Beware of Craigslist Jerusalem West Africa Scam
My blood is boiling right now. And not because it’s a hot Israeli summer day without air conditioning. I am in apartment hunting mode – and I really mean hunting – vest, rifle, and all. I search at least 10 apartment websites every day and am desperate to find a good deal before someone else does. One of the sites I check is Craiglist and I saw a listing for ILS 2000 for a fully furnished 1 bedroom apartment on King George st. The pictures attached looked a little too stock photography/hotel – esque but when you’re desparately apartment hunting in Jerusalem and you see a deal like that, you can’t look away. I emailed the person who posted the ad asking about seeing the apartment and here’s what they wrote back: ["Stefano" dolphinbaby11@gmail.com]
Hi,
thanks for the message. I attached all the pics i have of the
apartment to show that it is fully furnished. I will be renting this
55sqm apartment out for 2000 ILS per month, all bills inclusive.The
apartment is located in the center of Jerusalem on “Hamalech George”
(King George), just three minutes away from “Ben Yehuda st”, two
minutes from the “Beit Hakneset Hagadol” and twenty minutes from “The
Kotel” (The Western Wall). Near Transportation, Shopping, SynagogueI am renting this apartment out because i am presently out of
Jerusalem, but you can reach me on 002348053001972. We can further
discuss details on phone. I am a volunteer for Anti-HIV campaign
programs in West Africa. I really hope that you will take good care of the apartment.
The utilities in the house are maintained from the rent. It is a
private apartment,all for you.The apartment was furnished to my taste and that is why i want you to
take good care of it as if it were yours. You can be rest assured that
the apartment will be available for your desired duration of stay if
you make a deposit payment now because i am not in town and will not
be there anytime soon. I did not entrust the apartment in the care of
any agent or anyone. The keys of the apartment are here with me.I will send you the keys and documents of the house once you make an
initial deposit.If you are interested in renting the house,i will send
you the application form so that i can have and verify your
information before renting out the apartment to you.Regards,
Stefano.
After telling a few people about the Craigslist listing, my suspicions were confirmed with people telling me they knew someone who fell for this scam, sent a month’s deposit, and never heard from the guy again. So, I looked in Google for “west africa craigslist scam” and sure enough found tons of people warning others not to fall for the scam.
As if this weren’t enough, I had also emailed another listing on Craiglist that had a fully furnished 2 bedroom apartment in Old Katamon. Surely enough, the guy wrote me about his family being in West Africa and when I sent a follow up email demanding to see the apartment first, he sent me the following: (notice that he says the apartment is on Kanfei Nesharim which is in Givat Shaul, not Old Katamon, and not even close):
The cost of the apartment per month ILS2000
the full address of the apartment is :kanfei nesharim street 20 jerusalem,israel youcan go there and see the place yourself and i am quite sure you will like the environment because it is very secured and safe.here is my cell phone number+2347064945797 contact me as soon as possible to know the lastest development so that i know when to contact my Lawyer and start to prepare the paperwork and then later Dhl the keys to the apartment to you after the deposit of the first month rent.Hope to hear from you soon..-JOHN DAVIES [revjohn44@gmail.com]
So please, please, warn others about this scam so that this guy does not get away with it!!
Here are some other links I found about the West Africa apartment scam:
- List of fake names and email addresses used on Craigslist
- Go West Africa – Craigs List Scam
- Craigslist Rental Scam
- Craigslist had a house for rent – owner claims be in West Africa
21 Responses to “Beware of Craigslist Jerusalem West Africa Scam”
Posted by: Tova - 06/25/2009
This could have happened to me, too! I responded to the listing in Katamon, back in May. The listing was very vague so I asked for more details and got a LONG response, with the same thing about anti-HIV. I didn’t even notice the phone # being odd until now. I just decided I wasn’t interested in the area, so dropped it. Thanks for pointing this out, Big Falafel. Beware of scammers!
Posted by: Rebecca - 06/25/2009
Thanks for commenting, Tova. At first I also disregarded it because I have 2 cats and couldn’t guarantee perfect condition. Only later did I start to get a whiff a giant scam preying on innocent apartment hunters!
Posted by: Yael - 06/25/2009
That’s one horrible scam.
You should post on janglo to warn people.
Posted by: Molly - 06/25/2009
This issue is so important especially now- sorry you had to almost be scammed to help others out. Also, make sure when you read things like this listing that you try to google their name to see if anything comes up!
Posted by: Michael - 06/30/2009
Thank you for this article. I happened to read it yesterday while looking for housing in Tel Aviv. One of the landlords I contacted had the exact same note about the HIV/Africa excuse & I immediately knew it was bogus.
I appreciate your insight.
Posted by: Tova - 07/19/2009
They are still out there! This one was just posted the other day. If it’s too good to be true, it probably is…
ILS2000 / 1br – Apartment in Jerusalem
Date: 2009-07-18, 8:56PM IDT
Reply to: hous-su56g-1276548762@craigslist.org [Errors when replying to ads?]
I have an apartment in Jerusalem that i am not currently staying in. It will cost 2000Shekels per month. This 1 bedroom flat is furnished with good quality furniture and boasts new laminated wood flooring throughout. The accommodation comprises of storage space, eat-in newly fitted kitchen with all machines including cooker, oven, microwave, fridge/freezer and washer/dryer; a fully tiled contemporary bathroom and a separate WC.
An area of study, with WI-FI Internet service,telephone service, a hall-dining room and a kitchen totally equipped with electrical oven, microwave, washing machine, refrigerator, washing machine and dryer. Also it has a system of refrigeration and heating in all the apartment being able to enjoy the temperature you wish at any moment.
Posted by: Rebecca - 07/19/2009
I know! And recently, I got an email from a guy who claims that he is in London and his family is in Virginia. I wrote back saying to him that these scams break my heart. Haven’t heard back..
Posted by: Filipe - 07/26/2009
Another one
Rebecca thanks ALOT for all the tips
see what he wrote for this property
http://telaviv.craigslist.org/apa/1284420607.html
Hello,
Warm Greetings to you and your family. My name is CHRIS NORMAN the owner of the 1bedroom apartment you are making enquiring of and also want you to know that it was due to my transfer and also due to my wife’s Sickness that made us to leave the home and also want to give it out for rent and looking for a responsible person that can take good care of the home that makes me my wife and children to leave the house and also want to give it out for rent and looking for a responsible person that can take very good care of it as we are not after the money for the rent but want the property to be kept clean all the time as it is our hard-earned property. If you are honestly interested and will absolutely maintain my property (Taking care of it like yours) as i hope i can put my trust and confidence in you because I earlier wanted to sale the house but had a second thought to rather put it up for rent.I earlier wanted to sale the house but had a second thought to rather put it up for rent. Presently we are here in west Africa, our new house and put all my worries off concerning the maintenance of the home for, since i am not residing there for now.I left behind some Facilities and electonics which include the rent, and a DVD player, air conditioning, alarm system. The kitchen is fully equipped with all necessary cooking utensils, arefrigerator-freezer, four-hob and oven, microwave,dishwasher and washing machine, My Computer Connected with Internet Acess Also the keys to the House are right here with me, and the lease document. Which i can send to you after all necessary agreement has be accepted. Also i will like you to know that the rent charges is not really the issue,Hope you are okay with the price of 350Euro per month with hydro,heat laundry facilities,air condition and so on,but your absolute maintenance of my home is most important thing so will want you to get back to me with the Application form below.
Here is the home address :Address: 35 Shimon HaTarasi, Tel Aviv 62492, Israel … Pls note that you will be viewing the apartment from outside and the documents to the apartment are with me here in africa and It is located on a cool, quiet and safe neighbourhood.
*HERE HE PUT THE FORM*
Here is my phone number 0112348052270121 or +2348052270121 I will like you to give me a call on this effect to know how serious you are. I personally will actually come visiting you sometimes during the year as our new tenant.Looking forward to hear from you with all this details so that i can have it in my file incase of issuing the receipt in your name and contacting you.Await your urgent reply so that we can discuss on how to get the keys and the documents to you,please we are giving you all this based on trust and again i want you to stick to your words,We are putting everything into Gods hand,so please do not let us down in this property of ours and God bless you more as you do this.
Thanks & God Bless You.
CHRIS
what a f*****
Posted by: alexandria - 08/10/2009
On craigslist this guy told me he was in Nigeria working on some petroleum fields and that his name and his wifes name were Catherine and Terry Shaffner, I never met and African with a name like that, not trying to be stereo typical but its true. everything sounded kind of ok to me until he told me all utilities were paid thats when I started to do my homework. the house he wastrying to rent me was a 280,000 dollar house for 800 a month all utilities included…lol wayyyyyy to good to be true. but anyways his number is this +234-806-0778261 and +234-806-4695922
Posted by: Nick - 08/10/2009
I’m a young professional working in Jerusalem.
This situation happened to me in the past 3-4 days. The guy, supposed to be a Londonian, wrote in a very poor English…
I think, nobody will be so fool to send a security deposit without visit an apartment.
Posted by: Lee Colon - 08/13/2009
I also came across this scam on craigslist, just this very moment. Here’s what they wrote to me:
Thanks for mailing me about my house, I am currently on a mission to a country called South Africa,Central Pretoria and I came down with my family but am in Nigeria presently for certain purpose with the keys and the documents of the apartment, … . I need a Clean and upright person that will be able to take good care of the house and the person will make a payment of lLS2,000 please be informed this initial deposit will be deducted from the house rent. An appointment date will be agreed upon between us, this appointment day is day in which i will instruct someone to come and take you down to the apartment so as to give you the keys and all necessary documentation as soon as the deposit payment confirmed which you will be keeping in your possession as the true occupants of the apartment.We don’t know when we are going to return Seoul and from the look of things, me and my wife has decided to stay in Nigeria for sometime so as to help spread the word of God; we are looking at a period of 5 years, so get back to us as soon as possible so that we can agreed on a date you will be checking on the place, so please below are some certain information which you will be providing us.
Address…
175 yarkon st , tel aviv, lsrael
APPLICATION FORM
1)Your Full Name
2)Your Full Address & Phone Number
3)How old are you?
4)Are you married?
5)How many people will be living in the house?
6)Do you have a pet? pets are allowed
8)Occupation?
9) how long are you willing to stay
please the package that will be given to you will contain the following.
1) Entrance and the rooms Keys
2) Paper / Permanent house form (Containing your reference details)
3) The house documented file.
4) Payment Receipt.
5) Full address and description of the house.
So please let me know if this is okay by you so you so we can proceed
Thanks
Bezeherut!
Posted by: Carala - 08/18/2009
We nearly fell for this scam. Now it appears the scammers are getting sophisticated in that they locate persons advertising “room desired.” They take the “deal points” and then tailor a room for rent utilizing those attributes. Beware of photos with new looking (unlived in rooms, bathrooms, etc.) DON’T send any large deposits/rent without SOLID references. These guys used the tired Nigerian scam re:recent death/property left to Mom/Dad and thereby avoiding references. Also lacked a street address. Remember, anything that looks to good to be true…
Posted by: Carala - 08/18/2009
Incidentally, DON’T reply to this address, “m_jmm@ymail.com” using the name Laura M. Williams and claiming that her father was an Embassy employee. Also, beware of “out of towners” who can’t meet you, furnish references, get to a FAX machine, etc. It’s all bullshit.
Posted by: Deena - 08/30/2009
Hey Rebecca! Miriam’s sister here. So funny. I googled, “apartment search Jerusalem” something like that and this post came up #5! :) And yes, these bogus posts come up everywhere on craigslist. They’re terrible. I’ve written to one once when searching here in Vancouver. I’ve quickly learned to recognize when it’s too good to be true.
I’m moving back to Israel! So I need a job (prefer in writing) and a place to live (prefer a little bachelor suite close-ish to my parents. Keep me in mind. :)
Posted by: Rebecca - 08/31/2009
wow – the whole family back together again! so nice! did you see the other post with the list of apartment websites? http://www.thebigfelafel.com/a-list-of-apartment-listings-in-jerusalem/ and this post for employment: http://www.thebigfelafel.com/employment-websites-in-israel/ Good luck with your move and let me know if I can help with anything else :)
Posted by: Rebecca - 09/02/2009
Carala, It all makes me so nauseas. Thanks for the heads up.
Posted by: Rebecca - 09/02/2009
Lee, Nick, Alexandria. Filipe – thanks for the additional apartment scam info. Ugh.
Posted by: tel aviv apartment rent - 09/05/2009
Nice info. my friend i liked the content of it. It does bring me out to do something.
Posted by: Be careful - scammers moved to Tel Aviv List - 11/26/2009
Hello All,
The scammers have moved onto the Tel Aviv list. BE AWARE!!!! There is NO, NEVER and EVER a REAL “fully furnished apartment” for 1600 shekels (next to the embassies in Tel Aviv)!!!
The copy has been removed from Craiglist today, but the reply I received was “Torrey Hill” claiming that he and his wife had to leave Israel for missionary work in West Africa (+234 is Nigeria country code) phone numbers – +447024068717 or you can reach my lawyer at +2347059504886.
Warn your friends, tell your neighbours – if it acts like a scam, seems to good – IT IS!!
From: torrey Hill [mailto:torreyhill84@yahoo.com]
Sent: November-24-09 5:40 PM
Subject: Re: Craigslist Ads – Furnished Apartement
Thanks for maling me about my house, I am currently on a mission to a country called United Kingdom,Mayfair,London but My wife is in west Africa for a purpose with our lawyer due to transfer she had in west Africa recently… .. I need a Clean and upright person that will be able to take good care of the house and the person will make a payment of ILS 1600 per month , please be informed this initial deposit will be deducted from the house rent. An apponitment date will be agreed upon between us, this appointment day is day in which i will instruct someone to come and take you down to the apartment so as to give you the keys and all necessary documentation as soon as the deposit payment confirmed which you will be keeping in your possession as the true occupants of the apartment.We don’t know when we are going to return to Israel and from the look of things, me and my wife has decided to stay in United Kingdom for sometime so as to help spread the word of God; we are looking at a period of 5 years, so get back to us as soon as possible so that we can agreed on a date you will be checking on the place, so please below are some certain information which you will be providing us.
Address…3 Adam HaCohen St., Tel Aviv 64585, Israel
APPLICATION FORM
1)Your Full Name
2)Your Full Address & Phone Number
3)How old are you?
4)Are you married?
5)How many people will be living in the house?
6)Do you have a pet? pets are allowed
8)Occupation?
9) how long are you willing to stay
please the package that will be given to you will contain the following.
1) Entrance and the rooms Keys
2) Paper / Permanent house form (Containing your reference details)
3) The house documetary file.
4) Payment Receipt..
5) Full address and description of the house.
So please let me know if this is okay by you so you so we can proceed
Thanks
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