Scam alert

[Bailamosdance]

Just got this email (addressed to 'undisclosed recipients'). The tip off is the need for my credit card, and the vague info - and then the immediate reply:

> Greetings
> My name is Peter Schuller. I would like to book for 2 weeks dance
> classes for 3 hours each day Monday to Saturday (morning hours) for a
> group of 12. The group would be performing for a group of family
> members over there.
>
> We are asking for 3 hours per day
for 2 weeks - Monday - Saturday. A
> total of 36 hrs. We would be coming over for holiday and as part of
> our plans we need dance classes as well as choreography in ANY of the
> following area Ballet, belly dance and Pre-Dance as well as Salsa,
> Swing,Tango and Ballroom. Do you teach any of the above? If not, let
> me have the types of dances you teach.
>
> Do you have a training studio/facility where you conduct the classes?
> Do you have guest rooms or any 3 star hotel close to your facility?
>
> DATE: 5TH JULY TO 19TH JULY 2009
>
> I would love to get the total cost or a quote/estimate. What are your
> payment options? Do you accept credit cards? If yes, do you a
> POS/credit card machine in your office?
>
> Your swift response is highly needed. No attachments please.
>
>
> Best Regards,
> Peter Schuller
> 74
Queensborough Terrace
> Bayswater
> London W2

From: Robert Blank
Subject: Re: Booking Details
To: peterschuller78@yahoo.co.uk
Date: Saturday, 25 April, 2009, 12:45 PM

Good morning. I can teach Ballroom to your group. I need to know
more about your situation etc. We teach in NYC.


From: peterschuller78@yahoo.co.uk
Subject: Re: Booking Details
Date: April 25, 2009 9:34:39 AM EDT

Reply-To: peterschuller78@yahoo.co.uk

Hello
Thanks for the quick response. We would love to have the dance lessons on the very ones you listed with you as well as choreography. We want to entertain a group of important guests as well as board members of some cooperate organizations and family members that would be attending the 50th anniversary of our parents. The dancers are all beginners and are at their intermediate stage. We would also love to learn the following if you can be of assistance;
• Stretching, Warming up and Meditation to Ensure optimum results
• Breathing Techniques
• Musical Interpretation
• Complex Combination movements
• Learning how to choreograph

What would be the total cost for the classes for the 4 couples (4 males 4 females) Ages: 27to 42).
DATE: 24TH JUNE TO 10TH JULY 2009

Get back to me with the total cost for the classes. We would like to make reservation immediately.

Kindly send a confirmation to this email as soon as possible.

Best Regards,

[lcdancesport]

Yeah this doesn't sound right. They said 12 people originally in the email, then 8 in the next. They wanted to learn ballet, pre-dance ?, or any ballroom/latin dance seems a bit strange. If anything, they could have received lessons somewhere locally. Why take a vacation and go to a studio for 3 hours of lessons each day???

I'd just ignore any further emails, next thing you know they'll be asking to wire their "payment" to you if you give them all your information first.

[lcdancesport]

You may want to suggest they CALL the studio, then see if he responds.

[Peaches]

Just to play devil's advocate for a moment...I did go on vacation, for a week, and took four hours of lessons a day. It was pretty much the reason I went. And it was a very quick timeframe between when I first made contact and when my trip was (2 weeks? 3 weeks?).

Not saying that this is legit--it doesn't seem like it to me--just pointing out that some of those things aren't necessarily so strange.

[Bailamosdance]

I just emailed him to give me a phone # so 'we can talk'. Let's see how this evolves.

I'm hoping that if this is a scam that this thread will alert people who are getting this and dissuade them from putting out $$$sss...

[ireniecat]

I have seen similar emails before. It's a scam. They want to know the total upfront. But then they send you a check for an amount more than you ask and want the difference back. The problem is the check they originally send you is bad, and by the time it goes through the bank, they've already walked away with your real money ("the difference").

[wooh]

Yep, Nigerian Scam. Except this time you get to give the Nigerian Royal Family some dance lessons.:)

[QPO]

so when they arrive they will inform you that you can assist with millions of dollars locked up in a foreign bank account...:-P

[LindyKeya]

Yep, versions of this have been floating around for the better part of the decade, at least. (I've personally received probably a dozen emails of this nature.)

At the next stage, exactly -- they offer to send a (fake) money order for more than the actual amount, and ask you to send them a (real) check/money order for the difference.
Another friend who teaches dance once went ahead and had the scammers send the (fake) money order, which she passed on to the authorities, along with all the info from them from emails. This involves a variety of sorts of prosecutable fraud, if the authorities can find them.

For some reason, the address given is usually in London, and they are usually rather non-specific about the type of dance they want to learn. Usually the lessons are for their teenage son/daughter, who needs some obscene number of lessons over a very short period of time, and being "on holiday" is always mentioned.

And Peaches -- the thing that is always fishy about these is that they don't care/specify what they'll be learning -- just anything will do! You wouldn't plan to travel to take random lessons, then offer to pay (up front) for hundreds - thousands of dollars of classes in just any old thing. You researched an instructor (or several) who you knew you wanted to learn specific things from, right?

[Joe]

yep, nigerian scam. Except this time you get to give the nigerian royal family some dance lessons.:)
419.

[Me]

So... does this mean it is my turn now? This reads very much like the ones you guys have posted...

(copies and pastes e-mail, and removes name of sender)


E-mail title: Teacher For Argentine Tango dance training.


Hello,

I'm looking for an experienced choreograph/Dance Instructor that could take about 12 individual for Argentine Tango dance training, I will like to get the list of dances you can teach and the cost of teaching them so I can choose the one you will teach them. I will like them to be taught for 2 hours very two days.
What can your establishment offer with regards to the request above as we have performance to participate.
I would like to know what is required cost implication and any other thing that will be require for a successful training for at least four weeks between the month of May and June 2009.

Kindly get back to me if you can offer anything by a return mail via this email with details because they have no experience on that before.
Best regards,
[name removed]

[NonieS]

sounds similar....

[Josh]

A close friend of mine was actually scammed by this, I know it PERSONALLY to be a scam, and at the time I was naive enough to not see the warning signs and did not warn the person, unfortunately. Do NOT do this. It's usually of european origin, and according to the FBI, who I talked to with my friend about it, the funds usually go to support terrorism of various kinds.

The process is:
- You receive a check (it looks real!) for more than the actual agreed-upon amount (wow, amazing!)
- You are asked to send the difference back via western union
- You take cash from the check for the difference (say, $2K-$5K or so) and send it to them
- The check bounces, and your account gets hit for the amount of the check

The email address for these people will usually have a number in them (this case '78'), as they just register a bunch of email addresses so they can't be tracked easily, and they are usually from another country outside the US (.co.uk, .gr, .fr, etc.). The guy, after scamming my friend, had the audacity to call before the check bounced and say that they had changed their mind, and asked for a full refund of the remaining amount--very bold but clever.

I'm unfortunately very familiar with this so if anyone has a question about it please ask--I just got one of these actually a few days ago. I think I'll respond back just to mess with him.

[Me]

Thank you Josh!

Here is the unedited e-mail I received:

--- On Thu, 4/30/09, Martin <mb_reserv1@yahoo.com> wrote:
From: Martin <mb_reserv1@yahoo.com>
Subject: Teacher For Argentine Tango dance training.
To:
Date: Thursday, April 30, 2009, 10:18 PM


-----Inline Attachment Follows-----

Hello,

I'm looking for an experienced choreograph/Dance Instructor that could take about 12 individual for Argentine Tango dance training, I will like to get the list of dances you can teach and the cost of teaching them so I can choose the one you will teach them. I will like them to be taught for 2 hours very two days.
What can your establishment offer with regards to the request above as we have performance to participate.
I would like to know what is required cost implication and any other thing that will be require for a successful training for at least four weeks between the month of May and June 2009.

Kindly get back to me if you can offer anything by a return mail via this email with details because they have no experience on that before.
Best regards,
Martin Bruce



I searched for their e-mail on Google and came across a post on a photography messageboard where somebody was being scammed with the same e-mail: http://www.aphotoeditor.com/2008/04/28/photographer-scam/

Eva Johansson wrote:
Hello,
I am is Mr Martin Bruce,I am looking for an experienced wedding photographer who will handle my wedding dinner for a group of people who will be attending the wedding ceremony.Seven will arrive few days before the wedding day.
The wedding is expected to hold on the 20th December,2008 and 25 to 40 guests are expected to attend.
Get back to me with your total cost as we don’t have much time with.
you will have to contact me on my email mb_reserv1@yahoo.com (mb_reserv1@yahoo.com)
Best Regards,
Martin Bruce
[Reply (http://javascript<b></b>:void(0))]
Posted 11 Nov 2008 at 4:13 pm ¶ (http://www.aphotoeditor.com/2008/04/28/photographer-scam/#comment-31456)

Oh and one last note - When I clicked "reply" it turns out the mb_reserv1@yahoo.com (mb_reserv1@yahoo.com) was a mask. The e-mail I was replying to was mb_reserv2@yahoo.com (mb_reserv2@yahoo.com).

So, definitely a scam.

I didn't know the Nigerian scam was being used to target people who offer services for a living. I knew this was a problem on eBay, Craigslist, and other various online marketplaces where con artists would send a fake check of excessive payment. If successful, the con artist would receive a free item and free "refunded" cash, while the seller would be out the item, shipping, whatever money they refunded, and the entire amount of the fake bounced check.

[Jananananana]

I got one of those on facebook! He wanted me to "teach in India" or something like that.... it was very odd. I felt like a mail-order-bride. I've gotten some great emails from people :-D

[Jananananana]

I didn't know the Nigerian scam was being used to target people who offer services for a living. I knew this was a problem on eBay, Craigslist, and other various online marketplaces where con artists would send a fake check of excessive payment. If successful, the con artist would receive a free item and free "refunded" cash, while the seller would be out the item, shipping, whatever money they refunded, and the entire amount of the fake bounced check.

There is an amazing quiz about "which Nigerian spammer are you" on bbspot.... One of the most amusing things I've seen all day...
<http://www.bbspot.com/News/2004/04/nigerian_quiz.php>

[cornutt]

I didn't know the Nigerian scam was being used to target people who offer services for a living.

Recording studios and people in the music production industry are being bombarded with 419 emails almost identical to what's been presented here.

[Whettykneense]

I have the same opinion as yours on this. What you said is true.

[Me]

Okay so, I got another scam e-mail about instruction.

Do not respond to e-mails from benjamin.davidsatmsn.com or benjamin_davids2000atyahoo.com

Subject: "Dance instructor needed"

Hello,
Am Engr Benjamin davids, am looking for an experienced dance instructor on any dance
pattern train and handle a group that is been sponspored to learn any good dance the classes
are ment to hold on or before 26th September 2009 I came across your profile on google engine
while searching and decided to contact you first to know what and
what you actually do and how you do them.
To make things a little clear am looking for an instructor that can handle
every single bit of the training effectively with a budget of $10,000. from the sponspors
Let me know your capability, if there is anything you cannot handle
let me know so that i can know what to do. Get back to me
with your response as we don't have much time with us so that we can process
everything within the region more convenient for you and us.
TIME YOU CAN HAVE THE CLASSES.
THE TOTAL COST FOR 3 WEEKS
MODE OF PAYMENT.

Best Regards,
Engr Benjamin Davids
+447045782803

[kypaulng]

Hi everyone! I am from Malaysia and i also received the SCAM e-mail as below::mad:

How are you doing today ?
My name is Peter Schuller. I would like to book for dance
classes.

We want to make a contract that will cover 75 hours for 11 weeks. We
would be coming over for holiday and as part of our plans, we need
dance classes in any of the following; Salsa,flamenco,ballet and
Ballroom. Do you teach any of the above? If not, let me have the
type of entertaining dances you teach.We need something entertaining. This is just for the fun.No competition,but for public entertainment, self-realization and fulfillment only.


Do you have a training facility where you conduct classes? We can
arrange for this.
We also need guest rooms or any 3* or 4* star hotel accommodation

Our stay will last from the last week of August to November,2009.

I would love to know the possibility of working with you during our
proposed holidays. Do you accept credit cards? Kindly send me the
following;

: total cost for the whole classes
: hotel cost for six single rooms

: Name of the Manager/Owner


Your swift response is highly needed.


Best Regards,

Peter Schuller
74 Queensborough Terrace
Bayswater
London W2

Don't trust !

[latingal]

Welcome to DF kypaulng!

[Me]

I also received this e-mail earlier this month, but what makes it so memorable is a person contacted me about this wonderful opportunity that they wanted to pass along to my coach. They proceeded to talk about the exact same e-mail I had received, from Peter Schuller, only they did not tell me at first this was an e-mail. The way they spoke, I believed they had actually spoken to Peter over the phone.

This person really believed it to be a direct and personal communication, and not a scam e-mail. It was difficult for me to convince this particular person that the e-mail was a scam, and I'm not really sure they believed me. They really wanted to believe it was real.

[White Chacha]

My square dance club's officer list got the solicitation!

[SDsalsaguy]

Welcome to DF kypaulng!
Ditto! Welcome, and thanks for the heads up!

[DancingMommy]

419eater does scambaiting escapades and I've read there a lot, but this sounds like it would be GREAT fun to go along with a scambait adventure. [wheels turning in my head]

[pruthe]

I've recently seen some email scams being sent to some ballroom dance studios and thought I'd mention it in case others are being contacted. The email usually starts with a request from someone outside the country to book a lot of lessons with adults or children.

Example:

---

Hello,
* How are you doing today ?* My name is PETER SCHULLER. I want to book for dance* classes with you while on a 5weekss holidays in your country.We are six adult men and women.
*
* We shall be needing a dance classes for the whole 5weeks in your area.The dance classes shall be in* any of the following; Salsa,ballet and Ballroom. Do you teach any of the above? If not, let me have the* type of entertaining dances you teach.We need something entertaining. We shall opening a new club house with full operation in December,2009.* This* is just for the fun.No competition,but for public entertainment,self-realization and fulfillment only.
*
* Do you have a training facility where you conduct classes? We can arrange for this,if not available.* Our* stay will last from the 3rd week* of November to December,2009.
* I would love to know the possibility of working with you during this period.Kindly get back to me with your proposals so that we can make booking asap.
Best regards.
Peter Schuller
74 Queensborough Terrace,
Bayswater,
London W2.

---

I had a friend respond to one of these type of requests for children's lessons and here is the response.

---

Hello,Thanks for the mail and the price listed for me.I am willing to pay you all the funds and i want you to promise me that my son will change tremendously when you finish teaching him.Yes i want you to help in with homework and studying in general?,and am ok with this amount to 15 lessons.He is a good boy and he learn easily.
He will be coming over to your state with a Nanny who will be take care of him and i have also rented an apartment for them to start.I will like to know how you will like it should they come over to your place or you will go an teach him in the apartment?if you will go there i will get you the details later.I have called a client of mine in the state who is owing me the sum $3,150 to make out the check payable to you unbehalf of me.Do please bear with me in this.All you have to do is this once you get the check cashed do deduct your fund and wire the remaining balance to the nanny who is coming over with my son.You can also deduct additional $100 for your running expenses.Do entrust you in this?.I hope to hear from you asap so as to give him the go ahead for sending the check to you asap.Kindly get back to me with your full details for posting of the payment like-

FULL NAME
ADDRESS
CITY
STATE
ZIP CODE AND PHONE NUMBER

Thanks Frank

---

So it looks like the scam is to probably send a bogus check for more than amount agreed on and then studio owner wires difference back to scammer. Anyway, I wanted to pass this onto others in case they are tempted by these scam emails that seem to be making the rounds.

pruthe

[fascination]

thanks for the head's up pruthe

[Leonid Turetsky]

Oh I know! I get them all the time.... I think it mainly comes from when we teachers post on classifieds. Somebody just puts us on their mailing lists and sends it out!

[Izzy20]

I once got an e-mail asking me to pretend to be someone's long lost relative to collect like 5 million and I was supposed to wire some of it back to this "service". My favorite part was when it told me it was completely legal. Uh... I don't think so...

[LindyKeya]

Recent thread on this topic at http://www.dance-forums.com/showthread.php?t=32279&highlight=scam

I think I get one of these every other week or so.

[Paul & Kathie Scott]

Definitely a scam. Went through the whole song and "dance" around availability and price, etc. and they said their POS system was down and we would need to run the payment for their "tour guide/interpreter" through our system. They would pay 50% of our fee up front and we would do this other transaction on their behalf - all on credit card. Even if we kept our "fee" and sent them the rest of the money, if this were a credit card fraud we would be out about $6k. Nice work for them if all they have to do is keep up with some email correspondence. One good thing that came from it - found Dance Forums!

Blessings!
Paul & Kathie Scott

[etp777]

Welcome to DF Kathie and Paul!

[fascination]

apparently my pro recieved this dandy little offer as well...and dismissed it

[latingal]

Yes welcome to DF Paul and Kathie!

[Josieltd]

Bailamosdance, I received the EXACT same email, except he used the name "Harry Clinton" - it is a shame that these thieves have tapped into the dance world

[flashdance]

I've been getting hoax PM's on my danceforums.net (sister site) account with dodgy links (not clicked any!)

[fascination]

plz report that to the staff there

[skwiggy]

This definitely looks like a scam, but I haven't figured out yet what the angle is. Here is the email thread:


Hello,
I am interested in purchasing the mentioned item from you, pls email me
back if it is still available with the least price you will sell it to me.
Regards,
Mr XXXX (name removed in case this turns out not to be a scam).
----------------------------------------------------------

Hello XXXX,

Thank you for your interest. The dress is priced at XXXX Euro because that it what I believe it is worth. If you value it at a different amount, feel free to make and offer and I will consider it.

Thank you,
[skwiggy]

----------------------------------------------------------

Hello,
Thanks for your response...i think that i will have the DRESS...but there is one more thing,are you going to be responsible for the shipment to NC?
If you are,then kindly forward to me the details to make out payment to you...
Details include:Your full name,full address and mobile number for easy communication.
I wait to read from you ASAP.
Kindest Regards,
Mr XXXX.

----------------------------------------------------------

Hi XXXX,

As the buyer, you will be responsible for shipping. Please send me your mailing address and I can estimate shipping costs to give you a final price.

Thanks,
[skwiggy]

----------------------------------------------------------

Hello,
Here is my mailing address...
[mailing address removed]
Please get back to me with the details.
Thanks,
Mr XXXX.

----------------------------------------------------------
XXXX,

Packing and shipping with insurance will be about $XX. The cost of the dress in USD is $XXXX. So the total cost is $XXXX. I can accept a check or paypal money transfer. If you use paypal with a credit card I will need to charge you an additional fee of about 5% (I have to check what paypal is charging these days for a credit card). I can ship the dress as soon as payment clears.

How do you wish to pay?

Please also provide a phone number for the shipping label.

Thanks,
[skwiggy]

----------------------------------------------------------

Hello,
Thanks for the quick response...i think that i will be paying with a check and will need you to please forward to me the details to make out payment to you at once...
Details include:Your full name,full address and mobile number for easy communication.
I wait to read from you ASAP as i can not wait to have the DRESS.
Thanks,
Mr XXXX.

----------------------------------------------------------
[obviously at this point I'm getting increasingly suspicious, so I try to start more of a dialogue]

Who will wear the dress? And what are her measurements and height? I'd like to make sure that it is the right size before sending it.

Thanks,
[skwiggy]

----------------------------------------------------------
[and now he gets noticably irritated at the questions]

Well,thats a very good question...i am getting it for my daughter and i have read every info about it on the site that i saw it....are you selling for me or not?
I must say that am not interested in all this question....if you are selling for me....kindly forward to me the details that i requested to make the check out to you...
Thanks again,
Mr XXXX.
----------------------------------------------------------

So, what is the angle?

[ireniecat]

Seems like same deal as with the dance lessons--the check amount you receive will be more than what you asked and they'll ask for the difference along with the dress. Then the check will turn out to be bad, and you're out of luck. Any time they say they need to you reply right away is a warning sign. You could say you'll ship the dress only after the check has cleared... but then I'd take it straight to the bank and explain your concern with it before you just deposit it. Is the potential buyer based in the US? If the check you get is from a foreign bank, that'll be a clue.

[and123]

Well, you're definitely right to hesitate. Who would spend that much money blindly? See if he'll go the escrow route. I bet you don't hear back from him. As for the angle.... dunno. But I'm quite sure you'd be out a dress and have nothing to show for it in the end.

I occasionally get this kind of email from ads I have placed on ballroomdancers.com.... and since I have several things listed, I ask "What item are you referring to?" - and more often than not, never hear back.

[spectator]

there is identity theft as well.

[flashdance]

Paypal/Checks can easily be reversed. Does your bank not offer any kind of fraud checks so they can guarantee payment is genuine?

How about using Propay - maybe a better alternative to Paypal? The fees are considerably less.

https://epay.propay.com/

[Joe]

Sounds like a perfect opportunity for scam-baiting! :D

[skwiggy]

Sounds like a perfect opportunity for scam-baiting! :D

scam-baiting?? :confused:

[Joe]

Yes, where you play along with the scammer in the hopes of screwing them back somehow. Like sending them on a trip through bandit-ridden country to pick up the funds they asked you to wire them or something.

Check out 419eater.com sometime. Sometimes cruel, sometimes hilariously funny. Or Google "ppp powerbook."

[ireniecat]

OMG, Joe! That site just made my day. Thanks :D

[skwiggy]

Update:

Well,thats a very good question...i am getting it for my daughter and i have read every info about it on the site that i saw it....are you selling for me or not?
I must say that am not interested in all this question....if you are selling for me....kindly forward to me the details that i requested to make the check out to you...
Thanks again,
Mr XXXX.
-------------------------------------------------------------

I must say it is rare for someone to purchase an item such as this without asking extensive questions about the quality and size to make sure they will be happy with the purchase. I am concerned with having happy buyers and satisfied customers, so I would like to make sure that the gown will fit your daughter. I highly recommend you give me some idea of her size and height so I can estimate whether or not it will fit her.

-------------------------------------------------------------

Hello,
Well since you insist about knowing the size...i think it's a good idea...
My daughter is about 166cm tall and her size is about 38..
I would have give her a call but i do not want her to that am getting this for her...
Am giving her as a suprise...i think that by now you have gotten idea and will know exactly what will suit her.
Thanks for your concern...
Mr XXXX.

-------------------------------------------------------------
Then I went out on a limb to see if he would still want to go through with the transaction. For anyone actually looking at my dress ad in the ad section, this is not true, the dress is in excellent condition ;)

It sounds like a good fit. I feel it only fair to disclose that there is a stain on the skirt. It was not there when I listed the gown, but it has since been damaged. Do you still want to buy it?

-------------------------------------------------------------

Dont worry then...
I will see if i can it else where...i dont have time at all.
Thanks,
Mr XXXX.



Everything else about this guy screams "scam". But I can't imagine damage would scare him off if he just wanted my money? Or is that part of the scam to try to get me to come back? :confused:

[ireniecat]

Maybe he realized you were on to him? In any case, I would not second guess yourself for going with your gut feeling.

[wooh]

Sounds like he decided you were just too much trouble to scam. :)

[Peaches]

Update:



Everything else about this guy screams "scam". But I can't imagine damage would scare him off if he just wanted my money? Or is that part of the scam to try to get me to come back? :confused:
Definitely a scam...I wouldn't think twice about it.

In thinking about this situation and how people sell dresses and stuff, I've got to wonder...is it SOP to hold the merchandise until the payment clears your account, or do people generally ship on receipt of payment? Cuz, really, holding stuff until the check clears (and using a P.O. box as a return address or some such) gives you an extra measure of protection.

[JANATHOME]

Yes, when sellling a gown and I do not know person, I receive check, check clears bank, send out gown. These gowns were all sold on Ballroomdancers. within the USA.

On the other hand, gowns I have purchased from DF people and that I have purchased/rented with before or they know someone I purchased a gown from I have received gown before I made payment.

[wonderwoman]

Should I be skeptical about this? Is it normal for someone to ask you to fill out an online credit check before showing you the apartment or even giving you the address of the apartment? He says due to vandalism he doesn't give the address til someone makes an appointment to see it and they can't make the appt til he gets that credit report.

[LindyKeya]

Should I be skeptical about this? Is it normal for someone to ask you to fill out an online credit check before showing you the apartment or even giving you the address of the apartment? He says due to vandalism he doesn't give the address til someone makes an appointment to see it and they can't make the appt til he gets that credit report.

I sure would be. I mean, how do you know the apartment even exists? If he has enough info to run your credit, he can do quite a bit to steal your identity. (And even if he is legit, too many hard inquiries can damage your credit, so I wouldn't want someone running a hard inquiry on my credit for an apartment I'm not sure I'm interested in.)

[dancemominaz]

The only time a business should do a credit check on a customer is after the customer has made a committment to make a purchase.

Run the other way, Fast!

[wonderwoman]

Here's the email. The posting was for a very inexpensive apt in Pittsburgh but my first question to the poster was how it could possibly be IN Pittsburgh and near interstates 80 and 85 at the same time.

-_-,.-=-_____,--,=,-=-=..=-_-,__._._-=
-.,-.=,.__,-,-,_--.,..=.-_.,_-
-,_=_.,===-.,,..-_=-,,,_--._=,,.,_,.-
_=,_=,_,,-=,_,..-._,=---._---,,..-=.=__--
-_=-.==,,-,.._=-,_.==.,,-.,__--...-._==,.,.=


Hi ,

First and foremost, thank you for your interest in the home. I am available to show the house next week
if that fits your schedule.

Just to give you a little more information about the home, the water, trash
and garbage are paid by us. The security deposit can be paid in 2 installments if money is tight. (I know how that can be).
The house has a fenced in backyard and we do allow pets. The deposit per pet is a one time payment.
The house includes a washer and dryer, and we pay for lawn care so the renter does not have to cut the grass.
There is NO application fee (our company policy and guarantee).

I will be happy to show the house at an agreed upon time and date but I do require that all applicants and
additional renters who will be living in the home complete a free credit report to ensure their eligibility.
I have so many people apply for homes that I have to make sure they are qualified renters before I show the property.
This ensures neither of us will be wasting our time.

It is okay if you have bad credit (trust me). We just check to make sure that you don't have several evictions on
your record. (We won't rent if you have 3 or more evictions on your record)

I also had to recently stop giving out the exact address of rental properties before I am able to show them because
last time I did that the house was vandalized (I will be glad to send you the address right after your reply) I assure
you though that this is a very safe neighborhood. I actually lived in this home for 2 years (very cozy).

As soon as you can, please click and go to the secure website link below to complete the free credit report: (takes about 30 seconds)
Once you complete, I'll call you once I receive the information from the credit company (very quickly usually).



*** You don't have to send me your credit report.
Once you fill out the report the credit company automatically forwards me your name, email address and whether you have
had any outstanding evictions in the past 5 years to determine your renter eligibility. This is the only information I am
interested in. This is a soft credit report so it won't touch your FICO score (which is why we work with them).

This process turns some people off, so I completely understand if you decide not to complete them. In that case, good luck
with your home search. I just want to be honest with you up front about our process, which does a good job of protecting
us from ineligible renters and scammers. Also, the site above is one the safest and most secure website for credit reports in the
world, which is good for peace of mind. I have worked with them personally for a couple years now.

If you are truly interested in proceeding, take a moment and fill out one of the reports. Let me know when this is done and
we can then work out the time and date to go see the home. Email me back once you access your fresh report. I will be forwarded
the information. (Make sure to include a valid phone number. I usually call within 6 hours of submitting your report. Then I can
forward you the address and we can set up a time to tour the home.)

If eligible you will also be sent an email with my office number so we can set up a time to go see the house and discuss any
other questions or concerns you may have.

Thanks,
Edgar

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[wooh]

I supposed that it's possible that it's legit, but I wouldn't think the risk is worth it.

[ireniecat]

Umm... I used to work in real estate and I have never hear of running a credit check PRIOR to viewing a property. And it seems like an awfully long email to explain all those things. Would be just easier to say, "here's the answer to your question. when can I call you to discuss the details and our renting policies?"

And also... evictions don't usually show up on credit reports, so it's not a reliable source.

Does this renting office/management group have a website that talks about their process? Or for that matter, a legitimate physical office address?