A Brand New Place to Live

This is a dialogue I had with a guy who made a post on craigslist trying to rent out an apartment. It sounded too good to be true. I'm not currently looking for a place to live, but a friend was, so I was helping them out. I searched his email address before I started and came across this link:


http://www.scamwarners.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=39&t=10715&start=0



Date: Wed, 4 Aug 2010 19:02:11 -0700
From: terry_n71@yahoo.com
Subject: Re: $600 / 1br - Nice place in Vic to live in - Comfortable area (Downtown)
To: xxxxxxx@hotmail.com

I'm the owner of the apartment you are making inquiry for. Short term and long term are both available. I'm currently in Wisconsin and that's why the apt is vacant for $600, the refundable damage deposit is $500, the rent includes Heat, Hydro, Water, Cable, Internet, Parking. Here is the add of the unit: 827 Fairfield Rd Victoria, BC V8W 2G9. I'm not in town presently to show you the apartment but I want you to maintain the apartment and treat it like your own if you are willing to rent it. If you're interested, the pictures and application form will be sent to you.

I await your prompt response,

Terry

From: xxxxxxx@hotmail.com
Subject: RE: $600 / 1br - Nice place in Vic to live in - Comfortable area (Downtown)
To: terry_n71@yahoo.com
Date: Thursday, August 5, 2010, 4:23 AM

Hi Terry,

I'd be interested in taking a look at the place. Is there someone that would be able to show it to me in Victoria? Are you living out of town now and subletting the apartment? Do you own the place or are you currently subletting it from someone else? Or are you renting out a room in the apartment you own? Thanks for your time!

Regards,

Katie

Date: Thu, 5 Aug 2010 00:42:47 -0700
From: terry_n71@yahoo.com
Subject: RE: $600 / 1br - Nice place in Vic to live in - Comfortable area (Downtown)
To: xxxxxxx@hotmail.com

I'm renting out a room in the apt I own.

Terry

From: xxxxxxx@hotmail.com
Subject: RE: $600 / 1br - Nice place in Vic to live in - Comfortable area (Downtown)
To: terry_n71@yahoo.com
Date: Thursday, August 5, 2010, 4:11 PM

Hi Terry,

That's good to know. So, as per my previous email, would someone in Victoria be able to show me the place?

Regards,

Katie

Date: Thu, 5 Aug 2010 09:29:07 -0700
From: terry_n71@yahoo.com
Subject: RE: $600 / 1br - Nice place in Vic to live in - Comfortable area (Downtown)
To: xxxxxxx@hotmail.com

Nope.

Terry

From: xxxxxxx@hotmail.com
Subject: RE: $600 / 1br - Nice place in Vic to live in - Comfortable area (Downtown)
To: terry_n71@yahoo.com
Date: Thursday, August 5, 2010, 4:43 PM

Hi Terry,

Okay. Well, in that case, why don't you forward me some of the photos so I can have a look.

Regards,

Katie

Date: Thu, 5 Aug 2010 10:00:30 -0700
From: terry_n71@yahoo.com
Subject: RE: $600 / 1br - Nice place in Vic to live in - Comfortable area (Downtown)
To: xxxxxxx@hotmail.com

Find them attached.

Terry

From: xxxxxxx@hotmail.com
Subject: RE: $600 / 1br - Nice place in Vic to live in - Comfortable area (Downtown)
To: terry_n71@yahoo.com
Date: Thursday, August 5, 2010, 9:44 PM

Hi Terry,

Let me assure you, I am quite interested in renting your property, even without viewing it or knowing any information about it. I'm quite prepared to send you the damage deposit and rent right away in trusting you will send me a key. The five pictures of the apartment look wonderful and I can already see myself living there. I prefer to have minimal contact with my landlord and this arrangement looks like the perfect fit. Even your email responses are short, and concise, a mere few words. That's the way I like it: you stay out of my hair, I stay out of yours. I'm looking for a long-term commitment here. You can always count on me to provide rent and any other money for suddenly needed (but not obvious) repairs. Possibly, in the future, you might even come visit me at your apartment and we could go out for a drink, maybe discuss our love of smooth jazz and American politics- you do like smooth jazz and American politics, don't you?

Trusting this situation is a benefit to all and to a long and lasting professional relationship,

Katie

Date: Thu, 5 Aug 2010 15:29:02 -0700
From: terry_n71@yahoo.com
Subject: PAYMENT INFORMATION
To: xxxxxxx@hotmail.com

I'm sure our first meet will be nice. Below is the payment information:

Name: Terry Nichols
City: Eleva
State: Wisconsin
Zipcode:54738
Amount: 500
Text Question: BEST COLOR
Answer: BLUE

So, I will like you to get back to me with the Money Gram details which include the Sender's Name, Sender's Address and the 8 digit REF#.... I await your prompt response as soon as you send it today.

Best Regards!!!

P.S - As soon as the payment is confirmed, I will proceed to DHL Office to send you the package and get back to you with the tracking number for you to know the exact time the package will be delivered to you.

Terry

From: xxxxxxx@hotmail.com
Subject: RE: PAYMENT INFORMATION
To: terry_n71@yahoo.com
Date: Thursday, August 5, 2010, 11:20 PM

Hi Terry,

That sounds good. I'll get on that right away. I'm assuming, as the ad was made for an apartment in Canada, that the $500 required would be in Canadian funds? Also, would it not be beneficial for me to send you $1100 so I don't have to do another transaction in a few weeks for the first months rent? That would be the$500 for the Deposit and $600 for the first months rent.

Regards,

Katie

Date: Thu, 5 Aug 2010 20:13:55 -0700
From: terry_n71@yahoo.com
Subject: RE: PAYMENT INFORMATION
To: xxxxxxx@hotmail.com

The funds in CAD. I want you to send the deposit first, then the first month rent later.

Looking forward to read from you.

Terry

From: xxxxxxx@hotmail.com
Subject: RE: PAYMENT INFORMATION
To: terry_n71@yahoo.com
Date: Friday, August 6, 2010, 7:07 PM

Hi Terry,

I've been stuck at work all day and haven't been able to get away. I've found a local Money Gram place, so I'll be able to get to it when I'm off work at 4:30.

Thanks again!

Katie

Date: Fri, 6 Aug 2010 16:20:44 -0700
From: terry_n71@yahoo.com
Subject: RE: PAYMENT INFORMATION
To: xxxxxxx@hotmail.com

Okay.

Terry

From: xxxxxxx@hotmail.com
Subject: RE: PAYMENT INFORMATION
To: terry_n71@yahoo.com
Date: Saturday, August 7, 2010, 12:46 AM

Hi Terry,

I've done the Money Gram wire of the $500 and here is the information:

Sender's Name: Katie Giese
Sender's Address: 1531 Kersey Rd, Brentwood Bay, BC, Canada, V8M 1J5
Ref#: 26731326

Hope it worked! Can't wait for the new place!

Thanks again, Terry!

Katie

Date: Fri, 6 Aug 2010 19:52:20 -0700
From: terry_n71@yahoo.com
Subject: RE: PAYMENT INFORMATION
To: xxxxxxx@hotmail.com

I'm having a Doctor appointment tonight. I will get this done tomorrow and get back to you. Sorry for the inconveniences.

Terry

From: xxxxxxx@hotmail.com
Subject: RE: PAYMENT INFORMATION
To: terry_n71@yahoo.com
Date: Saturday, August 7, 2010, 9:01 PM

Hi Terry,

I haven't heard back from you, so I'm just checking to make sure everything went okay.

I hope the Doctor's appointment went well!

Regards,

Katie

Date: Sat, 7 Aug 2010 14:41:09 -0700
From: terry_n71@yahoo.com
Subject: RE: PAYMENT INFORMATION
To: xxxxxxx@hotmail.com

Yeah, Katie, the appointment went well and thanks for the concern. I will send you the package on Monday with 24hrs delivery.

Sorry for the delay and enjoy the rest of the day.

Terry

From: xxxxxxx@hotmail.com
To: terry_n71@yahoo.com
Subject: RE: PAYMENT INFORMATION
Date: Sat,7 Aug 2010 18:04:33 -0700

Hi Terry,

I apologize for the delay in responding too. I have to use my little brother's email at the moment cause the one I use for college only works during the school year. I know, I know, you're going to say, "What kinda young person doesn't have eight or nine email accounts, and an iPhone, a Blackberry, and a twitter?" But I guess I'm one of the odd ones. I'm a little ignorant of technology, probably why I'm studying to be a florist.

Anyway, this is my first time with my own place- I've saved up all summer. So, I'm a little nervous to find out whether the Money Gram transfer went through. Knowing me, I probably screwed it up. Ha! Can you let me know if you got the $500?

Hope your day has been rosy (that's the florist in me, tee hee)

Best,

Katie

Date: Sun, 8 Aug 2010 10:06:34 -0700
From: terry_n71@yahoo.com
Subject: RE: PAYMENT INFORMATION
To: xxxxxxx@hotmail.com

Sorry for responding late. I've been busy with church activity. I intend going to the nearest outlet this evening to confirm the $500.

Stop being nervous, Katie! Ok?

From: xxxxxxx@hotmail.com
Subject: RE: PAYMENT INFORMATION
To: terry_n71@yahoo.com
Date: Sunday, August 8, 2010, 11:37 PM

Thanks, Terry!

I too had church today. I help out with a Sunday school at my local. Today I taught some kids how to make a lamb out of an old wool sock. It was hilarious! And a lot of fun.

Talk soon!

Katie

Date: Mon, 9 Aug 2010 09:53:59 -0700
From: terry_n71@yahoo.com
Subject: RE: PAYMENT INFORMATION
To: xxxxxxx@hotmail.com

Hey Katie,

The lady at the money gram outlet told me the REF# is invalid. Can you check and get back to me asap?

Terry

From: xxxxxxx@hotmail.com
Subject: RE: PAYMENT INFORMATION
To: terry_n71@yahoo.com
Date: Tuesday, August 10, 2010, 1:46 AM

Hi Terry,

Ack!!! I just knew I'd screw this up. I'm sooo sorry!!! I checked the ref# that I sent you and I accidentally switched up a few numbers. It should read: 26713326.

Hope this works,

Katie

Date: Tue, 10 Aug 2010 11:55:47 -0700
From: terry_n71@yahoo.com
Subject: RE: PAYMENT INFORMATION
To: xxxxxxx@hotmail.com

Send me a copy of the money gram receipt.

Terry

From: xxxxxxx@hotmail.com
Subject: RE: PAYMENT INFORMATION
To: terry_n71@yahoo.com
Date: Wednesday, August 11, 2010, 12:19 AM

Hi Terry,

What!!!? I don't understand what is going on here. I thought I did everything correctly. I do have the receipt, so once I figure out how to send you a copy, I will right away. So sorry about this!!!

Regards,

Katie

Date: Wed, 11 Aug 2010 09:34:58 -0700
From: terry_n71@yahoo.com
Subject: RE: PAYMENT INFORMATION
To: xxxxxxx@hotmail.com

Scan it or find a way to snap and upload it.

Terry

From: xxxxxxx@hotmail.com
Subject: RE: PAYMENT INFORMATION
To: terry_n71@yahoo.com
Date: Wednesday, August 11, 2010, 10:23 PM

Hi Terry,

Please find attached the copy of the receipt. It took awhile as I had to get my friend Tom to scan it for me.

Regards,

Katie

Date: Wed, 11 Aug 2010 15:30:50 -0700
From: terry_n71@yahoo.com
Subject: RE: PAYMENT INFORMATION
To:xxxxxxx@hotmail.com

Hmmm. Is that you?

Terry

From: xxxxxxx@hotmail.com
To: terry_n71@yahoo.com
Subject: RE: PAYMENT INFORMATION
Date: Wed,11 Aug 2010 15:45:26 -0700

Hi Terry,

No, that is not me. It is a picture of an anus, more commonly referred to as an asshole. I attempted to attach a mirror. But that proved too difficult. So, I figured the attached picture would get the point across.

A simple Google search of your email address produces a link to a scam alert website. This was searched before the initial email to you. I'm powerless to stop you from you ripping off innocent people. So, at the very least, I wasted your time. Small victory? Sure, maybe. Maybe you knew all along. I don't care. But what I have now is a nice dialogue with a scam artist that I can publish.

My favourite part of our correspondence was when you mentioned you were "busy with Church activity." That's the oldest trick in the book, the "this guy's honest cause he's a holy man" approach.

Here is a quote from Marcel Proust (some say he's a Yenta). I don't know why I chose a quote from him. I don't even know if it makes sense in regards to the context of this situation. You probably don't even know who Marcel Proust is. But, whatever:

Your soul is a dark forest. But the trees are of a particular species, they are genealogical trees.

Best of luck in your future endeavors,

Katie