Do you people realize these scammers are using this money to promote terrorism against Americans at home and abroad. They rake in millions of dollars each year in this and other online scams and they know the F.B.I.won't investigate because there are to many of them to chase  down.I think they should track down the people in the US to try to curb this problem.There are people who helped these scammers by collecting money at Western Union then sending it offshore to these scammers have been identified yet nothing happens. Start with them and see where it leads since most of them knew what they got into for the easy money.I say prosecute them all to try put an end to this.

F*** you "Mohamed".  May the fleas of a thousand camels infest your groin.

1/28/2012 Found a listing on Craigslist for an apartment in Miami.

$200 / 3br - 1500ft² - 3BR/4BA,HANDSOMELY FURNISHED SLEEPS 10,TV,DVD,WiFI Intrnet,TV,DVD~BOOK (MIAMI SOUTH BEACH, FL)
Date: 2012-01-28, 5:12PM EST
Reply to: hous-d2p6q-2792060424@craigslist.org [Errors when replying to ads?]
It is one of the more popular places to stay in Miami for families and couples on vacation. Unit A is 1,500 square feet and is one of three four bedroom Miami lodging condos .. This first floor, vacation rental has four oversized bedrooms, two bathrooms and will sleep up to ten people comfortably.

The living room in Unit A is spacious and has modern, trendy furnishings that include two rich brown convertible-sofas, coordinating coffee table and wall mounted, flat screen TV. There is a separate dining room with a contemporary and eight matching high-back chairs. The custom kitchen has beautiful marble counter tops, new wood cabinetry and all stainless steel appliances. There kitchen also has a clothes washer and dryer.

The seller, a Mr Samuel Miller, responded saying it was available and needed $400 + $200 security, a total of $800. After getting in contact with him by phone I noticed that the phone number was from out of state, not Florida. He also had a heavy accent like Haitian or French African. I knew right away that something wasn't right and looked up his phone number 504-355-3301. It turns out he is a scammer.
Never pay people like these with Western Union, you will loose your money !  Lucky for me I didn't

CRAIGSLIST CAN GO KICK ROCKS

My experience with CRAIGSLIST was in the year of 2010. I was looking for an apartment for myself and my twins. I contacted several few people via email. From what I can remember there was a doctor wanting to sub-lease his place because he was in Africa. I found this out because when he first responded to my email in reference to me wanting to see the apartment that was the excuse he use. From his email he insisted I send him the money by transfer and still could not provide me access to the apartment. SO MY RED FLAGS SHOOTS THROUGH THE ROOF WHEN HE SAID HE WAS IN AFRICA ON A SPECIAL MISSION. For at least at least two days he still insisted I send him the money. In short I basically said to him F---- Y--. Ever since then I tell people that CRAIGSLIST IS THAT BROWN STUFF YOU SEE EVERYDAY FLOATING IN YOUR TOILET.A

Just missed getting snagged in his net! Cancelled payment as soon as I saw he was an unregistered PayPal user. His ad was for a Waikiki rental 140/night for a condo that usually goes for over 600/night.

Goes by Samuel Miller, requests that you put the following messages:

You are to complete the booking and agreement form with the necessary details. You are to make the 50% ($420) plus the refundable security
fee of $200. Altogether, $620.
Pay to  ACCOUNT PAY PAL EMAIL PAY PAL EMAIL:   positiverentals@yahoo.com

When completing the payment. Indicate on Pay Pal Subject   (REF: GHG023 )   and for the message, only indicate  (WF/24237-2011)

As soon as I have the payment confirmation, I will complete your reservation and send your receipt of payment.

Thanks.
Samuel.

Hope this helps the community get this guy.

If you want to catch one of these fraudsters  go to   pbso.org    go to booking blotter,type in Teresa Messina in dates use 04/13/2011 in both areas .You will be able to see pict. and current address or this person

I just got scammed by the same people. But he said his name was james stewart and he was asian and could not understand a word he said. Nilda rivera was the woman who picked up the money in brideport. Would love to have the a**les arrested

Also, the name on my correspondence was Mathew Cohen.

I am researching a condo in Hawaii, looks like names and phone numbers match so I won't be getting the one I thought.
On the other hand, we have rented vacation homes on craigslist a lot! Have never had a deal go bad. Don't think they are all scams. I prefer the one's that will let you send a check to.

I almost just got scammed for this same thing!!

Anything that has-


Name: Nilda Rivera
City: Bridgeport
State:Connecticut
Zip Code:  06606
USA

Faces of fraud.Check out pbso.org  Teresa Messina  04/13/2011

Here is info on the person who received the money at western union is Teresa Messina 106 so.four seasons rd.West Palm Beach FL 33410

THANKS FOR YOUR ADDS IM A SOLDIER CURRENTLY DEPLOYEAD IN AFGHANISTAN AND WAS LOOKING FOR A VACATION RENTAL IN LAS VEGAS. AFTER READING ALL THE POST IT HELPED ME FIND OUT THAT THE PERSON I WAS DEALING WITH WAS TRYING TO SCAM ME. HERE IS HIS INFO.

NAME: Frank Gerson
PHONE NUMBER: (504) 355-3301
EMAIL: btaparte@gmail.com
WESTERN UNION INFORMATION:
Name: Nilda Rivera
City: Bridgeport
State:Connecticut
Zip Code:  06606
USA

I am so thankful for the previous posts. Looks like there is a scammer out there by the name of FRANK MOSS that is also using the Nilda Rivera Bridgeport, CT info to scam people.
The listing was for Rio De Janiero.
phone number listed 213-533-2252.
he aslo told me to use www.westernunion.com to wire money and a receipt would be sent.
Thank goodness I did not do this!
I told him I was sending all of the info to the police and he hung up on me.
Thanks again for posting.

Just got the same message from 'Katie Grant' about a place in Laguna Beach, CA:

Thank you for showing interest. The property is still available for the date chosen. I am sure that this is one of the best property you can get around at this reasonable rate but i cannot guarantee the hold of the property until you book for it. You are required to pay the 50% rental fee and a refundable security fee of $200 to enable me hold the property for you as there is rush for the property at this time. I will issue you a receipt confirming your payment. You get to notify me of the exact time you will be arriving in to make arrangement to pick you up. There is no extra charges for this also. I will render this service for free. The owner accept online payment as form of payment. I am an agent. I will send you our booking and payment form as soon as i have your reply to know you are interested in the property.

1 NIGHT    = $200 inclusive of tax and cleaning fee
REFUNDABLE SECURITY FEE =   $200
TOTAL DEPOSIT = $400

Thanks

Katie

Just googled positiverantals11@aol.com and came up with a list of rentals. This guy is running the same scam in several cities using same e-mail and phone number. See below.

Old Style Florida Home totally restored, upgraded and modernized.keys.craigslist.org ? housing ? vacation rentalsDate: 2011-06-29, 8:55PM EDT Reply to: positiverantals11@aol.com. 200 2br Old Style Florida Home totally restored, upgraded and modernized. (Marathon,) ...

Charming House, Few minutes walk to the Beach. Perfect Vacationsantabarbara.craigslist.org ? housing ? vacation rentalsDate: 2011-06-29, 5:11PM PDT Reply to: positiverantals11@aol.com. Just 5 minutes to the beach! ''The street of the friends...'' Tree lined st, Mediterranean ...

Welcome to our charming Apartment Homeslasvegas.craigslist.org ? housing ? vacation rentalsDate: 2011-06-29, 6:59PM PDT Reply to: positiverantals11@aol.com. Welcome to our charming Apartment Homes, a great place to call home. ...

Desirable as home!!Your Home Away From Homefresno.craigslist.org ? housing ? vacation rentalsDate: 2011-06-29, 4:34PM PDT Reply to: positiverantals11@aol.com. Sitting on Top of the World! It was a cool custom home in it's day. ...

Magnificent Home in the Heart of Kissimmee + Private Pool + WI-Fiorlando.craigslist.org ? housing ? vacation rentalsDate: 2011-06-29, 9:22PM EDT Reply to: positiverantals11@aol.com. Magnificent villa 3 bedrooms /3 bathrooms -- large swimming pool --Private and secure ...

Luxury Oceanfront Condo.!!!Reserve With Us!!!sandiego.craigslist.org ? city of san diego ? housing ? vacation rentals- Block all sandiego.craigslist.org results

Date: 2011-06-29, 3:59PM PDT Reply to: positiverantals11@aol.com. This condo is located on the famous Mission Beach Boardwalk. There are spectacular ocean ...

Not sure if it is the same guy, but there is someone who is operating the same scam in Baltimore maryland trying to rent out condos in ocean city that don't belong to him. He stole listings from legitimate websites like homeaway.com. He is using the same language and rental agreement described on this site. He used to go by the name of James Butler agent to Becky Shaeib in 790 Lakeshore Dr, Stillwater, OK 74075 around January period. Currently he is going by Eric, phone number 239-690-6579, email: positiverantals11@aol.com (he does not know how to spell rentals). He is acting as agent to some Pamela Carpenter, and has switched to GE Money Bank (?), see below

From: positiverantals11@aol.com <positiverantals11@aol.com>
Subject: Re:BOOKING AGREEMENT FORM
Date: Sunday, June 26, 2011, 12:52 PM


 I have penciled you for the dates but yet to complete your reservation. I have attached the booking and agreement form coupled with some information in this  email.You are to complete it with the necessary details.

  You are required to make payment of ($400) rent fee plus the refundable security fee ($300) total of ($700) towards renting this property for 2/Nights . As soon as you have filled the form and  completed the transaction please get back to me with the scanned payment confirmation as it will be used to finalize your reservation after which your receipt of confirmation will be issued to you.Please do remember to come along with your receipt of payment. It is very important

Here is the Bank Details to make the PAYMENT.



GE MONEY BANK
Name: Pamela Carpenter
Route: 124085024
Account: 41814700934769745



Regards,

Eric.

239-690-6579

Annoying phone calls with no one on line when picked up.

Glad I decided to Google...she's on the Denver Craigslist...grrrrrrr...

Same thing happened to me for 2 condos I found on Craig's List for Miami Beach.  If they ask for Western Union stay away!!  I have had great luck before with Craig's List in Miami Beach and in San Francisco, but buyer be ware for sure.  Do your research before making any deposits.  I have found the that Pay Pal and direct deposits into a persons account have been reputable.

The post that is above is exactly what I found in Miami Beach.  Although the listing was bluegreen36456@juno.com but had the same exact names with the same shake down.

My boyfriend and l fell for the New Orleans Jazz Fest scam. Lost $725 now we can't go, and have also paid for Jazz Fest tickets. As we were comming from the U.K no refund for the tickets , as we were going to pick them up at the gate, and you have to show the credit card that was used to purchase them. We are both very upset as to losing the money as now everthing that we could have afforded has now gone !!! We paid by paypal.
We would love the people responsable to be caught !!!

 Regards Sue

Mission Beach, San Diego.- as advertised on Craigslist

Like everyone else I thought it was too good to be true....So glad I googled her! She even gave me a phone number to contact her....This is the number she gave me 206-426-6914

From: purpleblue10001@juno.com
Date: Tue, 5 Apr 2011 00:58:06 +0000
Attached is the paperwork. Also to have the property reserved for you.You need to have the %50 deposit plus the refundable security fee which is $200. The total deposit you will be sending is ($725) you will transfer it to the owner of the property via western union money transfer. On your arrival you will pay the remaining %50 payment while i will then hand over the keys to you. Here is the owner's name and address to send the deposit.

Name: Tom Nelson
Address: 124 Beacon St
St Paul, MN 55101

Get back to me immediately with the western union control # and the information given to you while deposit is transferred.Please remember to print and come along with the property receipt that i will attach and forward to you after confirmation of deposit.Let me know when you will be through with this.

Glennette
This is a number to reach me 206-426-6914 it's a business line connected to the internet so when the internet is on the phone the phone will not be available just try to call me and if you can not get through then email me. I want you to know that we are a consummate professional in vacation rentals, great with people online or in person,and i understand the nuances and details of  this business.I have no qualms about morality or business ethics. Rent with us and you will never regret renting from us. We accept credit card and western union for our payment but our credit card account is not working now and we are trying to get it fix that is why we accept western union for deposit. Let me know if you are still interested in booking the property.

Glennette
From: purpleblue10001@juno.com
Date: Mon, 4 Apr 2011 23:06:57 +0000
Subject: Re: Mission Beach

Thank you for showing interest. The property is still available for the date chosen. I am sure that this is one of the best property you can get around at this reasonable rate but i cannot guarantee the hold of the property until you book for it. You are required to pay50% of the total rental fee and a refundable security fee of $200 to enable me hold the property for you as there is rush for the property at this time. I will issue you a receipt confirming your payment. You get to notify me of the exact time you will be arriving in to make arrangement to pick you up. There is no extra charges for this also. I will render this service for free. The owner only accept western union as form of payment.I am an agent. I will send you our booking and payment form as soon as i have your reply to know you are interested in the property.

7  NIGHTS    =   $1050
%50 DEPOSIT  =   $525
SECURITY FEE =   $200

Thanks

Glennette

Wow! I just contacted this person about booking a condo in Hawaii... seemed fake, glad I looked it up. He said

"Hello George,

Thank you for showing interest. The property is still available for the date chosen. I am sure that this is one of the best property you can get around at this reasonable rate but i cannot guarantee the hold of the property until you book for it. You are required to pay50% of the total rental fee and a refundable security fee of $200 to enable me hold the property for you as there is rush for the property at this time. I will issue you a receipt confirming your payment. You get to notify me of the exact time you will be arriving in to make arrangement to pick you up. There is no extra charges for this also. I will render this service for free. The owner only accept western union as form of payment.I am an agent. I will send you our booking and payment form as soon as i have your reply to know you are interested in the property.

5  NIGHTS    =   $750
%50 DEPOSIT  =   $375
SECURITY FEE =   $200

Thanks

Glennette"


Didn't seem legit.

****SCAM/FRAUD/WATCH OUT!!!!****
I'm so glad I "Googled" the email purpleblue10001@juno.com before I went through with this vacation rental because it led me straight to this site. I responded to a Craigslist ad for a vacation condo. This person name "Glennette" who is supposedly an agent said that I need to put down 50%, plus a $200 deposit all through Paypal. I'm glad I stuck with my gut, and Googled her information before I put down anything because it seemed too good to be true. Supposedly, Glennette is an agent, but when she responds to you, she closes the email only with her first name, and does not have any information in her signature about the company that she works as an agent for.

Things to look out for:

Email: purpleblue10001@juno.com
Name: Glennette ("agent")
Price information: Put 50% down, plus $200 deposit. Pay the rest when you get to the location. A pickup from the airport can be arranged as well.

Hi Susanna,

This fake rental in New Orleans looks like it is coming from a criminal gang operating out of Nigeria.  They seem to be active now in New Orleans, but they have been operating all over the country for awhile now.

I just got the fake ad canceled at Craigslist by flagging it as prohibited.

Moses Campbell is a money mule.  He picks up the "deposit" money from his nearby Western Union office and wires it back to Nigeria.  For his trouble, he gets to keep 5% or 10% of the money.  His street address is fake, but he probably lives around Decatur, IL.

If the local police get enough reports about a money mule, they'll bust them.  It doesn't hurt to report the attempted fraud to both Western Union and the police.  Western Union will have the money mule's photo and drivers license information on file from any of his past money pickups.

Moses also seems to own a ski house in Vermont. ;-)

VactionalRentalScams
vacationrentalscams@gmail.com

I just asked for a local office address and a phone number.  the emailer gave me:  206-202-9917 - watch out, it is associated with a scam artist!

Of course, the scammer is backing out now that I am asking for more details

OMIGOD, thank god for this forum.  I was just about to book a place in New Orleans found on craigslist when I mentioned to my husband that they wanted payment by Western Union (which I have never in my entire life ever used) and he said he'd read an article in the NY Times about scams: http://frugaltraveler.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/ ... on-rental-scam/

Here is the listing that drew me in:

http://neworleans.craigslist.org/vac/2223153420.html

$150 / 3br - LUXURY,PERFECT JAZZ FEST/MARDI GRASS VOODOO- BOOK NOW (NEW ORLEANS)

Whether you are coming for Business or Pleasure Mardi Gras, - Jazz Festival - for Aesthetic Traveler you can enjoy your stay in New Orleans and have a comfortable home to retreat to. This Garden level fully-appointed three bedroom apartment in a beautiful historic New Orleans Style. This is living life with Good style. Skip the overpriced closet sized hotel rooms and have a New Orleans experience.This is truly an incredible location on vibrant St. Philip Street at Royal Street Walking distance to all major attractions, riverfront and downtown. There is free street-side parking in front of the house if you are thinking of having a car but you can very easily get by without one. There are grocers and fresh fruits, veggies, fish markets nearby.The private apartment is newly renovated and equipped.Pets Allowed

Please write about yourself and the number of nights you intend staying.

The booking was by Glennette for 689 St? Philip St, New Orleans LA 70116.

Email: purpleblue10001@juno.com

The owner to whom I was supposed to send the payment:
Name: Moses Campbell
Address: 427 Beacon St
Decatur, Illinois 62522

They are using the name Anna Mottox and are now using a property 1300 North Rampart.  Owner is supposed to be a Thomas Nelson.  They have my money and are now looking to receive my ID.  In error they sent me an receipt for Erin Roberts---which is not me.  I wrote her back and said this was a scam---and they sent me my receipt and were offended that I called this a hoax.  Im out 400 and still trying to find accommodations.  
i DON'T KNOW WHY cRAIGS let these people post.

I have been hit.  What is your email info