I am posting this lengthy dialogue between someone who has been kind enough to share it with me, and a scammer – This was from Craigslist, but I am posting it here anyways – I have removed the property listers e-mail and identifying information, but have left the scammer’s stuff in there, so hopefully it will help anyone to avoid this scammer down the road.
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Hi David
Another chapter to add, today the owner of the suite received a bank draft
for $4000 drawn on the BOM. To be honest not sure what the next step should
be, I haven’t checked with the RCMP but as far as I can see no Canadian has
yet been broken so I’d be surprised if the get involved. I can fax you a
copy of the cheque if you like. Help! G
—–Original Message—–
From: Canada Rentals [mailto:d...@canadarentals.net]
Sent: Wednesday, January 27, 2010 9:06 AM
To: G
Subject: Re: Fraud details
I am going to post this whole thing on a new blog post this week, if you
don’t mind – called “A scam from start to finish”
I’ll remove your e-mail address but I think this will be really
helpful. Is that ok?
David
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Hi David
My pleasure and thanks for the response.
This rental posting was posted by myself on behalf of a friend who is
not computer literate).
The following letters are posted chronologically beginning with the
Craig’s list ad that we posted, all communications from the scammers
are in red. The last letter is a beauty. I was quite lucky to get a
hit on the net as Google doesn’t give you anything unless you put
Andre Whiff in quotations.
Regards,
- G
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Summary : -
Jamie Lee (jamie.lee00e@gmail.com
Skype : – good.lord2
Andre Whiff : – (shipitfastnowuk@gmail.com)
*(1) $550 one bedroom suite, ideal for student/couple (Lougheed mall
area) (map)*
*Date: 2010-01-17, 7:36PM PST*
*Reply to: …….@hotmail.com [Errors when replying to ads?]*
*• Immediate occupancy from Jan 21st, 2010*
*• Partially furnished basement suite in townhouse*
*• Private bathroom, shared kitchen plus some common area*
*• Laundry and utilities included with rent*
*• Please contact …….. at 604 ……… (preferred) or 604 ……….*
*Ga…… Dr. at B…….. Cres. (google map) (yahoo map)*
* Location: Lougheed mall area*
(2) $550 one bedroom suite, ideal for student/couple (Lougheed mall
area) (map)?
From: Jamie Lee (jamie.lee00e@gmail.com)
Sent: January 17, 2010 8:53:17 PM
To: ….@hotmail.com
Hello,
Kindly let me know if you still have the place for rent,
Thanks
*(3) Yes it is however you need to contact the owner by phone as his
computer is not working. (I’m helping him out with the advertising)
Suggest you call his cell in the morning 604 …….*
* *
*(4) Re: $550 one bedroom suite, ideal for student/couple (Lougheed
mall area) (map)**?*
*From: Jamie Lee (jamie.lee00e@gmail.com)*
*Sent: January 18, 2010 2:25:44 PM*
*To: ……. Hill (….@hotmail.com)*
Hello,
I was born in and raised in Europe 28 yrs ago and pretty much moved
around Europe half of my life until my parents decided to settle in
England where I live now. I’m a matured, Vivacious, career driven
individual. I don’t smoke and drink on very sparse occasions (probably
won’t even consume up to 5 liters in year) which might be buoyed
something very special like a job promotion or maybe a best
friend’s wedding (lol).
I should be arriving late January but I don’t mind taking the place
right away. I plan on staying in Canada for at least 3 years minimum
So I should be able to sign a year contract there is need for it.
I would be working as a Network Administrator. Where is the nearest
intersection and could you send me some pics?
My employer will be sending you payment for the first and last month
rent and also my shipper will be shipping my Honda 2009 model and
other personal effects before I move into your place.I wont be
bringing much over as I intend to buy most afresh there. But my PC
will be coming with me surely & other personal belongings.If this is
ok with you,kindly mail me back your name to make out the payment in &
your address to have it sent to.
I will be off to see my sick mum in the hospital who is due for
surgery soon. In case you want to get to me my skype is good.lord2
I look forward to your response.
Jamie
*(5) Dear Jamie*
*I must say I was very surprised to get a reply from outside the local
area, somewhere in the province perhaps but a reply from the UK was a
bit of a jolt. I have no problem to rent the suite to you under the
terms you mention with the one addition of a refundable damage deposit
equal to half a month’s rent ($275). That would make the total amount
$550 (Feb), $550 (last month’s rent) plus the above mentioned damage
deposit of $275 for a total of $1375. I will waive the January portion
of the rent. I have no need for a year lease or otherwise as the suite
can be rented very quickly given the location near Simon Fraser
University, a simple month’s notice will be fine. In so far as the
damage deposit is concerned BC rental regulations stipulate that if
the premises are left as they were found the renter is entitled to a
full refund plus interest. I will have you sign the standard BC rental
contract which basically lays down the terms and conditions of our
agreement. Unfortunately I do not have a specified parking stall for
your car however there are numerous visitor spots available within the
complex all reasonably close to the suite. I will send some stills and
even a short video of the area and Google maps can easily locate the
complex if you enter ……… Drive, Burnaby, BC in satellite
view. I might be able to communicate via Skype however I’m using my
friend’s computer as mine is down and will have to clear Skype use
through him. Contact information as follows…*
*Owner : – G…….y*
*Address : – 3……..Drive*
*City : – Burnaby, BC*
*Postal Code : – V3J …..*
(6) Re: $550 one bedroom suite, ideal for student/couple (Lougheed
mall area) (map)?
From: Jamie Lee (jamie.lee00e@gmail.com)
Sent: January 20, 2010 4:36:14 AM
To: G…. (……@hotmail.com)
Hello,
My employer has sent payment to your location and I’ll be sending you
the details later. This will enable you know when it will arrive. I
will appreciate if you notify me as soon as it does.
This is the first time I will be traveling to North America and I
believe articulating myself with the cultural change will not be
difficult as people like you will make me settle in easily. In the UK
majority of us are conservatives and I believe Canada is an
environment with more liberal and free thinking individuals.
Facing new challenges and enhancing my skills will be first priority
and I promise you that you will not regret ever renting the place out
to me as I am a very matured and understanding person.
Most importantly my shipper will be getting in touch with you
regarding shipping of my Honda Accord (2009) to your place and I have
given him your contact.His name is Andre Whiff and he’ll contact you
by email.
Yours sincerely
Jamie
(7) Hello ,
I am Andre Whiff and I am Mr Jamie Lee’s shipper.He instructed
me to get in touch with you pertaining his personal effects that he
will be shipping from the UK to Canada but I have been instructed not
to commence shipping until you confirm receipt of your rent.
There are certain details that I will be requiring from you so as to
make sure everything goes as planned.But most especially I will be
needing the address that Mr Lee’s effects will be arriving in
Canada.
I await your response and full co-operation.
Thank You
Andre
*(7) RE: Jamie Lee’s shipper**?*
*From: ……. Hill (…….@hotmail.com)*
*Sent: January 23, 2010 10:21:19 AM*
*To: shipitfastnowuk@gmail.com*
* *
*Go…….y*
*3……., Burnaby, BC, V3J ……. *
(8) From: Jamie Lee (jamie.lee00e@gmail.com)
Sent: January 24, 2010 4:14:28 PM
To: ……. Hill (…….@hotmail.com)
Hi …….,
I called Mr ……. ,he refered me to you and gave me your number to
call you. I tried calling and left you a voice message.
Jamie
PS:Did you get and email from my shipper Andre?
(9) Hi,
My mum’s surgery is scheduled to take place in 8hrs time, wish me luck!
Here’s a poem I composed(100% Plagiarised,lol).
Jamie
Canada, oh Canada
what hast thou done with me
whenever I do close my eyes
my heart is there with thee
Your mountains and great forests
of an infinity
Sequoias stand majestically
ancient serenity
What everlasting pleasure
lies in your scenery
the crumbling walls of what once was
beneath a Maple tree
Golden fields of waving grain
whisper a lullaby
the sunset slowly fades away
beyond your endless sky
Canada, oh Canada
what hast thou done with me
I feel thou whispers in my soul
I wish to be with thee
I spot a single red deer
scent danger in the breeze
the slightest noise will make her flee
among your mighty trees
I see your children playing
out on a frozen pond
at snowball fights and slapping pucks
a magic way beyond
Mem’ries of the days gone by
engraved into my soul
return to you I will some day
it’s always been my goal
Canada, oh Canada
what hast thou done with me
thou temptress of my craving heart
I long to be with thee.