Scams on the Internet: How to Spot Them and What FSBO.com is Doing About Them
There are many different types of Internet Scams right now, so I will just tell you about the main one that is targeting the Real Estate Industry. It is called the Check Overpayment Scheme.
How to Spot The Scam:
Basically, you will receive an email/message from your online ad from a fake buyer willing to pay full price for your property, sight unseen. They will send you a large down payment via check or money order, and come up with a reason why they need you to refund a portion of that money right away after you deposit it at the bank. These checks or money orders look very real, and usually take the bank some time to realize they are fake. By then, you have already mailed back a real check to the person pulling the Scam. They deposit your real check and your money is gone.
Key Facts:
- Buyers are usually from out of the country
- Avg. amount they are currently sending for down payment $38,000
- Avg amount they are asking for you to return $8000
What FSBO.com is Doing About It:
We are currently building a system that will filter any message sent through our system for suspicious activity and key phrases. We will continue to build on our library of key phrases as more and more scams are found and reported.
FSBO.com will manually review all suspicious messages from buyers before allowing them into the Seller’s inbox. Those found to be scams will have their Names, Email Address, and new key terms permanently blocked from our system to prevent them from sending other messages to our sellers.
Also, our sellers will be able to automatically “Report Fraud / Solicitations” on any message that might have slipped through our filtering system. FSBO.com will again manually review these messages and block them as necessary. This system will be in place early in the new year.
The best way to protect yourself is to use common sense, and realize that if something seems too good to be true, it probably is.
For Additional Info on Scams please visit the Frequently Asked Questions section of FSBO.com or at www.fakechecks.org
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December 5th, 2007 at 6:50 pm
We personally already had this happen to us through this site….A couple from a church in Ontario, Canada….just be careful and use your head…we obvisouly didn’t buy into this, but hopes that other people will not either….
December 7th, 2007 at 6:25 am
I too was approached from a potential buyer in the UK with this exact scam. $38,000 down payment of which I was “required” to write out a check for $8,000 to his broker for his expenses. I did not fall for it either I reported it to the Secret Service Department of Homeland Security’s main office which has jurisdiction in foreign matters.
FYI…
The “buyer’s” name is Harry Heins. His email address is: harryheins@yahoo.com.
December 10th, 2007 at 5:56 pm
Yes there was an offer here also ….. the name was Gwin Turner which had local phone # but stated that she was in europe ( FRance ) for a while on some project … and requested info for the purpose of sending a check for the house …. and that they acceped my offer … the info was given as there was not harm in the info i gave … but asked for some very preliminary responses to the sale …. a written offer and so forth the check consequently never came an eventually the email adress became nondeliverable …. gwinturner@yahoo.com ….. funny if you pay attention to what your doing these sam artists will runa way when you ask tooo many questions …. I fail to see what sending a check for security purposes has to do with the sale …except for your securities / Money ….. maybe…. TL
December 10th, 2007 at 6:08 pm
Sorry the address aboce should be gwin_turner17@yahoo.ca
December 11th, 2007 at 2:19 pm
So, I just received a different type of Scam to my personal gmail.com address. This one was from the “NIGERIAN SECURITY DEPARTMENT” (ckenny6@eircom.net) titled “2007 Scam Victims Compensation!”.
It looks like they are trying to Scam the Scam Victims. How absurd. This is just another example on why you need to be very careful.
Here is a copy of the full email:
FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA
CENTRAL BANK OF NIGERIA/
NIGERIAN SECURITY DEPARTMENT
FEDERAL HIGH COURT OF NIGERIA.
Attention Beneficiary,
This to acknowledge you that your contact information was found among the list of foreigner that have been scammed by Nigerian Fraudster. It might interest you to know that we have signed an agreement with your COUNTRY FEDERAL GOVERNMENT during our first meeting last month with our PRESIDENT Commander In-Chief Federal Republic of Nigeria,ALHAJI UMARU MUSA YAR’ADUA and the AUTHORITIES to fight against this and to return all contract funds that has been stolen and people who has been scammed too.
We are delegated by Central bank of Nigeria from the United Nations to pay 100 Nigerian 419 scam victims (US$600,000.00) each, you are listed and approved for this payments as one of the scammed victims, get back to us as soon as possible for the immediate payments of your(US$600, 000.00) compensation.
On this faithful recommendations I want you to know that during the last UN meetings held at Abuja, Nigeria,it was alarmed so much by the rest of the world in the meetings on the lose of funds by Various foreigners to the scams artists operating in syndicates all over the world today, in other to retain the good image of the country,the President of the country is now paying 100 victims of this operators (US$600, 000.00) each, Due to the corrupt and inefficient banking systems in Nigeria, the payments are to be paid by Central bank Nigeria as corresponding paying bank under fondling assistance by ATM master card.
According to the number of applicants at hand,84 beneficiaries has been paid ,half of the victims are from the United States and United Kingdom respectively, we are still having more 16 left to be paid the compensations of (US$600, 000.00).
Name: Dr. Kingsley Adams (esq)
Private E-mail Address: nigeriasecuritydept@live.com
Direct Telephone: +234-806-207-4554
Dr Kingsley Adams
Federal High Court Of Nigeria.
December 11th, 2007 at 4:19 pm
Here is a scam email I just received from juddcollin@yahoo.co.uk with the titel”your equity assistance”…
Good day,
Its my delight to use this opportunity to reach you on a business matter that will be mutually benefiting to all the parties involved.
I solicit for your assistance in collecting a payment that is due to my
colleagues for supplies and services rendered.
My colleagues want someone in United States of America who has
( HOME OR BUSINESS EQUITY LINE OF CREDIT ACCOUNT ) to receive
the fund for us and i beleive you are in a better position to assist us.
If you are willing to assist,I will give you more details of the transaction, but it is most essential that you must be an honest and trusted person,as series of payments will be made through you in the course of this transaction on continuous basis.
You will be entitled to 10% of every payment that you are able to receive for us from our customers, and all transfer charges will be deducted from the principal amount.
I look forward to your positive response so that we can discuss further in earnest.
Judd Colin
Sales Director
Elton Metal Products Ltd
Zhejiang Province
China
December 27th, 2007 at 1:23 pm
Seller Beware…here are the e-mails that I have received from my “scammer” “Joshua Penn”. Go to this website to read more about the scam: http://rantd.blogspot.com/2007/07/my-first-email-scam.html
Date: Thu, 27 Dec 2007 00:45:08 -0800 (PST)
From: “Joshua Penn” Add to Address Book Add Mobile Alert
Yahoo! DomainKeys has confirmed that this message was sent by yahoo.com. Learn more
Subject: Payment/Inspection Arrangement
Hello Jason,
Merry Christmas! Sorry for the delayed response. My business schedule has been so tight coupled with the Christmas Holidays, i couldn’t get back to you earlier than this.
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 his 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 other necessary arrangements and if he is satisfied with you then i will go on to complete the transaction in the states.So if this is Okay with you kindly mail me back am so much in love with your property. Please Confirm this and provide the name, full contact and phone/fax number as required for check payment to be delivered directly to you. This is for security reason,again that am paying directly to you in person and for easy communication b/w both of you.
Kind regards,
Joshua
+44-703-187-0085(6am-12am…..mon-fri)U.S
Date: Wed, 12 Dec 2007 14:29:25 -0800 (PST)
From: “Joshua Penn” Add to Address Book Add Mobile Alert
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Subject: Questions on your property for sale…Do respond a.s.a.p.
Hello Jason,
I tried to call you but i am having problems connecting to your line.
Meanwhile I believe first to secure the property through a deposit before any arrangement is to be made. I am impressed with the property. I will love to call you to discuss with you but i am still on a business trip in UK and would like to know the followings about your property.
1. Your bottom price(State it)
2. Is the property originally painted?
3. What is the present land acre
4. How the property has been maintained.
5. Any records available?
6. How many owners?
7. Insurance certificate if any?
8. When did you buy the property and why do you want
to sell it?
9. Are you a US citizen?
10.The property and the ownership is on whose name?
However,I would like to know your last pri ce (non-negotiable)from that of the net price for onward transaction,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 him. Do get back to me immediately as I have limited time to conclude this this transaction. Till I hear from you have a wonderful day.
Regards,
Joshua
December 31st, 2007 at 5:36 am
Location a bonus for Spring…
The couple noted that Ridge Development also allowed them to semi-customize their home, adding things such as a laundry chute,…
December 31st, 2007 at 6:48 pm
I just love reading your blog
January 9th, 2008 at 9:56 pm
Interesting information thanks for writing
January 11th, 2008 at 3:57 pm
[...] “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 currently wrapping up it’s 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 [...]
January 14th, 2008 at 1:35 pm
I, too, received the email from “Joshua Penn”, with the EXACT email messages that Jason Koch had (so I won’t repeat it), at it sounds suspiciously similar to the one that Jackie was referring to. I’m glad that other people are wise to these scams and hopefully, by getting the word out as much as possible, it will help someone that might think that this is actually legitimate.
January 17th, 2008 at 2:55 pm
I was searching for ‘credit equity line’ at google and got this your post (’Scams on the Internet: How to Spot Them and What FSBO.com is Doing About Them’) in search results. Not very relevant result, but still interesting to read
January 25th, 2008 at 12:27 pm
Looks like I got one too, just today….Of course I did not give any specific info either and asked to speak to him or his agent further and have had no reply. Traced the email IP address through several servers including UK and Nigeria. The cell phone he gave was out of Montreal QC but was not in service. SELLER’S BEWARE!
donald mcpowel wrote:
Am immensely grateful to you for your prompt reply to my request about your property. As am not disposed to attend a showing at the moment. Let me have a succinct description of your property, the pics inclusive.
In any case I intend to make a deposit in other to secure the property.
Do contact me in earnest as regards to the following details about your property. The number of persons that own the property. the date of when the property was bought, the name which represents the owner of the property and above all the bottom line price of the property that’s the least price at which you would sell it
If your price is ok to me. I would arrange for the deposit and subsequently call on my agent reach you on phone and then book for an inspection of the property for all the necessary logistics.
I earnestly wait to hear from you
Regards
DONALD
January 26th, 2008 at 9:34 am
I received the same message/offer from someone calling himself Donald McPowel….I thought it sounded strange, but, I could not locate his name or phone number any where online…After exchanging a couple emails…I pulled some phrases from his email and searched within real estate scams..BOY AM I GLAD THAT OTHERS HAVE POSTED THESE ALERTS….It helps to have confirmation.
January 28th, 2008 at 11:38 pm
The same here I had the same email from a Donald Mcpowel, he is a scammer, as soon as he told me that he wanted to buy my house and send a check for a deposit, but I needed to pay 7,000 back to his broker. I knew that it was a scam. PLEASE BE AWARE OF THESE EMAILS!!
and thank you to everyone that is reporting them.
THE SCAM EMAIL ADDRESS IS “mcpoweld@yahoo.com”
February 7th, 2008 at 10:11 am
I too have been contacted by Donald McPowel. Same exact emails as you have been stating. What a Schmuck!
Thanks for sharing.
February 17th, 2008 at 8:46 am
I too received the exact message from Donald McPowel. He has continued to send messages as of a couple days ago. I called his bluff and he is still trying.
March 4th, 2008 at 9:38 am
A message was left in my FSBO.com message box stating that he was interested in my property and left a telaphone number which is 770-936-5361 and e-mail which is jcc07smith@yahoo.com . I called the number and the person told me that they have been recieving many calls asking for this James Smith that does not work there. So I thought it was a scam but wanted to further see if they would responsd to their e-mail. On 3-3-08 I sent the e-mail to James Smith telling him that his number he gave me was incorrect, etc. So he responses back with an e-mail saying the following, “Thanks for your mail, meanwhile I beleive first to secure the property through a deposit before any arrangement is to be made. I am inpressed with the property, I would’ve love to call you to discuss with you but I am on a field assignment in france and would like to know the following on your property.” So he list many questions regarding who’s on the title and how many pass owners, etc. I then knew it was a scam. So be aware and if you think its to good be be true, your right.
March 10th, 2008 at 4:33 pm
I received an e-mail today from a Jerry Anderson, , phone 206-350-8669.
My e-mail reply bounced back and the phone only has
a recorded message. Language in the e-mail is suspiciously
like he wants to buy sight unseen. Any responses?
April 1st, 2008 at 10:30 pm
Try Mr. Crush Anderson (crushan@gmail.com) from French Guinnea or something like that:
Hello Mr. Val,
i will let you when i will be coming but to tell you the truth i have never been to the states so i will need a favor from you.If you can come get me from the airport,i will greatly appreciate that.please let me know if that will be possible.
thanks.
On 3/20/08, Valerie wrote:
Yes sir, the house is still available. We have had several calls this week
from interested parties, but we have no firm offer at this time. I will
look forward to hearing from you when you reach the states.
Thanks,
Valerie
—–Original Message—–
From: crush anderson [mailto:crushan@gmail.com]
Sent: Thursday, March 20, 2008 11:30 AM
To: Valerie
Subject: Re: house
Hello Mr.Val,
I am sorry for the silence.It was because i was working to getherwith
hime to put certain things in order back here before i leave.I gusee
we will be over by tomorrow and he then contact you without any
distraction so that everything can be done with care and accuracy.I am
still very much interested in the house and will be very will to make
it if all goes well with you and my attorney.I hope the house is still
available.Please let me know and i promise to apy any fee for the
reservation of the house when i get there so please do not sell it to
any body as for now.i will be there in less than a week time.i wait to
read from you and do have a nice day,
thanks.
Mr.Crush.
April 23rd, 2008 at 11:22 pm
Valerie:
So…what happened??? I have rec. a similiar email today from Mr. Crush Anderson as follows:
Hello, I am a businessman located in Cameroon and i am very interested in buying the house you have for sale.I will like to know the final asking price and if you are the owner of the house.I will also like to know if it is possible that i can buy this house within the next 15 days.I look forward to read from you. Thanks. Mr. Crush Anderson.
I responded as:
Thank you for your email!
My final asking price would be $95,000. You could take possision of this home in 15 days if we can work out the paperwork.
Please let me know if this would work out for you.
In His name,
Stephen Yurek
And he responded as:
Hello,
thanks for the respond to my inquiry.it will definitely work out for me as the price is good.I will have to put you in touch with my attorney so that you people can take of the paper work before i come over.i also wish to thanks you for informing me that i can have the house within 15 days.Expect to hear from my attorney.
stay well.
Crush
SO…I GUESS THIS IS PROBABLY ANOTHER ONE OF THESE SCAMS……RATS!
May 6th, 2008 at 4:25 pm
same thing happen to me
Hello,
It is a pleasure reading from you again and i greatly appreciate the answers to my questions.I am very sure of the fact that you will be of great help to me and my family when we come over there.I will really love to meet you and talk with you in person.As of now,i have to put certain things together for me and my family in regards for the journey,so i will leave you in contact with my attorney.This is because i would love you people to get certain things arranged and set before i make my way to that location.He is called Barrister Antonio and he will be contacting you either today or tomorrow.Please do let me know when he does.Have a nice stay and i look forward to reading from you again.
Thanks.
Mr. Crush Anderson.
May 6th, 2008 at 4:30 pm
Crush Anderson
Hello there,
It is nice reading from you and i hope all is well.I also appreciate your respond to my inquiry and i will be very glad to make that house mine.The price is fine and i am also very ready to corperate in the buying procedure just to get that house.But before we proceed,i will like to get certain things very clear.I will like to know the approximate distance from the house to the nearest; -airport -hospital -supermarket -police station -government Office area -college -Hotels -university and -leisure area
I know the questions are too much but you have to understand i have never been to that area and i will like to at least have an inside of the whole area before i bring my family over.I am a very active businessman presently located in Cameroon and i am a Canadian by nationality.I deal in scrap metal and due to the nature of my business,i had to locate in Cameroon for sometime as this is where i get most of my supplies from.I am looking forward to create a buying agency over there and that is why i am relocating with my family.I hope you would be of assistance to us as I relocate.
I will also like to know the security level of the area.we could strike a fair deal and seal this business transaction soonest, I could make it there in as soon as we understand ourselves on the property.My family loves the house.I hope to read from you soonest and have a nice time.
Best Regards.
Mr. Crush Anderson.
May 16th, 2008 at 2:43 pm
** Scam Alert **
The below message I received from the same guy/girl (Gwin Turner) TLafferty reported- Just a slight change in email address gwin_turner@yahoo.com
Thanks for the response I do appreciate your email, I contacted my client on phone after I read your response, he was so impress to know the actual price which is acceptable by him, fortunately he called me today and he has agreed to pay your asking priceof $15,000He hopes the engine is serviced and oil changed too. However, My client made out a certified cashiers check of ($22,000) before he left the town for a business trip to Europe, for a previous vehicle and its shipment charges etc. The amount on the check he deposited for the car is bigger than what should be paid to you now, so the check is now meant for the total expenses which incl udes the purchase of your vehicle, the pick up of the car from its present location and the shipping charges/other necessary shipping arrangements. However he has instructed us to carry on with this transaction. So you’re required to deduct the cost of your vehicle ($15.000) and send the balance of ($7,000) to my client shipper agent via western union money transfer to enable him offsett-shipping charges/arrangements. Once the transaction is concluded, My agent will be coming for the pick up of the vehicle from its present location, on an open vehicle and then drive to a pre paid shipper for shipment, and also conclude other necessary shipping arrangements.so you dont have to bother yourself about the pick up and shipping arrangements, while title papers and other necessary documets will be sent by you via courier servi ce. Please provide Full Name…. Postal Address… Phone Number…. For check payment to be delivered to you. Warm
regards,
Gwin.turner.
May 16th, 2008 at 3:28 pm
Thank you Eryn. This person and email have now been added to FSBO.com’s new spam filter, and will no longer be able to contact our sellers using that email or name. However, based on the information you provided, I am not able to fully block them. next time, please open their message from your message center, and click on the “report Spam” option. this way we can capture much more detailed information about the person.
Thanks,
Mike
May 20th, 2008 at 3:05 pm
Same exact thing happened to me today. Word for word what Eryn’s post said. This guy/girl is ridiculous, and I just have to wonder how many people have fallen for this freaking scam. This person is worthless and a waste of human flesh.
October 21st, 2008 at 6:03 pm
It seems like there is a new scam going around. But these people have taken their scam a step further. They have left telephone numbers and websites that back their emails. One really thinks they are bonafied..
They say they are from Dubai and that they are with a company called Akarproperties.com.
Here is some wording from their e-mails:
The Initial e-mail….
Hello,
Its my pleasure, am writing from Akar Properties LLC, we are interested in your property, and we will like to know more about opportunities to invest through you, or a possibility of a partnership… both long term and short term. I will be waiting to read from you as soon as possible.
Regards,
(After our response they sent the following e-mail)
We are very interested in buying your property ASAP having viewed the property in Google Earth today and also having seen slide shows in the link provided and other links.
I will like you to forward available pictures of the property. Also please let me know your final price for this property. Please advice on how you will like to receive payment as I will like to proceed with payment immediately.
Please let me know if you have an Equity Line of Credit Account so that I will prepare on how to forward the said funds to you.
I will await your response to proceed with purchase.
Regards, …..
Would sure be nice if this was a true purchaser. But there are so many things that tell me it’s not!!
1. They want to purchase the property unseen
2 They want to put their money in a Equity Line of Credit bank account. ( LIke most of the letters above had this element in them.)
3.They didn’t address the issues that we talked about in our letter to them.
4. They are asking me to send pictures when we have a full slide show that they supposeidly viewed.
Anyone else gotten a letter from Akarproperties.com??
December 13th, 2008 at 3:24 pm
i was sent in the mail a check for four thousand nine hundred fifty dollors which three thousand nine hundred fifty had to be paid western union for taxes on a one hundred fifty thoudand dollor winning paid to attorney pami drake what can you tell me about this scam
January 24th, 2009 at 10:24 pm
HiSirs
Greetings from the Phils!
Have received from a certain Morris Jacobs representing Akar Properties LCC
as Secretary an offer for business partnership in the Phils on Jan. 23, 2009. Please check and advise me if he truly represent said company to deal with us.
Thank you.
Danny ,CPA Phils
February 2nd, 2009 at 11:48 am
Here is a scam email I just received from Jeffj58@gmail.com
Hello
Thanks for the mail i am sorry for the late in reply i have accepted your price for the property . However, i will be leaving forr an urgent business trip to Washington Dc Tomorrow But still no problem cos i have made out a Certified Check of $30,000 before they For the property which is for the deposit
I also added an extra amount of $6,000 for the broker for other necessary arrangement for the property . Once you receive the check, deduct your payment from it and forward the balance to the broker to enable him offsets the expenses, charges and other necessary thing for the property . I will provide the their information you need once you receive the Certified Check.Then all the paper work will be sign in your presence. once the property is satisfied with her, she will contact my client bank Bank of America (B O A ) to close the remaining Balance within four Days of her arrival .
Confirm this information so that the Certified Check can be mail to you as soon as possible.
Full Name :
Address :
Phone Number :
NB: Consider your property sold . I look forward doing business with you.
Below is my Daughther”s Information that will be in the Title:
Major Willey Jones
4505 W. Rose mere Road
Arcadia 90001
California
February 7th, 2009 at 11:52 pm
Waiting your reply. thanks
April 15th, 2009 at 11:27 am
Not that I’m totally impressed, but this is more than I expected for when I stumpled upon a link on Furl telling that the info is awesome. Thanks.
September 18th, 2009 at 3:08 am
Hello Guru, what entice you to Dubai article an article. This article was extremely interesting, especially since I was searching for thoughts on this subject last Thursday.