SCAM FOR MONEY AND PERSONAL INFORMATION
Since this page is getting increased use, I've decided to provide a summary of what other people have posted for the ease of those quickly looking at the page.
1. Several individuals have alleged this individual has SCAMMED PEOPLE OUT OF BOTH MONEY AND PERSONAL INFORMATION. [How the scam worked, names used, addresses used, and phone numbers used discussed below in number 4; steps to take if you think you've been scammed are discussed below in number 5]
2. A few positive posts were made by supposed current residents, but as I pointed out on page 2 in my "Response to Bill Morgan" it seems highly unlikely that current tenants with good relationships with this alleged scammer would be researching the phone number, stumble on this site, and post a positive comment. BE WARY OF POSITIVE POSTS.
3. Anyone can post under 800notes.com, not just the company (see above test post and test post on page 2). So, also BE WARY OF POSTS MADE BY 800notes.com.
4.
The SCAM: The alleged scams typically appear to involve advertisements for rental properties in various cities (Sacramento, Denver, so on; though he/she appears to be based in Chicago, Illinois) on craigslist. The individual has solicited either upfront payments for deposits or rent (even collecting in person once) or personal information (including SSN). At least one post indicates that the individual has also pretended to be an attorney. The individual is aware of this webpage and has attempted to craft stories to explain it away.
ALIASES Used: Thomas Flanagan; Carla Flanagan; Kelly Jacobs; Ricky Botega; Douglas Mennin; Ace Tech Consultants ... Has posed as gay, married, in academia, etc.
ADDRESSES Used: 3623 N Broadway 1n, Chicago IL 60613; 350 W Oakdale Suite 812, Chicago IL 60657
EMAILS Used: The emails used appear to typically be the full alias used at gmail.com (e.g.,
[email protected])
BANK ACCOUNT NUMBERS: Apparently, he has used solicited direct deposits into bank accounts (see bank account number below, but remember, new accounts can be easily opened)
5. If you feel you were scammed by this individual, take steps to protect yourself and protect others. Contact your local police (and probably Chicago PD as well) with as much information as you can. Contact the FTC if you believe certain personal information, such as a SSN was solicited in an effort to steal your identity (contact the credit bureaus as well). Post your story on this website to help others learn about a likely evolving scam before they get caught. Also,
[email protected] posted below and appears to be collecting information.