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Main => Gospel Music Lounge => Topic started by: catslock1 on August 09, 2011, 12:28:24 PM
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I've just found myself right in the middle of a scam!!What do you think my next move should be?
Here's the story..
I placed an ad on craigslist to rent an apartment. Here are the emails that follows (it's rather lengthy):
scammer:
Hello,
I would like to know if the property you listed is still
available.
Regards.
Feng Huang
Me:
Yes it is.
Him:
Hello,
With regards to the property I am inquiring about, I will like to get some
more details about it, I am currently in Malaysia and am Relocating to USA
to check out the best place to setup a new office for my company ( Berjaya
General Insurance Bhd 18th Floor Menara BGI, Plaza Berjaya 12 Jalan Imbi,
55100 Kuala Lumpur or P.O. Box 12433, 50778 Kuala Lumpur,Malaysia ), as we
are about to open a new office in the state, so due to my non presence to
inspect the Property, I will like you to provide me more details,
# I need full details including address of the property and more pictures if
available for the place.
# Is it Furnished?
# Monthly rentals/security deposits.
# If utilities is added to monthly rent.
# When the property would be available.
# Mail me how much is due at lease signing.
I await your response soon.
Thanks
Feng Huang
Me:
Hi Feng,
1. It is unfurnished
2. 1 mnths rent + 1 mnths security
3. Utilities are not included i.e. you are responsible for your electricity and gas.
4. $2550 would be due at lease signing.
Would you be operating your business out of this location?
Thanks
him:
Hello,
Thanks for the details on the Property, I am satisfied and will like to
go ahead with the renting process, I will like you to go ahead and reserve
the property for me.
So I will be needing the following information's so that the check payment
for $2550 can be processed and posted to you soon.
Name:............
Address:.............
Phone number(cell and land):............
I want the 12 month lease to start on 5th Aug 2011, I also want to notify
you that I have in the mean time arrange with an interior decorator (Agent)
who will be handling the purchase of furniture's, entertainment system and
other appliances that will be needed in the property, they will as well be
in charge of moving down my luggage's down to the states. So the check for
$4,900 will be sent over to you which is a relocation grant by my
employer.All you need do is to deduct the deposit of $2550 and forward the
difference to my Decorators so I can have the place prepared before my
arrival. All applications and lease will be signed as soon as I arrive.
Also for familiarization I Am Feng Huang, I am 55 yrs of age, a Malaysia
citizen, married to a lovely lady, with a daughter (Family will stay over in
Malaysia), I work with ( Berjaya General Insurance Bhd Malaysia), as a
loss adjuster agent, I am a Christian, reserved in Nature, Non smoker and
also don't keep pets.
I look forward to meeting you and hope to have a good relationship as a
tenant with you.
I await the details.
you can reach me on this number 01160172753910
Below is my present landlords information for reference :
Dr.Kim Hou
03 g-16-9 mentari court
bandar sunway 41700
Malaysia
EMAIL: kimhuo2021@yahoo.com
Regards.
Feng Huang
03 g-16-9 mentari court
bandar sunway 41700
Malaysia
me:
Hi,
The property is currently occupied and will be vacated by August 1st. I am unsure as to the necessary repairs that will be needed and will therefore prefer that the lease begin on September 1st. If this is acceptable then we can proceed.
him:
Hello
I will think about it and get back to you...but how about the 15th???
Me:
We can try for the 15th... this is more feasible.
Him:
Good..Please send name and address of where check will be sent to.
Thanks
Me:
Feng,
Make the check payable to *name, address etc.*
I will be inspecting the apartment on Friday. I don't anticipate any major repairs that would extend beyond the 15th but will keep you informed.
Please send details regarding your interior decorator so that I can forward the remaining funds. Attached please find one year lease agreement for your review and signature.
him:
Hello
>
> Thanks for the details sent to me , I will forward your details over to my
> employer and they will get in touch with the company in the states to send
> you the check on a local US Bank via overnight delivery to avoid any delay,
> once I have an update from them that the check has been mailed, I will email
> you with necessary info to keep watch over it to arrive your location.
>
> Thanks once again I will get back to you asap.I'll have my decorator
> contact you soon so you can work out the details and lastly hope you will
> act fast with my decorator money because i don't want want the property to
> be delayed in anyway.Looking forward to meeting you and hope to have a good
> relationship with you.
>
> Decorator Information
> Name:Marie Johnson
> Cell Phone:206-350-0252
> Email: ladymjdeco@yahoo.com
>
> Cheers
> Feng Huang>
At this juncture I'm away on vacation in the beautiful tennassee mountains. During this time I have checked my email and receive this while on vacation.
him:
Hello
I got a call from my company today that the payment is drop via overnight
delivery and will deliver Thursday morning,here is the tracking number for
your reference EO 997 464 105 US .USPS is the shipper. I'll like you to
deduct your money from the $4,900 and send the remaining to my decorator.As
you know my move in date is around the corner and she needs to start work
immediately.
When you receive the check go to the nearest western union/money Gram
transfer outlet close to you and send the difference to the below
details.You'll deduct your money from the $4,900 so also the transfer
charges..
I'll have my decorator contact you immediately so she can make all necessary
arrangements on how to get entrance into the property so she can start work
immediately. Its very important you make the transfer when you receive the
check so i can get there as scheduled.Looking forward to meet you soon, Find
below the information of my decorator
Name...Marie Johnson
Address PO box 140
City: Columbus,
Zip code: 31826
State:Georgia
Once again,You will have to deduct money transfer charges from the amount
you are sending,I want everything to get clear to you.As soon as you get
transfer done ,you will have to get back to me with the following transfer
information,
MTCN CONTROL NUMBER ( 10 DIGIT NUMBER )/REFRENCE NUMBER IF MONEY GRAM (8
DIGITS)
SENDER'S FULL NAME & ADDRESS
AMOUNT SENT AFTER TRANSFER CHARGES
TRANSFER CHARGES
Thanks
Cheers.
Feng Huang
So I made a few calls during my vacation and found out that there was indeed a check at my home for the stated amount. I sent him an email (can't retrieve it now) that I am on vacation and would handle it when I return home.
When I returned home I found a voicemail from him asking about the check. I tried calling the number he sent me in his email but it was not in service so I called him using the incoming number from my caller id. He answered and was initially upset about me not calling him sooner about the check. I told him I would try to cash the check and then wire the rest to the decorator.
The check was drawn on Chevy Chase Bank (recently merged with Capital One - found this out during an internet search) so yesterday morning I went to the nearest Capital One bank to cash it. I overheard the tellers saying that there was only $17,000 in the account so they could not honor the check. They told me that I should return the check and let them know that I could not cash it. They said they could not tell me why.
I called him and told him what had happened. He asked me what I would do with the check. I said I could deposit it to my account but his decorator would not be able to get the funds until the check cleared.
After work, I went to the nearest Chase bank and tried to cash the check. I figured if any bank could do it then it would be Chase. Well... after about 30 minutes... the manager came back and told me that she could not return the check to me because it was fraudulent.
Today, I received this email:
Hello
>
> Whats the update?you said you will update me after the check has been
> deposited...
Me:
Hi,
I have deposited the check and everything is OK. I really want to get this closed. I'm working late for the rest of the week and am not in close proximity to a money transfer location. I have made arrangements for someone to be at the property tomorrow with the money (even though the check has not yet cleared) and the keys for your decorator. Please have her to call me so we can make arrangements for her to get access to the apartment and collect the rest of the money.
After this I receive another call (from a different number). I told him that I sent him an email and he should have his decorator call me. He said he would. Then I get this email
him:
Hello
I have emailed her the whole situation of things and you should hear from
her soon..
decorator:
You are aware that i cannot come to the property without upfront payment.I need clear Feng luggage that was shipped to me get him some art artifact also before coming over.
If i cannot receive my payment upfront am not ready to come over.That is not how i do my business?so i need my work money upfront before coming over.
Since you won't be around this week.I will suggest you instruct your sister to wire me the money and i do what is necessary here.i.e clearing his luggage and do whatever he wants me to do before coming over.
The phone number provided is not a fax line.If it goes striaght to voice mail that means i cannot receive call where i am.Just leave me a message and i will respond....
Marie
What do you think I should do next?
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CRAIGSLIST IS. THE. DEVIL!!!!
Report the individual(s) and find another way (read: traditional) to rent an apartment.
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And we are definitely not ignorant of his devices ;D ;D ;D
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As soon as he said that he's from overseas, I would have not entertained him any further. With CL you are only supposed to deal with local people. 99 percent of people who contact you that are not in your area are scammers.
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And we are definitely not ignorant of his devices ;D ;D ;D
Amen Walls! ;D
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As soon as he said that he's from overseas, I would have not entertained him any further. With CL you are only supposed to deal with local people. 99 percent of people who contact you that are not in your area are scammers.
Usually true but I've had students from abroad who are coming here to attend college and are looking to rent a place.
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As soon as he said that he's from overseas, I would have not entertained him any further.
End. Of. Thread.
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Usually true but I've had students from abroad who are coming here to attend college and are looking to rent a place.
Do you run credit checks on your tenants?
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Report the individual(s) and find another way (read: traditional) to rent an apartment.
I found it's not that easy to report. I stopped by the precinct yesterday and the cop on duty told me that I had to have some proof from the bank that the check was fraudulent. I do have a copy of the check but now I would have to go back to the bank to get a statement.
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Do you run credit checks on your tenants?
Sometimes I do. I usually do it based on my the comfort level after speaking with the individual. I've found out that sometimes some folks with good credit still turn out to be bummy. I've not had a problem yet. I do ask for proof of income etc.
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As soon as he said that he's from overseas, I would have not entertained him any further. With CL you are only supposed to deal with local people. 99 percent of people who contact you that are not in your area are scammers.
That's the bottom line.
As usual, I just roll my eyes at the "bad Craigslist" comments. If you exercise just a little bit of common sense and try not to live under a rock, you'll NEVER get taken on Craigslist. The site itself warns you as explicitly as possible not to do business with anyone who isn't local, and not to accept money orders or checks. It's that simple. If they can't pay with Paypal or cash, I don't even bother. If they are writing on someone else's behalf, I don't bother. If they talk about having a niece or a wife or a whoever who will mail me something... I don't bother. If they won't meet me during the day time at a mall or gas station or MARTA station or other public place with security cameras, I don't bother.
As I've said time and time again, I've used CL more times than I can count - to buy and sell - and I've never been taken. And I'm not even the brightest yellow in the Crayola box.
With all due respect to you, Catslock, I would've known with that first email that it was a scam. If I gave him the benefit of the doubt, I would be unmoveably certain by his second email. This is a classic Nigerian scam which is like 10 years old by now. Who on earth is still getting taken by this stuff??? Dang. No wonder they're still at it.
There's nothing wrong with renting your apartment via Craigslist. Nothing at all. Hundreds, if not thousands, of people do it successfully every day. Just use some common sense, a little wisdom, and don't bother with people who don't live in/near your town. It's that simple. When in doubt, move on to the next person.
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Just SMH in general... ignorance. smh.
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Sometimes I do. I usually do it based on my the comfort level after speaking with the individual. I've found out that sometimes some folks with good credit still turn out to be bummy. I've not had a problem yet. I do ask for proof of income etc.
I would read this page before using CL again. It will also tell you who you can report the scammers to.
http://www.craigslist.org/about/scams (http://www.craigslist.org/about/scams)
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That's the bottom line.
As usual, I just roll my eyes at the "bad Craigslist" comments. If you exercise just a little bit of common sense and try not to live under a rock, you'll NEVER get taken on Craigslist. The site itself warns you as explicitly as possible not to do business with anyone who isn't local, and not to accept money orders or checks. It's that simple. If they can't pay with Paypal or cash, I don't even bother. If they are writing on someone else's behalf, I don't bother. If they talk about having a niece or a wife or a whoever who will mail me something... I don't bother. If they won't meet me during the day time at a mall or gas station or MARTA station or other public place with security cameras, I don't bother.
As I've said time and time again, I've used CL more times than I can count - to buy and sell - and I've never been taken. And I'm not even the brightest yellow in the Crayola box.
With all due respect to you, Catslock, I would've known with that first email that it was a scam. If I gave him the benefit of the doubt, I would be unmoveably certain by his second email. This is a classic Nigerian scam which is like 10 years old by now. Who on earth is still getting taken by this stuff??? Dang. No wonder they're still at it.
There's nothing wrong with renting your apartment via Craigslist. Nothing at all. Hundreds, if not thousands, of people do it successfully every day. Just use some common sense, a little wisdom, and don't bother with people who don't live in/near your town. It's that simple. When in doubt, move on to the next person.
I agree and definitely had my doubts but I really wanted to see how it would play out.
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I would read this page before using CL again. It will also tell you who you can report the scammers to.
[url]http://www.craigslist.org/about/scams[/url] ([url]http://www.craigslist.org/about/scams[/url])
I read it after the fact. It really does not tell you how to deal with a scammer who is replying to you. Only how to deal with one who has actually posted on CL.
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I found it's not that easy to report. I stopped by the precinct yesterday and the cop on duty told me that I had to have some proof from the bank that the check was fraudulent. I do have a copy of the check but now I would have to go back to the bank to get a statement.
Which, again, is why craigslist and the like are the devil. Don't understand why folks fool with this mess. smh
I hope you can recoup your losses.
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Which, again, is why craigslist and the like are the devil. Don't understand why folks fool with this mess. smh
I hope you can recoup your losses.
There was no loss here. I would never send money to anyone before knowing that the check cleared. I was just playing his game.
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I read it after the fact. It really does not tell you how to deal with a scammer who is replying to you. Only how to deal with one who has actually posted on CL.
How to deal with a scammer who is replying to you:
Just stop replying.
:-\
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...
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No one has advice on what to do now that cats is in this situation?
Sorry Cats, I've never been in this situation. If I had to guess i would follow up getting the statement about the fraudelent check. Then contact the FBI if the bank hasn't already done so. And ask what they want you to do.
Hopefully you will have to do nothing
I did find this info on the FTC's website
http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/consumer/credit/cre40.shtm (http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/consumer/credit/cre40.shtm)
he bottom line is that until the bank confirms that the funds from the check have been deposited into your account, you are responsible for any funds you withdraw against that check.
also
If You Think You’re a Victim
If you think you’ve been targeted by a counterfeit check scam, report it to the following agencies:
The Federal Trade Commission Visit ftc.gov or 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357). • The U.S. Postal Inspection Service Visit [url=http://www.usps.gov/websites/depart/inspect]www.usps.gov/websites/depart/inspect[/url] ([url]http://www.usps.gov/websites/depart/inspect[/url]) or call your local post office. The number is in the Blue Pages of your local telephone directory.
Your state or local consumer protection agencies Visit [url=http://www.naag.org]www.naag.org[/url] ([url]http://www.naag.org[/url]) for a list of state Attorneys General, or check the Blue Pages of your local telephone directory for appropriate phone numbers.
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How to deal with a scammer who is replying to you:
Just stop replying.
:-\
Yeah but I just so want to be the one to put him out of business 8)
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There was no loss here. I would never send money to anyone before knowing that the check cleared. I was just playing his game.
Oh, ok. I wouldn't even play the game. :-\
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ACTUALLY... just to sprinkle a little REASONABLE TRUTH in here... not that the truth means much when there's always speculative fear-mongering...
It is actually quite easy to report a crime, when one has been committed... whether it's via CL or any other website. The difficulty here is that there is no victim. So yeah... I can see why that would be hard to report. ::)
Now if you have read the link that U13 provided before buying or selling anything on CL, and you still get scammed or are afraid of CL or reluctant to use it for fear of being scammed, etc... well then I just refer you to Darwin.
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How to deal with a scammer who is replying to you:
Just stop replying.
:-\
qft
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qft
what does qft mean?
Queen from Texas?
Question for thread
Quick forlorn tunnel?
Quantum formula texts
Quality Fit Tires
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I had to look that up too... quoted for truth!
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I had to look that up too... quoted for truth!
ahh okay, thank you Catslock
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I found this website earlier today. This scam that I'm dealing with is listed under Malaysian scams
http://www.hobotraveler.com/da_sc_afghanistanscams.php (http://www.hobotraveler.com/da_sc_afghanistanscams.php)
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I found this website earlier today. This scam that I'm dealing with is listed under Malaysian scams
[url]http://www.hobotraveler.com/da_sc_afghanistanscams.php[/url] ([url]http://www.hobotraveler.com/da_sc_afghanistanscams.php[/url])
Wanna hear something funny?
The company that your scammer alleges to work for is owned by my company. LOL. I actually talk frequently to a colleague who works from our Kuala Lumpur office. At least he picked the name of a real business (which was actually quite dumb).
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I was actually quite impressed with his references. I googled all the addresses and they were legit.
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I just scanned the other comments, but any time someone wants you to cash a check for them and forward some of the money to them or elsewhere, it's a scam. Think about that for a minute, he obviously knows the decorator better than you and has a working arrangement with her, why didn't he send her the check and have her pay you?
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wasn't there an article posted here about Chase bank causing that dude a bunch of problems with cashing a check? Said it was fraudulent and it turned out to be legit and then he lost his job cause they put him in jail and then didn't do anything to show how sorry they were except say my bad?
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Another Craigslist tip: Don't give any money for a vehicle without the title in hand. The title being held up, etc. etc. will keep you from ever being able to clearly and legally own the vehicle, and if they have your money, there's not much you can do.
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wasn't there an article posted here about Chase bank causing that dude a bunch of problems with cashing a check? Said it was fraudulent and it turned out to be legit and then he lost his job cause they put him in jail and then didn't do anything to show how sorry they were except say my bad?
I don't remember the post but I remember the incident. BTW... are you suggesting that the check might be legit ? ::) ::)
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Another Craigslist tip: Don't give any money for a vehicle without the title in hand. The title being held up, etc. etc. will keep you from ever being able to clearly and legally own the vehicle, and if they have your money, there's not much you can do.
Yep. Good one. That's an easy mistake I can see someone making. And of course that tip can be used far beyond CL.
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I just scanned the other comments, but any time someone wants you to cash a check for them and forward some of the money to them or elsewhere, it's a scam. Think about that for a minute, he obviously knows the decorator better than you and has a working arrangement with her, why didn't he send her the check and have her pay you?
Good point. I though about that.
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wasn't there an article posted here about Chase bank causing that dude a bunch of problems with cashing a check? Said it was fraudulent and it turned out to be legit and then he lost his job cause they put him in jail and then didn't do anything to show how sorry they were except say my bad?
I think this is it.
http://abcnews.go.com/Business/washington-man-wrongfully-arrested-check-fraud-chase-bank/story?id=14027856 (http://abcnews.go.com/Business/washington-man-wrongfully-arrested-check-fraud-chase-bank/story?id=14027856)
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Erase the word "Malaysia" and insert the word "Nigeria". Erase the words "property you have for rent" and insert the words "bass guitar you have for sale". Erase the word "decorator" and insert the words "business agent". Then I can say that I've received that same email every time I've listed an instrument for sale on eBay or CL over the past 10 years. Just sayin'.
At this point, if you can physically get the bogus check back, offer to mail it to him and tell him the space is no longer available. No explanation needed. If you can't get the check back, relax. Get some sleep. Move on.
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Erase the word "Malaysia" and insert the word "Nigeria". Erase the words "property you have for rent" and insert the words "bass guitar you have for sale". Erase the word "decorator" and insert the words "business agent". Then I can say that I've received that same email every time I've listed an instrument for sale on eBay or CL over the past 10 years. Just sayin'.
At this point, if you can physically get the bogus check back, offer to mail it to him and tell him the space is no longer available. No explanation needed. If you can't get the check back, relax. Get some sleep. Move on.
Yep, I remember the first one I got when I listed a phone for sale. I think it was my Sprint Pocket PC. I had some guy tell me he wanted to buy it for his niece who lived in some city like 4 hours from me. He said he would mail me a check and I could mail the phone once I got the check. Then he emailed back later or the next day saying that she didn't have ID and asking if he could send me a check for an extra $1000, plus $100 for the inconvenience. He wanted me to deduct the $100 for the phone and $100 for inconvenience, and then when I mail her the phone, send her the rest to get her school books and dorm furnishings.
smh.
Maybe some folks just aren't cut out for CL. To me, the scams are just so easy to spot. *shrug* Maybe one day they'll get creative, but for now, it sticks out like a farm girl in Times Square.
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Erase the word "Malaysia" and insert the word "Nigeria". Erase the words "property you have for rent" and insert the words "bass guitar you have for sale". Erase the word "decorator" and insert the words "business agent". Then I can say that I've received that same email every time I've listed an instrument for sale on eBay or CL over the past 10 years. Just sayin'.
At this point, if you can physically get the bogus check back, offer to mail it to him and tell him the space is no longer available. No explanation needed. If you can't get the check back, relax. Get some sleep. Move on.
Yeah, I always put "no scammers: or "cash only" in all of my posts. That works most of the time.
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Yeah, I always put "no scammers: or "cash only" in all of my posts. That works most of the time.
I put "locals only, cash or Paypal only. Do not contact me if you are not willing/able to meet me at ________ (name of preferred meeting place)." And it works for me.
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The funny thing is that at first I was feeling kinda sorry for this guy. I was figuring thank God he found someone honest enough to send the rest of the money to his decorator. LOL.
Truth be told ... I use CL and Ebay more often than the regular stores. I've gotten some of my best tenants/deals from there. To say that someone shouldn't use it is almost the same sentiments people have about online banking or anything relating to the internet/computers. I always tell people that you just need a different type of security. Afterall, we don't stop carrying money etc. around because we are afraid to have it stolen... we just hold our possessions more closely and be more aware of our surroundings