Archive for June 10th, 2015
Zillow Craigslist Security Deposit Scam
June 10th, 2015

 

There is a scam going around on real estate/rental sites such as Zillow and Craigslist where a renter offers and awesome place in your area for a really great rental price.

You contact them via their ad and then they tell you that you are accepted!  All you need to do is fill out the documents and send them the security deposit.  There are a couple of issues with this:  It is a scam.

How can you tell?  There are a couple of ways to verify that it is a scam:

Search their phone number.  Their phone number is linked to another scam they did.

Here is an exmaple.  This number “205-319-1346” is linked to a scam on Zillow and a known scam on Craigslist:

$900 / 3br – 1569ft2 – This Gorgeous 3 bedroom, 2 bedroom home (Dallas, TX)

Reported on: Thursday, 26 March, 2015  05:41 Updated On: Thursday, 26 March, 2015  05:42 Reply to: (Not Shown)

Craigslist Post: “This Gorgeous 3 bedroom, 2 bedroom home has been completely professionally remodeled and is practically brand new form the ground up! Move right in with Granite and hardwood floors throughout! NEW kitchen, NEW utility room, NEW Plumbing, NEW AC and more”We replied to the and were contacted back by Charles Fenske. He claims to own the house and is renting it while living across the country. He is requesting payment by money order only. He sent us a lease to sign immediately with very little information and requested us to send $900 for first months payment and $900 as a deposit.This house is also listed on Zillow. We contacted the realtor associated with the house, and he confirmed this posting is a scam! The house was already being leased to someone else. We also located the deed of the house and it is not owned by Charles.

Charles.Fenske@outlook.com
205-319-1346
House for rent address: 3490 Timberview Rd Dallas TX 75229

craigslist scam report

From Zillow:

On Tue, Apr 28, 2015 at 2:46 PM

wrote:

Hello
Thanks for your email and your interest in this property, I personally own the house, I want my property to be well taken good care of, and there are some rules and regulation in which I do give out to tenant willing to rent my house so please don’t disrespect my order But if you are interested in renting this home, the rules and the regulations goes this way, the surroundings most be well taking care of, you must know the way in which you use the stove so as to avoid fire outbreak,so we are renting it out since we need someone to take good care of the property on our absent. Don’t be surprise if you find the home with another site with deference price, I have plan to rent it through Real estate agent before, but they are not serious simply because they have a lot of house to lease out And they added some money to the rent while there commission is not fair.
Attn : The rent and Utilities are intact such as Dishwasher,Dryer, Electric Stove, Fridge, Washer,Air Condition,Sewage,Trash,all included in the monthly rent,as i am in a governmental programmer that sponsors my utilities on monthly basis etc.
Please note that, we are a kind and honest family, that spent a lot on property that is available for rent, so in one accord, we are soliciting for your absolute maintenance of this house and want you to treat it as your own, We want you to keep it tidy all the time so we would be glad to see it whenever we are around on a visit.
SO IF YOU ARE REALLY INTERESTED I WILL WANT YOU TO FILL THE RENTAL APPLICATION.
APPLICATION FORMS BELOW . RENT APPLICATION FORM AND TELL US MORE ABOUT YOU .
1) Your Full Name
2A) Home Phone ?
2B) Cell Phone Number ?
3) Your current address :
4) How old are you?
5a) Are you married?
5b) How many people will be living in the house?
6a) Do you have a pet?
6b) What type
7a) Do you have a car?
7b) What type? Occupation?
9) Do you smoke?
10) Do you Drink ?
11) Do you work at Night ?
12) What is your monthly income?
13) Reference Contact Name and Address?
14) When do you intend Moving in?
15) private email :
16) Picture of you and your family
17 ) When can you pay for your deposit to secure or move in?
Let me know the amount you have right now to secure the home prior your move in, the payment will be send to me or my attorney that will be issue the lease paper work, again if you which to see some pictures of the inside i will more than happy to provide them as soon as i can.
Notice : You can go ahead and do a walk through the property its empty now and the move in is ready anytime, Text me immediately you fill out the application Looking forward to hear from you with all this details so that we can have it our file in case of issuing the receipt for you and contacting you..
Await your prompt reply so that we can discuss on the rental terms and agreement, please we are renting the house to you base on trust and again i will want you to stick to your words. We will appreciate your absolute care of this home.
PROPERTY DESCRIPTION………..
Number of Bedrooms: 3, Number of baths: 2, Well trained Pets are welcome!!! Rent: $1000 Refundable security Deposit: $1000 Total move in : $2000 House Address:<home address
Please call me if you have any question or text as i will not be able to meet with you before everything is finalize, if you have any question regarding this do not hesitate to ask when you text 205-319-1346
Thank you
Below are examples of fraudulent emails received by Zillow users.

 

“I’m out of the country and need you to wire me the deposit.”

How the scam works: You find a great rental (it’s usually too good to be true), but the landlord is located out of state or out of the country. They’ll rent it to you and mail you the keys if you just send a deposit.

Tip: Don’t wire money to anyone you haven’t met in person. If it looks like a great deal and is too good to be true, it’s likely a scam. You will lose your money, and the place you were looking at isn’t really even on the market.

Example email:

Hello,
Thanks for your email and interest in renting my house.
Property is available for move in at the moment for $1250 for the month rent and $1200 for the security deposit (Refundable After Lease period , As long as there are no damages on property after inspection). For immediate move in you would be required to make a total payment of $2450 but if you are not moving in Immediately, you would be required to make a down payment of $1200 for the security deposit Non- negotiable, to hold property till desired move in date.
Unfortunately, I would not be present in person to show you the property due to my recent job transfer to London, UK, and I do not have a local representative to show the house due to my transfer so if you are interested in renting the property and willing to work with me despite my absence then I would email the necessary papers for the lease to you, for necessary endorsement.
I also want to tell you that the neighborhood is secured and the people staying there are good.
Details of the house is below;
Rent: $1250.
Security Deposit: $1200
3 Bedrooms, 1.75 Bathroom.
Single-Family Home.
Location: Kirkland WA 98033.
Street Address: 12721 Northeast 101st Place.
Pets Allowed: Cats and Dogs.
Size: 1,800 sqft.
Home available for immediate move in.
This is a charming home in Kirkland.
Lovely move in ready 3 bedroom, 1.75 bath, rambler, located on quiet cul-de-sac. Approx. 1800 sq ft., built in 1989. Bright and airy interior that has been beautifully updated and well-maintained.
Exterior Sun Blockers roll-shutters for max insulation & security.
Other features include security system, built-in vacuum system and skylights. High quality throughout. Neutral colors. Master suite with private bath and two walk in closets. Spacious kitchen with tons of oak cabinets and all appliances (refrig, range, microwave). Very light and open, Washer and dryer included. 2-car attached garage with opener.
Yard service included and home is pet friendly!
Regards.
Mark A Ross.
3212579029
Posted in Main Digg by Bruce Brown
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