98 percent of rental ads on craigslist are scams

The contributors of the Bogus Barrister have spent time over the last few weeks responding to ads for house rentals on Craigslist. We concluded that 98% of these ads are published by Nigerian 419 scammers. Those looking for a new house or apartment should be aware that since Craigslist does nothing about this problem, then the website really is a waste of time. These scammers pretend to be the legal owners of these properties but since they are in Nigeria they demand you send them fees via Western Union to send you keys and a lease. This scammer is trying to get somebody to wire him 1400 in addition to the shipping fees.

-----Original Message-----
From: VALDEZ FRANK
To:
Sent: Tue, Jul 17, 2012 7:53 am
Subject: Re: House 41st st


Thanks for your response and interest in my house.The house is very much available and it is charming 3 bedroom home for rent in Coral Springs, FL USA.Which was formally occupied by me and my family before we left for Nigeria for a doctoral duty under a missionary, we left for a volunteer mission together with other missionaries for a development program with the aim of developing the people of west Africa physically and spiritually as God has directed us. We wanted to sell the house initially but we later changed our mind after we discovered that we wouldn't be spending more then 5 years here in Africa.So as you know well that the house is located at 10325 NW 41st Street, Coral Springs, FL 33065 . Which my family and I have spent so much time and money to maintain it up till its standard, It has a dramatic entry foyer with ceramic floor. Extremely spacious rooms throughout with lots of big windows…nice and light! New neutral paint and some newer carpet.....Very quiet, low traffic area. New fridge I believe its absolutely a perfect home for you and your family.Utilities include Water,Trash,Sewer,Gas Etc..... We have been trying our best to make the house as clean as possible, because am a clean person and we don't like dirt around our surroundings.We are looking for a well-behaved, clean and honest tenant to rent out our house too. We will like you to give us your words and promise us that you will take good care of our house so that we will be happy when we come to visit you in the future.. We accept short or long-term rent and month to month also... All the utilities are included in the rent.. Pets are allowed. So kindly get back to us with this information below.




PLEASE TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF
Full Name______________
Home Phone ( )________________________
Date of Birth_________________________________
Other Phone ( )___________________
Current Address_______________________ ________
Reasons for Leaving____________________________
Rent $__________
Phone ( )___________
Are you married____________________________
How many people will be living in the house____
Do you have a car____________________________
Occupation____________________________
Do you have a pet____________________________
Please describe Breed, size : __________?
Personality of pet : __________?
Preferred move in date : __________?____________________________
When do you intended sending me the deposit_______
When do you intended receiving the keys and document of the house___________________________
When do you intend to drive by the Property_________
Any Good Credit___________________________
Credit Score___________________________
Any Police Problem___________________________
Are you a section 8 applicant : __________?
Do you run a business from home : __________?
If so what kind of business : __________?
Do you work late night : __________?
Do you smoke : __________?
Do you drink : __________?


Looking forward to hear from you with all this details so that i can have it in my file in case of issuing the receipt for you and contacting you.Await your urgent reply so that we can discuss on how to get the document and the key to you,please we are giving you all this base on trust and again i will want you to stick to your words, you know that we do not see our self's yet and only putting everything into Gods hand, so please do not let us down in this our property and God bless you more as you do this. Looking forward to hear from you. you can give us a call on our cell

Best Regards
VALDEZ FRANK


+234-7081290525 OR 011+234-7081290525 .(call or text anytime)
Note: the Rent is $700 and security deposit is $700
Total Move In Cost:$1400

Nigerian scammers posting help wanted ads on craigslist

This ad is still up on craigslist http://miami.craigslist.org/mdc/csr/3004061704.html Don't bother responding to it because it was posted by a Nigerian scammer.

Office Assistant Needed (miami )

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Date: 2012-05-08, 5:29PM EDT
Reply to: admin@logitelstaffing.com [Errors when replying to ads?]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


We are looking for someone who is hard working, friendly, honest, and dependable. Previous appointment scheduling experience is a plus, but not required.

•Location: miami
•Principals only. Recruiters, please don't contact this job poster.
•Please, no phone calls about this job!
•Please do not contact job poster about other services, products or commercial interests.
PostingID: 3004061704


What you get back from this con artis is this letter:

From: "Michael O'brien" micbrien@baumemestaffing.com

The Company Name is Baume et Mercier. Baume et Mercier is a Swiss manufacturer of accessible luxury watches and is an independent company based in Geneva, Switzerland and we continue to develop highly distinctive and attractive collections with a real sporting pedigree..The primary goal of the Receptionist/Office Assistant is to provide local customer assistant to our clients within North America. You will be assisting our clients within North America, the assistance to be provided will include: payment collections and customer service.And also i seek someone who can be my personal assistant and act on my behalf when i am not in the country.So In your reply please indicate if you will be interested in been my personal assistant. This position is home based and communication will mostly be via Text,Calls,and Emails.

I'm looking for someone that can be trusted and reliable to work very well with good understanding. This position is home-based and flexible, working with me is basically about instructions and following them.
Presently i am in Switzerland for the company representative meeting and i want my assistant to start work immediately and also in your reply indicate when you wish to start work.


Your duties will include:
- Collecting Local Payments
When a buyer in United States decides to purchase an item through an online auction from our sellers he has the following payment options: Money orders, international wire transfer, international check, or local wire transfer. The quickest option of these is local wire transferring. Local wire transfers are the option that the sales support representative will provide to the clients.

- Managing Data
Along with the payments received from buyers you will be receiving details for these sales. These details will include items sold, price, and buyer's information. You are to file and maintain these purchasing records and transactions.

- Forwarding of the Payments
Once you receive each payment you will be keeping 10% as commission and forwarding the rest to the seller or representative, whose information will be provided prior each transaction. It is crucial to complete forwarding of the payments in a time efficient manner.

- Fees, and Transferring Procedures
All fees are covered by the company. The fees for transferring are simply deducted from the payments received. No client will contact you during initial stage of the trial period. After three weeks of the trial period you will begin to have contact with the buyers via email in regards to collection of the payments. For the first three weeks you will simply receive all of the transferring details, and payments, along with step by step guidance from your supervisor. You will be forwarding the received payments by wire transfer.

Additional Information:
Salary:
During the trial period, you will be paid 2,000USD per month while working on average 3-4hours per day, plus 10% commission from every payment received and forwarded. The salary will be sent in the form of wire transfer directly to your account. After the trial period your base pay salary will go up to 2,200USD per month, plus 10% commission.

Taxes:
You will receive a monthly invoice stating your total income. All applicable taxes are covered by the company,Basic wage is $400 Weekly excluding Gas expenses and compensations.

Your First Primary task (Collection of Payments):
1. Receive payment from our Customers or Clients.
2. Cash Payment at your Bank or any cashing facilities near you.
3. Deduct 10 % which will be your percentage/pay on Payment processed
4. Forward balance after deduction of percentage/pay to any of the offices you will be contacted to send payment to, you'll have a lot of free time doing another job, because this job schedule is flexible, you'll get good income .But this job is very challenging and you should understand it.

Please kindly fill your details below, so that you can get started.

Personal Information

Full Name:
Address:
Apt #:
City:
State/Province:
Age:
Sex:
Postal Code:
Resident Phone Number:
Mobile:
The employee,acknowledged the Detailed Job Description
and signed___________ _____________________
(First Name and Last Name of Employee)

Kindly respond with requested details .Once I have received your contact information, I will get back to you with the task for this week.

Thanks in anticipation of your prompt response.
Regards.
Financial Representative
Michael O'brien

The way this scam works is they will send you a check for about 3,500 and tell you to deduct your pay. After deducting it, you will send the balance to somebody else via a Western Union transfer. By the time your bank tells you that the check is no good, you will have wired them cash and the scammer is long gone with your money. If you get this email report it to the FBI at ic3.gov even if you did not fall for the scam. Click on show full headers and give them the originating IP address. This is a money laudering scam. The originating IP address is 41.13.218.117. This traces to Pretoria, South Africa.

All of these ads look like legitimate employment so be very careful when inquiring about any "employment" ads on craigslist. Do not give them your real name or phone number.

Also, if you get this one, report the domain baumemestaffing.com to the FBI and it's web hosting company which is godaddy.com.

Francisco Torres craigslist free dog seller warning

bogus barrister i have a tip for you. this guy come bye my house last week. I give him baby Chihahau he tell me going to good home. today I see he have up for sale on craigslist Date: 2012-04-28, 4:12PM EDT Reply to: mailto:s53hq-2984817895@comm.craigslist.org?subject=chihuahua%20(33033)&body=%0A%0Ahttp%3A%2F%2Fmiami.craigslist.org%2Fmdc%2Fpet%2F2984817895.html%0A [Errors when replying to ads?] I have a male chihuahua puppy. Got the little one on criagslist a week ago but dont have time for the little one.Asking a rehoming fee of 180 . Call or text at 7866837424 Location: 33033 it's NOT ok to contact this poster with services or other commercial inte he getting free pets from people like me on craigslist and selling them make money. he lie. he lie and get puppy from me say going to good home..now he have no time for dog? He have other ads on ebay classifieds http://miami.ebayclassifieds.com/dogs-puppies/homestead/chihuahua-pups/?ad=18758679  eBay Classifieds  » Pets » Dogs & puppies Chihuahua pups - $200 (Homestead) Price:$200 Address:Homestead, Homestead, FL 33033 (map) Date Posted:04/24/12 Age:Baby Breed:chihuahua Offered by:Owner Description: Up for grabs are 4 males and i female chihuahu puppies. Parents are about 4 to 5 pounds the most.Asking $200 obo. If interested txt or call at 786-683-7424 Ad ID: 18758679 American Bulldog Puppies Listing is Expired We're sorry, the listing is no longer active. 1 / 6 Price: $260 Location: Homestead, FL Description: I have 2 male american bulldog puppies left.They wont be ready till Dec. 24th or 25th to go to good homes.Asking $260 or half for deposit to reserve a pup of your choice.Give me a call at 786-683-7424 Breed: American Bulldog Category: Dogs Details: Puppy Sex: Male http://www.postad360.com/classifieds/fl/view-371322-25/chihuahua-300-homestead.html Dogs & puppies chihuahua - $300 (Homestead) $300 | USA, FL, Homestead, 33033 Posted on Nov 19, 2011 http://www.postad360.com/ chihuahua Address:Homestead, FL 33033 (map) Date Posted:11/19/11 Age:Baby Gender:Male Offered by:Owner Description I have a make chihuahua i can no longer keep. He is 10 weeks young.Serious inquiries only.Give me a call or text for more info 786-683-7424 pls no email i really dont get on my email. Contact Name: Address:Homestead, FL 33033 Phone:(786) 683-7424 - Please quote PostAd360.Com when calling Contact Name: Address:Homestead, FL 33033 Phone:(786) 683-7424 - Please quote PostAd360.Com when calling another ad here for American bulldogs Please put up and warn!

More Craigslist Crazies

This should be nominated as the best of Craigslist. http://miami.craigslist.org/brw/pet/2976651797.html This person claims she/he told this harasser to learn how to spell. How many spelling errors can you spot in this ad? BEWARE OF (954)4963800 HARRSMENT!! (SAYS SHES A MONITOR)  Date: 2012-04-24, 1:30PM EDT Reply to: p9scz-2976651797@comm.craigslist.org This man or woman text messaged me about my add with the most dusguisting and foul language! she is suposly a cl monitor, im considering going to every news stations with her behavior that is representing craigslist. using words such as dumb ass, threatening to flag my add because i told her i am not a pet store, threatening to block me from cl because i told her i would call the cops if these messages continued, threatening my life. i have all the messanges!!!! i told her she needs to go back to preschool for spelling lessons! How dare somone representing craigslist represent themselves in such a disgusting manner. THEN when i apologized like a mature adult for saying she needs to go back to school she says i better be sorry and started to call me a "chicken". if your sick of the harrasments because of your post which says nothing wrong in it then email me and tell me your story. im sending to every major news branch. (954)496-3800 this is the number whom claims to be a cl monitor harrasing me. Um, yeah I researched the phone number she cited in this ad and found that it is listed to a law firm. Contact InformationArrow Title Co 4651 Sheridan St # 325 Hollywood, FL 33021-3424 Phone: 954-496-3800 Fax: -- Website: Business InformationCategory: Attorneys SIC Code: 811103 Employees: 2 Annual Sales: $334,000.00 Contact: David Friedman, Owner County of operation: Broward

Warning about offering free to good home pets on Craigslist

More people then ever are posting ads on Craigslist looking for homes for their pets they can no longer afford to take care of in this terrible economy. My advice is if you are looking to re-home, never advertise that your pet is free. Why? Craigslist is a haven for scammers, resellers, people looking for free animals for snake food or labs, crooks and even murderers. We thank those of you who linked to us or reposted our warning. Please bookmark this page because contributors to the Bogus Barrister are currently working undercover in a case of animal cruelty and abuse that does involve another person posting ads in the pets section in Craigslist. This person has traveled across the country from Nevada all the way to the east coast.

This individual has acquired "free to good home" animals only to make videos of their demise. We have all the evidence gathered and we are just waiting for assistance from law enforcement. After which, we will link to that story from this one. You don't want to miss it. It's truly disgusitng but if you love animals and conduct business on CL, you need to hear this.

The following is a news story written by Ariel Wulff

Convicted serial dog killer, Jeffrey Nally, of New Cumberland West Virginia was sentenced by Judge Fred Fox II on Wednesday to 10-45 years behind bars. While animal advocates would rather have seen him spend life in prison, the truth is that this sentence is substantial considering that animal abuse cases seldom carry this kind of weight. From that standpoint, the outcome is a victory.

It is true though, that this was no run of the mill animal abuse case. This was a brutal series of intentional mutilations, torture and execution of innocent puppies. Nally was accused of mutilating and killing 29 puppies that he received through classified ads, and Craigslist “free to good home” ads.

Nally’s house was raided by a SWAT team in March of 2011 when his girlfriend’s mother called authorities. His then girlfriend, Jessica Sellers, alleged that Nally had been holding her captive in his home and terrorizing her by torturing and murdering the animals in front of her.

Police found 29 dog carcasses on Nally’s property. They also found guns, which Nally was prohibited from possessing due to a 2010 domestic battery conviction, and collected other items including blood and hair covered tools and what appeared to be a beagle’s pelt and eyes in a jar.

During an evidence suppression hearing, Nally’s court-appointed attorney, James Carey, had argued to keep the pelt and the eyes out of evidence, citing a lack of scientific proof the items are what police claimed them to be. He also stated that he believed some of the crime scene photographs were staged.


Nally, age 20, was facing 29 counts of felony animal cruelty, one count of domestic battery, one count of kidnapping and one count of unlawful possession of a firearm. Although he had passed on a plea deal offered to him last January, he took the plea offer he was offered this week.

Hancock County Prosecutor James W. Davis said that there had been an overwhelming outpouring of concern in the form of letters and e-mails from around the world relating to this case.

Nally pled guilty to nine charges of felony animal abuse and unlawful possession of a firearm. He will receive one to five years on each count of cruelty, and one year on the firearm charge to be served concurrently.

Nally has already spent a year behind bars while his case was continued in Hancock County Court. He will have to serve a minimum of five years before he can apply for an early release. In exchange for pleading guilty to the nine charges of felony cruelty, the sexual assault, kidnapping charge and other 20 cruelty charges were dropped.

Nally has shown no remorse for his actions, but Davis said that he has changed during the past year. “I wouldn’t call it remorse, but he has accepted that what he did was wrong,” said Davis. “Of course, people like this, sociopaths, they are mostly only concerned with how circumstances are affecting them.”

Restrictions on Nally ever having a pet and other requirements will be addressed further down the road at the time of his eventual release. “Not just having any pet,” Davis said. “I don’t want him to be around any animals, ever. Definitely not under the same roof.”

Davis said that a few dogs had escaped the house of horrors and have been adopted. “They are having great lives.” He said.

Part of the plea deal is the condition that Nally submit to a polygraph test and debrief authorities on Seller’s involvement in the cruelty charges. Sellers reportedly told investigators Nally said the only way she was leaving his 1855 Orchard Road home was “in a body bag,” and that on the day of his arrest he forced her to hold a puppy as he bored into its head with an electric drill. However, she testified during a February pretrial motions hearing that she had left the house without Nally’s supervision on several occasions during her approximately three-month “captivity” there.

“Ms. Sellers was a problematic witness,” Davis said, “because there is some question as to her level of involvement. There is some evidence that she obtained the animals for him. My dogs, they won’t hold still to have their nails clipped…these dogs he tortured…to do what he did, somebody had to hold them still. A dog is not going to hold still while a drill is bored into its skull.”

Davis was audibly distressed while discussing details of the case, and became overwhelmed and unable to continue when it was remarked that the case had greatly disturbed him.

Following Wednesday’s hearing, Davis had noted the contributions of other people and groups involved with the investigation, including West Virginia State Police Cpl. Larry Roberts, Hancock County sheriff’s Sgt. Scott Swan and county Animal Control Officer Nicole Busick. He praised the work of forensic experts Drs. Beth Wictum of UC Davis and Melinda Merck – the latter of whom helped federal prosecutors build a case against Michael Vick – and thanked the Animal Legal Defense Fund for its pledge of financial support for the prosecution of the case.

Scott Heiser, of the Animal Legal Defense Fund, said there is still work to be done. He referred to Nally as a narcissistic psychopath, and said that he believes that Nally cannot be rehabilitated. He does not think that Nally will be released in as little as five years.

“He is a clear and manifest threat to society,” Heiser said.

The Animal Legal Defense Fund is a non-profit that helps provide funds and support to prosecutors around the country for the best possible outcome in criminal cases of animal abuse. They provided the funds for the forensic scientists to build the case against Nally.

Heiser recommends that once Nally is transferred to the WV Division of Corrections, risk-scored, placed in one of WV’s several prisons and his projected release date set that then would be a good time to start a petition campaign urging the Parole Board to recognize Nally’s immense danger to society and ask that they deny him any concessions (e.g., no work release) and deny his release after serving the five-year minimum.

Please take a moment to read our latest post about another animal abuser we caught posting ads in the pet section of Miami's Craigslist. This person wants to feed a Jack Russell terrier to a 9 foot boa constrictor and make a video of it. Please, please feel free to repost it in your local CL or link to it. Please help save the lives of animals!

craigslist pet cat scam

Beware this lady!! Protect your cats! Her email is BarNew9@aol.com she is always looking for a Maine coon but will take any other cat! Beware her! She resells the cats for money. Look out for her email! And I'll repost this if she flags it so everyone can watch out.