Thank you to the CL user who submitted this info.
There is a new apartment scam on Craigslist that is targeting people in Brooklyn, New York. The scam is being perpetrated by people living in the United Kingdom with a possible accomplice using a Chicago, Illinois phone number.
Scam Artist: Cindy & Kenneth Roberts
Email address: liebetreu@live.com
Phone Number: +44 7045780684 (United Kingdom Number)
Possible Accomplice: John Lamont Caldwell
Phone Number Used: 773-467-7459 (Chicago Phone Number)
*Please note that none of the phone numbers provided are even remotely close Brooklyn, NY where the apartment is located. Further proof that one must always deal locally.
40 comments:
They are now posting an apartment in Manhattan in a very chic building on the UWS - 253 West 73rd - for only $800. Meanwhile, the ad asked for a different price and had contradictions galore within it. While I thought it was a scam, decided to send an e-mail anyway (wishful thinking, perhaps!). Received a long and detailed e-mail back, along with photos. Stay clear of these people who obviously have nothing better to do with their lives.
They are now using the names Ryan Peter Christensen and Mary Christensen, Telephone:+44 702 4060053. Also still using the John Lamont Caldwell Tel: 773 467 7459 from Chicago. I thought it was too good to be true, but I figured what the hell...there's no way that a studio in DUMBO would be $800, lucky or not. I love google, and I'm glad that I googled Mr. John Lamont Caldwell and it brought me to this lovely and informative site. Don't get fooled by these fake brits! Get a life and real jobs!
They are now using the names Cindy Terry and husband name Shields Gleyn Terry along with Shields Gleyn Terry as their leasing agent who is supposedly in poor health. The latest apartment is at 200 E 24th Street for $1000 for a 1 BR apartment. I emailed even though it seemed like a scam as well and am happy I did the google search and found this site as well. It did not seem legit.
They are also using the names Cindy Terry and Shields Gleyn Terry for a $1000 a month apartment at 87 E2nd Street. At first it sounded reasonable, they say they've moved to England and want to keep the rent low for a responsible person. Then I noticed the grammatical errors and found it really unbelievable that they would send their keys to a stranger (for $200 and proof of ID) instead of hiring a local real estate agency to screen tenants, especially after they had spent so much of the email talking about how concerned they were about the care of their apartment. I'm only going to deal with a local licensed broker from now on.
Thanks for these posts! I had a strange feeling from the get-go that something strange was up with this. Charging $1000 a month for a one bedroom apt directly in the middle of the upper west side is either insane or a scam, but I thought it couldn't hurt to send one email.
When they responded, everything was the same as the previous posts said - they included phone numbers to contact in England (her husband's # was now +44 701 1135369), pictures and further details into the possible lease.
They also mentioned the clincher that let me know it was a scam - they said that in order to see the apt, they would need to send over the keys and security documents with insured shipping, at a cost of $200. I thought to myself that it's kind of strange to have to pay $200 just to see the apt, without anything else. Here is what she said in the email:
"We intend to start collection of the rental fee of your duration after you have seen the place. We would probably use my husband's Chase account in New York to facilitate the transaction. However, there is nobody there that will show you the place unless we make arrangement to send you the keys along with copies of the house documents, security access decoder, tenancy agreement and other lease signing papers.
I will try to talk to my husband today about sending you the keys and documents but you will need to scan us some form of your id or reference to add to your photo sent before we do that, preferably send us your work id, student id, driver's license or state's id to verify your identification. Alternatively, you can scan your letter of employment or admission letter as reference. The insured cost of shipping is also about $200. More so, after viewing the apartment, if you do not like it, you will also be responsible for sending us back our keys and documents."
Be careful when contacting these scammers! Other than the simple fact that you will be scammed out of money if you go through with it (at the very least, the $200 that needs to be payed for the keys to be shipped), there is also the possibility of identity theft. They require a lot of identification information, so please be careful with the amount of information you divulge over the internet to people you do not know. Thankfully, since I was wary from the beginning, I gave as little information as possible and was relieved to see this blog to confirm my suspicions.
Good luck!
FYI - They are now targeting Queens, listing a 1 BR apt in a luxury building for $790/month. Ridiculous. The pics they are sending were lifted off a RE website.
They are using the names of Lisa and Ryan Peter Christensen in England at +44 702 4060053.
Stay away from these people!
Me too was about to send money and i.d. to this scammers. Thank god for google. They are now using this apartment, 13-11 Jackson Ave, Long Island City, NY 11101 (Area: 1154 ft² (107.2M²))on thier craigslist ads. They're still using the names Ryan Peter Christensen, Lisa Christensen and their agent is Anthony Pierre. The telelphone numbers are 321 4414916 and +44 702 4060053.
I responded to the East Village, but thankfully I read all of your comments, and I am not continuing further. But, I found one more and I'm flagging it on Craigslist. I got a response from Mary Peter (husband: Ryan Peter). The posting is below:
$750 / 1br - Amazing One Bedroom with great view (Murray Hill) (map)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Reply to: hous-998449048@craigslist.org [?]
Date: 2009-01-19, 12:33AM EST
Very spacious kitchen with lots of storage, and an oversized living room that easily accommodates a dining table. Can use work but doesn't need it. Kitchen is currently outfitted with white cabinetry in good condition, white countertops and working appliances.
There are hardwood floors throughout, spacious closets and through-the-wall air-conditioning in each room.
Beautiful and spacious one bedroom, with open city views and a peek of the river to the East!!!
34th Street at 1st & 2nd Ave google map yahoo map
cats are OK - purrr
dogs are OK - wooof
it's NOT ok to contact this poster with services or other commercial interests
Fee Disclosure: 750
Listed By:
PostingID: 998449048
OH my God! I was trying to avoid scammers and ignored emails that seemed fishy and I almost got duped! I emailed them about the same bedroom at 253 Upper West side for $1000 dollars and exchanged several emails. Certain things made me uncertain like sending over all that sensitive ID information to someone I haven't even met, and how the representative was in ill health in chicago, and her spelling in the email had very poor english. So I called the number without making a scheduled phone appointment and a guy picked up who sounded like he had no idea whats going on but told me to email his wife to talk about the apartment. If it's YOUR apartment you would be able to talk about it over the phone.
Oh and I got the same above posted email word for word.
I consider myself an intelligent person and almost got duped into sending some personal ID info and 200 dollars if it wasn't for this website.
I was just duped by these horrible people! Luckily I didn't send them any vital info or $. Just know they are still trying to work their tricks as of Jan. 23, 2009.
they are still at work! i saw this posted just yesterday!
current listing is 60 west 13th st.
using names sarah and anthony klima and reps. name is simon peterson.
the pics are obviously way out of the $1600 price range.
i googled their names and found them on another scam alert as well
they strike again. Thanks goodness I googled the chicago phone number. Here is the emial the sent to me: what looooooosers!!!
Thanks for your response. My name is Cindy Terry and I wish to inform you that the apartment 253 West 73rd Street, New York NY 10023 (Interior: 1,515 sq. ft. (approx.), Neighborhood: Upper West Side) is still available and belongs to my husband and I. We apologize for the slight delay in responding to your enquiry. We just received some news from our representative (John Lamont Caldwell Tel: 773 467 7459) who is presently in Chicago had a little accident so we are handling the leasing ourselves.
However, we are very busy people and we will not like to take much of your time, therefore I will go straight to breaking down the terms and conditions that apply to the apartment.
My husband and myself have our preferences in given out the apartment. This means we could be a bit choosy but we apologies in advance if it seems to be rather harsh. The apartment is furnished as you can see from the picture attached but most of the furnitures has been move into the store room. The furnitures could be replaced if you like. We are looking out for a responsible person, preferably single. If we accept any married couple, we cannot accept above three kids. In the case of married couple, they will accept full responsibility for property damages during their stay. Pets are allowed and we may be given out the apartment at a very low and reasonable price but we are given it out for a minimum period of at least 3 months starting February/March or preferably a longer lease period to as much as 5 years lease. Since we cleared the apartment for renovation on October, we have not been in New York due to business. Myself and my husband relocated to England, so we will be given out the apartment for a long duration at $1,000 month rate (Utilities included). Our priority is taken a responsible, careful, understanding and reasonable tenant that will take good care of the property, since we will be away for most of the period.
The rental agreement will contain issue like;
rental payments
duration of lease
parking
subletting
damage to premises
painting
pets
payment of utilities
lockouts
right of inspection
deposit refunds
terminating the lease
We do not have time for games so we suggest that if you are not serious about the apartment, you try somewhere else. My time is very valuable and my husband is a very busy person but he will like to still speak with you over the telephone before any arrangement for you to inspect the apartment because we cannot just give attention to everyone that is interested in the apartment. My husband's full names are Shields Gleyn Terry, Telephone: +44 702 402 0801. Call only if you are serious about taken the apartment and let us know how long you will like to have the apartment to help us make our decision. If satisfied, we can discuss on how to get the document and the keys of the house to you to inspect. We will like to know you better to help us take our decision on the apartment therefore, in your response, kindly tell us a little about yourself like your names, hobbies, current address, your present occupation, marital status, if you like pets and why you want to take the apartment?
As soon as we hear from you, we will contact you with more details.
Thanks,
Cindy
I almost fell for these scame artists too. Thank the lord for this website.They are working under the names Cindy Terry and Shields Gleyn Terry, renting out an apartment at 253 w. 73rd st. They talked about how they had relocated to England for work and wanted a responsible person to take care of their recently renovated apartment. I also got the story about their person from Chicago being ill. I got the above email word for word as well. Don't send them any private information or the $200.00 for the keys.
my friend almost fell for this scam. good thing i found your website! here's the full email she got:
From: Mary Peter christensen100@live.com
Date: 2009/1/28
Subject: Apartment@333 East 34th Street, New York ($850)
To: Mary Peter christensen100@live.com
Thanks for your response. My name is Mary Peter and I wish to inform you that the apartment at 333 East 34th Street, New York NY 10016 (Interior: 1,115 sq. ft. (approx.), Neighborhood: Murray Hill/Kips Bay) is still available and belongs to my husband and I. We apologize for the slight delay in responding to your enquiry. We just received some news from our family representative (Anthony Pierre Tel: 321 4414916) who is presently in Houston, Tx had a little accident so we are handling the leasing ourselves.
However, we are very busy people and we will not like to take much of your time, therefore I will go straight to breaking down the terms and conditions that apply to the apartment.
My husband and myself have our preferences in given out the apartment. This means we could be a bit choosy but we apologies in advance if it seems to be rather harsh. The apartment is furnished as you can see from the picture attached but most of the furnitures has been move into the store room. The furnitures could be replaced if you like. We are looking out for a responsible person, preferably single. If we accept any married couple, we cannot accept above three kids. In the case of married couple, they will accept full responsibility for property damages during their stay. Pets are allowed and we may be given out the apartment at a very low and reasonable price but we are given it out for a minimum period of at least 3 months starting Febuary/March or preferably a longer lease period to as much as 5 years lease. Since we cleared the apartment for renovation on November, we have not been in New York due to business. Myself, my husband and my children have relocated to England, so we will be given out the apartment for a long duration at $850 month rate (Utilities included). Our priority is taken a responsible, careful, understanding and reasonable tenant that will take good care of the property, since we will be away for most of the period.
The rental agreement will contain issue like;
rental payments
duration of lease
parking
subletting
damage to premises
painting
pets
payment of utilities
lockouts
right of inspection
deposit refunds
terminating the lease
We do not have time for games so we suggest that if you are not serious about the apartment, you try somewhere else. My time is very valuable and my husband is a very busy person but he will like to still speak with you over the telephone before any arrangement for you to inspect the apartment because we cannot just give attention to everyone that is interested in the apartment. My husband's full names are Ryan Peter, Telephone:+44(702)406 0053. Call Monday to Friday only if you are serious about taken the apartment and let us know how long you will like to have the apartment to help us make our decision. If satisfied, we can discuss on how to get the document and the keys of the house to you to inspect. We will like to know you better to help us take our decision on the apartment therefore, in your response, kindly tell us a little about yourself like your names, hobbies, current address, your present occupation, marital status, if you like pets and why you want to take the apartment?
As soon as we hear from you, we will contact you with more details.
Thanks,
Mary
I wish i had thought to check everything out more extensivly! I am such an idiot to have fallen for this! I got an email of Mary and Peter Christensen! DO NOT SEND THEM ANY IFORMATION!!!! And they will keep the email chain going like they really want to go thru with it!
Hey, just wanted to let everyone know they're still at it. I reply to a lot of craigslist postings in an attempt to root out the scammers. I responded to a post about the 253 West 73rd residence and got the same e-mails that were quoted above. Under the name Cindy and Sheilds Gleyn Terry. Their "representative" is also under the name John Lamont Caldwell; he is "ill in Chicago" still. I'll post the e-mails just so everyone can see them. But yeah, I just wanted to let everyone know. Take care, don't get scammed. :)
E-MAIL #1
"Thanks for your response. My name is Cindy Terry and I wish to inform you that the apartment 253 West 73rd Street, New York NY 10023 (Interior: 1,515 sq. ft. (approx.), Neighborhood: Upper West Side) is still available and belongs to my husband and I. We apologize for the slight delay in responding to your enquiry. We just received some news from our representative (John Lamont Caldwell Tel: 773 467 7459) who is presently in Chicago had a little accident so we are handling the leasing ourselves.
However, we are very busy people and we will not like to take much of your time, therefore I will go straight to breaking down the terms and conditions that apply to the apartment.
My husband and myself have our preferences in given out the apartment. This means we could be a bit choosy but we apologies in advance if it seems to be rather harsh. The apartment is furnished as you can see from the picture attached but most of the furnitures has been move into the store room. The furnitures could be replaced if you like. We are looking out for a responsible person, preferably single. If we accept any married couple, we cannot accept above three kids. In the case of married couple, they will accept full responsibility for property damages during their stay. Pets are allowed and we may be given out the apartment at a very low and reasonable price but we are given it out for a minimum period of at least 3 months starting February/March or preferably a longer lease period to as much as 5 years lease. Since we cleared the apartment for renovation on October, we have not been in New York due to business. Myself and my husband relocated to England, so we will be given out the apartment for a long duration at $1,000 month rate (Utilities included). Our priority is taken a responsible, careful, understanding and reasonable tenant that will take good care of the property, since we will be away for most of the period.
The rental agreement will contain issue like;
rental payments
duration of lease
parking
subletting
damage to premises
painting
pets
payment of utilities
lockouts
right of inspection
deposit refunds
terminating the lease
We do not have time for games so we suggest that if you are not serious about the apartment, you try somewhere else. My time is very valuable and my husband is a very busy person but he will like to still speak with you over the telephone before any arrangement for you to inspect the apartment because we cannot just give attention to everyone that is interested in the apartment. My husband's full names are Shields Gleyn Terry, Telephone: +44 702 402 0801. Call only if you are serious about taken the apartment and let us know how long you will like to have the apartment to help us make our decision. If satisfied, we can discuss on how to get the document and the keys of the house to you to inspect. We will like to know you better to help us take our decision on the apartment therefore, in your response, kindly tell us a little about yourself like your names, hobbies, current address, your present occupation, marital status, if you like pets and why you want to take the apartment?
As soon as we hear from you, we will contact you with more details.
Thanks,
Cindy"
AND E-MAIL #2
"Thanks for your response. Personally, I will like to just give you the apartment without asking any additional questions because you seem like an ideal tenant but I will have to further discuss the issue with my husband.
You are not the first person approaching us for the place so I do appreciate an high level of seriousness because our schedule is very tight. We would like to conclude with the leasing process to focus on our regular business activities as soon as possible. It is because of our business we had to relocate to UK in the first place.
There maybe a little problem because our representative will be unable to coordinate things with you from Chicago due to his health status but I will try to work things out with my husband for us to conclude with you from here. He bought the apartment because he normally do business in New York but we just want to lease it for the period we will be out of the states. This will be at least 5 years or more. My husband was considering selling off the property but changed his mind because we still have other long term plans for the place. We would like to know the exact duration you want to sign up for the apartment. We wish to start leasing starting February/March. I suggest you find time to call to discuss further.
The monthly rental rate is $1,000 and security deposit is going at same rate. Like I told you before that this is not about the money, which is why our price is very reasonable. The apartment had just been renovated with security access system installed. We just need someone to take good care of the apartment while we are away. I am very concerned about the state of my kitchen and bathroom. Some of the furniture had been moved to the store room under lock and key. This could be placed back if you like but I will also discuss that with my husband. My husband direct line is +44 792 400 3256.
We intend to start collection of the rental fee of your duration after you have seen the place. We would probably use my husband's Chase account in New York to facilitate the transaction. However, there is nobody there that will show you the place unless we make arrangement to send you the keys along with copies of the house documents, security access decoder, tenancy agreement and other lease signing papers.
I will try to talk to my husband today about sending you the keys and documents but you will need to scan us some form of your id or reference to add to your photo sent before we do that, preferably send us your work id, student id, driver's license or state's id to verify your identification. Alternatively, you can scan your letter of employment or admission letter as reference. The insured cost of shipping is also about $200. More so, after viewing the apartment, if you do not like it, you will also be responsible for sending us back our keys and documents.
If you are okay with this arrangement, get back to us with your feedback.
Regards,
Cindy"
I almost fell for these scammers too, on February 12, 2009. The name provided was Cindy Terry (cindyterry1@hotmail.com) and the phone number she gave me was +44 792 400 3256. They posted an Upper West Side 1-BR apartment for $800/month. Email #1 and #2 were identical to the ones on this site. Thank god for this site!
I almost got scammed by the same people! Cindy and Shields Gleyn Terry tel# 44 792 402 0801 and 44 400 3245. Lots of mispellings in Cindy's email and inconsistent description of the apt. located at 85 Livingston St. in Brooklyn Heights. First a studio and then one bedroom 1,1515 sq feet.
Thanks people for putting the word out there that these low lives!
I almost fell for this too. Now the apartment is in the East Village (87 E. 2nd St.) for $1000. During our email exchange, "Cindy" said the approx. square footage was 1515! Same email text as reported by others. I did my research on the name "Shields Gleyn Terry" and found this scam report. Thanks everyone for putting this out there. I report the listing to Craig's List and told the scammers they are despicable human beings. Yeah, as if they cared.
The new scam is for a 1200 sq ft apartment on West 19th for $950. I responded to the CL ad thinking that maybe I had found a small under-market steal. But when they responded with pictures of an enormous, furnished, luxury condo I was pretty sure it was fake. Thanks for the previous posts to confirm my suspicions. Here is their response (now using the names Mary Peter and Ryan Peter):
Thanks for your response. My name is Mary Peter and I wish to inform you that the apartment at 251 West 19th Street, New York NY 10011 (Interior: 1,200 sq. ft. (approx.), Neighborhood: Chelsea) is still available and belongs to my husband and I. We apologize for the slight delay in responding to your enquiry. We just received some news from our family representative (Tony Pierre Tel: 321 4414916) who is presently in Houston, TX had a little accident so we are handling the leasing ourselves.
However, we are very busy people and we will not like to take much of your time, therefore I will go straight to breaking down the terms and conditions that apply to the apartment.
My husband and myself have our preferences in given out the apartment. This means we could be a bit choosy but we apologies in advance if it seems to be rather harsh. The apartment is furnished as you can see from the picture attached but most of the furnitures has been move into the store room. The furnitures could be replaced if you like. We are looking out for a responsible person, preferably single. If we accept any married couple, we cannot accept above three kids. In the case of married couple, they will accept full responsibility for property damages during their stay. Pets are allowed and we may be given out the apartment at a very low and reasonable price but we are given it out for a minimum period of at least 3 months starting Febuary/March or preferably a longer lease period to as much as 5 years lease. Since we cleared the apartment for renovation on November, we have not been in New York due to business. Myself, my husband and my children have relocated to England, so we will be given out the apartment for a long duration at $950 month rate (Utilities included). Our priority is taken a responsible, careful, understanding and reasonable tenant that will take good care of the property, since we will be away for most of the period.
The rental agreement will contain issue like;
rental payments
duration of lease
parking
subletting
damage to premises
painting
pets
payment of utilities
lockouts
right of inspection
deposit refunds
terminating the lease
We do not have time for games so we suggest that if you are not serious about the apartment, you try somewhere else. My time is very valuable and my husband is a very busy person but he will like to still speak with you over the telephone before any arrangement for you to inspect the apartment because we cannot just give attention to everyone that is interested in the apartment. My husband's full names are Ryan Peter, Telephone:+44(702)4060053. Call Monday to Friday only if you are serious about taken the apartment and let us know how long you will like to have the apartment to help us make our decision. If satisfied, we can discuss on how to get the document and the keys of the house to you to inspect. We will like to know you better to help us take our decision on the apartment therefore, in your response, kindly tell us a little about yourself like your names, hobbies, current address, your present occupation, marital status, if you like pets and why you want to take the apartment?
As soon as we hear from you, we will contact you with more details.
Thanks,
Mary
WTH!!!! What is up with people from the UK???? I am i feel for two years ago but now everytime i receive a respond say they are "moving to the UK" i just delete the whole thing. I mean im tired of my time being wasted with these people. I swear man something has to be able to be done these is outrageous!!!
They are still using the names Cindy Terry and Shields Gleyn Terry, Telephone: +44 702 402 0801.
"THEE EMAIL"
Thanks for your response. My name is Cindy Terry and I wish to inform you that the apartment 253 West 73rd Street, New York NY 10023 (Interior: 1,515 sq. ft. (approx.), Neighborhood: Upper West Side) is still available and belongs to my husband and I. We apologize for the slight delay in responding to your enquiry. We just received some news from our representative (Sandra Woods) who is presently in Chicago had a little accident so we are handling the leasing ourselves.
However, we are very busy people and we will not like to take much of your time, therefore I will go straight to breaking down the terms and conditions that apply to the apartment.
My husband and myself have our preferences in given out the apartment. This means we could be a bit choosy but we apologies in advance if it seems to be rather harsh. The apartment is furnished as you can see from the picture attached but most of the furnitures has been move into the store room. The furnitures could be replaced if you like. We are looking out for a responsible person, preferably single. If we accept any married couple, we cannot accept above three kids. In the case of married couple, they will accept full responsibility for property damages during their stay. Pets are allowed and we may be given out the apartment at a very low and reasonable price but we are given it out for a minimum period of at least 3 months starting March/April or preferably a longer lease period to as much as 5 years lease. Since we cleared the apartment for renovation on October, we have not been in New York due to business. Myself and my husband relocated to England, so we will be given out the apartment for a long duration at $800 month rate (Utilities included). Our priority is taken a responsible, careful, understanding and reasonable tenant that will take good care of the property, since we will be away for most of the period.
The rental agreement will contain issue like;
rental payments
duration of lease
parking
subletting
damage to premises
painting
pets
payment of utilities
lockouts
right of inspection
deposit refunds
terminating the lease
We do not have time for games so we suggest that if you are not serious about the apartment, you try somewhere else. My time is very valuable and my husband is a very busy person but he will like to still speak with you over the telephone before any arrangement for you to inspect the apartment because we cannot just give attention to everyone that is interested in the apartment. My husband's full names are Shields Gleyn Terry, Telephone: +44 702 402 0801. Call only if you are serious about taken the apartment and let us know how long you will like to have the apartment to help us make our decision. If satisfied, we can discuss on how to get the document and the keys of the house to you to inspect. We will like to know you better to help us take our decision on the apartment therefore, in your response, kindly tell us a little about yourself like your names, hobbies, current address, your present occupation, marital status, if you like pets and why you want to take the apartment?
As soon as we hear from you, we will contact you with more details.
Thanks,
Cindy Terry [cindyterry1@hotmail.com]
I fell for this one too... same emails as above about the apt on 87 East 2nd St. rents dropped a lot in the area recently so it almost seemed reasonable. Almost.. I sent them my business card as proof of employment, and they sent me a name and address for where I should wire $200. Gut feeling said something was off so I googled the name and fortunately found this site. Thanks!!
Like the last post said, I too decided to google their names and found this site and thank God I did!!! I received the exact same email!! I am so greatful for finding this site! Here is the email they sent me for reference:
Thanks for your response. My name is Cindy Gleyn and I wish to inform you that the apartment 301 West 110th Street, New York NY 10026 (Interior: 1,515 sq. ft. (approx.), Neighborhood: Morningside Heights) is still available and belongs to my husband and I. We apologize for the slight delay in responding to your enquiry. We just received some news from our representative (Sandra Woods Tel: 773 467 7459) who is presently in Chicago had a little accident so we are handling the leasing ourselves.
However, we are very busy people and we will not like to take much of your time, therefore I will go straight to breaking down the terms and conditions that apply to the apartment.
My husband and myself have our preferences in given out the apartment. This means we could be a bit choosy but we apologies in advance if it seems to be rather harsh. The apartment is furnished as you can see from the picture attached but most of the furnitures has been move into the store room. The furnitures could be replaced if you like. We are looking out for a responsible person, preferably single. If we accept any married couple, we cannot accept above three kids. In the case of married couple, they will accept full responsibility for property damages during their stay. Pets are allowed and we may be given out the apartment at a very low and reasonable price but we are given it out for a minimum period of at least 3 months starting March/April or preferably a longer lease period to as much as 5 years lease. Since we cleared the apartment for renovation on October, we have not been in New York due to business. Myself and my husband relocated to England, so we will be given out the apartment for a long duration at $800 month rate (Utilities included). Our priority is taken a responsible, careful, understanding and reasonable tenant that will take good care of the property, since we will be away for most of the period.
The rental agreement will contain issue like;
rental payments
duration of lease
parking
subletting
damage to premises
painting
pets
payment of utilities
lockouts
right of inspection
deposit refunds
terminating the lease
We do not have time for games so we suggest that if you are not serious about the apartment, you try somewhere else. My time is very valuable and my husband is a very busy person but he will like to still speak with you over the telephone before any arrangement for you to inspect the apartment because we cannot just give attention to everyone that is interested in the apartment. My husband's full names are Shields Gleyn Terry, Telephone: +44 702 402 0801. Call only if you are serious about taken the apartment and let us know how long you will like to have the apartment to help us make our decision. If satisfied, we can discuss on how to get the document and the keys of the house to you to inspect. We will like to know you better to help us take our decision on the apartment therefore, in your response, kindly tell us a little about yourself like your names, hobbies, current address, your present occupation, marital status, if you like pets and why you want to take the apartment?
As soon as we hear from you, we will contact you with more details.
Thanks,
Cindy
Same email: Original email said: Thanks for your response. My name is Cindy Terry and I wish to inform you that the apartment 85 Livingston Street, Brooklyn NY 11201 (Interior: 1,515 sq. ft. (approx.), Neighborhood: Brooklyn Heights) is still available and belongs to my husband and I. We apologize for the slight delay in responding to your enquiry. We just received some news from our representative (Sandra Woods) who is presently in Chicago had a little accident so we are handling the leasing ourselves.
However, we are very busy people and we will not like to take much of your time, therefore I will go straight to breaking down the terms and conditions that apply to the apartment.
My husband and myself have our preferences in given out the apartment. This means we could be a bit choosy but we apologies in advance if it seems to be rather harsh. The apartment is furnished as you can see from the picture attached but most of the furnitures has been move into the store room. The furnitures could be replaced if you like. We are looking out for a responsible person, preferably single. If we accept any married couple, we cannot accept above three kids. In the case of married couple, they will accept full responsibility for property damages during their stay. Pets are allowed and we may be given out the apartment at a very low and reasonable price but we are given it out for a minimum period of at least 3 months starting March/April or preferably a longer lease period to as much as 5 years lease. Since we cleared the apartment for renovation on October, we have not been in New York due to business. Myself and my husband relocated to England, so we will be given out the apartment for a long duration at $800 month rate (Utilities included). Our priority is taken a responsible, careful, understanding and reasonable tenant that will take good care of the property, since we will be away for most of the period.
The rental agreement will contain issue like;
rental payments
duration of lease
parking
subletting
damage to premises
painting
pets
payment of utilities
lockouts
right of inspection
deposit refunds
terminating the lease
We do not have time for games so we suggest that if you are not serious about the apartment, you try somewhere else. My time is very valuable and my husband is a very busy person but he will like to still speak with you over the telephone before any arrangement for you to inspect the apartment because we cannot just give attention to everyone that is interested in the apartment. My husband's full names are Shields Gleyn Terry, Telephone: +44 702 402 0801. Call only if you are serious about taken the apartment and let us know how long you will like to have the apartment to help us make our decision. If satisfied, we can discuss on how to get the document and the keys of the house to you to inspect. We will like to know you better to help us take our decision on the apartment therefore, in your response, kindly tell us a little about yourself like your names, hobbies, current address, your present occupation, marital status, if you like pets and why you want to take the apartment?
As soon as we hear from you, we will contact you with more details.
Thanks,
Cindy
- Second email: Thanks for your response. Personally, I will like to just give you the apartment without asking any additional questions because you seem like an ideal tenant but I will have to further discuss the issue with my husband.
You are not the first person approaching us for the place so I do appreciate an high level of seriousness because our schedule is very tight. We would like to conclude with the leasing process to focus on our regular business activities as soon as possible. It is because of our business we had to relocate to UK in the first place.
There maybe a little problem because our representative will be unable to coordinate things with you from Chicago due to her health status but I will try to work things out with my husband for us to conclude with you from here. He bought the apartment because he normally do business in New York but we just want to lease it for the period we will be out of the states. This will be at least 5 years or more. My husband was considering selling off the property but changed his mind because we still have other long term plans for the place. We would like to know the exact duration you want to sign up for the apartment. We wish to start leasing starting March/April. I suggest you find time to call to discuss further.
The monthly rental rate is $800 and security deposit is going at same rate. Like I told you before that this is not about the money, which is why our price is very reasonable. The apartment had just been renovated with security access system installed. We just need someone to take good care of the apartment while we are away. I am very concerned about the state of my kitchen and bathroom. Some of the furniture had been moved to the store room under lock and key. This could be placed back if you like but I will also discuss that with my husband. My husband direct line is +44 792 400 3256.
We intend to start collection of the rental fee of your duration after you have seen the place. We would probably use my husband's Chase account in New York to facilitate the transaction. However, there is nobody there that will show you the place unless we make arrangement to send you the keys along with copies of the house documents, security access decoder, tenancy agreement and other lease signing papers.
I will try to talk to my husband today about sending you the keys and documents but you will need to scan us some form of your id or reference to add to your photo sent before we do that, preferably send us your work id, student id, driver's license or state's id to verify your identification. Alternatively, you can scan your letter of employment or admission letter as reference. The insured cost of shipping is also about $200. More so, after viewing the apartment, if you do not like it, you will also be responsible for sending us back our keys and documents.
If you are okay with this arrangement, get back to us with your feedback.
Regards,
Cindy
- What a scam! Thank God I checked this out online and found this website! Don't give them anything and so grateful for this website!
Please always remember the Golden Rule..."if it seems too good to be true, it probably is."
As an idea, I recommend going to websites from trusted agents to gain an idea of what prices are for a local market and apartment size, then determine if the offer you see is "reasonable" or something is questionable...
I am so grateful that I googled this woman's email address (cindyterry1@hotmail.com) because I've exchanged an email with her and I thought it seemed fishy but I'm a very trusting person so I was going to give her the benefit of the doubt.
I am SO FRUSTRATED that people are scammers on Craigslist! I am a nanny. I work SO HARD for my money and to have people like this take my money just makes me so upset.
Thank you, thank you, thank you!! so much for starting this site. If it is OK with you, I would love to use your web address to show people on Craigslist that they are scammers.
Thank you again, you have saved me a lot of money that I really need.
The Terrys are up to the same shenanigans! This time w/ their W 73rd st ad. THANK YOU for your posts!
I responded to an ad for $700 (Washington Hts/Inwood) specifically, 204th & Cooper. I got an email back from cindy gleyn on an apartment @ 99 Jane Street for $900. their chicago contact in this email: "We just received some news from our representative (Sandra Woods Tel: 773 467 7459) who is presently in Chicago had a little accident so we are handling the leasing ourselves." must be very icy in chicago...
Can anyone please see if this looks like a new scam?
From the craigslist add, you could see, that the apartment located in:Murray Hill, Manhattan, Park Ave, E 38th. It is located on the 3rd floor, the number of the apartment is 3B. It has 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom, 1 kitchen and 1 living room (944sq feet).
I am looking for someone to live in it, as soon as possible, because my company has won the auction for a project, in construction, for a building that will rise up in London, United Kingdom. I am a civil engineer, so my accommodation period in UK will be about 4 years. The renting period is from 3 months upto 4 years. As a result of this I want to rent, for this period, at this price and also to find the perfect person for my apartment. I`m the owner of the apt and it's like in the pics.
The apartment is furnished, but I have the option of sending all my furniture into storage if you want to bring your own (no extra costs). The rent for 1 month is $1,000 (for the whole apartment) including all utilities (water, electricity, Internet, cable, parking, air conditioning, fireplace, dishwasher, garbage disposal, microwave, refrigerator). You can move in the apt in the same day when you receive the keys. The only problem is that I`m the only person who has the keys but I hope that we will find a solution.
Thank you for your reply but the matter is that I'm in London already. Like I have inform you before, the price you shall pay for one month of rent will be $1.000 US, with no extra taxes to pay. The money, I want to revive it monthly to my bank account, so I hope it will be no problem for you to wire the money to my bank account. The apartment is ready for you, you will need only to receive the keys and the contract to check it, and see if you like it.
Obviously we need a way to complete this deal, that will allow us to make sure we receive what we are after. In order of that I have found a way for us to complete the deal safely and fast, and in this way you will receive the Keys in less than 2 days, if you move fast as well. The solution is provided by a company called TNT which is similar to FedEx, DHL or UPS, which will handle both payment and delivery of the Keys.
I have found a procedure that will allow you to pay for the rent of the apt only after you will receive the keys of it and through this way you will see it and decide if you will stay in the apt or not before I receive my payment. Please click on the link bellow to the TNT website to see how we can complete the deal safely and fast directly from the website of the
company where the procedure is explained: http://www.tnt.com/express/en_us/site/home/shipping_tools.html
Linda Pothay
Same scam, different names...
Thanks for your response. My name is Sarah Anderson and I wish to inform you that the apartment at 13-11 Jackson Ave., Long Island City, NY 11101 (Area: 1154 ft² (107.2M²) Neighborhood: Long Island City) is still available and belongs to my husband and I. We apologize for the slight delay in responding to your enquiry. We just received some news from our representative (Johnson Pierre Tel: 321 5414916) who is presently in Tx, Houston had a little accident so we are handling the leasing ourselves.
However, we are very busy people and we will not like to take much of your time, therefore I will go straight to breaking down the terms and conditions that apply to the apartment.
My husband and myself have our preferences in given out the apartment. This means we could be a bit choosy but we apologies in advance if it seems to be rather harsh. The apartment is furnished as you can see from the picture attached but most of the furnitures has been move into the store room. The furnitures could be replaced if you like. We are looking out for a responsible person, preferably single. If we accept any married couple, we cannot accept above three kids. In the case of married couple, they will accept full responsibility for property damages during their stay. Pets are allowed and we may be given out the apartment at a very low and reasonable price but we are given it out for a minimum period of at least 3 months starting April/May or preferably a longer lease period to as much as 5 years lease. Since we cleared the apartment for renovation on January, we have not been in New York due to business. Myself, my husband and my children have relocated to England, so we will be given out the apartment for a long duration at $800 month rate (Utilities included). Our priority is taken a responsible, careful, understanding and reasonable tenant that will take good care of the property, since we will be away for most of the period.
The rental agreement will contain issue like;
rental payments
duration of lease
parking
subletting
damage to premises
painting
pets
payment of utilities
lockouts
right of inspection
deposit refunds
terminating the lease
We do not have time for games so we suggest that if you are not serious about the apartment, you try somewhere else. My time is very valuable and my husband is a very busy person but he will like to still speak with you over the telephone before any arrangement for you to inspect the apartment because we cannot just give attention to everyone that is interested in the apartment. My husband's full names are Michael Anderson, Tel: :+44 702 4078204. Call Monday to Friday only if you are serious about taken the apartment and let us know how long you will like to have the apartment to help us make our decision. If satisfied, we can discuss on how to get the document and the keys of the house to you to inspect.. We will like to know you better to help us take our decision on the apartment therefore, in your response, kindly tell us a little about yourself like your names, current address, your present occupation, marital status, if you like pets and why you want to take the apartment?
As soon as we hear from you, we will contact you with more details.
Thanks,
Sarah
I just got scammed by the same people. I answered a post about an apt on 204th St & Cooper St ( Wash Hghts/Inwood ) in Manhattan & when I tried to wire them the money, the name that they used had a 'fraud alert' on it, so luckly it did not go through. They used the name of an attorney in tx. Luckly my co-workers decided that we should google it & call the office to see if it was true that he had been relocated to the UK on business.
I called & spoke to him and asked him if he had an apt for rent in NY. He said he did not & that he knew it was the scam from craigslist, so we both notified the FTC to let them know. All I could do was put a fraud alert on my info ( I had sent them a copy of my state Id, same thing the attorney did & that's how they got his info to send it to me ).
The phone number they provided was +44 704 575 4496. I even spoke to him. He sounded it a bit weird but the thought of getting a great apt for such a great price bipassed all of that. I had been in contact with his 'wife' for a few days now & 'she' even sent me an email telling me to "rest assure you have nothing to worry about. You will be receiving it before the weekend"
Now I have to send all emails to the FTC so they can track them or something. It was a dooner but at least I didn't lose my money.
Guys they strike again...I was thinking an apartment for 1 bedroom couldn't be $600 + utilities in white plains, ny. I googled the UK phone number and find all of you and thanks to you all, I stopped here. I just got a long email pasted below. Don't fall for them guys.
This is what the ad said
------------------------
$600 / 1br - DARE TO MISS (White Plains/westchester) (map)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Reply to: hous-efae8-1211504540@craigslist.org [Errors when replying to ads?]
Date: 2009-06-08, 2:22PM EDT
Dare to Compare End Unit! Best value per sq.ft. in this prestigious residence. Open fl.plan elegantly appointed. Exquisite Master BR w/fl. to ceiling marble bth. Sizeable office/den w/WIC, could be 2nd BR. Customized, adjustable California closets thru-out. Cherry fls., granite countertops, SS appliances, 11' ceilings. Amenities incl. 24 hr. Concierge/Security, indoor/outdoor pool, tennis, basketball courts, rec. area, fitness ctr., business ctr, playrm. and train shuttle. 30 min. commute to NYC!
10 City (google map) (yahoo map)
cats are OK - purrr
Location: White Plains/westchester
it's NOT ok to contact this poster with services or other commercial interests
Fee Disclosure: 600
Listed By:
PostingID: 1211504540
After their 1st email which unfortunately I can't paste, I googled the UK phone # and stopped.
Be Aware of this Scam.
Still at it -- Recent Scam 6/21/09
$650 / 1br - NOT TO MISS (Upper West Side)
http://newyork.craigslist.org/mnh/abo/1232128393.html
The scammer is using cindysarne@gmail.com.
Here is the scammers message:
Thanks for your response. My name is Cindy Sarne and I wish to inform you that the apartment 253 West 73rd Street, New York NY 10023 (Interior: 815 sq. ft. (approx.), Neighborhood: Upper West Side) is still available and belongs to my husband and I. We apologize for the slight delay in responding to your enquiry. We just received some news from our representative (Sandra Woods) who is presently in Chicago had a little accident so we are handling the leasing ourselves.
However, we are very busy people and we will not like to take much of your time, therefore I will go straight to breaking down the terms and conditions that apply to the apartment.
My husband and myself have our preferences in given out the apartment. This means we could be a bit choosy but we apologies in advance if it seems to be rather harsh. The apartment is furnished as you can see from the picture attached but most of the furnitures has been move into the store room. The furnitures could be replaced if you like. We are looking out for a responsible person, preferably single........ If we accept any married couple, we cannot accept above one kid.. In the case of married couple, they will accept full responsibility for property damages during their stay. Pets are allowed and we may be given out the apartment at a very low and reasonable price but we are given it out for a minimum period of at least 3 months starting from July or preferably a longer lease period to as much as 5 years lease. Since we cleared the apartment for renovation on November, we have not been in New York due to business. Myself and my husband relocated to England, so we will be given out the apartment for a long duration at $650 month rate (Utilities included). Our priority is taken a responsible, careful, understanding and reasonable tenant that will take good care of the property, since we will be away for most of the period.
We do not have time for games so we suggest that if you are not serious about the apartment, you try somewhere else. My time is very valuable and my husband is a very busy person but he will like to still speak with you over the telephone before any arrangement for you to inspect the apartment because we cannot just give attention to everyone that is interested in the apartment. My husband's full names are Joseph Sarne, Telephone: +44 702 402 0801. Call only if you are serious about taken the apartment and let us know how long you will like to have the apartment to help us make our decision. If satisfied, we can discuss on how to get the document and the keys of the house to you to inspect. We will like to know you better to help us take our decision on the apartment therefore, in your response, kindly tell us a little about yourself like your names, hobbies, current address, your present occupation, marital status, if you like pets and why you want to take the apartment?
As soon as we hear from you, we will contact you with more details.
Cindy
Wow!
I nearly got duped out of $200 by these same people. They are now using the names Cindy Sarne and Andrew Sarne--they even had a driver's license of Andrew Sarne scanned to me.
I only got to this website after googling the phone number they had given me (+44 792 400 3256).
The posting was for Brooklyn Heights--a studio apartment.
They emails I received were word for word what other people have posted...
Watch out for these dummies. Using the same text in the email but have changed their address.
from llemany@aol.com
date Sun, Jul 19, 2009 at 5:22 AM
subject Re: Chelsea studio still available?
mailed-by aol.com
Hello,
Thank you for your interest. From the craigslist add, you could see, that the apartment located in: Chelsea, Manhattan, 34th St, 9th . It is located on the 3rd floor, the number of the apartment is 3B. It has 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, 1 kitchen and 1 living room (944sq feet).
I am looking for someone to live in it, as soon as possible, because my company has won the auction for a project, in construction, for a building that will rise up in London, United Kingdom. I am a civil engineer, so my accommodation period in UK will be about 4 years. The renting period is from 3 months upto 4 years. As a result of this I want to rent, for this period, at this price and also to find the perfect person for my apartment. I`m the owner of the apt and it's like in the pics.
The apartment is furnished, but I have the option of sending all my furniture into storage if you want to bring your own (no extra costs). The rent for 1 month is $1,000 (for the whole apartment) including all utilities (water, electricity, Internet, cable, parking, air conditioning, fireplace, dishwasher, garbage disposal, microwave, refrigerator). You can move in the apt in the same day when you receive the keys. The only problem is that I`m the only person who has the keys but I hope that we will find a solution.
Thank you for your interest and I will look forward to hearing from you soon.
Good luck,
Linda Lemany
P.S. Please tell me if this is what are you looking for and reply my only if you are truly interested in the apt.
They are now posting an apartment on the UWS - 253 West 73rd - for only $650 with names as Cindy Sarne and Joseph Sarne.The numbers they asked me to call are +44 792 400 3256, and +44 702 402 0801. I tried to call the later number with Skype but could not get through(I dont know if Skype has blocked this number).Thank God I googled their number and found this website!Thank you all of you who kindly posted numbers, names, and apts those evil people put on craiglist.
On Craigslist again, as Cindy and Joseph Sarne. $650/month with utilities 253 West 73rd Street, New York NY 10023....
Thanks for the heads-up!!
THEY ARE STILL AT IT!!! THIS IS A SCAM!!!!
-----Forwarded Message-----
Date: Thursday, July 30, 2009
From: "cindy srne" cindysarne@gmail.com
Subject: Regarding apartment
Thanks for your response. Personally, I will like to just give you the
apartment without asking any additional questions because you seem like an
ideal tenant but I will have to further discuss the issue with my husband.
You are not the first person approaching us for the place so I do appreciate
an high level of seriousness because our schedule is very tight. We would
like to conclude with the leasing process to focus on our regular business
activities as soon as possible. It is because of our business we had to
relocate to UK in the first place.
There maybe a little problem because our representative will be unable to
coordinate things with you from Chicago due to her health status but I will
try to work things out with my husband for us to conclude with you from
here. He bought the apartment because he normally do business in New York
but we just want to lease it for the period we will be out of the states.
This will be at least 5 years or more. My husband was considering selling
off the property but changed his mind because we still have other long term
plans for the place. We would like to know the exact duration you want to
sign up for the apartment. We wish to start leasing starting from
August/September. I suggest you find time to call to discuss further.
The monthly rental rate is $620 and security deposit is going at same rate.
Like I told you before that this is not about the money, which is why our
price is very reasonable. The apartment had just been renovated with
security access system installed. We just need someone to take good care of
the apartment while we are away. I am very concerned about the state of my
kitchen and bathroom. Some of the furniture had been moved to the store room
under lock and key. This could be placed back if you like but I will also
discuss that with my husband. My husband direct line is +44 792 400 3256.
We intend to start collection of the rental fee of your duration after you
have seen the place. We would probably use my husband's Chase account in New
York to facilitate the transaction. However, there is nobody there that will
show you the place unless we make arrangement to send you the keys along
with copies of the house documents, security access decoder, tenancy
agreement and other lease signing papers.
I will try to talk to my husband today about sending you the keys and
documents but you will need to scan us some form of your id or reference to
add to your photo sent before we do that, preferably send us your work id,
student id, driver's license or state's id to verify your identification.
Alternatively, you can scan your letter of employment or admission letter as
reference. The insured cost of shipping is also about £133. More so, after
viewing the apartment, if you do not like it, you will also be responsible
for sending us back our keys and documents.
If you are okay with this arrangement, get back to us with your feedback.
Regards,
Cindy
ok you guys, this scam has now moved to the DC area FYI. he is now a
"Dr. Koerper Philip
332 Brixton Road,
London, SW9 7AA
England
+ 44 702 402 8948
+ 44 702 405 1537"
keep an eye out for a rowhouse in georgetown that rents for 1200. complete scam. i will paste his requirements below. enjoy!
having just explained to you the reasons for the drop in price and having read the details you sent in and taking time out to review all the applications submitted, i found yours very satisfactory. so be informed that i have considered you as my new tenant, do feel free in my house as it is now your new home,we will have the best of landlord / tenent relationship.concerning someone that will show you the house as i told you i have the keys and my family here with me so i do not have a contact person for now as i did asked the agent i contracted initially to hands off the property ok.
So all you should do now is to pay the deposit of $800 which is all that is required for your move in and your rent starts from the date of move in ok, the deposit is to enable me send the keys to you via courier service and once the payment details is received which should include senders name,address and amount paid the keys will be sent to your present address.
The deposit should be sent through western union money transfer or moneygram in my name and address below and the keys and signed lease agreement will be sent to you via courier serviice and you will receive it at your stated address within 48 hrs of receiving the payment information, i look forward to your reply..
Dr. Koerper Philip
332 Brixton Road,
London, SW9 7AA
England
+ 44 702 402 8948
+ 44 702 405 1537
These people have also been trying to scam me. The names they are now using is Anne and Randall Bocian, its a complete scam. do not beleive them... I have received the same emails as the people on this site.
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