I got the following reply when I posted a ad. for roommate.

Hello there!

Hope this finds you well. I'm interested in the room you placed on Craigslist. Do you still have it available? Please let me know ASAP...
Take care
Cati
PS: My email is caticocoz@gmail.com. Craigslist emails relay messages to my spam folder.


Hey ****,
Thanks for your kind and detailed response. I would have loved to discuss this rental over the phone but I already cancelled my contract with my service provider because I am moving to the States and I can't afford to pay for services that wont be rendered to me while I'm out of SA but I'll definitely give you a call as soon as we've been able established an understanding over email. I plan to arrive in the US, 25th May 2014 from Cape town, South Africa but I'm willing to make a deposit/Down Payment so that you can reserve the room for me if that's OK by you.  I don't have much further question except if you'd tell me a bit about the weather over there :) and oh, I won't mind seeing more pictures!

I just turned 26, I'm clean, honest, responsible and hard working. Usually quiet and easy going. I'm currently employed with Skanska as a civil engineer.

I have a Facebook profile. Simply search for Cati Coetzee. Feel free to contact me on home phone +2761 432 1048 . If am not at home, Jim or Mary ( My room mates) will be home. Ask any question you have from them  I am very happy to rent from you and co-operate with you.

Apart from the information I already have about the room, are there any special conditions? I will like to secure the place down pending my arrival if we both agree... and also please bear in mind that I'll have my car shipped prior to my arrival, and little of my stuffs, please let me know if there will be enough room for them.

Have a fabulous day and I hope to read from you soon,

Brgds,
Cati
caticocoz@gmail.com

I got the exact messages as above, found this page by googling the phone number.
This time the person's name is Tania Petersen, email is tpetstyle2914@gmail.com.

Got this message from a Cait Coetzee. She has a Facebook page apparently, but she told me to find it by looking up "sarenddse", which led me here. New number to watch for is +2761 432 1048.

" hi Zach,

Thanks for replying. I might not call you until we have established an understanding over email due to cost. I plan to arrive in the US, 29th April 2014 from Cape town, South Africa.  I don't have much question except if you'd tell me a bit about the weather over there :) and oh, I won't mind seeing more pictures!

I just turned 26, I'm clean, honest, responsible and hardworking. Usually quiet and easy going. I'm currently employed with Skanska as a civil engineer and will resume work over there next month.
I have a facebook profile. Simply search for sarenddse. Feel free to contact me on home phone +2761 432 1048 . If am not at home, Jim or Mary ( My room mates) will be home. Ask any question you have from them  I am very happy to rent from you and co-operate with you.

You may want to contact some references: Landlord: (j.barkelew@yahoo.com) Work Reference: Geoff Howard (ghoward@skanskagroup.org)

Apart from the information I already have about the room, are there any special conditions? I will like to secure the place down pending my arrival if we both agree... and also please bear in mind that I'll have my car shipped prior to my arrival, and little of my stuffs, please let me know if there will be enough room for them.

Hope to read from you soon,

Thanks very much
Cati
caticocoz@gmail.com"

Then there is a picture of Hispanic looking brunette.

Beware!

We just got almost the exact same email message as a reply to our ad. The return email was:  
Stephanie Myers <emgynane1@gmail.com>

Thanks for replying. I would have loved to discuss this rental over the phone but i already canceled my contract with service provider because i am moving to the States. I am super busy with big move and a sick mother in the hospital, she's very sick with cancer of the breast  but my sister will be arriving from Durban to look after her before my trip. I plan to arrive in the US, 15th April 2014 from Cape town, South Africa.  Few questions I have:

Are pets allowed? I have a small cat but I might not bring her.. Just curious.

Whats the usual weather around there?

Can you send additional pictures?


I'm a 26 year old happy woman, I'm clean, honest, responsible and hardworking. I'm usually quiet and easy going. I'm a Christian.  I'm currently employed with Skanska as a civil engineer and will resume work over there next month.

For references, you may contact below:

Former landlord :Jared Barkelew (j.barkelew@yahoo.com)

Work Reference: Geoff Howard (ghoward@skanskagroup.org)

You may want to search sarenddse on facebook for my profile if you use facebook. Feel free to contact me on home phone +2761 432 1048 . If am not at home, Jim or Mary ( My room mates) will be home. Ask any question you have from them  I am very happy to rent from you and co-operate with you.

Please tell me more about the room and if there are any special conditions regarding rental. I will like to secure the place down pending my arrival if we both agree... and also please bear in mind that I'll have my car shipped prior to my arrival, and little of my stuffs, please let me know if there will be enough room for them.

Right now, I have thought of it and understood that moving to the US will not only help boost my career but also my personal life.

bank*

I also received the most recent format of the email from Stephanie today.

I've had roommates off and on for years, and a few years back I let one scam play out just to see where it would go.  The end goal was to scam me out of money.  This person sent me a check from her employer for 4X the amount of rent, asking that I write her a check back for the amount over 1 month's rent so she could use it for moving expenses, etc.  I took the check to the back and told them I suspected something fishy.  They investigated, and found that the back the check was from didn't even exist.  The scammer hoped I would deposit the check and write/mail her one the same day, thus scamming me out of the amount of 3 month's rent since I wouldn't have found out her check didn't clear until a couple of days later.

So, for the scammers, getting our email addresses may be one goal, but if it plays out further, there may be multiple goals.

I got a carbon copy of what everyone else got from "Stephanie?"  By chance I web searched the email address, and saw these posts.  Unless I am missing something, or not up date on things, the only things they can accomplish with this is, 1) capture your IP if using CL email, and, 2) capture IP and email address if responding via personal email.  I am guess the latter is their desired goal?

Crap! I got this email today. Thought I might have had a bite until I actually GOOGLED her email address. No spam or phone calls yet...


 On 1/22/14 9:48 AM, Stephanie Myers wrote:
>
> I am contacting you with regards to your ad, do you still have this room?
>
> I am interested, let me know if it?s still available. You may need to reply to my email to avoid your message lost.
>
>  
>
> Thanks very much
>
> Stephanie
>
> myerschilds@gmail.com
>
>  

What do these scammers hope to accomplish? I happened to see the e-mail you posted after I googled the email address of this person that just replied to my ad and recognized the myerschild@gmail.com address. I just posted an ad today and got an e-mail from this person. It wasn't anything elaborate just as follows:

Hello,
I am contacting you with regards to your ad, do you still have this room?
I am interested, let me know if it?s still available. You may need to reply to my email to avoid your message lost.

Thanks very much
Stephanie
myerschilds@gmail.com

Silly me, I replied before I checked it out. Just an FYI to anyone posting an ad for a roommate, before replying, google their e-mail address. You may be surprised.

Got this one today ... 1-2-14

Hi XXXXXXX,

Thanks for replying. I would have loved to discuss this rental over the phone
but i already canceled my contract with service provider because i am moving to
the States. I am super busy with big move and a sick mother in the hospital,
she's very sick with cancer of the breast  but my sister will be arriving from
Durban to look after her before my trip. I plan to arrive in the US, 20th Jan
2014 from Cape town, South Africa.  Few questions I have:

Are pets allowed? I have a small cat but I might not bring her.. Just curious.
Whats the usual weather around there?
Can you send additional pictures?

I'm a 26 year old happy woman, I'm clean, honest, responsible and hardworking.
I'm usually quiet and easy going. I'm a Christian.  I'm currently employed with
Skanska as a civil engineer and will resume work over there next month.

For references, you may contact below:

Former landlord :Jared Barkelew (j.barkelew@yahoo.com)
Work Reference: Geoff Howard (ghoward@skanskagroup.org)

You may want to search sarenddse on facebook for my profile if you use facebook.
Feel free to contact me on home phone +27744562046. If am not at home, Jim or
Mary ( My room mates) will be home. Ask any question you have from them  I am
very happy to rent from you and co-operate with you.
Please tell me more about the room and if there are any special conditions
regarding rental. I will like to secure the place down pending my arrival if we
both agree... and also please bear in mind that I'll have my car shipped prior
to my arrival, and little of my stuffs, please let me know if there will be
enough room for them.
Right now, I have thought of it and understood that moving to the US will not
only help boost my career but also my personal life.

Hope to read from you soon,

Thanks very much
Stephanie
myerschilds@gmail.com
PS: I attached a pic of myself :)

Yes, all of these are scams. These people want to send you "full Payment" plus any expenses that might be incurred, and also some "extra" to cover incidentals. The check they send you is bogus. Then they want you to refund to them the difference. That is the scam and the way they make money.

same as below. COPY AND PASTE THIS LINK TO THE FEDERAL TRADE COMISSION PAGE AND OR THIS GOVERNMAENT SITE>>>http://www.ic3.gov/default.aspx TO FILE A REPORT. TRUST PAGES WITH .GOV AND  WITH NO ADS.


LETS FIND THIS FRAUD

I caught on immediately so I answered the scammers email about the room for rent using the actual name of our local FBI agent in charge and had the scammer mail the check, his/her address (to send back the excess money they sent me) and a letter explaining who they were, directly to the FBI office; no idea what the FBI does after that. Try it and LOL afterwards. The joke is on them.

I recived the same messages as above.

I recived the sme message as above

Hi

I appreciate the candor. I have to take my chances because not risking at all is the worst mistake, I'm quite comfortable with the available room.

About me ....I'm a single 26 yo professional lab technician.I'm 5'10 long hair, hazel eyes with a athletic build. I prefer cleanliness than any other traits, I'm honest, neat, responsible and hardworking while I dislike lazy,messy and uncaring people. I love pets so much, am quiet and  easy going. I am a christian. I graduated from Cambridge University in London. I'm straight and also gay friendly. I always love to go on a date but seldom party. I neither smoke nor drink,I swim for fun and sometimes play tennis also i enjoy snowboarding. I  must confess that i am comfortable with the price. I will like to secure the place down pending my arrival.. I'll also be shipping my things down to the States such as my car AUDI A4 Model 2011 which I've been using for over 6 months now,and some personal effects.
Let me know how I can go about securing the place down before my arrival. I plan to arrive 15th May, 2012

You may like to contact my reference:
My roommate Lovelyn  hillylove12@gmail.com

My facebook: sarenddse@yahoo.com

Right now I have thought of it and understood that moving to the US will not only help boost my career but also improve my personal life. I hope you'll finally consider renting to me,
I hope we can get along well as I wait to read from you soon via email.

Sorry for the email novel. I know its a lot to read and i apologize for coming on strong I'm just looking for a reliable place when I move down. I look forward to hearing positive from you again. Have a successful week ahead.

Thanks and take care,

Sandra

I received the EXACT same message from  lisa Cole as was reported from LizaJ back in July 2011 -- the first first post on this blog.  They are still at it.

Got this txt:

"
Hello there :)

I'm interested in the place you have for rent soon,presently I reside in  Southampton, England and would be relocating to the US soon.I know I'll need to secure the rental prior to my arrival to show seriousness on my part.

Ideally not more than 6 -12 months lease(or more).Please get back to me via email if it's still available and you consider me for the rental.In my next email I'd tell you more about myself and plans in US.here is my apartment's land line number +44 702-404-7156,if am not around my roommates Jim or Linda would be.

Looking forward to hearing from you soon this week.

Thanks,
Sandra Arendse"

Another way for the scammer to access your information is to set up a website for that purpose, and download a program on his computer called an SMS blaster. In the SMS, he includes the URL of the website. He opens the blaster program and copys and pastes the SMS onto the screen, presses a button and the SMS goes out to millions of cellphones at once. Whoever replies to the SMS creates a link between themselves and the scammer, and the contact information is scattered and stored in files all over their phone. The only way to get it out is to contact your service provider from another phone and have them guide you through the process. Also, you should check your bill for unauthorized transactions, and have incoming international calls, third-party providers and premium-rate SMS blocked, so no one can use them to rob you.

thanks for this posting I was recently b***s***ted by this same email and I hope that this information helps other people avoid giving information to a scammer.

Here is another one that i have just gotten as a response to my ad listed in craigslist. I have not known that it could be a scam. Thanks to the people that posted earlier and mentioned about it.

------------------
from: sarenddse7@gmail.com

Hello there :)

I'm interested in the place you have for rent. Presently I reside in Cambridge, UK and would be relocating to the US soon. I am willing to secure the rental prior to my arrival if necessary.

Please get back to me via email if it's still available.

Looking forward to hearing from you soon this week.

Thanks,
Sandra Arendse
+44 703 1892978
---------------------------------

THIS WAS THE LAST MESSAGE SHE SENT ME,  I got suspicious when she wanted to ship her car here and send me the money for the shippers fee's??? that didn't make sense so I decided to research and shockingly found that there are many scammers out there. she sent me a photo? did anyone receive a photo from the scammers???
-------------------------------------

DownloadDownload
View slide show (2)|Download all as zip

Hello,

  Thanks for getting back to me with your information ,(I will be paying the first month rent). so i want you to secure the room for me till my arrival i am very happy for your concern,i want to thank you for giving me the chance,I really appreciate it. I want to let You know that I'll make it up to you the payment will be out asap,and it will get to you soon,Please let me know if this is okay by you.My car will be delivered before my arrival,please do let me know if you can be there to help me receive my car,I won't cause you any financial problem as i will be including the shipper's fee in the payment that I'll be sending ...So you will be getting the shipper's fee and the rent fee together,You will just deduct your rent fee and keep the shipper's fee till he comes to deliver my things.Hope you can understand me? I promise to compensate you adequately for your time and efforts on my arrival to your place.I really appreciate you for you've been so nice from the start and please kindly take off the ad off the site now..And i want you to check the address and name again.So can you tell me the nearest airport ?

I will get back to you with the tracking number as soon as the payment has been sent and my flight details.

Thanks

Sharon

Here is another one from a girl named Sharon Pears

From: sharon.pears@hotmail.com
Subject: RE:  Room-mate
Date: 2011-11-12, 2:04PM EST Reply to:
Date: Tue, 15 Nov 2011 10:46:04 -0800

Hello,


Thanks very much for e-mailing me back ,i really appreciate it, am also sorry for getting back to you late.. I am Sharon by name and live in Seattle, WA. I would have been kind of happy if we can meet before making any plans, but am very busy and i have a lot of things to do right now.. I will really appreciate it if you can tell me more about the place and tell me little about you because my uncle is presently very sick, and i have to travel to Canada to see him but i want to secure the place down before going. He was involved in a car crash with his car some weeks back and now ill seriously, I need to check on him and take good care of him.I am staying in CHRMC Children's Hospital Seattle staff Quarters now The address is 4800 Sandpoint Way NE Seattle, WA 98105   you can Google it..I am moving cause of my job, am a medical Humanitarian nurse for united Nations. I work for CHRMC Children's Hospital in Seattle but will be working in a local clinic over there, More about me, am a neat type of person, honest, humble and responsible. I like honest, responsible and hardworking people while i hate the lazy, messy and uncaring people....

well am a quiet and gentle going person to live with....I am 28 yrs old female, 5.4 in height ,i like tourism and i don't keep late at nights neither i will have overnight guest around.. I was born and brought up in Canada,i studied there i had my university education right there while staying with my uncle.. I lived all my life in Canada before coming down to Seattle, WA..Then i was member of the Red Cross Association it really sounds interesting for me... Am sure You 'll really like the person that i am ,because i will also do the dishing if you like I work when i am to and relax when i am to, I also like sharing my thoughts also....paying rent on time will not be a problem as i will also be making the rent fee before the month ends.... I do not have any pet, i really like dog and cat but have none of it now, so there is no problem about that.

I must confess am comfortable with the price and i will want to secure the place down before my arrival so i will want you to tell me all about the place as i can't see it before my arrival but the pictures...I also will want you to know that i have my car that i will be coming over with little of my furniture. please let me know if there will be room for them. With all that I've said above I have told you more about me,i am going to secure the place with a deposit Feel free to ask me any question and as I've said i am looking to move in by the availability of the place but want to secured it now Thanks.I will need the following information to have my Boss issue out the rental payment to you.I will also like you to remove the ad from the site cos i am ready to have your place..My pic will be included in my next mail.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: sharon.pears@hotmail.com
Subject: Mailing Details Needed !!
Date: Tue, 15 Nov 2011 13:23:57 -0800


Hi

   I am so happy to read from you.I am ok with the price of the place and the utilities.I am so much interested in the room so i will like to make a down payment as commitment to show that i am serious in renting the place from you,so i need you to email me your mailing details as listed below so the payment can get to you as soon as possible..I hope to read from you soon..I think we both will get on fine as a roommate.

Full name as it will appear on payment
Contact Address
A contact phone number

I would be glad to see your quick response.

Thanks

Sharon

What do you do when you actually respond to one of these scam roommate e mails? what happens when you have given them your full name, adress and phone number?
I was actually suspicious when she was asking me to give;

Full name as it will appear on payment
Contact Address
A contact phone number

I would be glad to see your quick response.

Thanks

I thought that this was weird, and also watch out when they tell you that they are shipping their car, that is odd.

Hi
Thanks for the cordial response . I am quite comfortable with the available rental and living environment.
Hope we can get along together though I know it's kinda hard expressing oneself via email, but I'll put my pride in the gutters and try to be as explicit as possible. I have plans moving in by 10th of Dec(2011) but won't mind if rent start counting sooner.

About me ...I am half Brit from dad and half Asian from mum, a science teacher, mostly spend my time in the laboratory experimenting, divorced female of 31yrs, I am educated(undergraduate and post graduate degree), a good christian,very low key and relaxed to live with. I DON'T smoke nor drink and I don't mind if flat mates do. Presently staying at 12 Allenby Rd Greenwich, London SE28 0BN, UK.
I prefer cleanliness than any other traits, I'm honest, responsible, and hardworking while I dislike lazy, messy and uncaring people. I love pets so much though I don't have one, am a quiet and easy going person to live with. I always love to go on a date but seldom party. I swim for fun and sometimes play tennis, also I enjoy snowboarding. I  must confess that I am comfortable with the price. I'll like to secure the place down pending my arrival.. I will also be shipping my things down to the States such as My Toyota Avalon (XLX 2009)which I've been using for over 6 months now, and some personal effects. Don't worry am not bringing in furniture's as I will easily purchase upon arrive. Moreover, let me know how I can go about securing the place down before my arrival as I'll be busy this month preparing to come over as soon as the room is available and payment is made.

To assure you that I am as good of a lady as email will allow one to portray, I would offer my willingness to assist you with any information you may need as regards to me. I am actually a coffee drinker addict:), I hope you enjoy also. I forwarded our email conversations to my Uncle he seems okay with you, he agreed to make total payment for the rent fee including shipping of my Car with personal effects, he will be mailing out payment to you in United States Certified Money Order on his business trip abroad(US) to hold the room for me before my arrival. This will show seriousness on my part for the room so you won't rent it to someone else.

Should you agree to receive payment via Certified Money Order in US dollars, kindly advise me of your full name ,contact address (either work or home address depends on where you assure to receive it in person )and contact telephone #

For references, kindly contact below:
Former landlord :Dr. Bowie Ferguson (bowiefergie1963@yahoo.com)
My former roommate Linda ( lin.rose147@gmail.com)

Right now I have thought of it and understood that moving to the US will not only help boost my career but also improve my personal life. I hope you will finally consider renting to me, know well that your rules and terms would be strictly adhered to. I have been introduced to different landlords and room owners but they don't seem easy to get along with, I hope we can get along well as I wait to read from you soon via email.

Sorry for the email novel. I hope it isn't a lot to read and I apologize for coming on strong, am just looking for a reliable place when I move down. I look forward to hearing positive from you again. Stay blessed.

I would have called to discuss further details over the phone but am sorry my phone service provider will not allow me make long distance call but I will really appreciate it if you can call  today or tomorrow but I always have full access to my emails. You can reach me 7.pm my time as I guess that will be six hours ahead your time. If am not at home, my flatmate, Jim will be.


+44 702-404-7156

Thanks and take care,
Lisa.

PS: My picture is attached for your view, let me know if you received it.

Hi Alex,
I appreciate the candor.I have to take my chances because not risking at all is the worst mistake,I'm quite comfortable with the available room and it's living environment,I have four yrs US working visa and i am self-employed.
Hope we can get along together though I know it kinda hard expressing oneself via email,but I'll put my pride in the gutters and try to be as explicit as possible.

About me ....I'm a single 26 yo professional lab technician.I'm 5'10 long hair, hazel eyes with a athletic build.I prefer cleanliness than any other traits,I'm honest,neat,responsible,and hardworking while I dislike lazy,messy and uncaring people.I love pets so much,am quiet and  easy going. I am a good christian. I'm straight and also gay friendly. I always love to go on a date but seldom party. I neither smoke nor drink,I swim for fun and sometimes play tennis also i enjoy snowboarding. I  must confess that i am comfortable with the price,I will like to secure the place down pending my arrival.. I'll also be shipping my things down to the States such as my car AUDI A4 Model 2010 which I've been using for over 6 months now,and some personal effects. don't worry am not bringing in Furniture.I will easily purchase the one's I need when i arrive. Moreover,Let me know how I can go about securing the place down and filling any necessary paperwork before my arrival as i'll be busy preparing to come over as i plan to arrive on Dec. 9th 2011.

References:
Dr. Thomas John thomas.jjohn@yahoo.com
My roommate Linda  lin.rose147@gmail.com

Right now I have thought of it and understood that moving to the US will not only help boost my career but also improve my personal life.I hope you'll finally consider renting to me ,I assure you that the rules and terms would be strictly adhered to .I hope we can get along well as I wait to read from you soon via email.

Sorry for the email novel .I know its a lot to read and i apologize for coming on strong I'm just looking for a reliable place when I move down.I look forward to hearing positive from you again.Have a successful week ahead .

Thanks and take care,

Sandra

Got two times the same Scam as answers for the same craigslist posting.... That's why I suspected something. Different names, differents references, but same stories, I did not went further...

SCAM!!!   These emails are indeed a scam.  She (probably HE) sends out hundreds of these, different ages, looks, professions, etc. depending on why HE is trying to scam.  Would be interested in hearing from someone who didn't check the number out until after getting scammed as to just what they are after.  Probably some bank account info to wire the money do or a fake "wire transfer fee" to PRETEND to get the rent fee.

This was from a Sandra Arendse:


Hi,

I appreciate the reply. I have to take my chances because not risking at all is the worst mistake,I'm quite comfortable with the available room and it's living environment,I have four yrs US working visa and i am self-employed.

Hope we can get along together though I know it kinda hard expressing oneself via email,but I'll put my pride in the gutters and try to be as explicit as possible.

About me ....I'm a single 26 yr fashion designer. I'm 5'10 long hair, hazel eyes with a athletic build.I prefer cleanliness than any other traits,I'm honest,responsible,and hardworking while I dislike lazy,messy and uncaring people.I love pets so much,am quiet and  easy going. I'm straight and also gay friendly. I always love to go on a date but seldom party. I neither smoke nor drink,I swim for fun and sometimes play tennis also i enjoy snowboarding. I  must confess that i am comfortable with the price,I will like to secure the place down pending my arrival.. I'll also be shipping my things down to the States such as My Toyota Avalon (XRX 2009)which I've been using for over 6 months now,and some personal effects. don't worry am not bringing in Furniture's I will easily purchase the one's I need when i arrive. Moreover,Let me know how I can go about securing the place down and filling any necessary paperwork before my arrival as i'll be busy preparing to come over as i plan to arrive on 15th October, 2011.

References:
Dr. Thomas John thomas.jjohn@yahoo.com
My roommate Linda  lin.rose147@gmail.com

Right now I have thought of it and understood that moving to the US will not only help boost my career but also improve my personal life.I hope you'll finally consider renting to me ,I assure you that the rules and terms would be strictly adhered to .I hope we can get along well as I wait to read from you soon via email.

Sorry for the email novel .I know its a lot to read and i apologize for coming on strong I'm just looking for a reliable place when I move down. I look forward to hearing positive from you again.Have a successful week ahead .

Thanks and take care,

Sandra.

sarendsse@gmail.com

Wow, I got the same reply to an ad I posted.  I cant figure out what the scam would be unless it goes on later and then asks for money later on.


Hello there :)

I'm interested in the place you have for rent soon,presently I reside in  Southampton, England and would be relocating to the US soon.I know I'll need to secure the rental prior to my arrival to show seriousness on my part.

Ideally not more than 6 -12 months lease(or more).Please get back to me via email if it's still available and you consider me for the rental.In my next email I'd tell you more about myself and plans in US.here is my apartment's land line number +44 702-404-7156,if am not around my roommates Jim or Linda would be.

Looking forward to hearing from you soon this week.

Thanks,
Sandra Arendse