According to Realtor.org
Four real estate scam artists used Craigslist to defraud thousands of apartment hunters in New York City out of a total of $1 million over nearly three years, according to the New York Attorney General’s office.
Igor “Bobby” Portnov, Boris “Brian” Portnov, Nader Jaber, all of Teaneck, N.J., and Brooke Corio of Staten Island were charged with felony fraud for a scheme that enticed people in search of rentals to pay hundreds in bogus search fees.
The four ran a phony real estate company called Innovative Apartments. They claimed to have access to exclusive apartment listings. Customers who wanted access had to pay $200 for a “credit and background check.”
Keep up the good work.
Comment by Matrika — October 28, 2008 @ 12:57 pm
Barry Rorek
Address
29 Athlone Road
City/State
Brixton
PostalCode
SW2 2DT
Country
United Kingdom
Don’t send money true western union or money gram to this guy.
It is a scam. Beware.
Comment by Barry Rorek — December 22, 2008 @ 3:25 pm
Hello,
Just browsed my email address and saw your message. I hope you are still interested in viewing my apt. The apartment is still available. As I said also in my ad, the apt. is located on 375 South End Avenue New York, NY 10280. It is located on the 4th floor. It has 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1 kitchen and 1 living room. The apartment is furnished (you can see the furniture in the photos), but I can have all of it sent into storage if you want to bring your own. The apartment has an beautiful view. The neighbors are good people, and helpful if needed.
First of all I would like to tell you more about myself. I am the owner of the apartment, and want to find the right tenant. I’m 29 years old and I just got married here in Canada, and i am going to leave here for at least 4 years. I am a business woman … I work for a company called Amway ( don’t know if you have ever heard of it) and i just reached the highest rank (Diamond - a dream come true) and I earn about 11.000$/month.. So.. the apartment is free from 2 months (minimum) up to 4 years(maximum). I will come to the US only 3-4 times per year to visit my parents in Orlando FL and we can meet whenever you have an emergency and you need my help.
The rent for 1 month is $1,400 (for the whole apartment) including all utilities (water, electricity, Internet, cable, parking, air conditioning, fireplace, dishwasher, garbage disposal, microwave, refrigerator).
You can move in the apt. in the same day when you receive the keys and we sign the contract. I must tell you that I am only interested in serious tenants and that I will only close the deal face to face. I want to be sure that I have found the right person because I don’t want to travel for nothing. So.. i want to close the deal face to face.
I would like to ask you some questions, such as… how long do you plan to stay in my apartment? Where do you work? Also please give me more information about yourself, anything that you might think I should know about (a picture would be nice).
Tomorrow i will ask my financial adviser to give me some piece of advice, because a week ago i traveled to New York to show my apartment to someone who seemed very interested ..But when i arrived … He told me that he has only $1.100…and tried to negotiate the rent.. So he wasted my time and my money for nothing…
Once again thank you, and I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Please tell me if this is what are you looking for and reply if you are truly interested in the apt.
Good luck,
Lissie
P.S. Here are some more pictures of the apartment for you. Just click on the links below:
http://i40.tinypic.com/2woludc.jpg
http://i41.tinypic.com/5nrfj4.jpg
http://i44.tinypic.com/p9mpc.jpg
http://i41.tinypic.com/357khnl.jpg
http://i41.tinypic.com/34jc1w8.jpg
http://i39.tinypic.com/2eq5t2s.jpg
http://i39.tinypic.com/scge1h.jpg
http://i39.tinypic.com/2eyfcz4.jpg
http://i44.tinypic.com/29n8jt2.jpg
http://i44.tinypic.com/snmm9x.jpg
http://i41.tinypic.com/zyiz36.jpg
http://i41.tinypic.com/351yfs8.jpg
http://i40.tinypic.com/264rpev.jpg
http://i44.tinypic.com/2j1lzfb.jpg
http://i41.tinypic.com/jv1a48.jpg
BEWARE… DON’T SEND MONEY USING WESTERN UNION OR MONEY GRAM TO UK
Comment by APARTMENT FOR RENT SCAM — January 6, 2009 @ 6:47 am
Great post. Craigslist now never ceases to amaze me personally.
Comment by Craigslist Proxy — January 10, 2009 @ 9:11 am
Beware, another scam…
NKC REALTY, LLC
Cell: | Office: 718-512-5235
E-Mail: supportnygorentals@gmail.com
9322 3rd Avenue
Brooklyn, NY
11209
Don’t send money with paypal.
http://www.managementrentnow.com
or
nygorentals.com
Don’t send money.. don’t pay for access.
ManagementRentNow.com
Comment by Mark — January 10, 2009 @ 7:27 pm
Craiglsist always has something new and different happening in relation to it. Probably coz it is just so popular, these things are bound to happen.
Comment by Craigslist Proxy — January 26, 2009 @ 2:56 am
Another scam from CL Craigslist listing.
——-
Hello,
Just browsed my email address and saw your message. I hope you are still interested in viewing my apt. The apartment is still available. As I said also in my ad, it is located on 41 W 86th St, New York, NY 10024; on the 4th floor of the building. It has 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1 kitchen and 1 living room. The apartment is furnished (you can see the furniture in the photos I’ve attached), but I can have all of it sent into storage if you want to bring your own. The apartment has a beautiful view. The building has controled access + elevator. The neighbors are good people, and helpful if needed.
First of all I would like to tell you more about myself… I am the owner of the apartment, and want to find the right tenant to live and enjoy it. I’ve recently divorced my husband and I moved to Canada to start a new life. I am a business woman … I work for a company called Amway ( don’t know if you have ever heard of it) and i just reached the highest rank (Diamond - income aprox 10.000$/month )… I want to start a new branch here in Canada. The apartment is free up to 4 years(maximum). I will come to the US only 3-4 times per year to visit my parents in Orlando FL and we can meet whenever you have an emergency and you need my help.
The rent for 1 month is $1,450 (for the whole apartment) including all utilities (water, electricity, Internet, cable, parking, air conditioning, fireplace, dishwasher, garbage disposal, microwave, refrigerator). You can move in the apt. in the same day when you receive the keys and we sign the contract. I must tell you that I am only interested in serious tenants and that I will only close the deal face to face. I want to be sure that I have found the right person because I don’t want to travel for nothing. I want to sign the contract face to face…no other way…
Before we continue, I would like to ask you some questions, such as… how long do you plan to stay in my apartment? Where do you work? Also please give me more information about yourself, anything that you might think I should know about (a picture would be nice).
Tomorrow i will ask my financial adviser to give me an ideea, how we do this deal with no complications, because a week ago I traveled to New York to show the apartment to someone who seemed very interested ..But when i got there… He told me that he has only $1.100…and tried to negotiate the rent.. So he wasted my time and my money for nothing…
Once again thank you, and I look forward to hearing from you soon. Please tell me if this is what are you looking for and reply if you are truly interested in renting my apt.
Good luck,
Angela
P.S. Here are some more pictures of the apartment for you. Just click on the links below:
http://i43.tinypic.com/2q03p1i.jpg
http://i40.tinypic.com/j97z34.jpg
http://i41.tinypic.com/n3l01v.jpg
http://i39.tinypic.com/211m16b.jpg
http://i44.tinypic.com/2j3f8g7.jpg
http://i43.tinypic.com/15qw8cn.jpg
http://i39.tinypic.com/30hrog5.jpg
http://i41.tinypic.com/zsohh0.jpg
http://i43.tinypic.com/2wbye06.jpg
Comment by scam reporter — January 26, 2009 @ 8:17 am
Yes. I had a horrible experience w/ Innovative apartments. Innovative apartments is absolutely a scam.
Yes they do have office and phone operator. All scam. Do not waste your time and money. I couldn’t even get my money refunded. How awful!
Comment by scam reporter — January 26, 2009 @ 8:19 am
If you have anymore example emails of rental scams, please post them here.
Comment by admin — January 26, 2009 @ 4:55 pm
When it comes to Craigslist, does anything surprise us anymore? Always something whacky happening there.
Comment by Craigslist Proxy — January 28, 2009 @ 9:42 am
fjbnheipsssf…
Anyway, you should do your best ;)…
Trackback by fjbnheipsssf — January 31, 2009 @ 6:36 pm
Being the largest classified website online, stuff is always happening with Craigslist involved.
Comment by Craigslist Phone Verified Accounts — February 1, 2009 @ 8:48 am
I just have to read everything to do with Craigslist. Does that place ever stop with the news?
Comment by Craigslist Phone Verified Accounts — February 1, 2009 @ 9:00 am
All of you, you are fool dont you want this guys to eat, I have a friend here in U S and when ever he want to do the fraud he always claim to be in Africa so people will think it is only african that do this scamming thing parent should watch there children. to know more about scamming send me an e-mail
oye_bolastv@yahoo.com
Comment by Banky — March 15, 2009 @ 12:38 pm
I’ve never given this a try, but I think it’s about time I do.
Comment by Jessica — April 2, 2009 @ 9:12 pm
I just received this; is this a scam?
From:
Faith Pulos”
Thank you for your interest. I have available the apartment located at 350 WEST BROADWAY New York, NY 10013.It has 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1 kitchen and 1 living room,square ft 1100.I am looking for someone to live in it, as soon as possible, because my company has won the auction for a project, in construction, for a building that will rise up in Cambridge, United Kingdom. I am a civil engineer, so my accommodation period in UK will be about 4 years. The renting period is from 1 month up to 4-6 years. As a result of this I want to rent, for this period, at this price and also to find the perfect person for my apartment. I`m the owner of the apt and it’s like in the pictures.The apartment is unfurnished but if you want you can use my furniture from the storage unit.The rent for 1 month is $1150 (for the whole apartment) including all utilities (water, electricity, Internet, cable, parking, air conditioning,dishwasher, garbage disposal, microwave, refrigerator). You can move in the apt in the same day when you receive the keys. The only problem is that I`m the only person who has the keys but I hope that we will find a solution.
Thank you for your interest and I will look forward to hearing from you soon
Comment by Angelina — April 4, 2009 @ 4:09 am
Angelina,
It has the all makings of a rental scam. The guy is a civil engineer moving to the UK for a 4 year project, and he is the only one with a key. It is a very suspicious story. If he won’t meet you in person to see the property, don’t send him money to rent the property. Tell him you want to meet in person and if he does not agree, find another place to rent because it is a scam!
Please let me know what happens.
Comment by admin — April 4, 2009 @ 12:13 pm
The absentee owner scam always has similar wording… these unfortunate people always have someone who just had an accident (hence, you can’t simply contact the super and view the apt?). Here are a couple of typical responses. I am frustrated with the frequency of these posts. It seems most Craigslist ads (at least at the low-rent end are scams):
1) this is a slicker version, but the wording varies only slightly from other responses:
Thanks for your response. My name is Andrea Wells and I wish to inform you that the apartment at 675 Sackett Street Brooklyn, NY 11217 (1,040 Sqft (approx.), Cross st: (4th & 5th Avenues) Neighborhood: Park Slope) is still available and belongs to my husband and I. We apologize for the slight delay in responding to your enquiry. We just received some news from our representative ( Jason Stern) who is presently in Houston had a little accident so we are handling the leasing ourselves.
However, we are very busy people and we will not like to take much of your time, therefore I will go straight to breaking down the terms and conditions that apply to the apartment.
My husband and I have our preferences in given out the apartment. This means we could be a bit choosy but we apologise in advance if it seems to be rather harsh. The apartment is furnished as you can see from the pictures attached but most of the furnitures have been moved into the storage. The furnitures could be replaced if you like. We are looking out for a responsible person or couple,they will accept full responsibility for property damages during their stay. Pets are allowed and we may be given out the apartment at a very low and reasonable price but we are given it out for a minimum period of at least 3 months starting April/May or preferably a longer lease period to as much as 5 years lease. Since we cleared the apartment for renovation last August, we have not been in New York due to business. Myself, my husband and my children have relocated to England, so we will be given out the apartment for a long duration at $800 /month rate (All Utilities included). Our priority is taking a responsible, careful, understanding and reasonable tenant that will take good care of the property, since we will be away for most of the period.
The rental agreement will contain issues like;
rental payments
duration of lease
parking
subletting
damage to premises
painting
pets
payment of utilities
lockouts
right of inspection
deposit refunds
terminating the lease
We do not have time for games so we suggest that if you are not serious about the apartment, you try somewhere else. My time is very valuable and my husband is a very busy person but he will like to still speak with you over the telephone before any arrangement for you to inspect the apartment because we cannot just give attention to everyone that is interested in the apartment. My husband’s full names are Nichloas Wells, Telephone (+447024062089)011447024062089 or (+447035962694)011447035962694. Call only if you are serious about taken the apartment and let us know how long you will like to have the apartment to help us make our decision. If satisfied, we can discuss on how to get the document and the keys of the house to you to inspect. In your response, tell us a little more about yourself like your names, current address, your present occupation, marital status, if you like pets and why you want to take the apartment?
As soon as we hear from you, we will contact you with more details.
Thanks,
Andrea
2) Often a missionary, usually in “West Africa”:
Greetings !
I’m so happy to hear from you.
I’m Bobtana bobo 29 years old I own the apartment located at( 147-16 253rd Place,
Queens NY 11422).$750 Par Month Utilities included.
My cell phone line
0112348064509504, or +2348064509504
I inherited the property from my late parent who died in a ghastly accident let year Dc 1st.
I was also involved in the accident too, in cause of it I lost my legs so I’m in a wheelchair.
Right now I’m in missionary school in West Africa , now I need an occupant for the apartment ASAP…
Let me tell you little about my self. I’m the only child of my late parent, I love to serve God and that is way I’m in missionary school presently in West Africa .
However, the initial plan was to sale out the apt. which I tried, but sometimes the agents inflate the prize and it takes longer to sell. Because of this reason and more I need a responsible person (With good credit) that can take very good care of the apartment.
As you know I’m in a wheelchair now and the renting of my apartment is the only way I can assist my self.
The keys of my apartment are with me here in West Africa so if you are willing to rent from me below is the rental Application fill it out.
(1)Your Full Name:
(2)Your Full Address & Phone Number:
(3)Occupation?
(4) Marital status? (5)Rental Payment plan (Every 1 month, 3 month or 6 months?) most convenient
(6) How long do you intend to rent? .
Once I get the information back from you I will make arrangement for the keys and documentation including an Authorization letter to be shipped to you Via FedEx to your full address when filling out the Application.
God bless you as you so.
Comment by tom — April 21, 2009 @ 2:14 pm
look out for the names Mary or Luke Zatarski. They are trying to rent out a magnificent 1BR in NY. They give the address, a phone # in UK, pictures of the building and apartment, and say that the husband would want the rent deposited into an account at CHASE. In searching for the address on google, one of the results came up with Madoff Investments - ironic that the scam artists should use his address.
Comment by gail — June 28, 2009 @ 9:10 pm
Thanks for your response. My name is Susan Lanclos and I wish to inform you that the apartment at 453 12th St, Brooklyn, NY 11215 (580 Sqft (approx.), Cross st: (8th street) Neighborhood: Park Slope is still available and belongs to my husband and I. We apologize for the slight delay in responding to your enquiry. We just received some news from our representative ( Jason Winters) who is presently in Boston had a little accident so we are handling the leasing ourselves.
However, we are very busy people and we will not like to take much of your time, therefore I will go straight to breaking down the terms and conditions that apply to the apartment.
My husband and I have our preferences in giving out the apartment. This means we could be a bit choosy but we apologize in advance if it seems to be rather harsh. The apartment is furnished as you can see from the pictures attached but most of the furniture have been moved into the storage. The furniture could be replaced if you like. We are looking out for a responsible person or couple,they will accept full responsibility for property damages caused during their stay. Pets are allowed and we may be given out the apartment at a very low and reasonable price but we are given it out for a minimum period of at least 3 months starting July/August or preferably a longer lease period to as much as 5 years lease. Since we cleared the apartment for renovation last August, we have not been in New York due to business. Myself, my husband and my children have relocated to England, so we will be given out the apartment for a long duration at $900 /month rate (All Utilities included). Our priority is taking a responsible, careful, understanding and reasonable tenant that will take good care of the property, since we will be away for most of the period.
The rental agreement will contain issues like;
rental payments
duration of lease
parking
subletting
damage to premises
painting
pets
payment of utilities
lockouts
right of inspection
deposit refunds
terminating the lease
We do not have time for games so we suggest that if you are not serious about the apartment, you try somewhere else. My time is very valuable and my husband is a very busy person but he will like to still speak with you over the telephone before any arrangement for you to inspect the apartment because we cannot just give attention to everyone that is interested in the apartment. My husband’s full names are Ritchie Lanclos, Telephone (+447024062089)011447024062089 or (+447035962694)011447035962694. Call only if you are serious about taken the apartment and let us know how long you will like to have the apartment to help us make our decision. If satisfied, we can discuss on how to get the document and the keys of the house to you to inspect. In your response, tell us a little more about yourself like your names, current address, your present occupation, marital status, if you like pets and why you want to take the apartment?
As soon as we hear from you, we will contact you with more details.
Thanks,
Susan Lanclos
Comment by Eva — July 11, 2009 @ 1:28 pm