Who called from 3862560765

I saw his ad for rental property in Nw Orleans for Mardi Gras. Red flags for me went up as soon as I saw the price and that the "owner" would only accept Western Union payments.

Kept asking him for pictures of the outside of the property so I could look it up on Google Earth, and all he kept saying was "did you send the booking form?" over and over again.

The email response they give you is exactly the same every time. The only difference is they went by the name "Glennette" and said that he's in florida acting as the agent for the owner who lives in Kentucky, renting a property in New Orleans.

No company name, they don't give you one or an address for the agent. Looked up the house address they give for the property on Google Maps and it's a vacant lot. SCAM!

Hawaii's craigslist also has the same type of western union request and pattern. I inquired on a few Maui locations and got replies from:
1. Vikky Lawson - [email protected], 386-256-0765
The email states "Here is my office number 386-256-0765 but is connected to the internet and when  the internet is on the number will not be reachable. Just get back to me here if you want to book."

2. [email protected]

3. Glennette - purpleblue10001@juno

Something seemed fishy when all three inquires had the same western union request. I called one of the properties, and was advised this was a scam.

Just found the same type of posting for a vacation rental in Vail, Colorado.  Name is now Donald Marvelous and his email is now [email protected].

I got the reply that I pasted below in quotation marks when I responded to an ad on Craigslist for a nice, summer vacation rental in Vail, Colorado. I thought the grammar and typos were odd for someone who owns and/or manages a high end property in Vail, Colorado.  And the price seemed too low. Also the request for payment via Western Union caused me to be suspicious so I started googling his email address and found this chain.

"Thank you for showing interest in the property .The property is available for the week chosen .I am sure that this is one of the best property you can get around at this reasonable rate but i cannot guarantee to hold the condo until you book for it. You are required to pay50% deposit of the total rental fee together with the refundable security fee of $200 for me to reserve the property down for you .The Unit is $200 per night .Check the quote below for the night you intend to stay.

3 NIGHTS = $600
%50 DEPOSIT = $300
SECURITY/DAMAGES FEE = $200

All you have to do to reserve the property is to pay a 50% of the total rental fee together with the refundable security fee which is $200 which will be given back to you on the day your departing from the property,once you have made the payment i will issue you a receipt confirming your payment and reservation.You get to notify me of the exact time you will be arriving to make arrangement to pick you up. There is no extra charges for this. I will render this service for free.We accept western union as method of payment.I am an agent.I will send you our agreement and booking form for reservation as soon i have your reply to know you are interested in booking the condo.

Regards

Donald"

Thank you all for posting this.  I just about got taken myself, what a great resource this community is.  Here's the latest scam from this person who posted a craigslist ad:  $150 / 3br - Large 3 Bedroom / 3 Bath with Stunning Ocean Views from Every Room (Kaanapali Beach).  Tip was that these units are going for $600+/night.  He/She asked for western union right away to an address to confirm with the owners.

On Apr 12, 2011, at 4:44 PM, [email protected] wrote:

Thank you for showing interest. The property is still available for the date chosen 6/30-7/7. 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.

Property Address: 130 Kai Malina Parkway Lahaina, HI 96761

7  NIGHTS    =        $1050
%50 DEPOSIT  =    $525
SECURITY FEE =   $200
TOTAL DEPOSIT =  $725

Thanks

Glennette

Hey I just responded to this ad that all of you are talking about.
"Glennette's immediate request for a deposit sounded a bit fishy so thanks for the heads up.  I've requested more info from her so will see where this goes.
Unfortunately, I have given out my phone # to her.
time will tell