Who called from 7187135404

This is a number given to me in a rental agreement for a vacation rental in New York. I tried calling it many times, and there is no answer. What is even more curious about it is that when I dial it, there is an automatic message saying that "the person at extention 7187195404 is unavailable, please leave a message and press the pound key.
We have been asked to MoneyGram security deposit of $500, and half of a rental in the amount of $210, to secure a place in the Manhattan vicinities. We didn't send the money, because we are aware there are a lot of scammers on craigslist.org. The person who advertised the appartment agreed to not get our money in advance,but upon arival and when we get the keys.
I am not sure yet if this is a scam, but it sounds a bit fishy not being able to connect to this guy. I will keep you informed.

Hi,

I tried to contact the number 718 713 5404 (looks like the number phone that you wrote) and it's directly in voice mail. Did you manage to contact him by phone? Is his name called Eric Bidwell?
What is the date for your reservation? I try to figure out if it's a scam too.

I hope to read from you soon.

Hi,

I reply now for my own message. It is a scam, a guy located in Nigeria. You can easily retrieve all the information from someone that you are not sure from its email. I did it, and that's why I know he is living in Nigeria. Don't answer to [email protected] or 718-713-5404 or if he's talking about [email protected]. IT'S A SCAM!

Thanks!  I almost booked a nyc rental with this creep. Beware.  Here's his response to my inquiry:

Thanks for your Interest...... This Vacation Apartment will be free for your dates, July 20-25 , 5-nights = $325 ($65 a night)....If you are really interested, you`ll need to quickly make a Down Payment to Book the Apartment for your dates....

To make the RESERVATION, 50% of the Rental fee ($162)  + $400 a Refundable damage deposit is required = $562 ..


Property Type:
* apartment

Floor Area:
* 600 sq. ft.

Theme:
* romantic
* family

General:
* accept credit card
* paper towels
* hair dryer
* toilet paper
* air-conditioning
* telephone
* linens provided
* towels provided

Kitchen:
* iron & board
* coffee maker
* toaster
* dish washer
* stove top burners
* 4 ring stove
* refrigerator
* freezer
* oven
* microwave

Living Room:
* sofabed

Dining:
* dining room
* seating for 4 people

Bathrooms:
* 1 Bathroom
* Bathroom 1 - Toilet, Tub

Bedrooms:
* 1 Bedroom, Sleeps 4
* Bedroom 1 - 1 Queen, 1 Sleep Sofa /Futon
* Bedroom with queen size bed and sleep sofa.

Entertainment:
* TV
* satellite or cable
* DVD

Internet Access:
* wireless broadband
* internet access

Suitability:
* children welcome
* long term renters welcome

Local Activities:
* walking

Onsite Services:
* housekeeper optional

Attractions:
* ATM/bank
* cinemas
* eco tourism
* fitness center
* groceries
* hospital
* library
* museums
* playground
* theme parks

Leisure Activities:
* ice skating

Nearby Attraction / Facility:
* coin laundry
* restaurants

Book early because this time of year is very popular and a great time to travel.  I have given you the lowest rate that I have ever given.

More Photos attached......The Remaining 50% Balance will be paid when you arrive to the Apartment and Your Damage security deposit of $400 will be refunded to you on your Departure date... Please let me know your interest as soon as possible,  You need to secure down the Apartment before your arrival, Let me know so that i can send you a Booking Agreement Form and Payment procedure is Western Union  Or Money Gram Money Transfer......My Lawyer is to receive the payment and sign the Booking Agreement Form......He lives in Florida and handle things for me......I will send his information that you will need to make payment along with the Booking Agreement Form.

Lastly, I added 1 of my past tenants, if you`d need references.

Mr Joe Martins and family from Indiana stayed 2 weeks.
Email Address ---- [email protected]

DECIDE ASAP.

Eric.
718-713-5404




Ref: $65 / 1br - Lovely,Unmatched Value New York City on Upper West Side Sleeps up to 4 (Upper West Side)

Thanks guys, I figured this was BS, but your posts confirmed it for me.

Thanks again and for anyone else reading I would pretty much assume, as I did, that if someone wants money sent via Western Union or Money Gram from Craigslist, its a scam.