHONE (____) __________ (HOME)
MARITAL STATUS: _________
KIDS _____ (YES/NO), HOW MANY ________
Home ADDRESS: ___________________________
CITY: _______________
STATE: ______________
ZIPCODE: ____________
HOW LONG? ___________IF RENTING
WHY ARE YOU LEAVING? _______________________________________________________________________
CURRENT RENT: _______

IF THIS House IS BEING GIVEN TO YOU,
HOW LONG DO YOU INTEND STAYING? ____________
WHEN DO YOU INTEND MOVING IN? ______________

Singapore property for rent
February 16th, 2009 at 9:06 am   

When you want to buy or rent a house sometimes its better to deal with real estate agents or companies. They maybe a bit pricey compare to renting one directly with owner but at least you can make sure you are not being scam.

Joe
February 16th, 2009 at 5:38 pm   

Same thing happens in San Francisco, CA, Berkeley. but this time they lied in the name of their “sick” daughter and son, and lied in the name of God.

Oh my goodness….sorry for the late response. I was so busy at the hospital with
my daughter, she went through a kidney operation but thank God she is doing fine
now.We are glad to receive your message regarding our home for rent, We want you to
know that we have receive a lot of enquiries about our home but the reason why we
are not in hurry to give it out for rent is because we have gone through stress and
dishonest by our former tenant.

The home is suitable to anyone with good character. I was transfer to west africa
region on a work transfer. Myself and my husband are both professional medical
Doctors and we do travel to difficult countries to render help and service to
difficult individual and private associate. Presently now we are here in africa
region and we have been given an accomodation here that is why we are giving out our
home for rent which we are carefully looking for the best candidate that fit in. The
rent fee includes water,heat,gas,washer,dryer, electricity and so on. There is no
extra charges. We are not coming back to live in our home again, we will just come
to see how you are taking care of our home for us.

PS: I want you to know that the rent fee or the deposit is not the issue to us,
the most important issue is for you to live to your responsibilities and take good
care of our home just like yours. We have gone through a lot of difficulties with
our former tenant whose name is Aaron Jackson, he was an irresponsible tenant to us,
We did not know that he was a drunk adict and comes home late in the night and
damage most of our furnitures that is why we sent him packing from our home so that
he does not sell our property at our absent due to our nature of work that is why we
are not in hurry giving out our home out to anyone because of the bad experience we
already went through.

Due to what happened to us we took the key and documents along with us here because
PREVENTION IS BETTER THAN CURE We are looking for a decent tenant and most important
someone with a good heart and attitude.

Let me read from you if you know that you wouldn’t be the same like my former tenant
soon so that i can e-mal you the rent application.

Best Regard
Ericka

after i sent a email to her/him. he or she replied:
Congratulation to you Xiaomeng( Megan ) Lu,

I have been trying to you but is not going through, i want you to try calling me
too.We quite understand your email and have seen your willingness to rent our
home.It is very important you know that we are putting our trust in you and we don’t
want you to disapoint us.As good christians, we want you to know that we have
decided to rent our home to you on trust due to the kind of responsible persons you
are.Please do not let us down with our property.Also there is a washer and a
dryer. You know that is not easy to trust people this days but we are trusting you
due to the fact that we are christians.One thing i know is that in the world
today.There is bad,good and the ugly.Amongs bad people there are still good ones
that can be trusted so we decided not ot look that than to trust you.We are
indeed good christians.So we want to trust you.I know that God will surely see us
through.I have attached my family picture and also the
interior picture of the home to this message for your viewing.

I have contacted the agent for shipping of the documents to you and we want you to
know that we are going to send the documents to you along with the home keys based
on trust.As good christians,we are honest with you from the begining and we want you
to be honest with us because we are giving you all our trust and we believe that
you will not disapoint us.I want you to re-confirm your delivery information
again…Xiaomeng( Megan ) Lu and address: 2310 Bowditch St Berkeley CA 94704 .And
below is the picture of the keys and some of the correspondence that we will be
sending to you first thing tomorrow morning or latest today.

You are going to send the security deposit payment $700 to me in Africa, and below
is the information of my personnel secretary working with me you need in making the
payment through Western Union transfer Nearest you.

Payment Information:

Receiver’s Name:CHRISTIAN BOSSA
Address:100 Angelica Ave #5
City:Lekki
State:Lagos
Country:NIGERIA
Text Question: You are
Answer: Welcome
Amount:$700

As soon as you send the payment from the Western Union transfer, you would be given
some informations. You would have to get back to me with following information:

1. Full Sender’s Name :
2. Confirmation NUMBER:
3. Amount Sent: $700

1)Entrance and the rooms Keys
2)Paper/Permanent home form(Containing your reference details)
3)The home documetary file.
4)Payment Receipt.
5)other informations reqired.

One important thing we wish to inform you;is that the money is not our problem what
we are after is proper care of the home,So we will solicit for your absolute
mentenance of our home.we want you to treat it as yours when you move in,if possible
we want you to be sending the pictures of the home to us every three (3) months as
update for the upkeeping of the home,hope this is very clear to you?is not all about
the money but i want you to keep it tidy all the time so that we will be glad to see
it neat and clean when ever we visit the country.You can stay in the home as long as
you wish because we already own another home here in west africa.We are good
christians,we don’t like disapointing people and we don’t want anyone to disapoint
us too.We believe you can understand us when we say this?I will get back to you with
the Tracking number and the arrival time of the documents and the home keys as soon
as you have make the payment.

May God bless you and your works.

Thanks.
Ericka

these scumbags are all over the places. BE AWARE!!!

A.W.
February 25th, 2009 at 6:48 pm   

I just received my reply back from these crazy people today. I jumped on the offer because we are a family of six looking to move into a larger place. Why not a 4 bedroom 3 bathroom for 1200 a month? Because it’s a SCAM! My very good friend did some checking for me and called me right away. I was so disappointed. Is it really legal for these people to do this? I gave him my address and phone numbers and general information. Now I’m worried about further contact with him. One of the other posts is the same exact e mail I received. I can’t believe that it’s ok to solicit people like this.

Nick Benson
March 4th, 2009 at 10:12 am   

Just got the same reply for a home in the Twin Cities of MN. Should have known it was way too good to be true :-)

Bath Screen
March 12th, 2009 at 8:47 am   

I would alway use an agent, craigslist has its uses but obviously in this case not. Shame is that while a lot of people will see this post, for every one of those there are hundreds being scammed.

elle.

Al Jay
March 16th, 2009 at 6:23 pm   

Just had the same answer in on Seattle Craigslist in Olympia, WA. Here’s what I got after I responded. I immediately was suspect because most things that start with “i am in another country” are usually scams. oh well I guess it was too good to be true.
-al jay

Hello,

Thanks for your response regarding your interest in having my house for rent.The house is much available for now and it a 3 bedroom home.I want you to know that i am the owner of this building situated at 1924 Craig Rd. SE, Olympia, Wa 98501.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 responsible person that can take very good care of it as we are not after the money for the rent but want it to be clean at the time and the person that will rent it to take it as if it were its own.So for now,We are here in West Africa,NIGERIA our new house and also with the keys of the house,we are trying to look for an agent that we can give this document before we left but could not see and we are as well as don’t want our house to be used any how in our absent that is why we took it along with us here.We are only willing to give the house out to a lovely and caring family only, so if you know you cannot give the house the neatness it deserves please don’t contact me.But if you promise to always take good care of the house,get back to me on how you could take care of our house or perhaps experience you have in renting a home.Hope you are okay with the monthly price of $800 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.

Kindly confirm your interest by filling the form below:
TENANT RENT APPLICATION
FIRST NAME: __________________
MIDDLE NAME: __________________
LAST NAME: __________________
PROFESSION: ________________
PHONE (____) __________ (CELL)
PHONE (____) __________ (WORK)
PHONE (____) __________ (HOME)
MARITAL STATUS: _________
KIDS _____ (YES/NO), HOW MANY ________
Home ADDRESS: ___________________________
CITY: _______________
STATE: ______________
ZIPCODE: ____________
HOW LONG? ___________IF RENTING
WHY ARE YOU LEAVING? _______________________________________________________________________
CURRENT RENT: _______
IF THIS House IS BEING GIVEN TO YOU,
HOW LONG DO YOU INTEND STAYING? ____________
WHEN DO YOU INTEND MOVING IN? ______________

Minneapolis Movers
March 17th, 2009 at 12:37 pm   

I have seen this scam all over the place in the past couple months. I guess now that people are having trouble with their homes and looking for cheaper living this is a good time for the scammers to take advantage of that. The pet one is new to me though!
I’m glad you’ve pointed out this scam, even though I’ve already seen it, I think the more people talk about it the better. I’m sure some people fall for it and it’s very unfortunate so the more information there is on stuff like this, the better.

Thermal Labels
March 23rd, 2009 at 6:03 pm   

Ah, another clever yet not-so-clever Nigerian scam. It really bothers me that to many of us it’s fairly obvious that these things are a scam and we notice the little fishy nuances that give it away, while many other people who are maybe less experienced or just not as savvy are falling for the tricks. I assume that if these scams keep coming that means enough people are falling for it. And the scammers are getting more and more clever. Thanks for spreading the word.

John Vantine
March 26th, 2009 at 6:52 am   

I spent some time in Ghana and I don’t know how they manage to pull this stuff off in West Africa, in such a large scale anyway. The internet access is so incredibly slow there.

They’re not very good at this though, I wonder how many people actually fall for these things?

Jonathan
March 27th, 2009 at 2:52 pm   

Just popped on the Raleigh / Durham, NC Craigslist. Damn, I really wanted that apartment! :)

Mac Bulk Condo Sale
March 28th, 2009 at 2:29 am   

That’s funny! I get many emails of some variations of the Nigerian scams. These folks are really getting creative. Here in the Canada, they’ve also penetrated forums where a lot of applicants for Canadian immigration hang out. I’ve encountered one in the forum and I tell you they are quite persistent.

psdnottawa
March 28th, 2009 at 7:02 pm   

I am talking to a guy right now who says he has an apartment for rent in Ottawa. It is on Kijiji. The guy is not for real. It’s a scam. The email he sent me matched the one in the post almost exactly. He used another name, different but very low price, etc.

This is a message to anyone who is looking on kijiji Ottawa, that the 1 bedroom apartment for $475 is a scam. He claimed he had a job in xray welding in Africa for 2 years and wanted someone to take care of the apartment for him.

LGutierez
March 30th, 2009 at 2:22 pm   

Found a post yesterday on Craigslist Inland Empire CA , the post gave the home address and persons email. Recieved the same reply as far as application after submitting an inquiry on why a 4bd home would rent for $1,000 in CA . Since then the post on Craigslist is gone the home address listed actually for a vacant home that is soon to be sold in the area.

Eil Reven
April 4th, 2009 at 1:12 pm   

Suspected a scam, but wanted to see the reply:

Hello,

Thanks for the email. I own the house and also want you to know that it was due to my transfer to West Africa (Nigeria), that makes us to leave the house and also want to give it out for rent and looking for a responsible person that can take very good care of it as we are not after the money for the rent but want it to be clean all 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 Lagos, Nigeria and will be staying here for the next 4 years in our new house and also with the keys of the house for rent, we try to look for an agent that we can give this documents and the keys before we left but could not find, and we as well do not want our house to be used any how in our absence that is why we took it along with us. I and my wife came over to Africa for a missionary work, so i hope you will promise us that you will take very good care of the house. So get back to me on how you could take care of our house or perhaps experience you have in renting home. Hope you are okay with the price of $1000 per month.

You could give me a call on +234-703-447-9995 OR 011-234-703-447-9995.

This is the address of the house: 5516 Claudied Way, Elk Grove, CA.

SO IF YOU ARE REALLY INTERESTED I WILL WANT YOU TO FILL THE
RENT APPLICATION FORM BELOW.

RENT APPLICATION FORM.
Pls let me get this answers.
1)Your Full Name
2)Your Full Address
3)Your 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 car?
8)Occupation?
9)When do you intend moving in?
10)How long will you like to rent the property?

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.

Thanks and Remain Blessed.
Regards.

MissBeth
April 9th, 2009 at 5:58 pm   

These same people are all over craigslist in the Sacramento, CA area as well. The response to my email inquiry is almost identical but they have left out the part about asking what religion as I’m sure this was a deterrent. Thanks for putting this out there, as it just confirmed my suspicion about the ads.

Michelle
April 12th, 2009 at 9:12 pm   

There’s an add on kijiji for a basement apartment for $500. Its basically the exact same as what the first story was about. He is claiming that he’s going to Africa and he works for goldengates construction. He also acts like a religious fanatic. It sounded a bit to good to be true, so i googled kijiji scams, and i guess this guy is has a bunch of different adds that are all a scam…I’m so happy because now i know for sure its a scam.

Aristia
April 16th, 2009 at 4:22 pm   

This was the reply that I got back after filling out the little application…I’m sooo glad that I searched this out…A bit upset because it would’ve been a good deal….But what’s a good deal these days without a scam?

We have decided to let you live in our house. As we have found your application very satisfactry and acceptable by my family. so we would want you to go through with you moving into my house and get back to us on what you feel. Our house number is +234-806-037-9400 OR 011-234-806-037-9400.
We would like to send the following document to you via FEDEX COURIER SERVICE WORLDWIDE to the address you sent to us and the tracking number will be sent to you so that you can possibly occupy our house, Please once again, we are giving you this on trust and do not dissapoint us and i promise you that, you will love the house. So we are with the below document here with us. you will need to provide to us with your secure payment to proceed forward because this house won’t last long, if you don’t act fast..
Here are the contents of the document.
1) Entrance and the rooms Keys
2)Paper/Permanent house form
3)The house documetary file.

So please do get back to me today so that I will let know the next step to take concerning the shipment of the keys and document and the payment of the house… I await your reply ASAP. Regard and God bless you!!! You can call us on how to make payment for the shippment of the Keys and Document to the House. Our house number is +234-806-037-9400 OR 011-234-806-037-9400. or you can indicate if you want me to instruct you on how to make the payment. Get back to me asap.

You are going to send the Deposit payment of $1000, so that we can secured the house for you,and below is the information to send the payment through Westernunion Outlet.

Below is the payment information.
Reciever’s Name: Marcus L Meadows
Address : 92 ST VICTORIA ISLANDRD,
CITY: LAGOS ,
COUNTRY: NIGERIA
ZIP CODE:23401
TEXT QUESTION : WHO MADE YOU?
ANSWER : GOD.

As soon as you send the payment from the Western Union Money Transfer Outlet, you would be given some informations. You would have to get back to me with following informations:

1. Full Sender’s Name And Address Including Zip Code:
2. MTCN #:
3. Amount Sent:

As soon as the payment been comfirmed..

Aristia
April 16th, 2009 at 4:29 pm   

one more thing, can someone get back to me about if they were contacted after they gave out their info? They called me…

Pilar
April 20th, 2009 at 12:09 pm   

I’m from a litlle city in Spain. This message has arribed here with the same history about a reverent Soo Gold and his transfer to another church in London. It’ is very nice to be true. I hate him

Nikki
April 23rd, 2009 at 11:54 pm   

OMG….I just found the same ad on Craigslist here in Denver, Colorado! He was renting out a 4br/3ba house for only a $1000 a month, in that area something like that goes for more like $1400 a month. Sounded too good to be true, but I thought maybe. I decided to Google the phone number and I came across your page here, thank you so much for posting this! I was so excited thinking I had stumbled along something amazing, but I am glad I found out before I gave any information! I hate people like this! Karma Karma!

MJ
April 24th, 2009 at 12:46 am   

My Fiance and I got this exact same email from a washington listing on craigslist……

Diet
April 24th, 2009 at 9:33 pm   

Seen a lot of this lately. Cynical people taking advantage of other people looking for cheaper living.

Makes my sick to my stomach.

Tia
April 29th, 2009 at 10:07 pm   

Yeah I replied to this add thinking it was a typo and wanting to know how much the asking price really was. They replied with a letter almost exact to the one above. One big mistake they put an address on the add and we google mapped it, no suprise it was an empty lot. Not even a shack. If you are going to make a mistake that would be the dumbest!!!

Here is the add:

$1000 / 5br – LUXURY FURNISHED EXECUTIVE for rent (Circle Apopka , FL)

For Rent: Executive Ranch Home, Fully Furnished 4 acre Estate Home, 5 Bedroom, 4 bath Walk in closets, built in 2003 Custom built by Owner. Elegantly Furnished with warm colors throughout 3 Car garage, Stable for 3 horses, tack room and storage for tools, etc. Putting Green on back of property. Housekeeping included every two weeks on Fridays.Available May 1View the webpage for a virtual tour and details. http://www.myequestrianproperty.comState park within 1 mile with swimming, kayaking, etc. Bicycle trail access at entrance of development.

132 Kentucky Blue 32712

Rach
May 6th, 2009 at 4:13 am   

I just got a reply from this guy too!

Hi,

Thanks for your interest in my 2 bedrooms apartment, I will like to let you know that the apartment is still very much available and its just $800 . Actually Am a Construction Engineer, so i moved to west Africa to execute a contract. The keys and other documents are here with me and i will be mailing them to you via courier services.

Pls i want you to note that i am a kind and honest man and also i spent alot on my property that i want to give you for rent,so i will solicit for your absolute mentenance of this apartment and want you to treat it as your own,is that taken?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 whenever i come for a check up.i do that once in a while.I also want you to let me have trust in you as i always stand on my word.

The apartment is not a shared apartment, its all for you and your family and the apartment
address is as follows: 1155 Goodfellow Road, Peterborough Ontario, K9J 7X1 Canada. So i will like you to go and drive by to see the area and surroundings and get back to me for the interior pictures for you to have an idear of how it looks like.

Appliances: Dishwasher, Electric, Stove, Fridge,Garburator, Microwave,Washer/Dryer

Included In Rent: Cable, Television, Electricity, Heat,High speed internet access

Tenant Criteria: Female,Male,Smoking Negotiable,Professional,Small Pets Allowed

TERM OF PAYMENT
First and last month rent most be paid through western union money transfer by the
tenants.And the rental period is for a long time,it depends on the time you want to stay in the apartment

Get back to me as soon as possible so that i can start making arrangement on how keys and documents will get to you soon.

Thank You Very much and have a wonderful day.

Regards

**********************
I sent him my home address to send the keys and documents to imply that there is no way I will make a payment before I see the place. AFTER I did that, I started looking up scams and realized, that probably was not the best idea to even send my home address…

Diet Blog
May 11th, 2009 at 2:10 pm   

Wow! I can’t believe how many scams that are out there! What’s scary is I know people who I have to explain WHY things like this are obviously scams. They don’t see anything wrong with wiring money to some random person online! It’s crazy.

RedFlags!
May 11th, 2009 at 5:26 pm   

I am so glad I found this forum. I am trying to move to LA and almost fell for an apartment scam from some Nigerian filth. Some alarm bells went off with their emails and demands and finally I did some research and figured it out before it was too late.

I’m so angry at myself for believing that I’d found a great apartment, but I guess I should have learned by know that if something is too good to be true, it’s most probably bull$*#@!!

Swim Fins
May 15th, 2009 at 3:20 am   

These frehttp://journal.amanita.net/wp-content/themes/gossipcity/images/ButtonTransparent.pngaking Nigerians are ALWAYS emailing my store, I literally get 10-15 emails from these guys today. I can’t believe anyone would ever fall for one of these emails. Does it REALLY HAPPEN!

Damian
May 18th, 2009 at 3:04 am   

What an awesome site.I’m from Edmonton,an I put an ad on kijiji about my video camera and I got a reply from a guy wanting to buy his adopted son who is in Nigeria at a missionary school my video camera for his birthday.but first thing that seemed fishy was the fact it was 400obo and he offered me 850 hahahahaha obo doesn’t usually mean over double amount asked. LOL so I started checking it out and reading all of these scams and a few things always the same:
Always ends in god bless or regards
They use the missionary thing lots
And almost all of them have email address that is the persons “first&last name” followed by a couple numbers
Maybe it’s not as suspicious as it seems but it was to me specially the Lagos Nigeria thing LOL
Either way this person continues emailing me asking about my paypal account so I figures I’d pretend to be a nice guy and tell him I’m not worried about the money just to give me his address and I’ll see it to his son for free and he hasn’t got back to me now LOL thanks for all the info on these scams tho hope this will help bring more scammers out of shadows and protect more innocent ppl

Damian
May 18th, 2009 at 3:05 am   

This ones name is “smith Evans”

Rachel Clarkson
May 22nd, 2009 at 6:55 pm   

thanks for sharing this. Whenever I see these things I think about the few people who fall for this and it makes me really sad for them

CArrie Hunter
May 24th, 2009 at 12:07 pm   

Same one happening in Vancouver BC again on kijiji. I reported them to kijiji and to hotmail since they were using a @live.com address.

Huntsville AL Homes
June 2nd, 2009 at 1:06 am   

Obviously this person is not a native English speaker, but that’s not unusual; this city has a lot of different nationalities.

Dallas movers
June 13th, 2009 at 1:11 am   

This online scam is also referred as Nigerian 419 Letter, where the 419 stands for the section of Nigeria’s penal code that this online scam violates.

AmelyDesign
June 20th, 2009 at 5:32 pm   

I couldn’t agree more with you. Nice thread.

Carl
July 17th, 2009 at 8:57 am   

Similar person tried this in RI – I knew it was too good to be true!

steve
July 26th, 2009 at 4:05 pm   

its a scam for sure similar one in alberta nigeria also same story as poster said

Rdlola
July 30th, 2009 at 9:46 am   

OMGosh! I just got two replies in the same day for two different listings in Menlo Park, Ca. Same exact email as above, two different phone numbers. Sounded way too good to be true, drove by the properties and both for lease! I stupidly called one and he said no, no don’t deal with that agent. We are never working with him again. So scarry!

JUSUS
July 30th, 2009 at 7:03 pm   

We wish we seen this earlier. They played on our love for GOD and took $1500 from us. Everything that we read was exactly what we have been dealing with for the past 3 weeks.

it is sad that their are people who will use family, trust, and GOD in the same sentence as money to lie and con people.

is there a way for us to recoup our money? We want to know

Duyen Le
August 3rd, 2009 at 9:09 pm   

OMG!! my family about to do that. all of the info in the email are all similar but different name and phone numbers.
we thought that this guy is rich and he had fully paid for the house already and now since he had to work in Africa and needed someone to take care of the house for him. luckily i found this site before we go any further.
and yep he called us.

report info
August 4th, 2009 at 3:34 am   

All victims of this scam that sent the money via Western Union
contact them at at 1-800-325-6000.

Forward any suspicious emails to spoof@westernunion.com

Other Contacts Colorado Customers:

Entities other than FDIC insured financial institutions that conduct money transmission activities in Colorado, including the sale of money orders, transfer of funds, and other instruments for the payment of money or credit are required to be licensed by the Colorado Division of Banking pursuant to the Money Transmitters Act, Title 12, Article 52, Colorado Revised Statutes. If there are questions or concerns regarding a transaction with a licensee, please contact the Colorado Division of Banking at 303-894-7575 or by mail at:

Colorado Division of Banking
1560 Broadway, Suite 975
Denver, Colorado 80202

Consumer complaints should be in writing, providing as much detail as possible. Please include the following information:

The name of the institution and the name of any person(s) at the institution with whom the complainant has had contact. Include telephone number(s) and addresses.

A complete description of the complaint and any efforts that have been made to resolve the complaint directly with the institution.

Copies of any available documentation supporting the complaint and efforts toward resolution.

Any suggestions regarding a preferred resolution of the complaint.

report info
August 4th, 2009 at 3:35 am   

Maryland Customers:

The Commissioner of Financial Regulation for the State of Maryland will accept all questions or complaints from Maryland residents regarding Western Union Financial Services, Inc. at Commissioner of Financial Regulation, Attention Complaint Unit, 500 North Calvert Street, Suite 402, Baltimore, Maryland 21202, phone 1-888-784-0136.

Texas Customers:
After first contacting Western Union Financial Services, Inc., if you still have an unresolved complaint regarding the company’s money transmission or currency exchange activity, please direct your complaint to the Texas Department of Banking:

In Person or U.S. Mail: Texas Department of Banking, 2601 North Lamar Boulevard, Suite 300, Austin, TX 78705-4294

Telephone Number: 1-877-276-5554 (toll free)
Fax Number: 512-475-1313
E-mail Address: consumer.complaints@banking.state.tx.us
Website Address: http://www.banking.state.tx.us

BK
August 5th, 2009 at 10:29 pm   

Same thing in Madison, WI. Craigslist has many many scams relating to renting apartments. This is getting so ridiculous!!!

WR
September 7th, 2009 at 3:26 pm   

I just recieved the same exact email in asheville, nc. $700 for a home in a mulitmillion dollar neighborhood. Don’t trust them!!!!

Holliston MA Real Estate
September 8th, 2009 at 10:11 pm   

This scam has been going on for a while. It is amazing that Craig’s list lets it continue. Besides the obvious clues that you mention there is also a fair housing violation in the persons questionaire. Asking for a persons religion is a very big no no!

JRW
September 9th, 2009 at 2:43 pm   

I think my comment got flagged as spam. Let’s try again! :)

This scam was seen on Bedford, TX (DFW/HEB area) Craig’s List. Here’s the reply I got when I e-mailed the scammer:

Hi,
Thank you for your intrest in our rental property.
It is at the moment still available for occupancy.

Here is a copy of our rental application, Print it out.

BUT DO NOT FILL ANYTHING OUT UNITIL YOU SEE THE PROPERTY FIRST!!!
(link deleted) In PDF format
(link deleted) In Word format

We dont do a check on your rental history or a background check but we do require a credit check. In order to rent any of our properties you must have a credit score of 450 or higher. I do make exceptions but you must bring a copy of your report and an explanation.

You can get a copy of your score free below
(link deleted)

Do not email anything to me just bring it with you.

We do not require a security deposit or pet deposit on this property.

Unlike most properties you wont be charged an application fee or credit check fee because you will bring your own.

Renting this property is of my highest concern so if you dont act quickly it may get rented before you.
Hopefully I can walk you through the property either tomorrow or within the next few days appointments will be handled in the manner they were recieved.

Regards,

Josh Snyder
September 17th, 2009 at 9:46 am   

I am relocating to hilton head sc. I found a house that was a little too good to be true. I got the whole mission in west africa speech, he took the keys ect…… ahandreahang34@gmail.com is the guys email. Andrea Hang is the guys name. everyone on here should blow it up!! send random emails, maybe a virus or 2.

Manhattan House
September 23rd, 2009 at 5:01 pm   

Hmm, sounds pretty fishy, like this is the same person who sends those emails about needing to deposit a million dollars and will let you keep a portion if you agree. It’s like offering a luxury condo in Manhattan for $600 a month. Good catch.

Tallahassee Lassie
September 25th, 2009 at 6:08 pm   

Same thing how lame…. made me so excited just to let me down :( OH WELL jerks will get it one day..I hope. Thanks for the post!!!!

Kelly
October 1st, 2009 at 1:02 pm   

Yeah I almost fell for one in Phoenix az. Beautiful place. 3 bedroom 2 bath , they had photos and everything. To good to be true. I am kinda disapointed! Good thing I checked in to it before I sent anything.

Georgim
October 5th, 2009 at 9:57 am   

Good job pal! Me and my wife live in chicago and came across this add on craigslist for a house! For 600/month. Too good to be true. She replied and they sent the exact same email that they have sent to you. My wife even argued that it may be true because they have gone to a mission. They will use all sourcess neccessarry to convince you… I checked google for this type of add and came across your blog. Good job!

Georgim
October 5th, 2009 at 9:57 am   

Good job pal! Me and my wife live in chicago and came across this add on craigslist for a house! For 600/month. Too good to be true. She replied and they sent the exact same email that they have sent to you. My wife even argued that it may be true because they have gone to a mission. They will use all sourcess neccessarry to convince you… I checked google for this type of add and came across your blog. Good job!

Sarah
October 5th, 2009 at 1:15 pm   

I just emailed two seperate people on two seperate houses for rent in Maryland. I have received very similar emails from both. I find it all to coinsidental that both properties in completely differnet towns are owned by missionaries in Nigeria, West Africa. I am glad I decided to Google the “mission” because this is how I found this blog. Thanks everyone.

Ed -Illnois
October 13th, 2009 at 11:22 am   

Good Job! A 3 bdrm house in Bartlett, IL for $700, which go for about $1900 average. The info was just about the same…the mission project in West Africa, Nigeria! Jerks!

Kim
October 24th, 2009 at 3:42 pm   

Thank God for Google! I just received this E-mail response to something I thought was a legitimate Craigslist rental ad…

“Hello

Thanks for your response regarding your interest in having my house for rent.The house is much available for now and it a 4 bedroom home..I want you to know that i am the owner of this building situated at 6209 Wynfield Court Orlando, FL 32819.But i am now presently in West Africa for my Hospitals Project prayer crusade with my wife and we have the keys right here with us.I will like to inform you that it was due to my transfer that makes us to leave the house and also want to give it out for rent and looking for a responsible person that can take very good care of it as we are not after the money for the rent but want it to be clean at the time and the person that will rent it to take it as if it were its own..So for now,We are here in West Africa,NIGERIA our new house and also with the keys of the house,we are trying to look for an agent that we can give this document before we left but could not see and we are as well as don’t want our house to be used any how in our absent that is why we took it along with us here.We are only willing to give the house out to a lovely and caring family only, so if you know you cannot give the house the neatness it deserves please don’t contact me.But if you promise to always take good care of the house,get back to me on how you could take care of our house or perhaps experience you have in renting a home.Hope you are okay with the monthly price of $800 with hydro,heat laundry facilities,air-condition Etc.I am looking forward to hear from you ASAP,Our house number is +234-802-859-3562 OR 011-234-802-859-3562, below is the application form for you to fill and discuss on how to get the house for rent..

Kindly confirm your interest by filling the form below:

TENANT RENT APPLICATION
FIRST NAME: __________________
MIDDLE NAME: __________________
LAST NAME: __________________
PROFESSION: ________________
PHONE (____) __________ (CELL)
PHONE (____) __________ (WORK)
PHONE (____) __________ (HOME)
MARITAL STATUS: _________
KIDS _____ (YES/NO), HOW MANY ________
Home ADDRESS: ___________________________
CITY: _______________
STATE: ______________
ZIP CODE: ____________
HOW LONG? ___________IF RENTING
WHY ARE YOU LEAVING? _______________________________________________________________________
CURRENT RENT: _______
IF THIS House IS BEING GIVEN TO YOU,
HOW LONG DO YOU INTEND STAYING? ____________
WHEN DO YOU INTEND MOVING IN? ______________

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 t r ust 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”

Jewelry Wholesalers
October 31st, 2009 at 3:01 pm   

I can’t believe people still fall for this sort of scams. A fool is born every minute. Regards.

Emily
November 2nd, 2009 at 8:26 pm   

Man what are the odds? I was just getting really excited about this place I saw on Craiglist. The person sent me the same exact email… about Africa. and I unfortunately sent them all of my info! I feel like an idiot. I decided to google the project prayer crusade thing mentioned in their email and THIS page came up. Im just glad I found out before I sent any money.

Nigerian Business Computers
November 5th, 2009 at 6:44 am   

Scammers are not only found in Nigeria, but all over the world. While some have concluded that Nigeria is synonymous to scam, I am not ashame to say I’m proudly Nigerian.

I do receive a lot of scam emails and proposals that seek to defraud me.
If you take time to verify information, you will not fall victim of scams. But if you’re greedy enough to want to reap where you did not sow or get abnormal returns on an investment without sweating, then be rest assured that either a Nigerian, Ghananian, Asian or Indian scammer will soon make you a prey.

Posts such as this have helped educate the simple minded folks and save some from, parting with hard earned money. Thanks for sharing the information.

LAURA
November 18th, 2009 at 5:36 pm   

FOUND THIS SCAM TODAY…. MILWAUKEE, WI

LAURA
November 18th, 2009 at 5:40 pm   

I also did send out my information. The reason I second thought this was because I kept gettting the same email that was orginally sent to me over and over again. Thank god that I was smart enough to look this up and research. Today was the first day and the last.

florencia oliver
November 23rd, 2009 at 1:08 pm   

it’s quite the story, looks like a lot of people are getting scammed this way, isn’t something craiglist can do about it?

Latinmanagers
November 23rd, 2009 at 1:10 pm   

Thanks for publishing this, it’s yet another example of how online classifieds can be wrongfully used. I see by the comments that a lot of people saw the scam, but just imagine how many didn’t. It’s a shame and we can’t do much about it.

Hilliard Ohio
November 24th, 2009 at 3:59 pm   

Found the same thing almost on the dot in Hilliard OHio on Craigslist.

Gabby Manny
November 24th, 2009 at 5:17 pm   

Found the same thing for a guy named “Alan Johnson” living in new york for a missionary trip who I couldn’t get through to and when he called me he blocked the phone number. Also a melanie johnson email address was used for a guy who is on a “Hospitals Project prayer crusade” in Nigeria. I hope whoever this guy is hasn’t taken my identity :-(

Dana
November 27th, 2009 at 6:53 pm   

I got the same thing here in FL!!!
$500/month waterfront property with boat dock and all utilities included!!!! WAY too good to be true!!!! Same exact per word that everyone above posted!!!!

April
November 28th, 2009 at 12:57 am   

I got two similar emails but from two different people exactly like this in Tulsa. Of course, I was stupid on the first one and gave my number and address in KS due to i didn’t know what houses were going for but by the second I knew something was wrong.

Dana
November 28th, 2009 at 10:46 am   

I was reading further into these scams and found something posted by the FBI and it encouraged people to file a complaint and contact them so I did.

Benq Lamps
December 7th, 2009 at 2:48 pm   

Ugh, I just got an email about an apartment I found for my best friend who is moving from Chicago to Santa Barbara. Apartments are crazy expensive and I found a furnished one for $700 with pictures and all. I should have known better when the email said that the author (a Scottish woman) had fallen in love with an African and his music producer job transferred him to “Victoria Garden city, Lagos Nigeria”. I stupidly gave out my cell phone number — are they smart enough to do anything with that?

The sad things is, they are probably the same people who tried to scam me out of an LCD projector I had for sale on ebay last year!

Prospective Landlady
December 9th, 2009 at 12:45 am   

I have a place for rent and I have placed it on Craigs List, Kijiji and another free ad site and I have been contacted by someone by the name of Christiana Lynch and another person by the name of Cynthia Coswell, a citizen of Sevilla, Spain. Something struck me as not quite right and with a little research I soon learned that they were both scams. I have gone back to the sites where I posted my ad and posted a BEWARE OF SCAMS< with info. Hopefully the other people that post on these sites will read my warning! I suggest to anyone using free ad sites or Ebay etc. Does the same thing and warns other sellers!

Dywanna
December 9th, 2009 at 10:37 am   

OMG almost word for word on a home I wanted in Highland, The man has a different name, but I was dumb enought to wire money. And I found listing on craigs list. I was to lease 4 bedroom home, i even looked up property tax info and it belongs to man . But I think hes using a mans name. Im so sick now.

Paige Patterson
December 15th, 2009 at 12:28 pm   

We almost got scammed too, but thanks to your blog, we didn’t! Thank you! Our listing was in Port Orchard, Wa.

notasucker
December 21st, 2009 at 9:42 am   

Same thing in Greenville, SC. Too bad, looked like a nice place and I was going to go drive by it today – but it sounded fishy and this blog was #1 when I typed in “hospitals project prayer crusade” in Google. Oh well.

Kristine
January 2nd, 2010 at 7:26 am   

I am so glad that you did not go ahead with this rental, being a real estate agent in Chicago, I have seen similiar ads and had told my clients to be careful of giving out any information or payment. Everything has a market price, we should be careful when something is too good to be ture, plus there are so many agents why they could not find one?

Terk Antenna
January 5th, 2010 at 2:20 am   

Its great topic .I is new here but will be visiting more often as you have done a good job. Your blog is very interesting for me.
Thanks

Haitham Bushara
January 8th, 2010 at 10:31 pm   

Same thing in Colorado, posted in craigslist yesterday, I smelled the rat first thing I read it. Thanks everyone for sharing this.

Karen
January 11th, 2010 at 8:38 pm   

Same thing is happening in Denham Springs, LA.. via Craigslist. House for $800 per month, only thing is that when you go to Denham Springs, LA this house appears or rent for $1,300 per month. I have spoken with people that live on the same lane and they have no idea of any even numbers. The odd numbers are the only ones actually built. No idea where the pictures come from. If it looks too good, it probably is.

Shanda
January 12th, 2010 at 11:33 am   

This thing happened to me nd I almost fell for it also. He “Phil Brown” even went as far to call me yesterday and talk to me. I gave out my address and phone number. Never again will I trust something that is too good to be true. Learned my lesson.

Margarita
January 15th, 2010 at 12:02 pm   

Chalk one up for Wellington, Florida also. The application was accepted without answering my questions. I googled the organizaion and found you guys.
Thank goodness, the old saying holds true, if is sounds too good to be true, it usually is NOT TRUE. The scary thing is that they are using real homeowners and homes!

Shanda
January 16th, 2010 at 10:49 pm   

This is the scond time in LA on craigslist. I am not fallin for it anymore.

Roxie
January 16th, 2010 at 11:11 pm   

Check Mill Creek, WA off the list. My husband and I fell for it. We Made the guy send us lease papers to sign just to be sure. I didn’t google the organization until too late and we are out $1400. The homeowner name checked out and the phone number checked out and the pictures checked out……but in the end, it wasn’t real. We contacted the real homeowner and let them know that this was happening even though we didn’t expect them to do anything about it. But they took the home off the market for a while to make sure than no one else got suckered into this scam.

CATHERINE
January 22nd, 2010 at 1:19 pm   

We just talked to the guy!!!! literally an hour ago and he needed the $ wired ASAP, i felt uncomfortable sending someone i didnt know $1400 halfway across the world!!!!!! luckily i did my research and found this and other websites with same email!! THANK GOD i listened to my gut and a fellow co-worker!!!! i found the add ON CRAIGSLIST IN TAMPA, FL

patty
January 22nd, 2010 at 11:23 pm   

OMG!!! I just found a house in Beaverton Oregon with the same exact information regarding renting and being in West Africa. He even ended his email with God Bless You! What a jerk…he surely does not believe in CARMA!

Tami
January 25th, 2010 at 2:39 pm   

I just found this one here is the response letter. Hello
Thanks for your response regarding your interest in having my house for rent.The house is much available for now and it a 3 bedroom home..I want you to know that i am the owner of this building situated at 1768 Tributory Lane,Port Orange , FL 32128.But i am now presently in West Africa for my Hospitals Project prayer crusade with my wife and we have the keys right here with us.I will like to inform you that it was due to my transfer that makes us to leave the house and also want to give it out for rent and looking for a responsible person that can take very good care of it as we are not after the money for the rent but want it to be clean at the time and the person that will rent it to take it as if it were its own..So for now,We are here in West Africa,NIGERIA our new house and also with the keys of the house,we are trying to look for an agent that we can give this document before we left but could not see and we are as well as don’t want our house to be used any how in our absent that is why we took it along with us here.We are only willing to give the house out to a lovely and caring family only, so if you know you cannot give the house the neatness it deserves please don’t contact me.But if you promise to always take good care of the house,get back to me on how you could take care
of our house or perhaps experience you have in renting a home.Hope you are okay with the monthly price of $700 with hydro,heat laundry facilities,air-condition Etc.I am looking forward to hear from you ASAP,The security deposit is $700 so below is the application form for you to fill and discuss on how to get the house for rent…
Kindly confirm your interest by filling the form below:
TENANT RENT APPLICATION
FIRST NAME: __________________
MIDDLE NAME: __________________
LAST NAME: __________________
PROFESSION: ________________
PHONE (____) __________ (CELL)
PHONE (____) __________ (WORK)
PHONE (____) __________ (HOME)
MARITAL STATUS: _________
KIDS _____ (YES/NO), HOW MANY ________
Home ADDRESS: ___________________________
CITY: _______________
STATE: ______________
ZIPCODE: ____________
HOW LONG? ___________IF RENTING
WHY ARE YOU LEAVING? _______________________________________________________________________
CURRENT RENT: _______
IF THIS House IS BEING GIVEN TO YOU,
HOW LONG DO YOU INTEND STAYING? ____________
WHEN DO YOU INTEND MOVING IN? ______________
When do you intended sending me the deposit___________________________
When do you intended receiving the keys and document of the house___________________________

Looking forward to hear from you with all this details so that i can have it in my file in case of issuing the receipt for you and contacting you.Await your urgent reply so that we can discuss on how to get the document and
the key to you,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 contact me on +2348026925504.or +2348026925504.
Regards.

nita
January 28th, 2010 at 11:26 am   

as of today, i got a similar email from a house posted on craiglist recently, got the same letter (body) everyone has…and since I thought something too good to be true, i google if and found this info, thank you very much

Pat
January 29th, 2010 at 10:33 am   

Thank you so much for posting this, as there is a house on Craigs list in Minnetonka.MN I was interested in until I read your site. Your the best !

Dave
January 30th, 2010 at 1:49 pm   

Thanks for posting. We had something similar in VT.

Janice
February 11th, 2010 at 11:22 am   

something told me to google the number to an ad I responsed to and they replied and this popped up! This is so crazy that they are allowed to do such a thing… Here is what I recieved:
Hello,

I did get your response concerning the Advert I published on craigslist. The house is still available. I did bid for a portion of petroleum land sometimes ago in West Africa and fortunately I won the bidding so I have to move quickly down to Africa to have my company set up because I will still have to rebid for it in the next 4 to 5 years. I came over here with my Husband, we both built the house when we got married.. As soon as we settle down here I had a thought of selling the house so I have to look for an agent, after getting one, we got a deal but later he advised against that. He said we may not be able to win the bidding next time, in other to keep our head when we return that we have to keep the house. I reasoned with him and accepted his 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 given 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 the idea. If you notice, you will discovered that the price we are offering is far below standard price, this is enough for you to know that we are not after the rental fee but the absolute care for the property. I know there is no way I can be sure that you are the right person to live in the house because we won’t be able to see before sending you the keys and the documents to occupy the space.. But I just have a feeling that anyone who knows what it takes to put the kind of structure down should know that maintaining a building is mandatory, so if you belief you can take good care of the house and handle it like yours then I will be more than happy to let you rent the house..
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 ( )________________________
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____________________________
Do you have a pet____________________________
Do you have a car____________________________
Occupation____________________________
Move In Date____________________________
HOW SOON DO YOU WANT TO RECEIVE THE KEYS AND DOCUMENTS OF THE HOUSE___________________________
You could give me a call as soon as possible so we could proceed ASAP.

Please note that you will only be able to drive by the house for now but not have a look at the interior until i have sent the keys and documents of the house to you…and the requirement for getting the keys and documents of the house is a fully refundable payment, which is the security deposit (fully refundable) in case you finally gain entrance into the house after receiving the keys and documents and feel unsatisfied or uncomfortable with the interior, but i am giving you a benefit of doubt that you will love everything about this lovely home…

I Await your response so that we can discuss on how to get the document and the keys to you.

My cell phone number is : (+234-703-447-9995 or 011-234-703-447-9995) OR (+234-703-447-9995)

Best Regards.

John
February 15th, 2010 at 2:02 pm   

Thanks for the blog post. It seems there are always new ways scammers are fleecing people out of their hard earned money.

Rebecca
February 15th, 2010 at 4:55 pm   

I got the same thing in New London, CT it was so good of a story but after I saw they live in Nigera I was um ok don’t know if i like this. They also had a picture of the house and address. They also gave me phone numbers I can reach them at but I”m not gonna waist my money call a different country! So yeah people even though it sounds great be careful!

Misty
February 17th, 2010 at 8:43 pm   

Same thing in Tampa FL. The key that set me off was the language. No one wanting to rent out a property screws up the language that bad and my boyfriend and I have never gotten a business letter in bold print. So I googled project prayer crusades in west africa and found several links that describe the scam. I’m glad my boyfriend said something seemed fishy.

Hello

Thanks for your response regarding your interest in having my house for rent.The house is much available for now and it a 3 bedroom home..I want you to know that i am the owner of this building situated at 4723 LODESTONE DR TAMPA, FL 33615. But i am now presently in West Africa for my Hospitals Project prayer crusade with my wife and we have the keys right here with us. I will like to inform you that it was due to my transfer that makes us to leave the house and also want to give it out for rent and looking for a responsible person that can take very good care of it as we are not after the money for the rent but want it to be clean at the time and the person that will rent it to take it as if it were its own…So for now,We are here in West Africa,NIGERIA our new house and also with the keys of the house,we are trying to look for an agent that we can give this document before we left but could not see and we are as well as don’t want our house to be used any how in our absent that is why we took it along with us here.We are only willing to give the house out to a lovely and caring family only, so if you know you cannot give the house the neatness it deserves please don’t contact me.But if you promise to always take good care of the house,get back to me on how you could take care of our house or perhaps experience you have in renting a home.Hope you are okay with the monthly price of $700 and the refundable security deposit of $700. 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..

Kindly confirm your interest by filling the form below:

TENANT RENT APPLICATION
FIRST NAME: __________________
MIDDLE NAME: __________________
LAST NAME: __________________
PROFESSION: ________________
PHONE (____) __________ (CELL)
PHONE (____) __________ (WORK)
PHONE (____) __________ (HOME)
MARITAL STATUS: _________
KIDS _____ (YES/NO), HOW MANY ________
Home ADDRESS: ___________________________
CITY: _______________
STATE: ______________
ZIPCODE: ____________
HOW LONG? ___________IF RENTING
WHY ARE YOU LEAVING? _______________________________________________________________________
CURRENT RENT: _______
IF THIS HOUSE IS BEING GIVEN TO YOU,
HOW LONG DO YOU INTEND STAYING? ____________
WHEN DO YOU INTEND MOVING IN? ______________
WHEN DO YOU INTEND SENDING ME THE DEPOSIT___________________________
WHEN DO YOU INTEND RECEIVING THE KEYS AND DOCUMENT OF THE HOUSE___________________________

Looking forward to hear from you with all this details so that i can have it in my file in case of issuing the receipt for you and contacting you..Await your urgent reply so that we can discuss on how to get the document and the key to you,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..

I CAN BE REACHED AT,CALL ME ASAP…

+234-7031284117
011-7031284117

Regards.

pete
February 18th, 2010 at 4:28 pm   

Same thing all over craigslist Europe. My “spidey” senses were on alert so thankfully nothing happened with me. But, I want to protect others so, I reported to Internet Crime:
http://www.ic3.gov/, abuse@craigslist.org, and flagged the posting.
If you can, do the same to save others and hopefully help to stop this fraud or bring more awareness to others.
thanks everyone.

Joy
February 18th, 2010 at 9:06 pm   

I got the SAME REPLY TO A POSTING ON CL FOR A PROPERTY IN PALM HARBOR FL AND THE EMAIL HE USES IS IN THE REAL OWNERS NAME SO THEY ARE CHECKING PROPERTY RECORDS FIRST.

Adrienne
February 22nd, 2010 at 1:30 pm   

Wow this is unbelievable the same thing is happening here in Colorado. I searched the CO public records property and the address listed in the posting was valid and the person and the owner was David Hastoglis hastoglisdavid@aol.com. and thats where the email came from yet the body of the email was excactly the same as those I see here. Anyone in Colorado be aware!

elaine solomon
February 22nd, 2010 at 11:30 pm   

this scam is going on in LasVegas right now. Craigslist had a house for $600.00 another to good to be true. almost caught me. he has my email and address thank goodness thats all. went to see the house and spoke to the neighbors, they said no the owners are in Az. i looked up the owners of the house, the price they were even using the owners name with there id. and i am sure the real owners have no idea, so everyone has to be careful homeowners plus the renters

sonia
February 25th, 2010 at 5:16 pm   

omg i all most feel for it but i checked every where phone book and every thing till i found this posting thank u so much i almost did not have ahome to live

shirley
February 27th, 2010 at 11:12 am   

Wow I just received the same email this morning I almost fell for it until he said plz call me & the number seemed weird so I typed it on the yellow pages & couldn’t get anything so then I tried google & got this thanks guys I would have been ª homeless person w| ª baby in new york city

Cruz
February 27th, 2010 at 5:32 pm   

WOW i can’t belive i thought it was true. I didn’t know the area and i thought it was still to good to be true. When “April Frank ” wrote me back it seemed wierd so i googled his job. And this site pulled up. So glad i’m not the only one.

Hello,

Thanks for your response regarding your interest in having my house for rent. The house is much available for now and it is a 3bedroom home…I want you to know that i am the owner of this building situated at 4975 Westwood Way Antioch, CA 94531… But i am now presently in West Africa for my Hospitals Project prayer crusade with my wife and we have the keys right here with us. I will like to inform you that it was due to my transfer that makes us to leave the house and also want to give it out for rent and looking for a responsible person that can take very good care of it as we are not after the money for the rent but want it to be clean at the time and the person that will rent it to take it as if it were its own..So for now,We are here in West Africa,NIGERIA our new house and also with the keys of the house,we are trying to look for an agent that we can give this document before we left but could not see and we are as well as don’t want our house to be used any how in our absent that is why we took it along with us here..We are only willing to give the house out to a lovely and caring family only, so if you know you cannot give the house the neatness it deserves please don’t contact me.But if you promise to always take good care of the house,get back to me on how you could take care of our house or perhaps experience you have in renting a home.Hope you are okay with the monthly price of $700 and the refundable security deposit of $700. 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..

Kindly confirm your interest by filling the form below:

TENANT RENT APPLICATION
FIRST NAME: __________________
MIDDLE NAME: __________________
LAST NAME: __________________
PROFESSION: ________________
PHONE (____) __________ (CELL)
PHONE (____) __________ (WORK)
PHONE (____) __________ (HOME)
MARITAL STATUS: _________
KIDS _____ (YES/NO), HOW MANY ________
Home ADDRESS: ___________________________
CITY: _______________
STATE: ______________
ZIP CODE: ____________
HOW LONG? ___________IF RENTING
WHY ARE YOU LEAVING? _______________________________________________________________________
CURRENT RENT: _______
IF THIS HOUSE IS BEING GIVEN TO YOU,
HOW LONG DO YOU INTEND STAYING? ____________
WHEN DO YOU INTEND MOVING IN? ______________
WHEN DO YOU INTEND SENDING ME THE DEPOSIT___________________________
WHEN DO YOU INTEND RECEIVING THE KEYS AND DOCUMENT OF THE HOUSE___________________________

Looking forward to hear from you with all this details so that i can have it in my file in case of issuing the receipt for you and contacting you.Await your urgent reply so that we can discuss on how to get the document and the key to you,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 contact me on +234-802-444-6958 or 011-234-802-444-6958..

Regards
aprilfrank50@yahoo.com

CG
March 2nd, 2010 at 4:57 pm   

I received an exact replica of the email response above when I asked about a house in Orlando!

Kelly
March 15th, 2010 at 2:51 pm   

Its amazing this is still going on, I almost fell for it last week in Wilmington NC, with the same exact letter. When I recieved the email, I had my suspisions and checked the public records, and the same result came back. The next day I rode by the house and saw it was actually for rent thru a rental agency.

Amanda
March 19th, 2010 at 8:55 am   

Thanks for your response regarding your interest in having my house for rent.The house is much available for now and it a 2 bedroom home…I want you to know that i am the owner of this building situated at 830 Locust Avenue Bensalem, PA 19020.But i am now presently in West Africa for my Hospitals Project prayer crusade with my wife and we have the keys right here with us.I will like to inform you that it was due to my transfer that makes us to leave the house and also want to give it out for rent and looking for a responsible person that can take very good care of it as we are not after the money for the rent but want it to be clean at the time and the person that will rent it to take it as if it were its own..So for now,We are here in West Africa,NIGERIA our new house and also with the keys of the house,we are trying to look for an agent that we can give this document before we left but could not see and we are as well as don’t want our house to be used any how in our absent that is why we took it along with us here.We are only willing to give the house out to a lovely and caring family only, so if you know you cannot give the house the neatness it deserves please don ‘ t contact me.But if you promise to always take good care of the house,get back to me on how you could take care of our house or perhaps experience you have in renting a home.Hope you are okay with the monthly price of $800 with the security deposit payment of $800 with hydro,heat laundry facilities,air-condition Etc.I am looking forward to hear from you ASAP,Our house number is +234-8089742766 or 0112348089742766., below is the application form for you to fill and discuss on how to get the house for rent.

WHAT A SCAM!!!

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