Author |
Message |
skeelo58
Hello I'm New here!
Joined: 05 Dec 2008
Posts: 7
|
Posted:
Fri Dec 05, 2008 7:29 am |
|
So I listed my apartment on Craigslist (trying to move out, so I can get a place with my cousins). I got an email from "Ravi" yesterday, and this is what it said
Hi,
My name is Ravi and im a male age 30 moving to fargo on Dec 6th which is this saturday. I am a consultant and will be working in fargo for a while i guess. At present im in Washington DC and will get there on 6th. So if you could share some more info of the appt like some pictures that would be great.
thanks
ravi
Now, on first read, I thought it was a typical Craigslist scam, but then I read it again. His english is fairly decent, and not nearly as bad as other scammers on C/L. Also, he doesn't offer me money or anything, he simply just wants some pictures of my apartment.
I replied back to him, telling him the details of the apartment, how much rent is, etc. His next email was this....
thats fine
can i come and see the appt this sunday? Are you still living there? did you sign any lease ? I would appreciate if you could give me your phone no where i can reach you.
thanks
ravi
Once again, he says nothing about money, although this time he asks for my phone number to discuss the apartment (a reasonable request for someone looking for an apt I guess). I didn't give him my number, as I am still kind of weary of this whole thing.
I told him a few more details about the apartment, and told him I would be home all day Sunday, so that he could come check out my place. He replied:
sunday morning 11 am would be fine please send me your address
Now, this is when my scam radar started going off again. Nobody would say "Sunday morning, 11 a.m." I did give him my address (just in case it is a legit offer). Was there any harm in giving this guy my address if it turns out to be a scam?
This one is really tricky. It seems like it could quite possibly be a scam, but then again, it doesn't contain all of the broken English, or offers of money like all the other scams.
So what does everyone think? Is this legit? Or is it a scam? [/b]
Also, I find it suspicious that he wouldn't already have a place lined up. He would have obviously known he was being shipped out from DC to Fargo, so why wouldn't he have had a place picked out already? Instead of "moving to fargo on the 6th, and I want to check out your apt on the 7th". |
|
|
|
|
MasteMind
Not quite a Newb
Joined: 17 Nov 2008
Posts: 44
|
Posted:
Fri Dec 05, 2008 8:12 am |
|
Some people just don't plan ahead or the was some trouble with his first choice. I see no scam alarm in this. |
_________________ |
|
|
|
skeelo58
Hello I'm New here!
Joined: 05 Dec 2008
Posts: 7
|
Posted:
Fri Dec 05, 2008 8:17 am |
|
OK cool. Better safe than sorry. If it is legit, and he wants my place, than awesome. If it is a scam, then it kinda sucks he is wasting my time. Thanks for your help! |
|
|
|
|
bombardier
*** BANNED ***
Joined: 02 Jan 2006
Posts: 2021
|
Posted:
Fri Dec 05, 2008 1:40 pm |
|
|
|
|
falnsb
419Eater is my life
Joined: 07 Jun 2005
Posts: 337
Location: Spain/South Africa
|
Posted:
Fri Dec 05, 2008 1:45 pm |
|
Quote: |
Nobody would say "Sunday morning, 11 a.m." |
I don't see why not. It sunds quite normal to me.
I think you'll find the writer is an Indian, probably well educated and most likely a programmer or something hence the quick fire, sloppy but correct English.
I don't think it is particularly suspicious. |
_________________ x5
YOU BASTED PIG HOW CAN YOU DO THIS TO ME I AM NOT SCAMMER
You are the pertetic fool with no ambition, you wasted our time, by doing this.
You white are reaping what you saw, by enslaving our forfather. if you like publish all your head white still fall for our trick, fool, is better you work with me because am demmm rich.
EAT SHIT IF DO NOT HEAR FROM YOU. MIND YOU YOUR NAME IS WITH MY SPIRITUALIST, YOU ARE ALREADY A MUGU.
you are a fool, your four father first scammed our four fathers. came to africa and stole our rich heritage. suffered us as slaves and killed us like ants. it is time to get back all what your four fathers stole from our four fathers.
we will not stop untill the europeans, americans etc . come begging for forgivenes. |
|
|
|
Albator
Elite Baiter
Joined: 18 Jun 2008
Posts: 1036
Location: Belgium
|
Posted:
Fri Dec 05, 2008 1:52 pm |
|
As everyone already said here, no scam alarm for me... |
_________________ "You are the most worsted beast i have ever come across"- P4tr1ck S4mb0
"U ARE JUST AN INFIRMINATE BASTARD CLOCKING LIKE AN OLD HEN" - Sh4m1m Al4v1
"You are probably the patient of psychiatrystic hospital" - Oks4n4 Ch4yk4
x4 x7
x64 x11
(co-bait with MoP)
-S4m 07/01/08-Ongoing
-An4st4s1y4 (Vlad) 11/26/08-Ongoing "I would iron your cock through trousers while it will not be firm"
-0um4r (Hitlad) 11/28/08-Ongoing
-Y4o 02/19/09-Ongoing
-Ver0nika (Vlad) 384d
<a href="/forum/donate.php">[Support 419Eater.com]</a>
<a href="http://scamwarners.com/forum/index.php">www.scamwarners.com</a> |
|
|
|
spot
Moderator
Joined: 25 Aug 2005
Posts: 9149
Location: Criminal Disruption Department.
|
Posted:
Fri Dec 05, 2008 2:50 pm |
|
he says that he is in Washington DC .....what do the e-mail headers tell you ? |
_________________ x32
|
|
|
|
Dorothy
Baiting Guru
Joined: 09 Jul 2008
Posts: 3114
Location: somewhere over the rainbow
|
Posted:
Fri Dec 05, 2008 3:14 pm |
|
As others have said, if it's a scam, it's not typical. He should have been trying to send you a check already. It's also not a big deal to ask who he works for, and verify the company is legitimate.
It's not necessarily unusual to arrive without housing lined up. Note he says he will be in Fargo "for a while" which sounds like an open-ended temporary assignment. Chances are his company is putting him up in a standard or residence hotel. When temporary reassignment and/or a contract of a few months to a year is involved, companies may book hotel reservations for employees, but the assignment will include a housing stipend. If they don't want to stay in the hotel, the employee can find alternate housing and use the stipend to pay for it instead of the hotel.
If the company won't pay to send the employee out prior to the relocation to look for housing, the employee will often wait until they arrive to find housing rather than personally absorb the costs of a plane ticket and search before arriving. I have a friend who has moved from one contract to another for years--and every time she has moved, she has found housing after arrival because the company wouldn't fly her out in advance. |
_________________ "I've a feeling we're not in Kansas any more..." |
|
|
|
high-seas-piracy
Not quite a Newb
Joined: 03 Dec 2008
Posts: 77
|
Posted:
Fri Dec 05, 2008 3:48 pm |
|
Post up the email header and let someone do a trace on it. That should give you a good clue as to whether it is legit or not. |
|
|
|
|
firepilot
Not quite a Newb
Joined: 25 Aug 2005
Posts: 79
Location: Someplace cold, with lots of potatos
|
Posted:
Fri Dec 05, 2008 5:52 pm |
|
No one in their right mind would move to Fargo in the winter, must be a scam. Kidding...
I actually moved to Fargo in the winter once, moved from Kona Hawaii to Fargo ND. Talk about a bit of a temperature change in February. |
|
|
|
|
manbiteslion
Baiting Guru
Joined: 12 Dec 2007
Posts: 4816
Location: Connecting my chair and keyboard
|
Posted:
Sat Dec 06, 2008 11:08 pm |
|
I reckon you're just fine, nothing to worry about, sounds just like Indian English, and the scenario of a temporary IT contract would fit the bill entirely.
Apologies if I'm wrong, but hopefully you've found yourself a professional, affluent tenant |
|
|
|
|
Murry Guru
Baiting Guru
Joined: 11 May 2007
Posts: 5561
Location: Turned into Ralph
|
Posted:
Sun Dec 07, 2008 2:23 am |
|
I dont know what it is but it doesn't quite seem right to me either, use caution here as you always should.
If he does turn up on Sunday you will have your answer
I presume you have checked the headers, Googled the email address and the phone number already, if not, do that, your answer should be in there |
_________________ "I want to hold your hand and let you scream at me while you bring our child into this world"- Linda Lopez
Bait with Frumpy on the hitman "i though we are partners in this and now u turn around to stub me on the back"
Click to learn how to romance bait Click to get your name in mugu gold
Got info on a scam vic? PM a mod Recieved a scam warning? Say "thank you, I am a baiter"
Ruin your pets day, post their details at scamwarners
<- I run like a girl
x12 ? not enough
<- this one belongs to Ralph. |
|
|
|
Slightlyoutofit
Baiting Guru
Joined: 13 Feb 2007
Posts: 14310
Location: Foraging for Nuts.
|
Posted:
Sun Dec 07, 2008 9:48 am |
|
I don't like the look of it and I certainly wouldn't advise you to let your guard down.
From what I've seen before it looks like the early stages of a check scam.
Possibly the guy is genuine but I'd watch him like a hawk and if he comes at you with a check and asks for any refund on it, tell him where to get off.
One thing that stands out to me is the use of "appt" instead of "apt" for the abbreviation of "apartment". When I deal with African check scammers on this type of format, they nearly all use the former instead of the correct "apt". This could be because West Africans don't have apartments - they have "flats" as in the UK and so aren't used to the proper abbreviation. |
_________________
God will see you true for all this you have done to me you bastard. - Collins Kalu
MAY THE HAND THAT TYPE ON KEYBORD BECOME STRICKEN AND TRANSMIT VIRUS TO YOU ENTIRE BODY. - Dr Linda Akeem
oh what a mess its time cabbage punks like u will be expose for trully what they are. - David Cole |
|
|
|
GeorgeBush
419Eater is my life
Joined: 05 May 2004
Posts: 378
Location: Texas
|
Posted:
Mon Dec 08, 2008 2:34 am |
|
I am surprised by some of the responses here! This sounds like total BS to me, beware and be careful!. This guy is just not right... |
_________________ "YOUR PROBLEM IS THAT YOU DONT KNOW HOW TO ACT ACCORDING TO INSTRUCTION. WHAT I SAY IS DIFFERENT FROM WHAT YOU ARE ASKING FOR."
|
|
|
|
Pandora
** SUSPENDED **
Joined: 04 Aug 2007
Posts: 104
Location: Off to Jo-Burg, SA
|
Posted:
Mon Dec 08, 2008 2:47 am |
|
do you have a gun? If he does just throw a pistol in your waist band and cover it with a shirt and keep a safe distance from him... |
|
|
|
|
Murry Guru
Baiting Guru
Joined: 11 May 2007
Posts: 5561
Location: Turned into Ralph
|
Posted:
Mon Dec 08, 2008 3:01 am |
|
Seeing as we are pointing out concerns
"a male age 30" wouldn't most native english speakers say "a 30 year old male / man)
"I am a consultant" the most popular profession of male scammers (besides scammer)
"will get there on 6th" could be a typo but where is the word "the"
"share some more info of the appt" "of" or "about"
Other than that he is pushy and asking lots of questions that are not really relevant about the house.
If I was going to live there site unseen I would be asking things like;
How far to the local pub / shops / schools / Western Union
Do you have a dishwasher
What are the neighbours like.
How far from public transport or the place he is going to be working
If this is real, a man with nowhere to live will want to get in fast and he would be using his time trying to find out that the place is right for him before wasting his time going to see it, he appears to have made his mind up without knowing all of the important things.
I am presuming the appointment date has come and gone, any update on what happened? |
_________________ "I want to hold your hand and let you scream at me while you bring our child into this world"- Linda Lopez
Bait with Frumpy on the hitman "i though we are partners in this and now u turn around to stub me on the back"
Click to learn how to romance bait Click to get your name in mugu gold
Got info on a scam vic? PM a mod Recieved a scam warning? Say "thank you, I am a baiter"
Ruin your pets day, post their details at scamwarners
<- I run like a girl
x12 ? not enough
<- this one belongs to Ralph. |
|
|
|
larry
Old Telecom Guy
Joined: 07 Mar 2008
Posts: 516
Location: land of mountains plains, lakes, gophers etc etc
|
Posted:
Mon Dec 08, 2008 3:17 am |
|
Don't give him money until you see the whites of his eyes. |
_________________ <a href="/forum/donate.php">[Click here to donate to 419Eater.com]</a>
"Mimi si yule ninayesema ni mimi" - Larry
"sir i have just told you the gospel truth" - D4n Nkw3rr3
= Group safari - Dan Nkw3rr3: Port Harcourt to Abeche (with a layover in Cameroon)
x 4 x 2 |
|
|
|
Phoebe
419Eater is my life
Joined: 12 Oct 2008
Posts: 335
Location: Central Perk... having my brothers triplets...
|
Posted:
Mon Dec 08, 2008 3:19 am |
|
Just to mention. My partner is Indian and he talks just like that. I agree that the person is probably speaking English as a second language, and the name Ravi does sound Indian.
I'm really curious to know how this one turns out? I hope you'll keep us updated! |
_________________
NOBODY IS TRYING TO TRICK YOU MADAM. ALL I ASK FOR IS THE INFORMATION OF WHICH YOU USE IN SENDING THE $575. SO KINDLY SEND IT TO US--- Ad@m Ben$on
YOUR SON 1S ASK1NG ME TO TAKE A PHOTOGRAPH HOLD1NG THE S1GN *1 LOVE DA1SY DUCK*, BUT MADAM CONCERN1NG TH1S TRANSACT1ON 1 FEEL THAT YOUR SON 1S TRY1NG TO EMBARASS ME---Ad@m Ben$on |
|
|
|
BobCat
Master of Master Baiters
Joined: 04 Mar 2005
Posts: 972
Location: on the 'net
|
Posted:
Mon Dec 08, 2008 3:26 am |
|
So far, my scam alarms are not going off either.
Schedule the appointment. If he shows, and the conversation gets to rent amount, tell him rent is payable in cash. Accept no checks. Accept no money transfers.
However, the "out of town" part is suspicious. I bet he won't show up and then e-mail an excuse - and then the fake check part comes in. |
_________________ --BobCat
"I AM SEEK AND TIRED OF THIS AND I DONT THINK I CAN CONTINUE ANYMORE" Jul13t N0rm@n
"THANKS FOR MAKING FUN OF ME.." "I DIDNT GET ANY F***ING MONEY AND STOP MAKING FUN OF ME.. OK" Jul13t N0rm@n (rebaited from another character)
" I THINK WE HAVE TO PUT END TO THIS GAME,AND REASON WHY I SAID THIS IS BECAUSE I CAN NOT CONTINUE WITH GOING TO WESTERN UNION" Dr Bens0n
"DO YOU KNOW WHAT IT TAKE TO GET A MAGA IS NOT EASY MAN, IF YOU KNOW WHAT YOU HAVE CAUSE ME FOR TWO WEEKS NOW I CAN PAY MY HOUSE RENT THEY ARE ABOUT TO SEND MY FAMILY OUT OF THE HOUSE WE LIVE" Dr @d3kun13 Bens0n
"I THOUGHT I HAVE DONE EVERYTHING YOU WANTED WHY ARE YOU STRESSING US OUT." - Mu$@ H0us3
x 24 x1 x2 |
|
|
|
skeelo58
Hello I'm New here!
Joined: 05 Dec 2008
Posts: 7
|
Posted:
Mon Dec 08, 2008 4:23 am |
|
Good news!!!! It wasn't a scam. He actually showed up. He was a very nice guy. Sounds like he is gonna take my apt!
Glad it wasn't a scam |
|
|
|
|
Murry Guru
Baiting Guru
Joined: 11 May 2007
Posts: 5561
Location: Turned into Ralph
|
Posted:
Mon Dec 08, 2008 4:33 am |
|
Happy to hear it turned out OK, the caution is well warranted with the amount of scams we see.
Even though you have met him please be especially careful if he gives you a cheque |
_________________ "I want to hold your hand and let you scream at me while you bring our child into this world"- Linda Lopez
Bait with Frumpy on the hitman "i though we are partners in this and now u turn around to stub me on the back"
Click to learn how to romance bait Click to get your name in mugu gold
Got info on a scam vic? PM a mod Recieved a scam warning? Say "thank you, I am a baiter"
Ruin your pets day, post their details at scamwarners
<- I run like a girl
x12 ? not enough
<- this one belongs to Ralph. |
|
|
|
BobCat
Master of Master Baiters
Joined: 04 Mar 2005
Posts: 972
Location: on the 'net
|
Posted:
Mon Dec 08, 2008 4:46 am |
|
Don't accept any cheques.
Make sure rent is paid in cash anyway. |
_________________ --BobCat
"I AM SEEK AND TIRED OF THIS AND I DONT THINK I CAN CONTINUE ANYMORE" Jul13t N0rm@n
"THANKS FOR MAKING FUN OF ME.." "I DIDNT GET ANY F***ING MONEY AND STOP MAKING FUN OF ME.. OK" Jul13t N0rm@n (rebaited from another character)
" I THINK WE HAVE TO PUT END TO THIS GAME,AND REASON WHY I SAID THIS IS BECAUSE I CAN NOT CONTINUE WITH GOING TO WESTERN UNION" Dr Bens0n
"DO YOU KNOW WHAT IT TAKE TO GET A MAGA IS NOT EASY MAN, IF YOU KNOW WHAT YOU HAVE CAUSE ME FOR TWO WEEKS NOW I CAN PAY MY HOUSE RENT THEY ARE ABOUT TO SEND MY FAMILY OUT OF THE HOUSE WE LIVE" Dr @d3kun13 Bens0n
"I THOUGHT I HAVE DONE EVERYTHING YOU WANTED WHY ARE YOU STRESSING US OUT." - Mu$@ H0us3
x 24 x1 x2 |
|
|
|
skeelo58
Hello I'm New here!
Joined: 05 Dec 2008
Posts: 7
|
Posted:
Mon Dec 08, 2008 5:45 am |
|
Well he's not actually going to be renting FROM ME. He will just be signing a new lease from my landlord. Basically as soon as he does that, I'm gonna move out.
I just needed someone to fill my apt so that I can move out, as I still have 8 months left on my current lease. |
|
|
|
|
falnsb
419Eater is my life
Joined: 07 Jun 2005
Posts: 337
Location: Spain/South Africa
|
Posted:
Mon Dec 08, 2008 8:17 am |
|
As a matter of interest, is he an Indian, or at least from the Indian subcontinent? There are several pointers to this, the name Ravi being just one. |
_________________ x5
YOU BASTED PIG HOW CAN YOU DO THIS TO ME I AM NOT SCAMMER
You are the pertetic fool with no ambition, you wasted our time, by doing this.
You white are reaping what you saw, by enslaving our forfather. if you like publish all your head white still fall for our trick, fool, is better you work with me because am demmm rich.
EAT SHIT IF DO NOT HEAR FROM YOU. MIND YOU YOUR NAME IS WITH MY SPIRITUALIST, YOU ARE ALREADY A MUGU.
you are a fool, your four father first scammed our four fathers. came to africa and stole our rich heritage. suffered us as slaves and killed us like ants. it is time to get back all what your four fathers stole from our four fathers.
we will not stop untill the europeans, americans etc . come begging for forgivenes. |
|
|
|
skeelo58
Hello I'm New here!
Joined: 05 Dec 2008
Posts: 7
|
Posted:
Mon Dec 08, 2008 3:08 pm |
|
Well he said he is originally from California, but lately has been living in Washington DC. He spoke English very well, so I'm not sure if he grew up in India at all? He's definitely Indian though haha. He does have VERY slight Indian accent, most likely picked up from his parents. |
|
|
|
|
|