I also got a message from "Kim" about a place I have available in California. This one was one of the best I had seen as it seemed to speak specifically about details of my place, and some of my requirements. The English and grammar are completely within the norm of a real person (I rent out rooms a lot). I have also successfully rented rooms to REAL people from out of the country who came from such places as Spain and Germany, and this was pretty much in line with the typical content. I think this scammer is for sure one of the smarter ones, and I think the message was probably plagiarized from an actual message, thus giving it its air of authenticity. Thankfully, doing a Google search on the 447 number lead me to this site (Thanks)! Another red flag for me was asking me for my private information and providing EVERY detail, and pressing the points about payments and whatnot.
I have attached a picture that was provided which is supposed to be "Kim", but at this point I think we all know this is NOT the person sending these messages.
Notice the 2 different email addresses being used and the dates of the messages compared to others:
On Sun, Jun 24, 2012 at 8:42 PM, kimberly Wright <kimmbybaby84@gmail.com> wrote:
** CRAIGSLIST ADVISORY --- AVOID SCAMS BY DEALING LOCALLY
** Avoid: wiring money, cross-border deals, work-at-home
** Beware: cashier checks, money orders, escrow, shipping
** More Info:
http://www.craigslist.org/about/scams --
Hi my name is Kimberly and m 26 yrs old and would really love to know if
this room is available.. so please dont hesitate to lemme know if its still
available and i will also love to let you know more about me and would like
to attach my pics if i get any respond from you soon.
thanks
KIM
On Mon, Jun 25, 2012 at 1:48 AM, Kimberly Wright <kim79bk@gmail.com> wrote:
Thanks for your swift response about the room . I'm, Kimberly
Wright,Female, Single and I am from Michigan . I speak both English
and Spanish fluently, i am 26years of age .I am loving caring and I'm
respectful I am Recently working with the Federal Agency of Works and
Natural Resources in England specifically (Nottingham) .Im a
non-smoker, don't do drugs, not a drinker. I myself like to be home
and on occasions sign up for classes. I graduated last year , I have
no children and i'm coming back home (U.S.A ) for my masters degree,
during my stay i will be working with the United State Environmental
Protection Agency on a private research work, I was born in Otisville
(Michigan).My Dad is from there too but my Mom a Mixed race from
Spain. I roamed my # (810) 476-3160 down here but i can only text you
coz it cost me so much if i try calling from here but i might try
calling you with my UK # +447024072956 you can also call back or text
me on my US #. Am really interested in renting from you and will
really want to know everything about the place. I do really love pets
but i don't have any at the moment. It will be a great pleasure seeing
you soon.I think you should let me know a lil about you too.I am
currently on a research program,and i am desperately looking for a
place to stay.I read your profile about the room and i would really
want to secure the room before my arrival,and more so to know if it
would be possible for me to pay for the room before my arrival, I am
ready to offer you the first month rent fee + the first month security
deposit fee to secure the house prior to my arrival to the states, So
i will like to know the total amount of the room per month and the
utility included am looking to rent for the minimum of 6-12 month also
i am ready to sign a year lease .All these information are very
important so that i can submit my proposal to my Dad.My Dad will be
responsible for all the fees prior my arrival and the payment will be
by United State Bank Cashier Check (NOT OUT OF STATE CHECK). I will
need the following information to facilitate out the rental payment
to you .
(1) Full name as it will appear on the payment.
(2) Physical Address
(3) phone number
i'll pay for the remaining months by cash when i get to state. Please
Forward the lease agreement/application form for my Review. In my
opinion, appending signatories should be done properly and at best
physically when i get to the state and also the back ground check. But
i can assure you that i have a very good employment record..
I would be glad to see your quick response.
Thanks,
Kimberly