05.16email exchange with Mike Jones
My current tenants’ lease is about to end, so the property is advertised as being available shortly. Below is an email exchange with a possible customer. I just hit “send” on my reply to him. I’ll post whatever he writes back later.
With regards to the property I am inquiring about, I will like to get some more details about it, I am currently in the Uk and I am Relocating down to the US to do a survey for my employer ( MMH Insurance Group (UK), as we are about to open an office in the state, so due to my non presence to inspect the Property, I will like you to give me the below details:# I need full details including address of the property and pictures if available for the place.
# Monthly rentals/security deposits.
# If utilities is added to monthly rent.
# When the property would be available.
# Mail me the total move in cost.
# The Picture of the apartment. I await your response soon.
Regards.
I replied with the information he sought. Here is where he went Nigerian on me:
Good Day, 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 informations so that the check for payment of the deposit $1375 can be processed and posted to you soon.
Name:…………
Address:………….
Phone number(cell and land):…………
I want the 12 month lease to start on the 1st June 2008, I will also want to notify you that I have in the mean time arrange with an interior decorator who will be handling the purchase of furnitures, entertainment system and other appliances that I will need in the property, theywill as well be incharge of moving down my luggages down to the states. So the check of $5,700 will be sent over to you which is a relocation grant by my employer, and all you need to do is deduct the deposit $1375 and you will forward the rest to the Decorators so I can have the place all prepared for my arrival. All applications and lease will be signed as soon as I arrive.
Also for familiarization I Am Mike Jones, I am 31 yrs of age, a British citizen, married to a lovely lady, with a daughter (Family staying over in the UK), I work with MMH Insurance Group (UK), as a loss adjuster agent, I am a Christian, reserved in Nature, Non smoker also i 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 at this number +447024045677
Below is my present landlords information for reference :
Dr.Joseph Williams.
34,TIVOLI GARDEN SE185PD
UNITED KINGDOM
EMAIL:mortalrain01@yahoo.com
Regards.
————————————————
Here is my reply email:
Dear Mike Jones-
Got your reply. You are full of shit. How is the weather in Nigeria today?
You are not from the UK. I’ve been there, and its residents are wrinkly old white men who smoke pipes and use correct grammar every day. They don’t capitalize the first letters in the words “Family” or “Nonsmoker.” Or refer to themselves as “reserved in Nature.” They don’t move down their “luggages” or buy “furnitures” either. They also don’t try to spend $4325 renovating a property in which they will be RENTING. You sound like a Saturday Night Live “Bad Idea Jeans” commercial. Or a garden variety dumbass. Neither is becoming to you.
I also don’t believe that your current landlord is a physician referred to as “mortal rain.” That doesn’t even make for a good CB radio handle or aviation call-sign. It’s retarded, just like you are.
If you want to give me $5700 so that I can give your “Decorators” $4325, go right ahead. But it better be cash money buried under a volcanic glass rock that doesn’t belong in a Maine hayfield by the tree where I proposed to Pretty Bride. Otherwise, shine my balls, buddy.
VLIIIIIII……..hilarious!
[Reply]
May 21st, 2008 at 5:52 pm
I can’t believe it… did a search of MMH Insurance and stumbled on your blog… and the e-mail I received is identical. Trying to rent my house..and is initial response already had me suspicious!
Thanks for the post!
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May 31st, 2008 at 11:29 am
you’re welcome…i’m all about public service!
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May 31st, 2008 at 11:57 am
[...] May 31, 2008 · No Comments Here’s the SNL commercial I referenced in the reply email to Mike Jones. [...]
May 31st, 2008 at 8:02 pm
Same here, received the exact same letter and Its sorta funny.
I just hope others can be smarter than him like we have. Good luck everyone!
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June 1st, 2008 at 10:43 am
Got a hit this morning on my rental. I request the funds in cash as well.! What a dork! to say the least…LOL
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June 1st, 2008 at 11:41 am
Steve Nandos also sent me the same email asking to rent my apartment. The first two emails were identical to yours. My ad specifically says all applications must be made in person. I too googled MMH Insurance, UK and found this blog after he said he could not come to inspect the apartment but was so interested in it anyway. I knew what was coming and after the second email, I reported him to AOL. They’re out there. Be careful everyone. Don’t fall for this scam. No one who is legitimate is going to rent an apartment sight unseen from another continent.
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June 2nd, 2008 at 4:40 am
Just got the exact same email from Lorna – why are they doing this? Doesn’t make any sense.
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June 2nd, 2008 at 11:31 am
They are active. Thanks so much for this site. Reading the hallmark Nigerian “I’ll send you more $ & you send it on, I googled and found it all laid out word for word, another hallmark of the busy Nigerians.
Now if I get bored I have someone to play with. Thanks.
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June 2nd, 2008 at 12:13 pm
Andrew Miller sent the same e-mail to me. They wanted to move in my house in Oklahoma city.
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June 9th, 2008 at 10:17 pm
Jeffray Lawson send the same to me. He wants to rent my Condo in New York.
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June 10th, 2008 at 4:05 pm
i also received a few emails from ‘mike jones’ pretty much word for word with the above text…with different dollar amounts, of course. the kicker is that he’s confused as to whether he works for mmh insurance or krs insurance. haha. i just asked him which company it is that he works for – krs or mmh. i eagerly ‘await his response soon.’
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June 11th, 2008 at 10:49 am
Great that you have this out there. Got the identical email from David Ying. I knew it sounded like a nigerian scam.
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June 15th, 2008 at 3:50 pm
He’s still at it, I just got his e-mail. He responded to my add on Craigs List !!!
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June 16th, 2008 at 5:48 pm
I have the same but Ray Smith. and (KRS Insurance Group (UK). my response to him was more or less the same as in these emails here
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June 22nd, 2008 at 3:19 pm
This time he responded to my Craigs List ad for an apartment in Washington, DC. Just knew something wasn’t right, so thanks for explaining.
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June 23rd, 2008 at 9:23 am
He just tried me, too, off of Craig’s list. Felt all wrong, so I looked into it on the internet and found your posting. Thanks for confirming this for me before I even bothered to get back to him!
[Reply]
June 23rd, 2008 at 6:41 pm
I also received the same email, but with a different insurance company. I became suspicious and decided to research this so called KRS Insurance group. I came across several websites similar to this one, and I am so glad. I posted the home for rent on Craigs list Here is the email he sent me word for word!!
On Mon, 6/23/08, mike jones wrote:
From: mike jones mjones1754@gmail.com
With regards to the property I am inquiring about, I will like to get some more details about it, I am currently in the Uk and I am Relocating down to the US to do a survey for my employer (KRS Insurance Group (UK), as we are about to open an office in the state, so due to my non presence to inspect the Property, I will like you to give me the below details:
# I need full details including address of the property and pictures if available for the place.
# Monthly rentals/security deposits.
# If utilities is added to monthly rent.
# When the property would be available.
# Mail me the total move in cost.
# The Picture of the apartment.
I await your response
[Reply]
June 23rd, 2008 at 8:16 pm
just recieved same response for graigslist listing with different name
From:
“william george”
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June 23rd, 2008 at 10:29 pm
I got the same email with the “KRS Insurance”! What’s with this dude?!? He asked to move in July 10th, even though my ad says August 1. When I told him that, he said he said he wanted my unit because it “suit” his lifestyle. That’s when I got really creeped out. So I googled KRS Insurance (UK) and found your page. Thank you for saving me a giant headache! I knew this one was suspicious from the start. I never should’ve responded!
[Reply]
June 24th, 2008 at 8:11 am
If you go to the “next step” – they will send what appears to be a business check, but drawn on a personal account from overseas. They will ignore requests to use FEDEX. They are hoping you will forward the money to their “decorator” via Western Union before the check bounces. BTW, it took 5 full business days for the check to bounce. It cost us $5.00.
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June 24th, 2008 at 9:32 am
I just got the same email but from Carlos Freeman replying to my Craigslist ad. I thought it sounded funny too so I googled KRS Insurance UK and found this. Thanks for the heads up!
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June 24th, 2008 at 2:19 pm
I got the same exact e-mail on June 24th! Apparently, he didn’t even bother to use your feedback to improve his come-on!
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June 25th, 2008 at 10:53 pm
Hey – on June 26, 2008 – they are changing their approach. He is now “Smith Moyes” and he is with KRS Insurance Group.
I replied to him that I forwarded his e-mail to the FBI and that they would be contacting him.
Here is his original e-mail.
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 informations so that the check for payment of the deposit $2990 can be processed and posted to you soon.
Name:…………
Address:………….
Phone number(cell and land):…………
I want the 12 month lease to start on the 10th July 2008, I will also want to notify you that I have in the mean time arrange with an interior decorator who will be handling the purchase of furnitures, entertainment system and other appliances that I will need in the property, they will as well be incharge of moving down my luggages down to the states. So the check of $7,500 will be sent over to you which is a relocation grant by my employer, and all you need to do is deduct the deposit $2990 and you will forward the rest to the Decorators so I can have the place all prepared for my arrival. All applications and lease will be signed as soon as I arrive.
Also for familiarization I am Smith Moyes,I am 31 yrs of age, a British citizen, married to a lovely lady, with a daughter (Family staying over in the UK), I work with KRS Insurance Group (UK), as a loss adjuster agent, I am a Christian, reserved in Nature, Non smoker also i 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 at this number +447024012101
Below is my present landlords information for reference :
Dr.Joseph Williams.
34,TIVOLI GARDEN SE185PD
UNITED KINGDOM
EMAIL:mortalrain01@yahoo.com
Regards.
[Reply]
June 26th, 2008 at 10:18 am
Does anyone know how to report this guy to google? I looked on their web site and even tried to call them and there is no way (that I can find) to report someone to google that the scammers are using their gmail accounts. To me -… if any of you got scammed… this is a perfect law suit against google for supporting the scammers. just a thought.
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June 26th, 2008 at 11:01 am
I got the same e-mail but the guys name was Craig Barnes and worked for MMH Insurance UK.
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July 3rd, 2008 at 9:05 am
We got the exact email from Mike Jones and thanks to this website and google, we didn’t fall for it. Sounded strange and way too good to be true. Someone should turn him into craigslist, google, and the FBI! What an ass!
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July 3rd, 2008 at 11:35 pm
We got the same letter for our house advertised on craigslist. “Got your reply. You are full of shit.” I about fell out of my chair laughing. Thanks for your sense of humor. I just ignored him.
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July 5th, 2008 at 10:07 am
I just received the exact same email just this morning from Thomas Henry, KRS Insurance Group UK.
My AZ townhouse for rent was posted on Craigslist too. I was suspicious from the start because it was so similar to replies I received when I was trying to rent a place myself in San Diego. You can tell by the language that somethings not right.
I’m glad I looked up his ‘company’ KRS Insurance Group UK on the web and came across your billboard. Thanks so much for posting it.
I will reply to ‘Thomas Henry’ in a similar way.
Susan in San Diego
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July 5th, 2008 at 2:39 pm
Ditto for our apartment on Craigslist Boston.
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July 7th, 2008 at 12:45 pm
I got it too, and believed it until I stumbled on this site. Thanks for the heads up!
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July 7th, 2008 at 1:31 pm
Thanks for posting this. My mom advertised her house on CL and forwarded me almost the exact same email – this time he works for KRS Insurance.
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July 8th, 2008 at 4:38 pm
I’m amazed at how widespread this bullshit email is. I’ve noticed a few hits from Nigeria on this blog, however, so I anticipate that the language will change in future scam emails.
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July 9th, 2008 at 9:57 pm
I got a request from smith moyes for a Craigslist condo in San Diego. Thanks for the warning post.
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July 10th, 2008 at 1:43 pm
Thanks so much for the warning. We received a check from him to send to his decorator and it looked sketchy. After searching for the companies and names, I stumbled upon your site. I ripped up the check and replied to his email. Thanks so much for the heads-up!
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July 11th, 2008 at 11:15 am
Craig Barnes is the culprit who wrote me here in Metro Detroit just this week. I am glad I had sense enough to google the MMH Insurance name. What a world we live in where there are so many criminals everywhere.
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July 12th, 2008 at 10:09 am
And I, today received an email from a Mr. James M. Cannon claiming to work for MMH Insurance Group in regards to an apartment in Cincinnati – Thanks for the head’s up !!
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July 12th, 2008 at 5:49 pm
God, thanks for this forum, you just saved me of making one of the biggest mistakes of my life! There is no way I could handle having to explain to a judge how it wasn’t my “fake” check I was trying to cash.!!!
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July 14th, 2008 at 2:26 pm
Paul: I don’t know why Craig Barnes wants to rent your house in Detroit when he wants to rent mine in Baltimore!
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July 14th, 2008 at 8:56 pm
I cannot believe this!! I got the same letter, word for word from a Carl Thomas. He too is confused with who he works for. I also advertised on Craigslist and he wants to move to Alabama from the UK- Yea right!! I just had a weird feeling about the email I just got from him and I googled the company and got this web-site. Thanks so much for this blog- thank you, thank you, thank you
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July 16th, 2008 at 1:03 am
I just received the same email for a craigslist listing for my house for rent. Thank you so much. Here I was thinking how great, someone w/ all the money needed and he’s single. I was ready to think about not signing an agreement w/ my realtor to manage. I am so glad I searched for the ins co. Thank you for having this website. M
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July 16th, 2008 at 7:43 am
Also I copied and pasted your reply and sent it back to them! I thought I was smart!
M
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July 16th, 2008 at 7:45 am
carl thomas was the alias used in response to our Craiglist’s ad. KRS Insurance Group (UK)
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July 16th, 2008 at 3:51 pm
Unfortunately, I last about two weeks that I could have shown the place. Dam Scammers!
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July 16th, 2008 at 3:52 pm
Am with a property management company in Memphis, TN and got the same email as well. Just felt it was fishy so replied but then researched on web – sure enough this guy gets around. How many homes does he want to rent??? I had gotten one of these a year ago saying I will send you more money than you need and then refund to me. Always beware of these Nigerian gimicks!!
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July 16th, 2008 at 10:27 pm
Me Too!
Ray Paul from MMH Insurance
On Craig’s List
Thanks for the site!
I chose to reply with expletives.
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July 17th, 2008 at 10:56 am
I guess I am the most recent. Started an exchange with this guy from a posting for my house on Craig’s List on 7-13-08 and just today received the exact same worded message from Andrew Miller with KRS Insurance about hiring a decorator and sending me $7500. Thanks for exposing this pile of shit Nigerian scam. I am just wondering how this scam was to play out. Imagine he would have asked that I send the remainder of the $7500 on to someone else prior to receiving the rent check.
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July 18th, 2008 at 4:16 pm
Thanks for the post U helped us!
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July 19th, 2008 at 11:22 pm
This helped. I got the same hit on my craigslist ad and when I googled this it was all to clear.
Thanks for the info.
[Reply]
July 20th, 2008 at 11:16 am
I was HIT TOO! JERK! This is his FIRST email to me about my rental HOME on Craigslist!
Good Day
With regards to the property I am inquiring about, I will like to get some more details about it, I am currently in the Uk and I am Relocating down to the US to do a survey for my employer ( MMH Insurance Group (UK), as we are about to open an office in the state, so due to my non presence to inspect the Property, I will like you to give me the below details, # I need full details including address of the property and pictures if available for the place.
# Monthly rentals/security deposits.
# If utilities is added to monthly rent.
# When the property would be available.
# Mail me the total move in cost.
Here is all I can say about my self for now. I am 30 years old and I work full time, Monday through Friday and have weekends off except for once a month. I was born and raised in England, but present in France on a business trip for more than 5 years.. I am a professional, A Computer Consultant and I deal in various kind of computer applications and softwares.
I graduated in Argosy University in Costa Rica 8 years ag0 and I have my B.sc in Computer Science…
I am not really a sports person,, BUT I do love Hockey Games,I am a very out going person and fun to be with. I do play the organ and piano,, and I do have BOTH piano and organ here at my house.I am not a drinker and I don’t smoke and I don’t do drugs. YES I would like to go out with you on weekends and weeknights when I am free. I like going to movies,, concerts ,, plays,,I like camping, hiking, bike ridding, swimming, and I love to travel. I am a very dedicated individual who is totally committed to human development, friendly, very trustworthy and value relationship above anything.I am a laid back person,I love travelling,sporting and enjoy meeting people around the world. So I am not much at a spot due to my work.
I await your response soon.
Best Regards
Howard Smith
191 swan lane
cv2 4ge Coventry
SECOND email from this JERK!
Good-Day
I’ m mr mornslate in from UK’ Searching thru the apt rent page,
i saw your apt posted for rent on craigslist.com with thelittle
description you gave in there, i was impressed and it reduces any
stress of searching around for an apt. I have an interest and i would
liketo make an inquiry if it still available for rent duration in
which you wantto lease the unit. Preferably 6months/12months If you
require any specific
information, pls let me know or you can call me on my cell phone,
pleasedial as presented for international calls . {+447045718223 } Am
a familyorientated man, no pets, no smoke and no drugs Give me the
detail of the fees.
1- Security deposit fee ? 2- Monthly rent fees ?
3- Utilities if applicable ?
4- Dimension/measurement of the unit {s} ?
5- Crime rate of the area where the apt is located ?
6- Park lots if any ?
7- If the unit is Furnished or Unfurnished ?
8- Total Move in fees ?
Thank you, God Bless and Your Family
mr mornslate
Tel:+447045718223
Middlesex. London
United Kingdom
Third email…
Hello
Thank you for your response to my request I see the detail of your
rent apartment i mean fees of the apartment, am ok with it now is that
i would tell my trustee that in the state about this apartment
so that he can send you a certified American check for this as soon
as you give me the go ahead to make payment to you. Due to the
limited time that we have before our arrival, Am willing to offer you
1month
rent + the security deposit and utilities if any to secure this
unit prior to my arrival to state, and on my arrival, i’ll pay for
the11months fees in Cash, so give me your full Name and Address
for payment for the first month. I would like to effect payment
in advance, because i bought some furniture in the state from
furnitures
company for the home i want to rent, because you can understand
that transporting furnitures across Atlantic is not easy that is why,
So regards my furniture, am planning on having them delivered to
the house before our arrival to the state, i mean, me, my wife and
my daughter, so that we can settle in comfortably, and also i have
already make the arrangement with the furniture company that as soon as
i get the house they will send money to them for the transporting the
furniture to the apartment,because i want it delivered before my
arrival.I want to seek your indulgence and favor. Can we rely on you to
take delivery of those furnitures for us when they are delivered?We
will instruct the furniture company to contact you to schedule a
delivery date and time that will be convenient for you to receive those
furnitures for us. As you will be handling the delivery of
those furnitures for us,we may ask our Trustee to include the costs
of our furnitures with the rent and deposit to be sent to you so
that you can help us to make the payment when it is delivered. We will
really appreciate if you can do this for us and promise to
compensate you adequately for your time and efforts on our arrival in
your
place.Please let me know if this will be okay with you so that i
can instruct our Trustee to go ahead with the payment.after the rent
and security deposit has been fully paid I will like to sign the
Lease/application form in Person on and i promise thats when i arrive
to state on my arrival day i will fill out the necessary
forms needed ……..
my arrival to state.
- Name to be written on the certified American check;
- Mailing address , No p.o.box;
- Phone Number;
- City;
- Zip Code;
- State;
Let us know how to move ahead as we intend to complete this deal
before we move in by arriving until the second third of next
month.You can prepare the lease in my name Mr Mornslate
I believe we can work together and ensure every arrangements that we
shall both execute in line with my taking up the tenancy should be
done accordingly to ensure we have a proper understanding.
we will let you know the exact date as soon as we get a booking on a
flight to the states.
If you require any specific information, pls let me know or you can
call me on my cell phone Tel:+447045718223 ,please dial as presented
for international calls .
PS:I Will fill out the necessary forms when i get back to state on my
arrival day 2weeks from now ….hope u are alright with that Thanks
and God bless you
My due regards
Mr Mornslate
WISBECH ENGLAND PE14 8JN
Tel:+447045718223
My due regards
Thanks for wanting to help regards from me and my family.
This guy has GOT to be stopped… Thanks for posting this site.
[Reply]
July 21st, 2008 at 10:25 am
Same email, Steve Cathier
[Reply]
July 21st, 2008 at 1:39 pm
Here is another one:
Company Name has changed.
Thanks for the details on the Property, I am satisfied and will like to proceed with the renting process, I will like you to go ahead and reserve the property for me. So I will be needing the following informations so that the check for payment of the deposit of $2,200.00 can be processed and posted to you soon.
Name:…………
Address:………….
Phone number(cell and land):…………
I want the 12 month lease to start on the 1st September 2008, I will also want to notify you that I have in the mean time arrange with an interior decorator who will be handling the purchase of furnitures, entertainment system and other appliances that I will need in the property, they will as well be in charge of moving down my luggages down to the states. So the check of $7,500 will be sent over to you which is a relocation grant by my employer, and all you need to do is deduct the deposit $2,200.00 and you will forward the rest to the Decorators so I can have the place all prepared for my arrival. All applications and lease will be signed as soon as I arrive.
Also for familiarization I Am Sidney Moses, I am 33 yrs of age,a British citizen, married to a lovely lady, with a daughter (Family staying over in the UK), I work with KRS Insurance Group (UK), as a loss adjuster agent, I am a Christian, reserved in Nature, Non smoker also I 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 at this number +447031956870
Below is my present landlords information for reference :
Dr Richard Rowe
12,TIVOLI GARDEN SE185PD
UNITED KINGDOM
EMAIL.guti4real@yahoo.com
Looking forward to meet you.
Regards.
[Reply]
July 21st, 2008 at 11:03 pm
Got another one, same from Steve Cathier. How annoying! It’s hard enough to find a good tenant!
[Reply]
July 22nd, 2008 at 12:26 am
I did a google search of Carl Thomas and stumbled on your blog… and the e-mail I received is identical. Trying to rent my apartment… Thanks for the post!
Lehigh Valley
Pennsylvania
[Reply]
July 22nd, 2008 at 8:54 am
Got the same emails from a “Howard Smith” wanting to rent a home I had advertised on Craig’s List located in Raleigh, NC. When doing a Google on MMH Insurance Group, I saw your BLOG, thank goodness. I already felt that “if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is”, so I really wasn’t surprised to learn it was a scam. Thank you sincerely for your information and help to all of us US citizens who just keep on working hard to support the WORLD!!!
[Reply]
July 22nd, 2008 at 10:06 am
great! Thanks for posting. My guy’s name is Mark Davies and he wanted to rent my house in Reno. Same wording.
[Reply]
July 22nd, 2008 at 11:20 am
Similar MO. Got an email exchange from Sidney Moses
The initial inquiry:
Hello,
I would like to know if the property you listed is still available.
Regards.
I responded, then got back the following:
With regards to the property I am inquiring about, I will like to get
some more details about it, I am currently in the UK and I am
Relocating down to the US to do a survey for my employer ( KRS
Insurance Group (UK), as we are about to open an office in the state,
so due to my non presence to inspect the Property, I will like you to
give me the below details,
# I need full details including address of the property and pictures
if available for the place.
# Monthly rentals/security deposits.
# If utilities is added to monthly rent.
# When the property would be available.
# Mail me the total move in cost.
I await your response soon.
Regards.
[Reply]
July 22nd, 2008 at 4:56 pm
I just received the same email from Steven Cathier from KRS Insurance Group (UK). Did my research and found this site. THANK YOU!
[Reply]
July 22nd, 2008 at 7:47 pm
I also JUST had these exact same conversations VIA email about my rental I put on Craigslist. I am soooo glad I googled the company he said he worked for in the UK and all of your responses came up….THANKS!!!!!! He used the name Steven Cathier and the company he claimed to work for was KRS Insurance Group.
[Reply]
July 22nd, 2008 at 8:09 pm
By the way, I reported this guy to the legal department of Craigslist.
Thought you might also like to see the lovely email I sent him back. My husband did not want me to, but I could not let it go without a little closer:)
“Actually Steven….I take that back and I am gladly going to report you for what would have been FRAUD!!! Nice try ASSHOLE!!!!!I just Googled you and your so called company and funny enough….I found this exact same email verbatim in the first link I opened up. Hmmmmm…..are you by chance from Nigeria or somewhere like that???? I should have known by the very poor English and Grammer you used in your email.
Good luck trying to sucker someone else and I pray to God….I am sure you know him since you said you were a Christian….that your sick ass gets caught!!!!!!!
Don’t ever try to email, call or write me or you will be sorry!!!!!!!!! My accounts are solid and I monitor my credit report on a daily basis so don’t try anything there either!!!!!”
[Reply]
July 22nd, 2008 at 9:00 pm
Awesome. You’ve earned yourself a good, long golf clap for this. Bravo, my good man, bravo.
[Reply]
July 23rd, 2008 at 2:56 am
I got one as well. From Carl Thomas. I forwarded it to a realtor friend in the UK and he sent me a copy of your response. I am still playing along with him and the check is supposed to arrive tomorrow. We will see. I think that I will take it to the local police or the FBI.
[Reply]
July 23rd, 2008 at 9:06 am
Just found this site in time. Steven Cathier said he sent me the money, but I insisted on a credit check and he kept on ignoring it.
[Reply]
July 23rd, 2008 at 10:22 pm
I am shocked that a lot of people are not aware of these scams, despite all of the press, it is just a sign of the times. The Nigerians are scamming men and women on dating sites (hasn’t anyone seen Dateline and Dr.Phil), craigslist, ebay, work for home scams. Hello, if its on the “World-Wide-Web” it will be scammed. It is not one guy folks…..hundreds or more and the FBI cannot do a thing about it…trust I am sure the Southern lady that has been sending her hadsome caucasian online lover(she knows this from the pic he has posted on eharmony) thousands of dollars was shocked and surprised to find out that the guy is a Nigerian and wants the FBI to get the same guy!! Demand an application completion, background check, and wait for a deposit check to clear prior to going froward with reserving or holding a property for a possible renter. I would rather be out of the $5-$25 dollars than thousands of dollars anytme.
Goodluck all and to the guy who posted this site, thank you for doing something about it….you are helping more people than the legal system will.
[Reply]
July 23rd, 2008 at 10:49 pm
Please excuse all of my typos….I got excited:)
[Reply]
July 23rd, 2008 at 10:51 pm
Same thing…now the name is Sammuel Emmanuel. Gotta love that rhyming. Of course, all of these comments are enough to reach anyone who googles mmh insurance, but I thought if anyone was searching by name, I’d throw that out there too. I emailed him back the picture above…love it!!
[Reply]
July 24th, 2008 at 12:54 pm
Same here guys. Got a lease offer from Steve for my Condo in Novi, MI
[Reply]
July 25th, 2008 at 7:48 pm
Now his name is Steven Cathier.
The email I received for the 1-bedroom apartment I have available:
With regards to the property I am inquiring about, I will like to get some more details about it, I am currently in the Uk and I am Relocating down to the US to do a survey for my employer ( KRS Insurance Group (UK), as we are about to open an office in the state, so due to my non presence to inspect the Property, I will like you to give me the below details,
# I need full details including address of the property and pictures if available for the place.
# Monthly rentals/security deposits.
# If utilities is added to monthly rent.
# When the property would be available.
# Mail me the total move in cost.
# Picture of the apartment.
I await your response soon.
Regards.
I gave him some details. The second email:
Thanks for the details on the Property, I am satisfied and will like to proceed with the renting process, I will like you to go ahead and reserve the property for me. So I will be needing the following informations so that the check for payment of the deposit of $900 can be processed and posted to you soon.
Name:…………
Address:………….
Phone number(cell and land):…………
I want the 12 month lease to start on the 5th August 2008, I will also want to notify you that I have in the mean time arrange with an interior decorator who will be handling the purchase of furnitures, entertainment system and other appliances that I will need in the property, they will as well be in charge of moving down my luggages down to the states. So the check of $5,500 will be sent over to you which is a relocation grant by my employer, and all you need to do is deduct the deposit $900 and you will forward the rest to the Decorators so I can have the place all prepared for my arrival. All applications and lease will be signed as soon as I arrive.
Also for familiarization I am Steven Cathier, I am 32 yrs of age,a British citizen, married to a lovely lady, with a daughter (Family staying over in the UK), I work with KRS Insurance Group (UK), as a loss adjuster agent, I am a Christian, reserved in Nature, Non smoker also I 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 at this number +44702 404 5677
Below is my present landlords information for reference :
Dr Richard Rowe
12,TIVOLI GARDEN SE185PD
UNITED KINGDOM
Email: rowerichard@rocketmail.com
Looking forward to meet you.
Regards.
[Reply]
July 26th, 2008 at 12:15 pm
Now his name is Steven Cathier.
He sent me the same emails, same wording.
[Reply]
July 26th, 2008 at 12:16 pm
I got the same email from a Carl Thomas… I was suspicious as I always am of renters that seem perfect, but when he told me I was going to forward the balance of a check to his interior decorator I knew something was up.
[Reply]
July 26th, 2008 at 2:15 pm
The name on mine was Carl Thomas also. The first one just asked me if the house was still available and I replied that it was.
Then I got the one telling me he was relocating “down to the US” — wouldn’t that be more OVER than DOWN??? — for KRS Insurance . . . . .
This house is in a little town in Middle-of-No-Effingwhere, Ohio. The town is currently imboiled in a bitter debate on where the put the 3rd stoplight. No international insurance company is going to put an office anywhere near there.
So after finding this site, I replied to him with the next email that “…I am satisfied and will like to go ahead with the renting process …”
[Reply]
July 27th, 2008 at 11:17 pm
Looks like they are changing their format now – they claim to work for a real company in the UK. This one is from Abby Harding, who works for Costa Coffee Inc. She wants a 3-6 lease, all expenses paid by the company (naturally). It seemed very odd.
Hello There,
I saw your ad on craigslist and i will like to let you know am interested in renting the spot from you for 3-6 months depends on how long you will have the spot available.Below are just some few things you might want to know about me:
am straight,easy going and pretty laid back 29yrs old female….i do not smoke nor drink,am a christian but am not fanatical about my religion as i have always learnt to respect others religion/belief. Sometimes i love going to the beach at my leisure time to observe the wonders of nature,I work for Costa Coffee Inc.I live in Sheffield,UK meanwhile,am UK citizen. I just need the apartment because of special assignment I have to do for my company there and also a privilege for me to visit the States for the first time, am presently in Africa now for a crucial assignment for my company. and i do really hope to find a good place like yours to live in, pls i will like you to get back to me with the full details (AMOUNT OF RENT/MONTH,POSSIBLE MONTHLY UTILITTIES,EXACT MOVE IN DATE,LIVING CONDITIONS OF THE APT,FURNISHED OR UNFURNISHED…i really dont mind if it is furnished or not, i could take care of that when i arrived US) for the apt And just for you to know that this trip will be sponsored by my boss and every expenses as regards the rent and utilities will be paid in full so you have nothing to worry about as to whether i will be able to pay rent or not, pls be aware that my trip to US is fast approaching and i will appreciate if you get back to me asap to know how we can work things out.
Thanks and God bless.
Abby.
[Reply]
July 29th, 2008 at 9:52 am
This is the name and email used for my rental here in the north wood of Wisconsin. I’d like to get my hands on some of them guys. Would not be pretty. anthonyben@sify.com
[Reply]
July 29th, 2008 at 4:00 pm
this is the email I received from mornslate1973@yahoo.co.uk
Good-Day
I’ m mr mornslate from UK’ Searching through the apt rent page,
i saw your apt posted for rent on craigslist.com with thelittle
description you gave in there, i was impressed and it reduces any
stress of searching around for an apt. I have an interest and i would
liketo make an inquiry if it still available for rent duration in
which you wantto lease the unit. Preferably 6months/12months If you
require any specific information, pls let me know or you can call me on my cell phone,pleasedial as presented for international calls .{+447045718223 } Am a familyorientated man, no pets, no smoke and n odrugs Give me the detail of the fees.
1- Security deposit fee ? 2- Monthly rent fees ?
3- Utilities if applicable ?
4- Dimension/measurement of the unit {s} ?
5- Crime rate of the area where the apt is located ?
6- Park lots if any ?
7- If the unit is Furnished or Unfurnished ?
8- Total Move in fees ?
Thank you, God Bless and Your Family mr mornslate
Tel:+447045718223
Middlesex. London
United Kingdom.
and here’s the other one:
i got your reply and am ok with that, i would tell my trustee in the state about this apartment
so that he can send you a certified American check for this as soon
as you give me the go ahead to make payment to you. Due to the
limited time that we have before our arrival, Am willing to offer you
12month rent + the security deposit and utilities if any to secure this
unit prior to my arrival to state, and on my arrival, i’ll pay for
the11months fees in Cash, so give me your full Name and Address
for payment for the first month. I would like to effect payment
in advance,.Please let me know if this will be okay with you so that i
can instruct our Trustee to go ahead with the payment.after the rent
and security deposit has been fully paid I will like to sign the
Lease/application form in Person on and i promise thats when i arrive
to state on my arrival day i will fill out the necessary
forms needed ……..
I need a 2bedroom flat, any area, my arrival will be soon, just let me know how you 12months rent can be.
The infos to send the payment to you via certified American check is also needed from you.
- Name to be written on the certified American check;
- Mailing address , No p.o.box;
- Phone Number;
- City;
- Zip Code;
- State;
Let us know how to move ahead as we intend to complete this deal
before we move in by arriving until the second third of next
month.You can prepare the lease in my name Mr Mornslate
I believe we can work together and ensure every arrangements that we
shall both execute in line with my taking up the tenancy should be
done accordingly to ensure we have a proper understanding.
we will let you know the exact date as soon as we get a booking on a
flight to the country.
If you require any specific information, pls let me know or you can
call me on my cell phone Tel:+447045718223 ,please dial as presented
for international calls .
PS:I Will fill out the necessary forms when i get their on my
arrival day 2weeks from now ….hope u are alright with that Thanks
and God bless you
My due regards
Mr Mornslate
WISBECH ENGLAND PE14 8JN
Tel:+447045718223
[Reply]
July 29th, 2008 at 10:11 pm
I also received this email over the weekend from: frank.eddy00@gmail.com
from Frank Edward
Hello,
I saw your advert posted on craigslist.com.I am willing to offer you Two months rent in order to secure this rent prior to my arrival.
Could you be kind enough to let me know what the electricity/utility cost would be? as i will really need to have this rent. You can send me the lease application if there is Any,to enable be review it ahead of time. I would eventually have it signed physically when i arrive. In my opinion, appending signatories should be done properly and at best physically. Please send me a picture view of the rent if there is Any Pictures Available.
I am from London. With this arrangement, My financier in the states,will be effecting your payment deposit to you. I believe we can work together and ensure every arrangements that we shall both execute in line with my taking up the tenancy should be done accordingly to ensure we have a proper understanding.
If you require any specific information, please let me know.
I will really appreciate a quick response from you.
Regards,
[Reply]
July 29th, 2008 at 10:14 pm
Does anyone ever fall for this? There must be someone who does or “they” wouldn’t keep sending these, eh? But who? We never hear about the poor schmuck who gets suckered into these deals. Pity. I can use a good laugh, at someone else’s expense (no pun intended) every now and then.
[Reply]
July 30th, 2008 at 7:48 am
Got the same thing yesterday, his name was James M Cannon. I admit, I fell for the 1st one; but the second sounded pretty weird. Especially when he offered to give more than twice the security deposit that we asked for. Thank you so much for the blog; this is the only place that actually makes people aware of this scam.
[Reply]
July 30th, 2008 at 10:39 am
thanks for this site!
i got the same email on 7/31/2008, he contacted me through Craigslist listing. he want to rent my 2 bedroom unit…almost same information in the email, he said he works for KRS insurance group, …….want to move in on the 20th of august….his name is Steven Cathier.
thanks again for those information here,…
[Reply]
August 1st, 2008 at 11:09 am
can people tell me why this guy is doing this?
my email is qishengguan@yahoo.com, if you can give me some information on this type of thing, i will be very thankful and appreciated.
[Reply]
August 1st, 2008 at 11:12 am
Verbatim email from Alexander Johnson for an apartment in Minneapolis listed on Craigslist, and a Marissa Blunt for the same ad on roommates.com her reply is below:
Hello,
Thanks so much for responding to my introductory mail. I guess the property will be a nice one, and i will love to consider it as mine. I can’t wait to read your approval.
I like the breakdown details, the total move in cost of room the deposit. .One more thing is that i will like to know more about you .Are you a good and a cheerful person? Honest and trustworthy? Cause this are the things that I cherish most in people. I will try to attach a pics to my next mail for you to know how i look like. I am humble, honest and generous, and people usually say i got a golden heart, am a Christian with some catholic background. I hope you’ll like that My family lives in England and am currently in Philipines for a fashion programme. I will not be able to check out the place until my arrival. pls if there is any question you wanted to ask me, don’t hesitate to do so. I must confess that I can’t wait to read from you as soon a possible. Have a wonderful day.
Cheers.
[Reply]
August 3rd, 2008 at 10:19 am
I got the same email from “James M Cannon” from the UK. I looked up the insurance company and came across your blog. Thanks for posting everyone! I hope nobody has fallen for this. I advertised my condo for rent on KSL.com, not craigslist. That means that they are looking on local websites as well to try and con people.
[Reply]
August 3rd, 2008 at 4:50 pm
Here’s mine………LOL
I hope everyone google’s this kind of thing.
Thanks for the details on the Property, I am satisfied and will like to proceed with the renting process, I will like you to go ahead and reserve the property for me. So I will be needing the following informations so that the check for payment of the deposit of $1700 can be processed and posted to you soon.
Name:…………
Address:………….
Phone number(cell and land):…………
I want the 12 month lease to start on the 15th August 2008, I will also want to notify you that I have in the mean time arrange with an interior decorator who will be handling the purchase of furnitures, entertainment system and other appliances that I will need in the property, they will as well be in charge of moving down my luggages down to the states. So the check of $6,500 will be sent over to you which is a relocation grant by my employer, and all you need to do is deduct the deposit $1700 and you will forward the rest to the Decorators so I can have the place all prepared for my arrival. All applications and lease will be signed as soon as I arrive.
Also for familiarization I Am Carl Thomas,I am 33 yrs of age,a British citizen, married to a lovely lady, with a daughter (Family staying over in the UK), I work with KRS Insurance Group (UK), as a loss adjuster agent, I am a Christian, reserved in Nature, Non smoker also I 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 at this number +447024045677
Below is my present landlords information for reference :
Dr Richard Rowe
12,TIVOLI GARDEN SE185PD
UNITED KINGDOM
EMAIL.rowerichard@rocketmail.com
Looking forward to meet you.
Regards.
[Reply]
August 3rd, 2008 at 7:51 pm
And another – today (8/4) from a Steven cathier in response to a CL rental posting in Redmond, WA – across the street from Microsoft. What a putz.
How do these people live with themselves?
Thanks for posting this Mac.
[Reply]
August 5th, 2008 at 1:40 am
This happened to me as well. I turned several people away on this property as I was holding it for this joker. He told me his name was Carl Thomas of KRS Insurance. Same BS story he gave everyone else.
[Reply]
August 8th, 2008 at 3:03 pm
Andrewpetrillo@yahoo.com
[Reply]
August 8th, 2008 at 9:32 pm
What a lowlife scum-sucker! I am so glad I hit on this sight within hours of receiving the request to hold my rental home for this jerk!!! Of course I thought it all sounded too good to be true and we live in a VERY small town in Indiana! I also couldn’t resist…I had to reply to him calling him a worthless piece of shit and told him I hope he rots in hell! I felt much better after hitting SEND!
[Reply]
August 23rd, 2008 at 2:24 pm
Just got a hit on my rental (craigslist) from tom.tailor@gmail. Same letter but improved grammer and spelling. Checked out the insurance company right away and found this site. Thank you!
[Reply]
August 23rd, 2008 at 4:45 pm
Same email – used Steven cathier @gmail.com. asked for details that were already on the ad – e.g. move-in date, no picture available, etc.
Glad I googled the name because he did not sound very British. Thanks for the postings everyone.
[Reply]
August 24th, 2008 at 6:39 pm
I also just received the inquiry from tom tailor @ gmail.com as a result of a rental I had listed on Craigslist. I was very suspicious and googled KRS Insurance Group and came up with this blog. My rental is in a very rural community in California and I knew an insurance firm from the UK would not open an office in this area. Let alone send an employee here to do a survey. Thanks so much for everyone’s time publishing the information about these scumbags. They need to get a job and work for a living like we have.
[Reply]
August 24th, 2008 at 9:54 pm
steve nandos at krs insurance wants to rent my house in Kansas City. thanks for the post.
[Reply]
August 25th, 2008 at 10:05 am
Got one today in response to a Craigs List post – from Tom Tailor.
[Reply]
August 27th, 2008 at 5:43 pm
Dickhead also tried it out on me. What a service you did here in posting this scam. I am desperate to rent, and have a sick child and almost fell for it.
THANK YOU!!
[Reply]
August 27th, 2008 at 8:41 pm
Ken Tailor was the one sending me the same crap. Must be boring looking for people to scam. Why don’t they just become legal oil futures traders and accomplish the same thing!
[Reply]
August 29th, 2008 at 1:53 pm
Tom Philips was the name of my scammer. First, it was a very simple basic 2 liner, but my ad had already generated great interest so I told him it was already taken. Then he responded with the long email that is delineated above, asking all this crazy info about the place (most of it which was already in the ad, which was my first hint that it was a scam)….I then responded that I doubt he was interested in my place since it was advertised in Winnipeg, Canada, not the US.
[Reply]
September 5th, 2008 at 3:14 pm
I received this email a few hours ago regarding an ad I put on ruoffcampus.rutgers.edu., Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ.
His e-amil address is:
frank.eddy00@gmail.com
His name:
Frank Edward
This is the what the e-mail said:
Hello,
I saw your advert posted on ruoffcampus.rutgers.edu.I am willing to offer you Two months rent in order to secure this rent prior to my arrival.
Could you be kind enough to let me know what the electricity/utility cost would be? as i will really need to have this rent. You can send me the lease application if there is Any,to enable be review it ahead of time. I would eventually have it signed physically when i arrive. In my opinion, appending signatories should be done properly and at best physically. Please send me a picture view of the rent if there is Any Pictures Available.
I am from Scotland. With this arrangement, My financier in the states,will be effecting your payment deposit to you. I believe we can work together and ensure every arrangements that we shall both execute in line with my taking up the tenancy should be done accordingly to ensure we have a proper understanding.
If you require any specific information, please let me know.
I will really appreciate a quick response from you.
Regards,
[Reply]
September 6th, 2008 at 2:52 pm
Sara Edgar, (sarahedgsr@googlemail.com) also is coming to the U.S. to do a survey for MMH Insurance Group (UK).
Younce Kes, beg.4mercy@live.com (note the address) is an Estate consultant for Pypun Engineering Consultants LTD.
The poor command of English sent up a red flag. Receiving two emails from the “UK” in two days helped, too.
[Reply]
September 18th, 2008 at 10:34 pm
I to have recieved e-mails for my townhouse in Virginia. One from a Jerry Crawford with the same exact message from KRS Ins. Co., and he actually sent a check, in which I had repeatedly told him not to, because we didn’t have a lease agreement. He told me it would come from his employer, and when I received the check, it came from a Honsu, Inc. based in Ontario, CA. I didn’t do anything with the check. When I questioned it, he told me his employer had a favor in for this other company. When I refused to do anything with the check and send it to his Interior Decorator, he then informed me he had kidney cancer and was dying (but still wanted to rent my townhouse), and could I send a part of the money to his Dr. for treatment or he would die.
Then I received another e-mail from a James Pipper with almost the identical information, but he is with De’Pipper Construction in the UK. There are may blogs about this scam as well.
Everyone be ware when you are posting on craigslist! Good luck to all trying to rent their homes!
[Reply]
September 22nd, 2008 at 11:11 am
here his scam on oct. 4 2008
mike jones
to me
show details 2:55 AM (4 hours ago)
Reply
With regards to the property I am inquiring about, I will like to get
some more details about it, I am currently in the UK and I am
Relocating down to the US to do a survey for my employer ( KRS
Insurance Group (UK), as we are about to open an office in the state,
so due to my non presence to inspect the Property, I will like you to
give me the below details,
# I need full details including address of the property and pictures
if available for the place.
# Monthly rentals/security deposits.
# If utilities is added to monthly rent.
# When the property would be available.
# Mail me the total move in cost.
I await your response soon.
Regar
[Reply]
October 4th, 2008 at 1:15 pm
thanks for posting this, Steven Cathier wants to rent from us too, now he’s shortened his appeal a lot, I’m glad I googled him before even responding once.
thanks!
[Reply]
October 4th, 2008 at 7:35 pm
WOW! I am so glad i googled this guys name before I got excited about finding a renter! I got a message from Steve Cathier re: my house on craigslist saying ” Hello- just wondering if this property is still available? Regards”
Thanks so much for the warning!!! Is there anything I should do other than ignore?
[Reply]
October 4th, 2008 at 9:40 pm
My wife got an e mail , very similar to the ones posted here.
We have a condo to rent in San Diego
What exectly this scam works
(
Pump all your personal information, then …….
[Reply]
October 7th, 2008 at 2:23 am
I have had several scamers contact me each time I posted a house for lease on craigslist, I even got the guy to send me the check, reported it to the FBI and never opened the FED EX envelope, which originated in Georgia. Boy, was he MAD. That one couldn’t get his name straight, Dr. Smith Cole, in one e-mail, then he’d sign it Dr. Cole Smith in another.
Here one e-mail he sent, but the last one he used some pretty foul language. It was a hoot.
From: Smith Cole
Hello,
Thanks for the mail,I will like you to deduct your rent funds and send $3,122 to the furniture company through Western Union Money transfer tommorow morning.
Here is the Western Union Information to send the money to
Name Harry Diaz
Address 1250 AVONWOOD CT
City LUTZ,
State FL
Zip code 33559
Just make sure you have the money send to them today so that they can shedule date and time for the furniture delivery at the apartment location and i want the furnitures to be deliverd before my arrival.Do get back to me with the Western Union Information that you used to wired the money to Harry Diaz .
Now, the property he supposedly wanted to LEASE is in Washington State .
Another one had this e-mail address, but I didn’t bother to pull his chain, I just told him the house was not available. fred.seligman01@live.com
The enquiry I got today is from:
Steven cathier
and when I googled his name, I got this website so someone else has heard from him.
Keep being smart and checking out these flakey requests. Also, googling the names of the people help unearth the scams. Dr. Smith/Dr. Cole showed up on several other scam reporting sites.
Who knows, this new Steven might even be the old Dr. Smith/Cole.
Keep the faith. Not all people are bad and some really need to rent your property, for real. Just make sure you meet them fact-to-face.
[Reply]
October 16th, 2008 at 11:48 pm
I forgot to mention that Fred Seligman also claimed to be from the UK, was a professional nurse, planning to be transferred here, needed me to handle furniture shipping, payment, etc.
No one has mentioned his name here, but I though I should in the event that someone does a search on him, as well.
Note: BTW, even if you get the check and write up the scam for the FBI, they won’t even contact you about it.
They might if you go through with the scam, deposit/cash the check (which is bogus), and wire the money to the third party. I supposed it is only considered fraud if you lose any $$.
The FBI never contacted me. I kept the check and never even opened the FED EX envelope, but I used the FBI web site to copy and paste all the e-mails I’d received and did make a report.
No reply and it’s been 9 months, NADA.
Tips about a Western Union wire:
You will lose all the money you wire including the costs for the wire, but you can report the scam to WU. They like to know about these overseas scams and sometimes they will block a specific name, and/or address, from receiving WU transfers in the future , but only if you report it.
If you charge the amount on a credit card for convenience, you will also be dinged a fee from your credit card company because it’s considered a CASH ADVANCE. Don’t bother to call and complain, it’s non-negotiable. You will pay the fee or incur a late charge.
I learned this as I was scammed on e-bay a few years ago, because I was trying to purchase a gift for my daughter.
He e-mailed me and told me I was the second highest bidder on a ring and the first bidder backed out. It was supposed to be in Romania. So I paid, all excited about it, then he contacted me and said his wife had sent two rings. I said I didn’t want two rings, and that I wouldn’t pay for a second one. I never even saw the first one.
I suppose some people fall for the second part of the scam, but by now I’d found out that I was not a second highest bidder on the ring, that the guy who got it really did get it.
Fortunately it was less than a $100 dollars, but it taught me a hard lesson.
The e-bay scammers pray on people who have only one or two purchases and are new to the game. I don’t think they list your purchases any more because of this.
So many people were scammed they had to change their method of operation. I talked to a rep from e-bay after I made my Spoof report. I used to get 3 or 4 spoof E-mails from e-bay every week. I quit using it because of that.
The bottom line is NEVER wire money to someone you do not know, ever, for ANY reason.
If you do there are huge fees for the wire and once it’s gone, you cannot get it back.
May you learn by my mistake.
[Reply]
October 17th, 2008 at 3:14 am
Now they are claiming to be employed by LINK Ins. Company. Same letter almost word for word.
Thanks for the details on the Property, i am satisfied and will
like to proceed with the renting process,
i will like you to go ahead and reserve the property for me.
So i will be needing the following informations so that the check
for payment of the deposit of $3150 can be processed and posted to you soon.
Name:………….
Address:………….
Phone number(cell and land):………….
I want the 12 months lease to start on the 1st Nov 2008, i will also
want to notify you that i have in the mean time arrange with an interior
decorator who will be handling the purchase of furnitures,entertainment
system and other appliances that i will need in the property,they will as
well be in-charge of moving down my luggages down to the States.
So the check of $7800 will be sent over to you which is a relocation grant
by my employer, and all you need to do is deduct the deposit $3150 and you
will forward the rest to the Decorators so i can have the place all
prepared for my arrival. All applications and lease will be signed as soon as i arrive.
Also for familiarization I Am Robert Tedrow,I am 32 yrs of age,a British
citizen, married to a lovely lady, with a daughter (Family staying over
in the UK ), I work with LINK INSURANCE GROUP (UK), as a loss adjuster
agent,I am a Christian, reserved in Nature, Non smoker also i 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 at this number +447024099236
Below is my present landlords information for reference :
Anthony Scott
17, TIVOLI GARDEN SE185PD
UNITED KINGDOM
EMAIL:honyescott@yahoo.co.uk
You can also call my employer at the number below to verify employment.
(Ivan Samuel +447024017745)
Cheers
[Reply]
October 21st, 2008 at 7:47 am
Hello everybody.
I googled a phone number mentioned in an e-mail I just received and found this page.
Funny thing, they sent you e-mails regarding rent. And in my case they wanted to hire me. I replied to a job posting on craiglist and received this e-mail.
But the phone number was suspicious: +447031956870. And absolutely no info about company. So now it makes sense
[Reply]
October 30th, 2008 at 11:35 am
Hello everyone ,
Appariently they are using this line i didnt copy everything but be aware of this
MMH Insurance Group (UK), as a loss adjuster agent, Iam a Christian, reserved in Nature, Non smoker also i don’t keep pets. I look forward to meeting you and hope to have a good relationship as atenant with you. I await the details.you can reach my at this number +447024099779
Below is my present landlords information for reference :
Dr.Joseph WIlliams.
34,TIVOLI GARDEN SE185PD
UNITED KINGDOM
EMAIL:josephwilliams2xxp@yahoo.com Regards.larry williams191 swan lanecv2 4ge Coventry
[Reply]
November 4th, 2008 at 9:33 pm
yeah i just recieved an e-mail from sam mike with the exact e-mail format.
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November 8th, 2008 at 3:59 pm
I’ve been receiving the same nonsense email from this guy today regarding a property that I have for rent, and want to say thank you to all of you who have posted info about this scam. Thanks too for making me laugh! Good luck with your property rentals.
)
[Reply]
November 9th, 2008 at 1:02 pm
PS I’m sure that several names are being used by this guy or group but just FYI the emails that I’ve received today are signed with the name Grey Grundy. The rest of the emails are identical to the same silly illiterate mess that you’ve all mentioned.
[Reply]
November 9th, 2008 at 1:12 pm
I got the identical email on Craisgslist boston.
So, did he end up shining your balls?
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November 12th, 2008 at 10:14 am
The name I got was Robert Tedrow.
tedrobert22@yahoo.co.uk
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November 12th, 2008 at 10:15 am
Just got the same email for a house I have advertised from a Peter Benson
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November 13th, 2008 at 11:19 am
I put a for rent ad in CraigsList, Kansas City, and got a similar inquiry. The name was Ray Paul.
[Reply]
November 18th, 2008 at 3:44 pm
[...] Here’s the SNL commercial I referenced in the reply email to Mike Jones: [...]
November 30th, 2008 at 12:38 pm
[...] the endangered parisian pink muskrat on bucolic boppingFather Muskrat » bad idea jeans on email exchange with Mike JonesFather Muskrat » my first wordless wednesday on 179 pages about how to act instinctivelyFather [...]
November 30th, 2008 at 1:18 pm
I sent the scammer a link to this blog. Do ya think it understands enough english to understand what it means?
[Reply]
January 3rd, 2009 at 10:09 am
same emails from John Peterson RTH Insurance Group from UK
Thanks for saving me time and frustration.
Good post
[Reply]
January 3rd, 2009 at 10:10 am
Got a similar email. Replied to my craig’s list posting within hours.
Thanks for the details on the Property, I am satisfied and will like to proceed with the renting process, I will like you to go ahead and reserve the property for me. So I will be needing the following informations so that the check for payment for the rent can be processed and posted to you soon.
Name:…………
Address:………….
Phone number(cell and land):…………
I want the 12 month lease to start BY december or january 2008, I will also want to notify you that I have in the mean time arrange with an interior decorator who will be handling the purchase of furnitures, entertainment system and other appliances that I will need in the property, they will as well be in charge of moving down my luggages down to the states. So an overpayment check of $7,500 will be sent over to you which is a relocation grant by my employer, and all you need to do is deduct your calculated amount for the rent and you will forward the rest to the Decorators so I can have the place all prepared for my arrival. All applications and lease will be signed as soon as I arrive.
Also for familiarization I am Roy Rollan I am 45 yrs of age,a British citizen, married to a lovely lady, with a daughter (Family staying over in the UK), I work with KRS Insurance Group (UK), as a loss adjuster agent, I am a Christian, reserved in Nature, Non smoker also I 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 +44704 578 0701
Below is my present landlords information for reference :
Dr Richard Rowe
12,TIVOLI GARDEN SE185PD
UNITED KINGDOM
Email: adeniyiagbolade@yahoo.com
[Reply]
January 3rd, 2009 at 10:10 am
yes, hilarious. I got the same email from Soke Mike. Also, found your blog while searching for KRS Insurance Group… so funny. I may copy your reply and send it back to him. Thanks for sharing!
[Reply]
January 3rd, 2009 at 10:10 am
Thanks for your info! Just so everyone knows, I got a similar email today from “John Peterson” “johnpeterson1000@sify.com” saying he works for “RTH Insurance Group (UK)”.
[Reply]
January 3rd, 2009 at 10:11 am
Thank you so much for your website! After receiving a suspicious email, we googled “MMH Insurance Group”, and found your site. The emails you have posted here are almost IDENTICAL to the one we received. Thank you again!
The email we received was for our apartment in Wyoming which we advertised on Craigslist. It is from:
Allan Sharp
MMH Insurance Group
34,TIVOLI GARDEN
SE18 5PD,UNITED KINGDOM
[Reply]
January 3rd, 2009 at 10:11 am
Another variation – Herod Jin (same name as before) sent me a check for $4,000 including some sum for redecorating. His email was
“herod jin [herodjin@googlemail.com]“
[Reply]
January 3rd, 2009 at 10:11 am
I received the following email.
—–
Good Day,
With regards to the property I am inquiring about, I will like to get
some more details about it, I am currently in the Uk and I am
Relocating down to the US to do a survey for my employer ( MMH
Insurance Group (UK), as we are about to open an office in the state,
so due to my non presence to inspect the Property, I will like you to
give me the below details,
# I need full details including address of the property and pictures
if available for the place.
# Monthly rentals/security deposits.
# If utilities is added to monthly rent.
# When the property would be available.
# Mail me the total move in cost.
I await your response soon.
Regards.
—–
I replied, thinking, man, this guy can’t read the ad? I received the following email in response.
—–
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 informations so that the check for
payment of the deposit $1410 can be processed and posted to you soon.
Name:…………
Address:………….
Zip code…………….
City…………………..
Phone number(cell and land):…………
I want the 12 month lease to start on the 16th December 2008, I will
also want to notify you that I have in the mean time arrange with an
interior decorator who will be handling the purchase of furnitures,
entertainment system and other appliances that I will need in the
property, they will as well be incharge of moving down my luggages
down to the states. So the check of $5,500 will be sent over to you
which is a relocation grant by my employer, and all you need to do is
deduct the deposit $1410 and you will forward the rest to the
Decorators so I can have the place all prepared for my arrival. All
applications and lease will be signed as soon as I arrive.
Also for familiarization I Am James Buffert, I am 41 yrs of age, a
British citizen, married to a lovely lady, with two daughter (Family
staying over in the UK), I work with MMH Insurance Group (UK), as a
loss adjuster agent, I am a Christian, reserved in Nature, Non smoker
also i 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 my at this number +44 70457 29267
Below is my present landlords information for reference :
Dr.Joseph Williams.
34,TIVOLI GARDEN SE185PD
UNITED KINGDOM
EMAIL:josephwilliams2xxp@yahoo.com
Regards
–
James Buffert
Saint Hill Manor
East Grinstead
West Sussex, RH19 3HZ
UK
—–
I feel bad if the guy actually exists. At any rate, I stopped responding and sent any emails from him into the garbage. Thank goodness I used an email account just for spam!
[Reply]
January 3rd, 2009 at 10:12 am
Mine is exactly the same scenario——Steve Weller, KRS Insurance Group (UK). Discraceful and extremely disappointing. The e-mail he used was steve.weller60@gmail.com
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January 3rd, 2009 at 10:13 am
OH WOW!! i did a search for “KRS insurance group uk” and found your blog! he sent me the SAME email… i posted a property up on craigslist. the email he used was titibelly1755@gmail.com. titibelly itself shouldve been a red flag. thanks for letting the people know!
[Reply]
January 3rd, 2009 at 10:13 am
Happened to me too, thanks for posting this. He used “KRS Insurance Group (UK)” in his email to me.
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January 3rd, 2009 at 10:14 am
Same for me. Titus Bell was his name-o. I found it interesting that someone with the email address titbellly1753@gmail.com would actually email someone regarding renting a property.
[Reply]
January 3rd, 2009 at 10:14 am
I got the same email and has suspicions from the very start, this confirms all my suspicions. THANKS.
Why can’t scum bags learn to work for a living instead of trying to scam hard working responsible people?
[Reply]
January 3rd, 2009 at 10:14 am
I was contacted by TITUS BELL virtually the same email. Thank you so much for the information. We just put a bid on another house and have never rented out before.
[Reply]
January 3rd, 2009 at 10:15 am
I got one today from Titus Bell from KRS insurance in the UK – I was confused when he offered me money to give to the interior decorator to buy furniture to rent my fully furnished condo in portland.
[Reply]
January 3rd, 2009 at 10:15 am
I got an email from “titus bell” with email address of “titbellly1758@googlemail.com” asking if my rental was still available and this was the response I got after I told him “yes”.
Did research on the company name KRS Insurance Group (UK) thru Google and found this blog and others!! Thanks for your posting!!
“With regards to the property I am inquiring about, I will like to get
some more details about it, I am currently in the UK and I am
Relocating down to the US to do a survey for my employer ( KRS
Insurance Group (UK), as we are about to open an office in the state,
so due to my non presence to inspect the Property, I will like you to
give me the below details,
# I need full details including address of the property and pictures
if available for the place.
# Monthly rentals/security deposits.
# If utilities is added to monthly rent.
# When the property would be available.
# Mail me the total move in cost.
I await your response soon.
Regards.”
SO, I sent him this response!! Be very CRITICAL people!! They’re out there!!
“Sure, Titus! While I’m at it, I might as well send you my bank accounts number and password and oh, also my retirement accounts number and access codes!!
Your email has been forwarded to the FBI, Google, and Craiglist and other websites and bloggers’ sites dedicated to scum bag scammers like you!! Don’t worry, one or all of them will eventually track you and your “friends” down to give you the information you requested with accommodation and then some!!
Google is ALL over you! And so is other search engines.”
[Reply]
January 3rd, 2009 at 10:16 am
Got the same email. Wasn’t aware it was a scam until I saw the “UK” and googled the company. Thanks for posting this! Damn Nigerians!
[Reply]
January 3rd, 2009 at 10:16 am
Thanks so much for this posting! Got this exact same email from “Larry Williams” I’m so glad I googled “MMH Insurance Group” before getting scammed!
[Reply]
January 3rd, 2009 at 10:17 am
My fiance and I just had it happen-guy said name was Herod Jin – we had an ad for house rental on Craigs List-Reported it to legal Dept.
Thanks.
[Reply]
January 3rd, 2009 at 10:17 am
Just got a similar e-mail from a Grey Grundy with the e-mail address: greygrundy@sify.com
[Reply]
January 3rd, 2009 at 10:19 am
This is the email I got today. Same crap. different company.
Hi , Concerning the property I am inquiring about, I will like to get some more details about it, I am currently in ENGLAND and I am Relocating down to the USA to do a survey for my company ( Kingsbridge Risk Solutions (UK) Ivy house,8 – 10 HighStreet,Twyford,READING,RG10 9AE), as we are about to open an office in the state, so due to my non presence to inspect the Property, I will like you to provide me the following details,# I need full details including address of the property and pictures if
available for the place.
# Monthly rentals/security deposits.
# If utilities is added to monthly rent.
# When the property would be available.
# Mail me the total move in cost.
I await your response soon.
Regards
[Reply]
May 10th, 2009 at 12:07 pm
Got the same email from a certain Steve Weller. Stop this men!!!!!!
[Reply]
October 9th, 2009 at 11:50 am