I just encountered this scam!!! I contacted the phone number and the first time there was no answer and recording said it was a "magicjack" phone number. I called back, someone picked up but did not say hello. I identified myself with my county name and title, which consist of Deputy ...... once I did that a man spoke up. I asked for the name on the email. The man asked who I was and why I was calling. I advised him I was looking for the person on the email, I am Deputy.... with ....County, and I am calling regarding a craigslist posting that I am now reporting as fraud. The man again asked where I was calling from and who I was. I again identified myself, and this time asked him for his name and advised him I was now conducting an investigation on an internet scam, and asked if he was going to cooperate. The man firmly stated he was not going to cooperate, and asked what I was going to do about it, and then hung up.
Please report this to craigslist, your local authorities and federal authorities, and the email links attached (Hotmail,gmail, etc). Internet scams are federal offenses. Post this on your social media pages to alert your friends and family.
The following email was sent to me for a property in Hayward, on the "Corner of East Ave and Hansen, Right Across the street from the school."
From: Connie G. Smith
(
[email protected])
Hi,
Thanks for emailing me regarding the house is still available, but presently I'm on business trip to Kuala Lumpur,Malaysia. I bid for a portion of petroleum land sometimes ago in Kuala Lumpur,Malaysia and fortunately I won, so I have to move quickly down to Kuala Lumpur,Malaysia to have my company set up. I came over here with my wife, we both bought the house when we got married. As soon as we settle down here I had a thought of selling the house, so I have to look for an agent and getting one we strike a deal but later my wife advised me on selling the house. I reasoned with her and accepted her advice. So I contacted the agent back and requested for my keys and documents. Later we decided to have the house rent out, we would have given the same agent this job also but the truth of the matter is that the agent would want to handle it professionally and the occupant may not be able to reason along with him later and more some I do not have anyone in the area I can leave the keys behind with so that is why I posted ad myself. If you notice, you will discover that the price we are offering is far below standard price and I this is enough for you to know that we are not after the rental fee but the absolute care for the property. I know there is no way i can be sure that you are the right person to live in the house because we won't be able to see physical before sending you the keys and the documents to occupy the space. The house is available for as long as you want and if you drive by the house you may see a sign there, you have nothing to worry about it belongs to my previous agent so you have absolutely nothing to worry about and you don't have to call them because they do not have access to the house anymore. Please if you are ready now to occupy the house kindly provide the information below for record purpose :
PLEASE TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF
Full Name__________________________________________________ Home Phone ( ) ________________________
Date of Birth_________________________________
Other Phone ( ) ___________________
Current Address_______________________________Apt#________ City__________________ State______ Zip________
Reasons for Leaving____________________________Rent $__________Phone ( ) ____________________________
Are you married____________________________
How many people will be living in the house____________________________
Do you have a pet____________________________
Do you have a car____________________________
Occupation____________________________
Move In Date____________________________
P.S: YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO VIEW THE INTERIOR PART OF THE HOUSE BECAUSE I HAVE THE KEYS HERE WITH ME BUT I CAN SEND YOU PICTURES.
You Can Contact Me On My U Number
Connie G. Smith
408-514-9315
2289 East Ave, Hayward CA
Best Regards