Scam listing?

[Dafne7]

I got this email earlier today and I had found his posting on [Link hidden] a few days ago (no longer up)

this is for an apartment in [Personal information hidden] Jersey City, NJ

Hello,
Sorry for the late reply. Thank you for taking the time to look at my apartment. I'm the owner, my name is Christopher [Personal information hidden].
Now a few words about the place. The apartment comes fully furnished, is very clean, quiet, and you can move in immediately. It has cable TV, high-speed internet, dishwasher, washing machine and dryer. There are two parking spots and if you prefer to use your own furniture there is a storage unit where you can deposit my furniture. Well behaved pets are allowed. The area is just great and a very safe neighborhood.
The monthly rent is $710 - utilities included (Cable, water, sewer, electricity, heat) and please note that the rent is for the entire apartment. I am looking for someone to rent anywhere from 1 month to 5 years or more. Most of the time I'm offshore, I inspect oil rigs for a living and I'm looking for a responsible person that can take a very good care of my apartment. I had some bad tenants and now I had the property completely refurbished (see attached photos). As you can see I am not after a high profit, but after good tenants who will treat my property as their own home and I hope that you can send me some personal information about yourself.
The property is being managed by Airbnb and they will handle the whole rental process since I work offshore for the time being.
If you want to know more about the rental process please get back to me and I will send you the step by step procedure.

Find attached more photos and let me know if you like the apartment.

Regards,
Eng. Christopher [Personal information hidden]

I replied with some details about me but nothing personal, then he replied back this

Hello again Dafne,
Thank you for the brief introduction. As I already told you in my first email, Airbnb will handle the renting process in my behalf due to my offshore job. I will have to contact the Airbnb agency and provide them all the necessary information so they can start the rental process.For that I will need your full name, rental period with exact move-in date, if other persons will be living with you, your email, phone number and a copy if your ID or Passport if possible.
To secure the apartment you will be instructed to pay just the security deposit of $500 to Airbnb to confirm reservation ( which is fully refundable in case you don't like the apartment ).Only once the deposit is paid an agent will be assigned to handle the visit/ inspection so you will not be able to visit the apartment before the reservation.(Aibnb is a 20 billion dollars company but it has to manage more than 1,500,000 locations, so they would need an impossible number of agents to present every location they have without a deposit confirmation)
Once you confirm the payment you'll have two options, I could send you the keys by FedEx or you can meet the agent that will hand over the keys and rental agreement. Please note they require up to 48 hours to process your payment and rental details before they assign the agent that will handle the walk-through and all. The $500 security deposit will be refunded immediately if you don't like the place or once the contract will end if you decide to rent. ( but only If the apartment is not vandalized or something).
If you are satisfied with the apartment all you have to do is to provide a valid ID, pay the first month rent and sign the lease agreement. After you move in, the monthly payment will be sent directly to my bank account. If that is acceptable please provide the requested details and I will submit your application right away. I will send the Airbnb reservation offer to your email and you can take it from there.

Very important !!  Please reply only if you fully understand the process as I have been disappointed lately with unserious persons when it comes to reserving. I'll have to pay for the transaction fees and just in case you change your mind I will not receive a refund from them!

You will find attached a photo of my passport for more transparency.  

Regards,

Eng. Christopher [Personal information hidden]

And i haven't sent anything back yet bc it seems too good to be true. He also sent me a picture of his passport...

what do you guys think? Please let me know 

[Kate157]

@Dafne7 Yes, scam. "Handled by Airbnb Agents" is the first clue. No, it doesn't happen this way. Don't send personal details, don't send money ever outside the Airbnb site. We have seen this type of scam many times here.

[Elena492]

I also got tangled up with this guy's listing. Seemed too good to be true...because it was. He sent me the exact same information with the same wording. I tried to set up a phone call with him after he told me he'd want me to rent for up to five years (who does that?). He got a little vague about the phone call saying he didn't get cell phone connection on his oil rig. I said surely there is some other form of telecommunication available and he never responded. In fact, if you give him your information, he'll send you to a site that mimics Airbnb to a T but the web address gives it away. Plus you can't get to his sketchy fake landing page from within Airbnb. That's what really gave the game away. Funny, he gave you a Jersey City address. Mine was for downtown Denver.

[Janet195]

thank you so much for this, i was about to pay through itunes like an idiot. I got the exact same message. 

[Jesse223]

Yeah, I also got caught up in the Downtown Denver one. I contacted Airbnb directly to try to sort out the link issue. Don't do it!

[Emma-And-Rene0]

OMG!  I was looking for an apartment in NY for my daughter and found his listing in a rental website (not Airbnb), but for the life of me, I can't remember which one.  I cannot believe that is the same response he emailed... word for word.   He also included his passport photo. 

I wonder if I should respond to confront him and let him know that I'm an Airbnb host.  Or maybe it would be more fun to give him a fake info and string him along.  🙂

[Gabriela218]

i guess i’m the idiot. i responded and sent my ID and paid $500. set up a time to meet and he was a no show. clicked on all the links and now they disappeared. so i lost $500 for being to trustworthy. 

[Maranda1]

He is now doing the same thing to people in portland oregon. I am so glad i saw this or i would have fallen for it as well!!!

[Adam488]

Well, I came across this post as well word for word, but it was with HomeAway. Thank God I did some research because it seemed too good to be true. A lot of the profile information seemed fishy and the passport expiration date was expired in May of 2015. Guy was named Anderson Jones Stephen-Arnold. Called the number but it went straight to phone not being an active line through Verizon. This was in Minneapolis, MN. Please be careful!

[Tamika9]

I just got an email from this guy today regarding a place here in Charlotte, NC. Unlucky for him I do fraud investigation so I found this trend after he sent the same email mentioned here.

[JorgeLuis22]

Hi, now this scammer offers an apartment in Orlando, Florida. I append the information ...

 Hello Jorge ,
     I've received your inquiry about my home for rent that I have on E Washington St.
     First of all, sorry for the late reply (I had a terrible week at the job). I own the apartment, not subletting or something like that. So the apartment is not shared, you will live alone in the unit (or get a roommate).
      This apartment comes fully furnished, ready for move-in as we speak. A clean and quiet apartment with cable TV, high-speed WiFi internet, dishwasher, washing machine and dryer. Two garaged parking spots and if you prefer to use your own furniture there is a storage unit where I can deposit my furniture before you move in. Well behaved pets are allowed. In my opinion it is the perfect area to live in, quiet and safe neighborhood.
     The monthly rent for the entire apartment will be 550.00- utilities included (electricity, heat, cable, water, sewer). I'm looking for long-term contract (minimum 2 months - maximum is up to you). My job is inspecting offshore oil rigs so I will never bother you during your rental period.
      My previous tenants practically destroyed the home and I had the entire property completely renovated, everything is brand new (see attached photos). I am looking after good tenants who will treat my property as their own residence and I hope that you can send me some personal information about yourself.
      Being offshore and with so limited options I must use HomeAway for the rental process. Here is a brief description of how it works:
     The process is pretty simple, as owner I need to submit information about my apartment to HomeAway, my details and some documents. Then they will process the tenant's details as well.
      Please reply if you want to know more about the rental process and I will send you the step by step procedure.
      Find attached more photos and let me know if you like the apartment.

Best Regards,
I.A.D.C. Certified Engineer - **

     Confidentiality Notice: This communication may contain material protected by the I.A.D.C. - International Association of Drilling Contractors. This communication and any documents or files transmitted with it are confidential and are intended solely for the use of the I.A.D.C. - International Association of Drilling Contractors and the individual or entity to which it is addressed. Any use, dissemination, forwarding, printing or copying of this communication is strictly prohibited.

----------------------------------------

 Hello again Jorge,
     Thanks for your reply. As I mentioned, HomeAway will handle the rental process on my behalf due to my offshore job. Also you can secure the apartment now and move in when your current lease ends or when you want.
     The first step  (Starting the process):
I will have to contact the HomeAway agency and provide them all the necessary information so they can start the rental process. That being said I will need your full name, the rental period with exact move-in date, how many people will live there, your email, your phone number and a copy of your ID or Passport so we can initiate the rental process.
     Step two  (Reservation):
HomeAway will require from you a security deposit of $ 1100.00 to confirm reservation ( which is fully refundable in case you don't like the apartment ).   Once you confirm reservation I will immediately book my next flight and organize the walk-through. If you are in a hurry to move in I could send you the keys by FedEx at your current address. It goes without saying that I will not book a flight or send any keys before you pay the security deposit to HomeAway and confirm the reservation !
     The 2 months security deposit includes the first month's rent and it will play as holding fee as well and will be refunded immediately with no questions asked if you don't like the place or once the contract will end if you decide to rent. ( Only if the apartment is not vandalized or something). A 30 days advance notice is required in case you need to leave early.
     If you are satisfied with the apartment all you have to do is to provide a valid ID and sign the lease agreement. After you move in, the monthly payment will be sent directly to my bank account or you can continue paying through HomeAway.
     If you find it acceptable please provide the requested details and I will submit your application right away. I will send the HomeAway reservation offer to your email and you can take it from there.

     Very important !! Please reply only if you fully understand the process as I have been disappointed lately with unserious persons when it comes to reserving. Please remember that I'll have to pay transaction fees and just in case you change your mind I will not receive a refund from them!

You will find attached a photo of my passport for more transparency.

Best Regards,

IADC Certified-Engineer - Christopher **
Email:**
Phone: **

   Confidentiality Notice: This communication may contain material protected by the IADC - International Association of Drilling Contractors. This communication and any documents or files transmitted with it are confidential and are intended solely for the use of the IADC - International Association of Drilling Contractors and the individual or entity to which it is addressed. Any use, dissemination, forwarding, printing or copying of this communication is strictly prohibited.

**[Sensitive information removed in line with - Community Center Guidelines]

[Letti0]

@JorgeLuis22 Run don't walk away from this rental. I am sure the passport is photoshopped or stolen. 

[Jen242]

Me too! In Nashville tn!

Hello again Jen,
     Thanks for your reply. As I mentioned, HomeAway will handle the rental process on my behalf due to my offshore job. Also you can secure the apartment now and move in when your current lease ends or when you want.
     The first step  (Starting the process):
I will have to contact the HomeAway agency and provide them all the necessary information so they can start the rental process. That being said I will need your full name, the rental period with exact move-in date, how many people will live there, your email, your phone number and a copy of your ID or Passport so we can initiate the rental process.
     Step two  (Reservation):
HomeAway will require from you a security deposit of $2040.00 to confirm reservation ( which is fully refundable in case you don't like the apartment ). Once you confirm reservation I will immediately book my next flight and organize the walk-through. If you are in a hurry to move in I could send you the keys by FedEx at your current address. It goes without saying that I will not book a flight or send any keys before you pay the security deposit to HomeAway and confirm the reservation !
     The 2 months security deposit includes the first month's rent and it will play as holding fee as well and will be refunded immediately with no questions asked if you don't like the place or once the contract will end if you decide to rent. ( Only if the apartment is not vandalized or something). A 30 days advance notice is required in case you need to leave early.
If you are satisfied with the apartment all you have to do is to provide a valid ID and sign the lease agreement. After you move in, the monthly payment will be sent directly to my bank account or you can continue paying through HomeAway.
     If you find it acceptable please provide the requested details and I will submit your application right away. I will send the HomeAway reservation offer to your email and you can take it from there.

     Very important !! Please reply only if you fully understand the process as I have been disappointed lately with unserious persons when it comes to reserving. Please remember that I'll have to pay transaction fees and just in case you change your mind I will not receive a refund from them!

     You will find attached a photo of my passport for more transparency.

 Best Regards,
Email:
Phone: 

INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF DRILLING CONTRACTORS **

Confidentiality Notice:This communication may contain material protected by the IADC - International Association of Drilling Contractors. This communication and any documents or files transmitted with it are confidential and are intended solely for the use of the IADC - International Association of Drilling Contractors and the individual or entity to which it is addressed. Any use, dissemination, forwarding, printing or copying of this communication is strictly prohibited. **[Sensitive information removed in line with - Community Center Guidelines]

[Metzli0]

Looks like this scammer is still at work. I got a very similar message from 

christopher@simmons-oil.com

but the process was supposed to be taken care of by HomeAway, it sounded too good to be true but I still belived it. Fortunately I did some research before sending any money to him. I wish there was something that could be done to stop him.

" I've received your inquiry about my property for rent that I have on 151 Fort Pitt Blvd, Pittsburgh, PA.
     First of all, sorry for the late reply (I had a terrible week at the job). I own the apartment, not subletting or something like that. So the apartment is not shared, you will live alone in the unit (or get a roommate).
      This apartment comes fully furnished, ready for move-in as we speak. A clean and quiet apartment with cable TV, high-speed WiFi internet, dishwasher, washing machine and dryer. Two garaged parking spots and if you prefer to use your own furniture there is a storage unit where I can deposit my furniture before you move in. Well behaved pets are allowed. In my opinion it is the perfect area to live in, quiet and safe neighborhood.
     The monthly rent for the entire apartment will be 830.00- utilities included (electricity, heat, cable, water, sewer). I'm looking for long-term contract (minimum 2 months - maximum is up to you). My job is inspecting offshore oil rigs so I will never bother you during your rental period.
      My previous tenants practically destroyed the apartment and I had the entire property completely refurbished, everything is brand new (see attached photos). I am looking after good tenants who will treat my property as their own place and I hope that you can send me some personal information about yourself.
      Being offshore and with so limited options I must use HomeAway for the rental process. Here is a brief description of how it works:
     The system is pretty simple, as owner I need to submit information about my property to HomeAway, my details and some documents. Then they will process the tenant's details as well.
      Please reply if you want to know more about the lease process and I will send you the step by step procedure.
      Find attached more photos and let me know if you like the apartment.

Best Regards,
I.A.D.C. Certified Engineer - Christopher Simmons
Email: christopher@simmons-oil.com

     Confidentiality Notice: This communication may contain material protected by the I.A.D.C. - International Association of Drilling Contractors. This communication and any documents or files transmitted with it are confidential and are intended solely for the use of the I.A.D.C. - International Association of Drilling Contractors and the individual or entity to which it is addressed. Any use, dissemination, forwarding, printing or copying of this communication is strictly prohibited."

-------------

Second Email

"Thanks for your reply. As I mentioned, HomeAway will handle the rental process on my behalf due to my offshore job. Also you can secure the apartment now and move in when your current lease ends or when you want.
     The first step  (Starting the process):
I will have to contact the HomeAway agency and provide them all the necessary information so they can start the rental process. That being said I will need your full name, the rental period with exact move-in date, how many people will live there, your email, your phone number and a copy of your ID or Passport so we can initiate the rental process.
     Step two  (Reservation):
HomeAway will require from you a security deposit of $ 830.00 to confirm reservation ( which is fully refundable in case you don't like the apartment ).   Once you confirm reservation I will immediately book my next flight and organize the walk-through. If you are in a hurry to move in I could send you the keys by FedEx at your current address. It goes without saying that I will not book a flight or send any keys before you pay the security deposit to HomeAway and confirm the reservation (please note that this will be the total move in cost).
     The security deposit includes the first month's rent and it will play as holding fee as well and will be refunded immediately with no questions asked if you don't like the place or once the contract will end if you decide to rent. ( Only if the apartment is not vandalized or something). A 30 days advance notice is required in case you need to leave early.
     If you are satisfied with the apartment all you have to do is to provide a valid ID and sign the lease agreement. After you move in, the monthly payment will be sent directly to my bank account or you can continue paying through HomeAway.
     If you find it acceptable please provide the requested details and I will submit your application right away. I will send the HomeAway reservation offer to your email and you can take it from there.

     Very important !! Please reply only if you fully understand the process as I have been disappointed lately with unserious persons when it comes to reserving. Please remember that I'll have to pay transaction fees and just in case you change your mind I will not receive a refund from them!

You will find attached a photo of my passport for more transparency and put a face to the name.

Best Regards,

IADC Certified Engineer / Christopher Simmons
Email: christopher@simmons-oil.com
Phone: +1 609.957.5889

   Confidentiality Notice: This communication may contain material protected by the IADC - International Association of Drilling Contractors. This communication and any documents or files transmitted with it are confidential and are intended solely for the use of the IADC - International Association of Drilling Contractors and the individual or entity to which it is addressed. Any use, dissemination, forwarding, printing or copying of this communication is strictly prohibited."

[Staci17]

This Scammer/Hacker is also posting in the Virginia area using HomeAway.  What worries me the most is that the property's are being advertised among sites like Zillow, Apartments.com, etc.  So you have to be very careful.