If you think It Could be a Scam….It Probably Is!
“If you think It could be a scam….It probably is!”. This was the headline on a sign that I saw today while in line at the bank waiting to make a deposit. It was some promotional campaign to push their fraud protection services. It gave short examples and tips in smaller letters, and I was only able to read a few of them. “Don’t do business with anyone you do not know”. “Do not accept checks from people you have never met or spoken to directly”. I could not agree more with any of the above three statements, and only wish I had more time and a better view to read the rest of their tips. I figured I would revisit the topic today since my original SCAM Blog went over so well. Just remember that Fake Check scammers are targeting many online industries right now, with Real Estate being one of the more popular targets. FSBO.com is currently wrapping up its new system that will help to prevent these types of scams from ever reaching your inbox, but until that goes live, I want to remind everyone that “If you think it could be a scam, it probably is”. Just like the old saying, “If something is too good to be true, it probably is”. Please see our previous Blog regarding Scams for more detailed info on what to look for: Scams on the Internet: How to Spot Them and What FSBO.com is Doing About Them
This entry was posted
on Friday, January 11th, 2008 at 3:57 pm and is filed under General.
You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed.
You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.
January 11th, 2008 at 5:00 pm
[...] post by FSBO BLOG Share and Enjoy: These icons link to social bookmarking sites where readers can share and [...]
January 13th, 2008 at 12:24 pm
We have had our property listed on FSBO for a few months now, but over the holidays I was receiving e-mails from an “interested ” party who had a broker, etc. Today I receive another e-mail. Our home is listed for $569,000, he offered to send us $30,000 for a down-payment and then we would send his “broker” $8,000 of that back for broker fees, etc. I have been wondering since the initial e-mail if this was a scam. I work for a national corporation in customer service and too many red flags were popping from the fraud investigation I do. I e-mailed “Joshua Penn” back that I was not interested, no transaction, and probable fraud. Should be interesting to see his reply (if I get one).
January 25th, 2008 at 1:43 pm
Once again I have found a good post of yours
February 1st, 2008 at 3:28 pm
Here is an email from a scammer I just received…I did reply and will post his response separately…
From: garry nelson
Dear Friend,
Thank you for your mail,Indeed I believe first to secure the property through a deposit before any arrangement is to be made because of some other interested party.I am impressed with the property ,I should love to call you to discuss with you but am on a field assignment in Costa Rica and would like to know the followings about your property:-
1. Your bottom price
2. How many owners?
3. Insurance certificate if any?
4. When did you buy the property and why do you want to sell it?
5. The property and the ownership is on whose name?
Finally,I would like to know your last price ,if your price is ok then I can arrange for a deposit while my agent will call you to arrange for the property inspection and other necessary renovation if any will be taken care of by her.
I awaits your earliest reply
Regards
Dr. Garry Nelson.
garry02nelson@yahoo.com
February 2nd, 2008 at 9:58 am
Here is th response I got - just as I thought. Sellers beware of Gary Nelson garry02nelson@yahoo.com
Dear Friend,
Thank you for your mail. Indeed I have accepted your price . I will make a deposit of $30,000 to you for the property.I have made out a certified cashiers check of $38,000 then the balance of $8,000 is for my broker for her trip to the states for property inspection and other necessary renovation and welfare.So you’re required to deduct the deposit of ($30,000) and send the balance of ($8,000) to my broker for her trip to the states and other necessary arrangements .
Therefore kindly mail me back because i am satisfied with the price of your property.The remaining balance will close within 30 days of my brokers arrival and all the paper work will handle by my broker Please Confirm this and provide the following information of the owner for the payment :-
1. Your Name
2. full contact address
3. phone/fax number
As required for check payment to be delivered direct to you,this is for security reason,again that am paying directly to you in person and for easy communication b/w both of us.
Regards
Garry Nelson.
April 4th, 2008 at 10:17 am
Beware of him…..he took info from web page and is trying to get me to send him an invitation to the USA so he can purchase the house for a second party. He does not want to deal with brokers, just homeowners
Lori
May 20th, 2008 at 1:30 pm
I listed my house on the fsbo site, and was contacted by email *****
“John Peterside” I have Indicated Interest by this e-mail, I will like to see more pictures of this listing as well as to start negotiations on this property ASAP. Please e-mail me at \\\”summerstormer08@yahoo.com\\\” also I need to know if your the owner or Just an
Name: John Peterside
Phone: 5167408828
Email: summerstormer08@yahoo.com **********
I responded with questions for him, regarding whether or not he wanted to see the property, was an agent, etc. the next email I received was:
****************Thanks for your e-mail back to me, I work for Hsbc and I happen to be in charge of home/estate procurements for staffs and visitors of the company.
We have 1 Family moving down for Network Expansion and so we have decided to procure a home for her and of course with proper financing from the Bank.
I apologise for the vagueness in my first e-mail.Under normal circumstances I’m supposed to come down there to view this property myself ( as per our professional policy), but I think if you supply me with just enough Information and pictures I would not need to come down there as I have too many procurements to complete this Month,if there be a need i may send someone from my team.
The most Important Information i would like to know about should Include.
1. Any Recent Modifications made to this house.
2. If you are the Owner or Just an Agent.
3. Year this House Was built.
Get back to me at your earliest Convienience.
Thanks
John
Again I answered the 3 questions leaving my contact info again. the next email was ****************Hi Leslie,
To make this transaction and transfer fast since I have other business matters to attend to- I would need you to assist me here.I would need to meet with my superiors today as well as discuss with our staff and see what she thinks.
I will be signing all documents and processing the financing as soon as she confirms her stand on the house.
Please send me an E-mail again with these few Information.
1. Last Reduced Price.
2. We will be paying full in cash, we do not Intend paying any Earnest money Upfront.
3. Send me your FSBO listing number again.
4. Home full address ( should we need to set a time to come Inspect our selves.)
Please get these to me ASAP.
John
****** ok, now I’m suspicious….. and reply with,
John,
Please advise your company name, address and phone number, and the name of your superior so that I can verify your information with the company. Also, please email me with the resident’s name, current address, direct telephone and position with the company.
The information in the FSBO.com listing is accurate and up-to-date.
No further information will be provided to you until you can authenticate your statements.
Regards,
Leslie
crazy huh?