Have you gotten this scam? I wasn't sure if it was a scam or not, but I think so... anyone know? I got this email from Craigslist- It's pretty scketchy:
Thanks very much for contacting me, the apartment is situated in Downtown Washington DC, 672 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20005 and luckily it`ll be available for your dates 01/04/2009 to 09/04/2009, 8nights and the rent for your stay is $1600 (@$200 per night). You`ll need to Book down the Apartment for your dates cos someone else is asking for a Close date.. To secure the Apartment 50% of the rent will be required ($800) plus a refundable security deposit of $700, so all you need pay to book down the Apartment for your dates is $1500.
I'd also like to know where exactly you'll be coming from? and for how soon you`ll like to Book down the Apartment?. I have also attached more pictures of the place with this message, hope you like them.
Apartment is approximately 1200sq. ft. and Bedding arrangements are : 2 bedrooms, sleeps maximum of 6 people, Bedroom 1 - 1 King, Bedroom 2 - 1 Queen, 1 Sleep Sofa /Futon... Large California King in Master Bedroom. Comfy queen in the guest room as well as large L-shaped sofa in living area that can accommodate two more! Amenities are also as follows : Fireplace, elevator, T.V., digital home cinema, hi-fi system, VCR, DVD player, phone, fax, computer, cable/satellite, internet access, wardrobe, cupboard, Hanging wardrobe, safe deposit box, radio alarm clock, hair dryer, mosquito nets, fully air-conditioned, central heating, intruder alarm, fire alarm and more...Linen, Towels and Toiletries also available, including a Telephone (free local, 800 calls), TVs w/ multi-channel premium Cable TV and VCR/DVD. Main Kitchen (w/new appliances)microwave, Dishwasher, Refrigerator, Stove Oven, Blender, Dishwasher and more. The apartment sleeps 1-6 people.
Everything is Professionally Cleaned and prepared, there's a 24 hours doorman and there's a reserved parking space for a car, if you are driving.. Apartment is located in good locality, that's a walking distance to the White House, the Metro,Convention Center, Smithsonian Museums,The Washington Monument, Dupont Circle, fine and casual dining, theaters, and the World Bank and other memorials as well as a 24hr CVS and Whole Food Grocery, Shops and Restaurants.
Kindly get back to me if you can meet up with my conditions so I can send you a Booking Agreement form and advise you on to make a Secure Payment so as to be able to get the place secured on time, and Complimentary airport pick up and drop off in Lexus LS 460L. That is if you aren't coming with you car.....
Looking forward to reading back from you asap...
Vince. J. Wharton
+ 1 206-984-4076
NOTICE..: I have past tenants from all over the world, I`ll allow you to contact some of them if you`d love to......
Mrs Mandy Groove and children from UK..
mgroove40@googlemail.com
+447024080616
Dr. Jason Lewis from Eugene, Oregon.
jclewis48@gmail.com|||The ooze scale is up pretty high on this one--it really oozes scam traits.
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One clue:
Are your dates actually Jan 4, 2009 through September 4, 2009 for an 8-night stay? See clip below:
for your dates 01/04/2009 to 09/04/2009, 8nights and the rent for your stay is $1600 (@$200 per night).
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One more clue:
They used the word "cos" in an official mail about a rental? See clip.
your dates cos someone else is asking for a Close date
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One more clue:
Inconsistencies are common in scam offers.
It says that there are 2 bedrooms but describes 4.....those being Bedroom 1, Bedroom 2, The Master Bedroom, and the Guest Room.
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Need another clue? Here you go:
Careless proofreading is also common in scams. See clip below for "coming with YOU car."
hat is if you aren't coming with you car.....
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These clues are too easy to pick out. Here's a link to info on the given phone number:
http://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-206-984鈥?/a>
This number has been used in many apartment scams in several cities. For more proof, just Google 206-984-4076.
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What the hey........one more clue:
The reference email address has been used in scams for apartment rentals. See clip. The link is now dead, but the info still shows in a search.
Avoid being scammed. Fake vacation rental owners technics ...
Feb 18, 2009 ... Roy: royapartments@googlemail.com ... Mandy Groove: mgroove40@googlemail.com ... Jeff Krause: dougholms@googlemail.com ...
www.holiday-velvet.com/blog/2009/02/fa鈥?- 26k -
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Such scams are common and easy to avoid. Just check with reliable, known sources. Check with known reliable rental agents if you are considering renting there or anywhere else. One last thought: why would they need to know where you are coming from? Sometimes they add these little features to enhance their scams by making it feel more personal or attentive.
Okay..........I shall go now...........good luck.....hope it helped or was at least interesting.|||One thing I want to point out is that it gives a 206 area code, that's not Washington DC, that is Seattle, Washington. DC's area code is 202!|||property records in most parts of America are on the Internet and can be found by searching for the property address in the local tax assessor's office's website.
Look up, via the DC tax assessor [use google to find this office], who owns the property at the address you've been told. If it isn't the person who is corresponding with you -- this very likely is a scam.
And look for a bed and breakfast for your visit -- the chance of being scammed like this is, imho, waaayyy too high.
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