This was a pretty good scam I uncovered today. I was browsing craigslist for a new place to live this September when I ran across this ad in the housing/apartments section:
Very large and spacious 3 bd 2bthrm with great upgrades Screened lanai gated access community Act now and only need first month to move in
email me at
gabriellaecj@gmail.com
Looks promising. It even included some nice looking pictures. I emailed gabriellaecj@gmail.com simply to ask where the house was. I got this as a response:
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.
www.unitedrentalproperties.com/rentalapp.pdf In PDF format
www.unitedrentalproperties.com/RentalApplication.doc In Word formatWe 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
http://www.unitedrentalproperties.com/freecreditreport.htmlDo not email it 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,
Russell
Okay, he didn’t answer my question, but it still looks legit. The application forms looked normal, but knowing a bit about credit history and credit reports, I thought the “450 minimum score” seemed a bit low. People that file bankruptcy usually have a better score than this. I followed the link to the credit report, and it was simply a redirect to this site:
http://www.nationalcreditreport.com/
He also had is affiliate ID in the URL (1119). This is how the scam works. You fill out all that stuff and do the credit report on the site, and this guy makes 20 bucks from the deal. The house doesn’t even exist.
45 comments ↓
Thanks!
I got the same response while looking for a new place & thought it sounded funny, so I googled the supposed website and this came up.
I told them that since it sounded like a scam, no thanks!
Just as well, he would have been really mad to find out I’ve already got a credit report printout.
There is also one isabel@gmail
Ive encountered both today while looking for apts in Los Angeles area… $775 for a 2bdrm condo was definitely a scam
There was a posting today(July 28th) on Craigslist for a one bedroom apt. in Minneapolis. The price and pictures seemed great, but the posting failed to list the address of the apartment and other important details. I e-mailed the contact: megandji@gmail.com and received a response from david@rentalpropertiesgroup.com. The response e-mail had none of the imformation that I requested. It was a form letter w/ a rental application and a free credit report link. It also mentioned the 450 credit score and I figured it must be in the ghetto to have such loose credit requirements & that was why they didn’t list the address. I was not going to fill out a rental app. w/ such little info. & NO ADDRESS. I looked a few mintues later and the posting was taken off of Craigslist. ha.
The newest listing in craigslist is the one below. But I actually got to talk to a person to cancel the report, but then instead I got it extended free for 60days. I don’t know what’s right or not. I have yet to see the place.
$1100 / 2br – 2 bedroom 2 bath condo recently remodeled (near ucla)
Date: 2009-07-25, 1:55AM PDT
Reply to: hous-dacqg-1287900080@craigslist.org [Errors when replying to ads?]
Fantastic place at a great price.
• We have a spacious 2 bedroom and 2 bathroom condo that was recently remodeled. The condo is 1,050 sq.ft.
• Stainless Appliances (refrigerator, oven, & dish washer)
• Granite Counter Tops
• Hardwood flooring
• Fire place in the living room
• High Ceilings
• Double stacked washed and dryer combo in the condo.
• Central Air and Heat
• Assigned parking space.
Small pets are accepted with a $15 monthly fee per pet.
Rent: $1,100
Deposit: $550
Credit Check Required
same thing in the San Jose, CA area. Exact same ad. SCAM Don’t fall for it or give out any information to the generic rental application
I received the same response! Here is his most recent link for scamming: http://phoenix.craigslist.org/wvl/apa/1300063618.html
I completed the application with my personal information, yeah, shame on me once! What should I do? I guess Craigslist lets any pearson advertise. People like this Dave, Russell, and Rental Property Group give relators a very bad name.
I’m so glad my neighbor works with Federal Gov. He’s currently working to track down these people. We need more help from concern citizens. Report them to your better business office. They are currently being watched so it’s just a matter of time.
Thanks fo posting….I was suspicious and came across your blog. If its too good to be true, or they don’t even answer your questions, it’s obviously a scam
We they got me just now, I did the same thing and completed the credit report, the deducted two times, I called was on hold for 1 hour and a half, was told the will give me 60 days free, I will contact BBB and other Federal Gov. as well.
Same scam in Lake Tahoe:
http://reno.craigslist.org/apa/1306009166.html
Asked two simple questions. Didn’t answer either one and just got the credit report/application instructions. AVOID!!
I almost bit, i by chance, checked the website certificate. din’t seem right and closed the fking firefow window.
Same thing, looking for a home to rent and his name was listed under Russell with david in email address.
This kind of bullXXXX should not happen. Somehow Craigslist. needs to get more legimate people renting homes etc. I was scammed out of $500 earlier this year so I have learned a great deal from that.
same thing happening here in worcester MA. I am kinda relieved to hear that it is linked to the guy making money, because for awhile i thought i was hacked? great just what i need to deal with a phone call for 2 hours…. thanks to whomever uncovered and posted this. thank you 🙂
Wow I also got sme response thanx .
same thing happend to me but the web site didnt look lagit so i didnt do it im glad i found this b 4 i done it panama city florida
I seen this guy Russell advertise in Olympia area of Washington state…i got the same response as the others print out application follow website. I printed out application but then I realized the ad never said where the apartment was. I sent another e-mail asking where this place was and never heard back from him.
Thanks for the blog I couldv’e been scammed
same here, luckily I already got my credit report from a legit place! I printed out my report and the application all ready to go, emailed back asking which property was this in response to, and I am waiting for a response…but with the way it seems no response is coming…this was for the bay area in california…I have been looking for Both NAPA and VALLEJO, so it could have been posted in either of them…be warned!
Here’s another one:
Large home in quiet community newly remodeled in & out featuring vaulted ceiling and tile in main living areas updated appliances throughout Large underground pool and yard This wonderful 3 bed with 2 baths and 2 car garage will go fast act now!
email
destinymcv@gmail.com
and another:
Enoromous living rm & dining room central air and heat split floor plan for large bedrooms seperate walk in closets newly renovated kitchen w/ all new appliances tile floors and granite counters 1/2 acre lot with fenced yard Minutes from everything Large dogs ok with approval Will be showing by appointment only contact us now
alyssatwh@gmail.com
same thing in Daytona Beach, becareful
nothing like ripping people off while they are trying to find a place to live, how do they sleep at night, I dont get it!
Just came across this posting for an apt in San Gabriel Valley –
$899 / 3br – 3bdrm Spacious 2 Bathroom Rental (San Gabriel Valley)
Date: 2009-08-11, 9:29AM PDT
Reply to: see below
Great spacious 3bdrm two bath with lots of upgrades screened in porch access to all of our facilities first and last month needed only
email
katelyntja@gmail.com
Same email reply. Glad I found this before proceeding.
[…] a decent home to rent, I came across ANOTHER scam. This one was much more polished than the last Craiglist Credit Report scam I posted about, but still operates in the same […]
Yeah, also found this reply. Was suspicious to begin with, especially when http://www.rentalpropertiesgroup.com never pulled up. Also, some information for the application made no sense. The email he used was stewart.moses@hotmail.com.
Here’s a variation. Thanks for posting this info guys!
They had great pictures, but did not show the front of the house.
From: summit.investments@hotmail.com
Hello,
I’m sorry I wasn’t able to get back to you sooner! Things have been so hectic for me these last couple of days!
The good news is that the rental is still available! We had an offer from the first person we showed it to, but now it appears that they are changing their mind, so we need to start showing it again as soon as possible. You were the second one to email me about it.
The property was just cleaned, and it’s in great condition. We know a lot of prospective renters want to do a quick look of the property, but my husband doesn’t want me to mass send out the address as a measure of safety. Last time we did that without verifying people, another vacant property was broken into and vandalized. We don’t want that to happen again! I CAN tell you that it’s a very special property, which would normally rent for quite a bit more than other comparable properties in the neighborhood.
For utilities, your electric, gas, water, sewer and trash will be transferred into your name upon occupying the property. You will be responsible for cable, internet, and phone, if you decide to have these services. Just to confirm, we DO allow pets at this property.
The rental term is 12-month lease, but can be switched into a 6-month lease if preferred. We just ask that you give us fair notice if you are moving out.
If you would like to set up an appointment, go to the link below and request the free copy of your rental / credit report. We use this company for all the properties we manage. Just fill out the form and indicate that you want the free credit report. The actual scores on the report aren’t important to us; it’s more of a formality to have it on file, to make sure you are who you say you are.
Get your report here: http://secure-credit.net/myfreereport/
Remember, we only need to see the page about the rental history. That will be all you will need to bring with you to the showing.
As far as getting together to see the property goes, I am available to show it any time from 10:00 am on, for the next couple of days. Let me know when you’ve printed out your credit report, and we will set up a time to do your walk-through.
Thank you once again for your interest!
Helen Jennings
The email I got from “Thopson Properties ” (again via Craigslist) is pretty much word-for-word the same as Tasha’s message above.
They seem to be still at it and evolving somewhat. This rent amount was within the range of believability, and the email well-written. Thanks for posting, everyone.
I’m so glad you wrote this because I had received an email back from an ad, the response was very similar. I felt it was very strange and possibly a scam. So I googled and this came up. I’d never heard of this scam nut I think it’s great for you to of shed some light on this.
I’m glad I found you all – I was scammed on a vacation rental BEWARE OF THE FOLLOWING – it is a scam:
$110 / 2br – Large, Executive, Neat 2br Apartment. (Upper West Side)
——————————————————————————–
Date: 2010-05-25, 11:46AM EDT
Reply to: hous-pfzyf-1758688019@craigslist.org [Errors when replying to ads?]
——————————————————————————–
The apartment comes with two inviting queen-size beds, an extra sleeping loft, fully equipped kitchen with stocked refrigerator and dishwasher, three TVs with digital cable and DVR in the master bedroom, high ceilings, oak paneling, high speed internet, beautiful art, fresh linens and towels, and much more. Best of all, the subway stop is at the corner, while the cross-town bus is only two blocks away.
cynthia.moore724@gmail.com
•cats are OK – purrr
•dogs are OK – wooof
•it’s NOT ok to contact this poster with services or other commercial interests
And yet another from dear old Helen Jennings…this time in Hendersonville for a 2 bd house. I contacted Craigslist with an email and flagged and wrote her back with a link to this website asking her what kind of person tries to scam young expecting couples (as if we don’t have enough of things to deal with). I also gave her my number and said to call me if the house really does exist and that I would stop by without a credit report.
Don’t fall for it guys!!!
I got a very similar e-mail when looking at places in oregon.
From summit.investments@hotmail.com
Hello Candice,
Thanks for taking the time to email me about the place.
We thought we had the place rented last week to a young couple, but communication has dropped off. you are the first person to email about it since we put it back on the market . It would only be fair that we gave you the first shot at the property.
Normally, we would prefer a year lease, but would also be open to shorter terms. I’m sure that you will want to see the property before making a final decision. I would simply give you the address and let you swing by, but my husband is against blindly advertising an empty home online. Rest assured the home has been up kept properly and had a good cleaning and fresh coat of paint. Basic utilities are currently on, but we expect that you would get them put into your name fairly quick.
If you want to go ahead and schedule a time to see the property, go to the link below and print off the free copy of your report. Your score isn’t necessarily important, we’re just interested in seeing that there are no evictions / landlord related judgments.
Here is the link: http://rental-reporting.com/property040658/
I am very open as far as appointments go to show the property. Any morning after 10am is fine. Just let me know when you have everything printed and be sure to leave me a contact number to reach you at and any desired time. I will call you to confirm a time and choose a place to meet.
Thanks for looking,
Helen Jennings
Thanks for posting this. It helped me out recently b/c I got the exact same email from Helen Jennings about two different houses for rent in Nashville (both of which were priced a little low for the neighborhood). I didn’t figure out that it was a scam until I received the second email. The random thing is, when I filled out the credit report and wrote “her” back, “she” emailed me back with this elaborate story of how the young couple does want the property after all and they’ve put down their deposit, so it’s not available after all. Seems like a lot of trouble for a scammer to go to!
Sarah, thanks for visiting, and I’m glad you didn’t get caught by this.
Through the affiliate credit report site, the scammer ends up making 20 dollars per credit check.
Sending two emails doesn’t seem like a lot of trouble for 20 dollars, if you ask me. Heck, they probably use the same email for everyone, so really, they only have to copy and paste.
I’m actually really glad it’s just an affiliate scam. I was very afraid that it somehow tracked my cc info through the credit check or something. Word for word, I had the same experience as Candice above.
I see “Helen Jennings” strikes again. I replied to a craigslist ad in Des Moines, IA and received the same form letter as Candice. I have come across many of the same scams on craigslist and am just tired of it. However, I am so glad this site exists because I hope this helps these scammers to be caught. It’s back to the search, and I’ve got my fingers crossed. Thanks for the site. I’ll report to it if (or when) I come across another scammer.
Who are you reporting this to? I received a similar response, but it’s not form-like, still asking me to click on a link to fill out a credit report (which I would never do.)
To follow up: I followed the Craigslist link to report fraud and filled out all of the necessary information. I then Googled the email address of the scammer and went to the domain’s website and contacted the administrators, suggesting they surely don’t want to associate themselves with someone trying to commit fraud. It probably won’t amount to much; it’s easy to get an account anywhere.
thanks!! I just saw one on craigslist as well and it threw up all kinds of red flags, so I googled scams about credit reports and found your information….thanks for posting and saving me a hassle and a nightmare!!!
I am reporting their post…thanks so much
http://austin.craigslist.org/apa/2250062170.html
I got a reply from them today. I just flagged this link, it was the one they had posted.
Almost the same exact response:
Hi there, Many thanks for taking enough time to email me in relation to the place. We believed we got the place rented the other day to a younger couple, but communication has fallen off. you are the first individual to email about it since we put it back on the marketplace . It will only be sensible that we offered you the first shot at the property. Typically, we would opt for a yr lease, but would also be open to reduced terms. I’m confident that you will want to see the property before making a final determination. I will agree to pets no more than 3. I would easily give you the address and let you swing by, but my wife is in opposition to blindly marketing an empty property on the net. Rest assured the residence has been up kept appropriately and had a good washing and clean coat of paint. Basic utilities are at this time on, but we count on that you would get them put into your name fairly fast. If you want to go ahead and schedule a time to see the house, go to the link below and print off the free copy of your report. Your score isn’t specifically essential, we’re just interested in seeing that there are no evictions / landlord related judgments. go HERE for the free credit score i am very open as far as appointments go to show the property. Any morning after 10am is fine. Just let me know when you have everything printed and be sure to leave me a contact number to reach you at and any desired time. I will call you to confirm a time and choose a place to meet. Thanks for looking, Tina
tina@unitedrentalproperties.com
I this damn email again but from marisasession@yahoo.com. Weird.
Same People:
Thanks for taking the time to email me about the place.
We thought we had the place rented last week to a young couple, but communication has dropped off. You are the first person to email about it since we put it back on the market . Normally, we would prefer a year lease, but would also be open to shorter terms if necessary. I’m sure that you will want to see the property before making a final decision. I will accept pets but no more than 2. I would simply give you the address and let you swing by, but my husband is against blindly advertising an empty home online. The home has been up kept properly and had a good cleaning and fresh coat of paint. Basic utilities are currently on, but we expect that you transfer them into your name fairly quick. If you want to go ahead and schedule a time to see the property, go to the link below and print off the free copy of your report. Your score isn’t necessarily important, we’re just interested in seeing that there are no evictions / landlord related judgments. The details on your previous rental experience is the only part we need to review immediately.
Go here to get the report: http://ownerassistedrentals.com/?Prop=Y49212
I am very open as far as appointments go to show the property. Any morning after 10am is fine. Just let me know when you have everything printed and be sure to leave me a contact number to reach you at and any desired time. I will call you to confirm a time and choose a place to meet.
Thanks and hopefully I’ll talk to you soon!
Jessica
I’m from Madison, WI
I got the same thing from different people while looking at house for rent. Thank the lord for watching out for me.
Here are 1 example from those scammers.
Hello million,
First and foremost, thank you for your interest in the home. I am available to show the house this week
if that fits your schedule.
Just to give yoU a little more information about the home, the water, trash
and garbage are paid by us. The security deposit can be paid in 2 installments if money is tight. (I know how that can be).
The house has a fenced in backyard and we do allow pets. The deposit per pet is a one time payment.
The house includes a washer and dryer, and we pay for lawn care so the renter does not have to cut the grass.
There is NO application fee (our company policy and guarantee).
I will be happy to show the house at an agreed upon time and date but I do require that all applicants and
additional renters who will be living in the home complete a free credit report to ensure their eligibility.
I have so many people apply for homes that I have to make sure they are qualified renters before I show the property.
This ensures neither of us will be wasting our time.
It is okay if you have bad credit (trust me). We just check to make sure that you don’t have several evictions on
your record. (We won’t rent if you have 3 or more evictions on your record)
I also had to recently stop giving out the exact address of rental properties before I am able to show them because
last time I did that the house was vandalized (I will be glad to send you the address right after your reply) I assure
you though that this is a very safe neighborhood. I actually lived�in this home for 2 years (very cozy).
As soon as you can, please click the link below and go to the secure website to complete the free credit report (takes about 30 seconds)
Once you complete, I’ll call you once I receive the information from the credit company (very quickly usually).
http://cjwreport.com/
(Copy and paste this link to your address bar if it is not clickable)
*** You don’t have to send me your credit report.
Once you fill out the report the credit company automatically forwards me your name, email address and whether you have
had any outstanding evictions in the past 5 years to determine your renter eligibility. This is the only information I am
interested in. This is a soft credit report so it won’t touch your FICO score (which is why we work with them).
This process turns some people off, so I completely understand if you decide not to complete them. In that case, good luck
with your home search. I just want to be honest with you up front about our process, which does a good job of protecting
us from ineligible renters and scammers. Also, the site above is one the safest and most secure website for credit reports in the
world, which is good for peace of mind. I have worked with them personally for a couple years now.
If You are truly interested in proceeding, take a moment and fill out one of the reports. Let me know when this is done and
we can then work out the time and date to go see the home. Email me back once you access your fresh report. I will be forwarded
the information. (Make sure to include a valid phone number. I usually call within 6 hours of submitting your report. Then I can
forward you the address and we can set up a time to tour the home.)
If eligible you will also be sent an email with my office number so we can set up a time to go see the house and discuss any
other questions or concerns you may have.
Thanks,
Ken
they got me
🙁
$700 / 2br – 2 Bedroom, 2.5 Bathroom Home With Open Kitchen (Hampton Roads)
——————————————————————————–
Hi Christina,
First and foremost, thank you for your interest in the home. I am available to show the house this week
if that fits your schedule.
Just to give you a little more information about the home, the water, trash
and garbage are paid by us. The security deposit can be paid in 2 installments if money is tight. (I know how that can be).
The house has a fenced in backyard and we do allow pets. The deposit per pet is a one time payment.
The house includes a washer and dryer, and we pay for lawn care so the renter does not have to cut the grass.
There is NO application fee (our company policy and guarantee).
I will be happy to show the house at an agreed upon time and date but I do require that all applicants and
additional renters who will be living in the home complete a free credit report to ensure their eligibility.
I have so many people apply for homes that I have to make sure they are qualified renters before I show the property.
This ensures neither of us will be wasting our time.
It is okay if you have bad credit (trust me). We just check to make sure that you don’t have several evictions on
your record. (We won’t rent if you have 3 or more evictions on your record)
I also had to recently stop giving out the exact address of rental properties before I am able to show them because
last time I did that the house was vandalized (I will be glad to send you the address right after your reply) I assure
you though that this is a very safe neighborhood. I actually lived in this home for 2 years (very cozy).
As soon as you can, please click the link below and go to the secure website to complete the free credit report (takes about 30 seconds)
Once you complete, I’ll call you once I receive the information from the credit company (very quickly usually).
http://cuwreport.com/0E6TZbK6A/
(Copy and paste this link to your address bar if it is not clickable)
*** You don’t have to send me your credit report.
Once you fill out the report the credit company automatically forwards me your name, email address and whether you have
had any outstanding evictions in the past 5 years to determine your renter eligibility. This is the only information I am
interested in. This is a soft credit report so it won’t touch your FICO score (which is why we work with them).
This process turns some people off, so I completely understand if you decide not to complete them. In that case, good luck
with your home search. I just want to be honest with you up front about our process, which does a good job of protecting
us from ineligible renters and scammers. Also, the site above is one the safest and most secure website for credit reports in the
world, which is good for peace of mind. I have worked with them personally for a couple years now.
If you are truly interested in proceeding, take a moment and fill out one of the reports. Let me know when this is done and
we can then work out the time and date to go see the home. Email me back once you access your fresh report. I will be forwarded
the information. (Make sure to include a valid phone number. I usually call within 6 hours of submitting your report. Then I can
forward you the address and we can set up a time to tour the home.)
If eligible you will also be sent an email with my office number so we can set up a time to go see the house and discuss any
other questions or concerns you may have.
Thanks,
Ty
I just yesterdasy had EXACTLY the same message as Christina from a Craigs List ad, except for a different URL of course. They keep moving those around. I am also relieved to hear the consensus that this is an affiliate scam, and not a phishing scam. I thought the sites they redirected me through were keystroke-sniffing and they got my ssn and cc. But either way, yuk! Thanks for all the sharing. Wish I had checked before responding.
They continue to do this. I receive two emails almost identical to the ones posted here.
I just received the same exact email as stina and million. It was from some lady with an ad for a rental home in Des Moines ia. Glad I looked this up, it seemed a little weird to me.
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