more pictures below

Freeman Rental Apartment
Posed as owner:Freeman Levis
New York, New York, United States
Apartment 2/2
Sleeps: 5
Contact: freelevis@mac.com

Phone: 646-873-4845
IP: 195.93.102.2, FRANCE, AOL.com
Fraud vacation rental descriptions:

This unit is very close to Central Park and Lincoln Center for the performing art from the street to broadway and Amsterdam Ave is just a step, this unit is fit for your vacation where you will have all
the fun you all hope to because this is the center of fun and 24 night life.

There is a doorman at the unit 24 hours of the day, shopping centers are very close to you so you do not need to go that far to get anything you needs if you wish to see a movie then is just few mins walk, easy to locate

New York, New York, United States
Apartment 4/4.5
Sleeps: 9
Contact: danielstonen1@aol.com

Fraudulent owner: Daniel Penn
Email: danielstonen1@aol.com
Phone: 6468071824, 646-807-1824
IP: 41.184.3.50,  NIGERIA, LAGOS,  IPNXMEDIAHOSTING.COM

Fraud NY vacation rental description:

Enchanting luxury 4br/5ba high rise apartment{central park view}has been furnished to perfection, this high rise apartment offers luxury at its best. Situated on the prestigious upper west side, this apartment overlooks central park giving you an unparalleled view of the park of the living room and all 4bedrooms. An expansive living room and dining room have been enhanced by special lighting and architectural flourishes that afford magical views of central park from its tall, perfectly proportioned windows. Located on one of the most prestigious blocks on the upper west side of manhattan. It is conveniently located between columbus & central park west, directly across from the museum of natural history and only one half block to central park and b&c trains. This apartment is walking distance to all upscale shopping on columbus avenue and famous restaurants, such as tavern on the green, isabella’s and ocean grill. Enjoy other nearby attractions such as theodore roosevelt park, the lake at central park, fairway and zabar’s. The master bedroom faces central park and is exquisitely decorated with comfort and luxury in mind. A complete system of enhanced lighting, audio/visual systems and motorized draperies throughout the residence provide for ’state of the art’ entertaining with great sophistication and style. The building offers in-house parking free for two cars if renting this apartment} a professionally managed 14,000 sf fitness center + 75′ lap pool{free if renting this apartment}.

free airport shutlle offered for out of towners.

all utilities are inclusive in rates .

high speed internet service available

Posing as owner: Bauer Scott
Fraudulent Email: bauscottproperty@aol.com
Phone:     206-338-1286, 3863084263

IP sent: 63.223.103.77 ,DSL, SENTRIS NETWORK LLC,  HWEBHOSTING.COM)

Fraud Destin Florida vacation rental description

This grand home with extra large gulf front pool and lounging area. No wonder this luxurious vacation destination is a rental winner! over $230k in rental income. Extensive renovations include modern conveniences and aesthetic appeal. 6 br/5 ba and multiple entertainment/gathering areas are included in the 6228 heated square feet. Lots of privacy for extended families and guests with dual kitchens and first floor guest quarters. This home is perched 30′ above sea level and is secured with a massive seawall. The views are breathtaking and the space abundant. A gated entry and 3-car garage allow room for plenty of visitors. The home’s location on scenic 98 in miramar beach includes unspoiled and uncrowded beaches furnishings are included.This home is a wonder and a winner. Be the first to take advantage of off-season, short rental pricing.

* FTC toll free hotline: 877-FTC-HELP (877-382-4357)
* FTC online complaint form (www.ftc.gov)
* Canadian PhoneBusters hotline: 888-495-8501
* Internet Fraud Complaint Center (www.ic3.gov/)
* Non-emergency number for your local police department.

Fraudulent owner: briggs, maron
Email: maron_briggs@yahoo.com
IP: Nigeria - 41.205.184.2

The house is outfitted with every amenity including a gas grill on the lanai, a telescope for viewing the pods of whales and dolphins that frolic and play directly in front of the condo, and a DSL line for high-speed Internet access. The living room is equipped with a TV, Bose stereo surround sound system, VCR, CD player, and tape deck for your enjoyment.

The master bedroom, equipped with a king-size bed and a TV, . It has a large, walk-in shower and Japanese soaking tub where you can sit and watch tv. The second bedroom has a queen-size bed and an unbelievable view of the bed flying  There is an inflatable mattress that can transform the solarium into an additional sleeping room available for your use. This beautifully landscaped complex also offers a heated pool and
tennis court.

Come and breathe the fresh  air, smell the tropical flowers,  doesn’t get any better than this! Enjoy all the comforts of home for less than the price of a hotel room. Rates do not include 11.42% taxes and $145 cleaning fee.

Vacation Rental Amenities

Gas Grill
Full Kitchen
Dishwasher
Coffee Maker
Microwave
Blender/Ice Maker/Toaster
Cable TV, Surround Sound Stereo System/VCR
CD/Tape Player
Bed/Bath Linens
Washer/Dryer
Ceiling Fans
Beach Towels
FAX /DSL
Iron/Ironing Board
Games

Scam email: brianluxuryhomes@yahoo.com
Phone: 6468739656, 646-873-9656

IP: 41.205.171.117, Nigeria

New York Vacation Rental Fraud:

The apartment is located at 200 central park south, lot of bars and restaurants.Public transportation is everywhere. Bus stops at the corner and subway stations for R, N, E, D, 1, 2, B, A, and C lines one block away. One block away from Central Park, around the corner from Carnegie Hall and a 10 minute taxi ride to New York’s most popular districts, i.e Greenwich Village, soHo and Tribeca. Also, you will have access to all major subway lines just a few steps away from the apartment. Art, fun, and entertainment is the name of the game in this part of town with countless restaurants, opera and cultural events at the famous Lincoln Center, the Metropolitan Museum of art, and only a 10-minute walk to New York’s Broadway Shows
steps off Central Park and Carnegie Hall so ideally positioned for easy and convenient access throughout New York. The magnificent Lincoln Center beyond Columbus Circle is also close by, together with lots of world class shopping and dining along the fashionable 5th Avenue and Madison Avenue, the Rockefeller Center with its wonderful landscaped plaza and the Museum of Modern Art - one of the world’s most famous museums.
The bustling Theatre District is also within walking distance or a short taxi ride.Central Park is just across from your apartment, and all the excitement and brilliance of the new Time-Warner Building shines. Visit the collection of fine shops, dine at New York’s newest restaurants or in the fast scene at Whole Foods.
* 24 Hour Doorman
* Concierge
* Laundry
* Video Security
* New Elevators (2001)
* Fully Equipped Fitness Center
* Air Conditioning
* New Wassau Thermal Pane Casement Windows 2001
* Granite Countertops
* Microwave
* Icemaker
* Dishwasher
* Terrace
* 9′ High Ceilings
* Fireplace
* Marble Baths

From: Mark Mercado
Email: markmer04@yahoo.com
IP: 41.219.225.204 / Negeria

rental scam inquiry:
Hello,
How you doing, My name is Mark Mercado and I wish to know if your place will be available for February 15 : February 22 - 2010. Me and wife are coming from Uk for Honey Moon and we will like to know the cost, the deposit to be made and all neccesary details. We do drink socially, we don’t smoke and we not coming with our pet. I hope to read from you soonest, GOD Bless You.
Best Regards,
Mr John Hout.

E-mail: aux_autos2001@yahoo.co.uk / Phone: +447024096557

IP:  41.138.178.69 NIGERIA       DSL     VISAFONE COMMUNICATIONS LIMITED

Fraudelent inquiry

I am interested in renting your home for 2weeks in Feb 2010,will like

to know your final asking per week,i await your responces.

Message From Harry Miller

My Name is Sgt Harry Miller of the Persian Gulf,with members of the Hawai’i Air National Guard’s 154th Security Forces Squadron.In respect of your rental,I am planning a surprise vacation gift package for my Godson and her newly wedded wife alone with treat while currently on an active duty,the scheduled date will be 14th -29th January.2010, (14nights)if this has already been booked.please advice on the nearest 14nights you have available, cost for the period, Security Deposit,Cleaning fees, and Tax,all been totaled plus any order major services to be rendered,for the couple alone,no pets,they don’t smoke either.l will need to conclude this booking early enough for them to avoid any inconvenience during there stay.

101 West 90th Street

Spam Sent from IP: 74.71.82.198 - ROAD RUNNER HOLDCO LLC  RR.COM - New York

Using name: Barry Smith

Using email: barry.smith109@yahoo.com

Phone: 3474351868 , 347-435-1868

This excellent 3 Bedroom Apartment on the Upper West Side with 15th Floor panoramic views of Central Park. Luxury Doorman Building, Gym Access, Laundry, and many extra features. Flat Panel T.V., hardwood floors, lots of light, and plenty of closet space. Great restaurants, gourmet supermarkets, and shopping in neighborhood. Near Museum Mile, The Met, and Museum of Natural History. 1/2 block to Central Park with many bus and subway stations close by. 10 minutes from Columbia University.

By LISA BEISEL, Staff Writer
Published 11/02/09

Christine Kennedy was in trouble: She’d lost her job, her home had been foreclosed on and she had less than a month to find a place she could afford to rent.
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So she did what many people do when looking for a deal and turned to the Internet, namely the popular Web site Craigslist. And she was almost hooked into a housing scam.

Kennedy was one of two local residents who were recently looking to rent a house in Eastport. Each of them saw an ad on Craigslist for a home rental on Boucher Avenue. The ad said that for just $800, someone could rent the three-bedroom home.

The catch was that those inquiring could not view the house. They were each asked to send money via Western Union to someone in London. The ad poster told each of them that once they sent the money, he would send the keys and the lease agreement.

Luckily, Kennedy and the other person spotted the scam and didn’t send any money. Instead, they contacted the Annapolis Police Department. Police found the home in question was going to be rented out - but for $2,700 a month.

Kennedy said she began to think the deal was too good to be true early on in her e-mail exchange with the seller.

“There was something about the correspondence that was a little off,” she said.

Missing words and incomplete sentences in particular caught her attention. She then went by the house, saw the realty sign and called the real estate agent, who alerted her to the scam.

In what’s becoming a well-known scam, people in foreign countries see legitimate ads on Craigslist or other sites and then create their own fake ads. The scammer’s ad usually offers a great, below-market value deal. They pretend to own the property, but claim to be overseas on business and say they need to rent it out.

Then the scammer asks for a wire transfer of money and says the potential renter will not be able to see inside the house until the deal is done.

Even though everyone warns of Internet scams, “when it really happens, it’s a different story. It’s embarrassing,” Kennedy said.

Seeking a deal

It’s not the first time this kind of crime has been reported in the city. Police and crime experts said that in a tough economy, everyone is looking for a deal, and that may be contributing to scammers’ success.

There are lots of reasons people fall for scams, said Leslie Parker-Blyther, an assistant professor at Anne Arundel Community College and the program coordinator for Homeland Security and the Criminal Justice Institute of the college.

Older and younger people seem most susceptible, Parker-Blyther said, sometimes because they can be more trusting. Sometimes people fall for a scam simply because they’re impatient and don’t put an effort into researching the legitimacy of an ad.

And especially in a bad economy, getting a good deal is important to people.

“People get wrapped up in a deal,” she said. “They get really taken by it, they get excited by it.”

It’s harder to spot a thief on the Internet, she said. In person, you might notice someone’s shifty eyes or nervous behavior. But online, suspicious behavior is easier to mask, she said.

“Human beings become more readable in person,” Parker-Blyther said. “It makes it very, very easy for people to be taken (online).”

Detective Pete Medley of the Annapolis Police Department said Craigslist scams are frustrating for police.

Often, the ads offer home rentals that are below market value, but are for real homes. In most cases, the homes are either not for rent or for rent at a much higher price.

“They’re scams, but they’re a lot harder for people to detect,” he said.

Smart moves

In both cases last week, the would-be victims took smart steps: One contacted a Realtor, the other drove by the house. Both quickly found out that the Craigslist ad was too good to be true.

But if they hadn’t done that, they’d have lost money, Medley said. Since the would-be scammer is supposedly in London, Annapolis police aren’t able to pursue the case further, though they notified the Web site that the ad was bogus.

People prefer to take a good deal at face value, and frequently don’t believe they’d be the victim of a scam, Medley said.

“People normally go around thinking the best of other people,” he said.

There are a couple things you can do to easily check an ad’s legitimacy, he said.

First, type the address into Google Earth. See if the address is even in a residential neighborhood; many fake addresses are in industrial parks, Medley said.

For addresses in Maryland, you can use the Maryland Real Property Search. The free state Web site, http://sdatcert3.resiusa.org/rp_rewrite/, can tell you who owns a given property, how much it was worth and when it was sold. Make sure the information in the ad matches up, he said.

If you’re still not sure, call the local police department and ask for help sorting things out.

Name: Mr. Paul Blake

E-mail: paul_blake19@yahoo.com

Phone: +447045764125

Fraudulent Inquiry:

Good Day,

I saw your house on the site and i got interested.My family will like to move over to your country for their holidays.Please get back to me with your last price in Euros.Also let me have more pictures of the apartment.Bookings are as follow…

Number of people: 2,
Number of rooms: one room per each,
Cost of a room per night,
Total cost for 2 people for that period,
Arrival date: 4th June, 2010,
Departure date: 25th June, 2010.

Mr. Paul Blake

HELLO,

Iam Williams David ,i want to book for reservation for my staffs that are
coming for honey moon.

Details for my bookings are below.
ARRIVAL DATES: MARCH 20TH.
DEPARTURE DATE: MARCH 30TH
NUMBER:4

(1).Availability of the dates.
(2).The daily cost of the required dates.
(3).the total cost for the length of their stay of the two couples.
(4).Payment type credit card only.

Do get back at me with the requirements as stated above.

KINDEST REGARDS
Dr.Williams David
Tel +447045707584

Email: davidmarc27@yahoo.com

Scam rental inquiry:

I came across your apartment and i am interested in renting…I am an Engineer currently working on a contract in western part africa with an Oil exploration company.I am one of their field agent.So will like to know if the apartment is available.

IP: 41.211.250.81, Nigeria

Vacation Home Rentals received a call earlier this month from a man in Maryland saying his property was listed as being a rental. The only problem was, along with the description of his home and photographs, a different name and mailing address for payment was attached.

“What worked for them in the past doesn’t anymore so they devise more and more scams,” he said. Carol Irvine and Jerry Jongerius of Idyllrentals.com said they contacted Thomas Gilmore of Vacation Home Rentals after they found out about the scam.

“The only problem, he never rented from us,” said Jongerius, who lives in Maryland. “To make a very long story short, someone posted our rental properties on the Web, posing as the owner, and collected rental deposits for next year. We know of one such renter, Tim, who sent a registered check for $4,550 to the fraudulent address in Wisconsin.”

“Since then, we found our property on other sites as well, such as Vacation Rentals,” Jongerius said. “We have been contacting everyone trying to get the listing taken down.”

Gilmore said he takes steps to protect himself by cross-checking information and trying to block IP addresses from fraudulent sites. He says since starting Vacation Rentals five years ago, he has run into scams about three times.

“We have 1,200 properties and $100 million in rental transactions,” Gilmore said. “Any online business runs into these problems.

“They are doing all they can,” Brunault said. “The Nigerians put a lot of thought into their scams, and you don’t even know they are scams anymore. You have to stay on top of it, and if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.”

Fraudulent vacation rental listing from Lauren Tervor
Email: lauren-trevor@inmail24.com

Phone: 681 583-1681, 681-583-1681

IP: 41.205.178.64, Nigeria, dial up from STARCOMMS.NET

Scam listing text:
Enjoy skyline views from this luxurious fully furnished apt. Great
views from this upper floor of a luxury 40 story hi-rise.
Fabulous location. Doorman/concierge. Fully equipped kitchen
w/dishwasher,microwave,coffee-maker,pots/pans/utensils. New queen
bed + comfortable queen fold-out couch in living rm. Cable TV in
both rms. DVD player. Free local and long-distance phone. Hi-speed
internet access. Gym on premises. Subway stop
on corner. Walk to Carnegie hall, Times square, Radio city, Central
park and theatre district. Adjacent to restaurant row. Near to
neighborhood and high-end shopping. Beautiful outdoor courtyard
w/seating and cafes

According to police, Hencock Michael-Williams, 34, of Miami Beach, was arrested Friday, July 31 2009.

He is suspected of using a variety of aliases, including “Michael Reese” and “Michael Rath,” in several scams. He is being held in the Metro West Detention Center in Miami on $100,000 bail.

Michael-Williams, who is suspected of bilking multiple victims out of thousands of dollars put down as deposits on week-long vacation home rentals, has been charged with 10 counts of third degree grand theft. Three of those charges involve alleged Internet fraud for homes on Cape Cod and the others involve properties in Miami Beach.

However, there are at least eight other fraud reports in Truro and West Dennis discovered by the Banner that are not part of the original charges against Michael-Williams.

Miami-Dade Detective Richard Arias, who made the arrest, said he was able to identify Michael-Williams as a suspect because the fraud method mirrored a similar Internet scam the man was found guilty of two years ago. In that case, Michael-Williams, using a variety of aliases, convinced victims he was the owner of a luxury rental property. Payments from the would-be vacationers were sent to a Miami post office box where Michael-Williams would collect and cash the checks.

“It was all done very professionally. He lures the victim into a false sense of security and they agree to send him money,” said Arias, who arrested the suspect last week when he arrived for a court date on the previous conviction.

In that case, Michael-Williams, who was described as a complex introvert who spends most of his time on a computer, served no jail time but was ordered to make restitution to the victims. Ironically, that may have been what led him to allegedly commit new cases of Internet fraud.

“I believe he was using the money from the new victims to pay restitution to the old victims,” Arias said.

Michael-Williams faces a maximum of five years in a Miami state jail on each of the 10 counts. However, the Miami state Attorney General’s Office said that victim restitution is usually part of the sentencing process for third degree felonies, with which Michael-Williams has been charged.

“I would hope [Michael-Williams] would serve some time. He keeps doing it,” Arias said about the alleged crime.

Several of the victims on Cape Cod said they were happy about the arrest and would be contacting Arias to see if their case could be added to the charges against the suspect.

“Looking forward to hearing about the real deal on this guy. Revenge is best served…in Miami. 

Here’s to getting our money back,” Allison Rude, who was bilked out of $1,100 on a home in West Dennis she thought she had rented, wrote in an e-mail to the Banner.

“Hopefully something will stick and he will be held accountable,” e-mailed Meg Anderson, who also lost $1,100.

“I’m not sure we are getting any money back, but I’ll take justice,” said Jim Elgert, who lost $745 on a Truro home advertised on Craigslist.

Read on: Taunton Daily Gazetta

From: More, Faith

Email: faith_more2@yahoo.com

Phone: 206-350-8309

IP: 41.205.166.9, Nigeria

Fraudulent rental:

Enjoy all that New York City has to offer from these centrally located at midtown Manhattan  , beautifully designed, modern studio apartments in our luxury doorman building. Poland Spring bottled water available in all units.

Each custom designed unit features stunning views of the Manhattan skyline, queen-size bed, full sofabed (in most units), linens and toiletries, wireless High-Speed Internet access, free local phone, LCD TV, digital cable, DVD player,and  its own fully-equipped kitchen and bath. and Air Conditioning for the summer. We also provide you a washing machine, an iron and iron board. A free cot for a child is available if needed. At the beginning of the stay, we supply you with clean towels and sheets. We make the cleaning of theapartment once a week (or more often on request). All costs are included.(water and electricity). The building is equipped with a Lift. Other amenities: Satellite TV, VCR, Stereo, CD Player, Full Kitchen, Microwave, Dishwasher, Refrigerator

NY. Just over 1 mile to Holimont and Holiday Valley this townhouse sits next to a large park. The park offers tennis, basketball, outdoor rink, soccer field, baseballl diamond, playground and picnic area. Hiking, biking and horseback riding trails are also minutes away. Enjoy a short walk to the quaint village of Ellicotville with lots of nightlife and the casino only 15 minutes away. Great location for golf, tubing and skiing.