Rev. Allen Francis, the 'landlord'

[Scammed]

On 06/24/2008 posing as owner of property in Providence, RI. Someone under the same name as the posting above, offered an apartment for rent on Craigslist, Craigslist did a great job flagging the posting in less than 24 hrs. I was naïve enough and sent an inquiry on the property, this was the response I got:

The email address I received this message from was [frbrianmoore@yahoo.com], the message reads as follows:

"Thanks for the email. My name is Allen Francis,I own the 1 bedroom apartment at 157 Waterman Street #1, Providence RI. I want you to know that i was transfered to West Africa so my family and i moved down here hence we decided to give the apartment out for rent. We are 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 it to be clean and well taken care of by whosoever will rent it.We expect the person to take care of the apartment as if it were his or her own.Presently We are here in West Africa in our new house.I personally wanted to Sell the apartment in question but we decided to put it out for rent since my wife love the place so much.If you could promise us that you will take very good care of the house,then you can send an email with the following informations.

1) Your Full Name
2) Your Full Address & Phone Number
3) Age
4) Marital status
5) How many people will be living in the house?
6) Do you have a pet?
7) Do you have a car?
8) Occupation?
9) Duration of lease/Rent
10) Gender
11) Your Picture if available

One Mr. Smith called me about the apartment,After due consideration, i told him that I can not give him the apartment because he doesnt sound like some one that can take care of the place.I do not have any problem with you socialising or staying in the apartment with some body but all i ask is that you live responsibly.This is very important because i will not be arround and the kind of tenant i give out my apartment to will reflect the kind of person i am.The rent is going to be $680 with no extra fee attached I will like you to give me a call to this effect to know If you are still interested and how serious you are. My phone number is 0112348066743552 or +2348066743552. I will see you by August when i come to the states on an official mission.I hope that by then you would have completely settled down as my tenant.I am looking forward to hearing from you with all the required details so that i can have enough informations to work on and so that i can easily contact you. Reply immediately let us discuss how to get the document and the house keys to you. I know that out there in the world of evil doers there are still God fearing individuals and i hope that you will turn out to be one of them since i am trusting you not to let me down.

I As a man of God will stick to my words and terms of agreement and i hope you will honor our agreement at the end of the day and that putting a blind trust in you will not make me regret. I EXPECT YOU TO STICK TO YOUR WORDS. I am putting everything in the hand of God,so please do not let me and my wife down.

NOTE: THE KEYS WILL BE SENT TO YOU VIA FEDEX to your personal address.I HOPE YOU CAN LIVE PEACEFULLY AND RESPONSIBLY IN THE HOUSE? YOU AS THE TENANT WILL PAY FOR THE SHIPPING COST OF THE KEY TO YOU.

Regards
Allen Francis."


Allen Francis is a fictional character from the TV series Angel.

[Gentle Giant]

THE KEYS WILL BE SENT TO YOU VIA FEDEX
Well that should maybe cost about $35. Anything more than that and you could be certain it was a scammer. The rest of the story doesn't hold water either. It's good to hear that Craiglist is taking some action at last.

[Kat]

Pinch me! Craiglist is actually taking action!

[Laura]

I was just scammed by the exact same person. Only my significant other gave him all of our information already. We even called the guy and talked to him. Now I am freaking out because this asshole knows my name, where i work, our address, phone number, everything. What can he do with that information? Does anyone have any suggestions as to how we can take action or protect ourselves from this point forward?

[Miyuki]

I would recommend that you check our friends at Fraud Aid http://www.fraudaid.com/index.htm and start working through the ID theft checklist.

[cmarando]

I am the latest person to give my info to this person. I found the posting on craig's list 7/7/08 and replied right away. Unfortunately it wasn't until AFTER I gave him my info that I decided to google him and found out he is a SCAMMER. I even sent him a picture! Does anybody know what he would be able to do with the photo?

[Central Scrutinizer]

Steal it and use it. Photochop it, stick it on a fake passport, etc. Damn, I thought craiglist was stopping this business?

[Ted]

A picture?

[Central Scrutinizer]

Yes they will steal your picture and recycle it if you give it to them. They'll steal anything that isn't nailed down.

[Noonsunge]

I just got scammed by him/her too. I was looking in Providence, came across this amazing apartment. He sent me this ridiculous e-mail. I thought it was weird, but still gave him my address. I refused him any $ or my picture, haven't heard back from him yet.

What should I do?

It was the same exact e-mail!

[chickpea]

this jerk completely violated my trust and my privacy. he taught me a very valuable lesson about myself though - i am entirely too trusting and gullible. it's just a shame that it had to be such an expensive lesson ($180 + $22 western union fees). i guess you live and you learn. my friend meatball always tells me "if it's too good to be true, then it's probably just that - too good to be true."

the most comical part of it all is that he continues to e-mail me and tell me that the "package" containing my keys and the documentation for the condo is "on the way" never mind the fact that i physically checked out the property and IT DOESN'T EVEN EXIST. what a piece of work. i am just going to go along with it and perpetuate the scam. two can play at this game.

even though this turd has devastated my faith in humanity with his reprehensible dishonesty and lack of integrity ... i will maintain my faith in karma. what goes around comes around and eventually he will get what he deserves. i will make sure i make an active contribution to this effort.

[dorf]

Thanks for posting this. Something looked fishy about the email. The overindulgent use of GOD-FEARING phrases at the end in all caps, so I investigated before sending any personal info. You guys saved me some heartache.

[nothappy0006]

i got the exact same email about an apartment in boston. Was soooo excited and gave him the info age, address ,etc wtf is he gonna do with that????
LOOK OUT PEOPLE IF IT SOUNDS TOOO GOOD IT IS!

[De Master Yoda]

This scammer has posted yet again on craiglist
http://providence.craigslist.org/apa/799553080.html
I have flagged him and suggest others do as well!

Well done to the people who care enough to post about him. This may help others to see it is a scam and avoid losing money to this crook. Thank you, as education is one way to hurt the scammers in the wallet!

[mimi]

I got the same exact email just now. How does Craigslist go about catching someone like him? I'm sure there's no way, but hopefully people won't be suckered into this scam.

[peach]

just got scammed by this asshole I just wish I would have researched him before I gave him my picture. I guess if you're really desperate to find a place it seems like a good choice but he is really phony with all his god phrases.

[barbara from italy]

i just god scammered by this dickhead.
what can he do with my information?

[Central Scrutinizer]

That depends on how much information you gave him. You might us the "contact us" link down at the bottom part of the page and send us an email so we can help.

[scammed-in-sd]

I sent an inquiry about the place... got the email the same as everyone else, immediately googled the guy's name since it seemed real shady. However, he's not using the above email address as everyone else has posted. He used [greenland03@yahoo.com] BEWARE... I flagged the post for Craig's List to remove!

[Unregiterd7336453]

same thing.
used the email address [steepestascent@yahoo.com]

at least i didn't tell him anything.

[Washington, DC]

He's back at work in DC. The email he is now using is [park.oflife01@yahoo.com]

[scammed in sac ca]

Mr Allen Francis is saying there is a place in sacramento, i just sent him my info then googled him. yay. e-mail name [allen.francis04@yahoo.com]

[Gentle Giant]

Okay, looking at the contact us email, this guy may now be targeting university students. People, please do not send this guy anything.

[cruse]

he's still at, apartment in Brooklyn

using email: [greeenland05@yahoo.com]

I sent contact info but, fortunately, no money.

[VEE]

:mad: i CANT BLIVE THIS! I DIDNT GIVE HIM MY ADDRESS B/C I DONT TEND 2 DO SUCH THINGS BUT I DID GIVE HIM MY PH. NUMBER MY NAME EVEN MY DOGS NAME!!!!! NOTHING ELSE............ AND I TOLD HIM A LIL BOUT MYSELF.
THIS IS SO RIDICOULUS

Thanks for the email. My name is Allen Francis,I own the 1 bedroom apartment at 1014 Salzedo Street #108, Miami FL 33134.I want you to know that i was transfered to West Africa so my family and i moved down here hence we decided to give the apartment out for rent. We are 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 it to be clean and well taken care of by whosoever will rent it.We expect the person to take care of the apartment as if it were his or her own.Presently We are here in West Africa in our new house.I personally wanted to Sell the apartment in question but we decided to put it out for rent since my wife love the place so much.If you could promise us that you will take very good care of the house,then you can
send an email with the following informations.
1) Your Full Name
2) Your Full Address & Phone Number
3) Age
4) Marital status
5) How many people will be living in the house?
6) Do you have a pet?
7) Do you have a car?
8) Occupation?
9) Duration of lease/Rent
10) Gender
One Mr. Smith called me about the apartment,After due consideration, i told him that I can
not give him the apartment because he doesn't sound like some one that can take care of the place.I do not have any problem with you socializing or staying in the apartment with some body but all i ask is that you live responsibly.This is very important because i will not be around and the kind of tenant i give out my apartment to will reflect the kind of person i am.The rent is going to be $300 with no extra fee attached I will like you to give me a call so that we can discuss the detail and for me to know how serious you are. My phone number
is 0112347062056016 or +2347062056016. I will see you by June when i come to the states on an official mission.I hope that by then you would have completely settled down as my tenant.I am looking forward to hearing from you with all the required details so that i can
have enough informations to work on and so that i can easily contact you.. Reply immediately let us discuss how to get the document and the house keys to you. I know that out there in the world of evil doers there are still God fearing individuals and i hope that you will turn out to be one of them since i am trusting you not to let me down.I As a man of God will stick to my words and terms of agreement and i hope you will honor
our agreement at the end of the day and that putting a blind trust in you will not make me
regret.I EXPECT YOU TO STICK TO YOUR WORDS. I am putting everything in the hand of God,so please do not let me and my wife down.
NOTE: THE KEYS WILL BE SENT TO YOU VIA FEDEX to your personal address.I HOPE YOU WILL LIVE PEACEFULLY AND RESPONSIBLY IN THE HOUSE? YOU AS THE TENANT WILL PAY FOR THE SHIPPING COST OF THE KEY TO YOU.


Regards
Allen Francis.
-----------------------------------------------------------

hello;

ill like to receive more information in regards of the Apartment you have for rent. at 1014 salzedo street #108 for $300.

[Voice]

This guy just tried to rip off my sister-in-law through the same exact posting on Craigslist, in Boston! He not only tried to lure his victims in using God, but fails really quickly with his lack of character and misguided spirit. She thankfully asked around first to ask others if this was "too good to be true". The spirit of the true and living god speaks to those who choose to listen, but often times we are distracted by the "shiny stuff" on the surface. That is why it is good to counsel with others AND GOD. With both, you will never fall prey to the tempting of evil men. These men and ourselves will all receive what we rightfully deserve. We reap what we sow.

[John Chi]

I was looking for an apartment in San Diego from Craigslist, and I was just scammed by the same person. Although his email was [greeenland003@yahoo.com]. I gave him/her my home address, phone#, picture and everything that was listed there, and I almost sent him/her money for it. What should I do now?

[Miyuki]

The first thing is to stop all communications with him. He wants to send you a fake check. If he does you shouldn't do anything with the check except give it to the police. If you need any other help let us know.

[John Chi]

Okay cool, thanks. So he can't like steal my identity or anything right? Because he does have my Name, Address, Home Phone #, and picture...

[Gentle Giant]

@ John,

He probably wants your money more than your identity but identity theft is certainly a possibility, but a remote one. If you want to protect yourself on that score then the identity theft checklist at Fraud Aid http://www.fraudaid.com/index.htm. Always better safe than sorry.

[Desperate Dan]

I got the exact same email after responding to the craigslist ad. But I only googled him after I had sent my information. What can he do with my information? his new email is allen.francis005@yahoo.com I also sent him a fake Western Union MTCN number and he has been calling me from a local number - 709-532-5085. Is there anything i can do with this info?

[Desperate Dan]

I got the exact same email after responding to the craigslist ad. But I only googled him after I had sent my information. What can he do with my information? his new email is allen.francis005@yahoo.com I also sent him a fake Western Union MTCN number and he has been calling me from a local number - 709-532-5085. Is there anything i can do with this info?
Should I call the police and give them the local number?

[De Master Yoda]

@Desperate Dan, Welcome to AFI.
Please read the posts above by Miyuki and Gentle Giant they contain very good information.
To cover yourself, you can take hard copies of the emails to your local police station and make a report.

IF, you have sent them any bank account details or credit card details then please cancel these accounts asap.

If they have your details, then there is not much you can do about them having them, but take any action you can to protect yourself.

Cease ALL contact with them and they will go away, when they see there is no money coming from you.

[cautious]

5/6/09: I was just contacted via e-mail by the same man. And the e-mail read the same exact way. I thought it sounded peculiar so I decided to google his name and found this site. Luckily, I did not give him any personal information yet.

[steak]

I've just found out it was a scam right before a friend and I were going to put down a $180 shipping fee via western union to west africa. I hate to say it but the guy can really work out a good scam; to top it off, i've been scammed twice in a row by totally two different people! To think I had literally all my trust in this guy... and now he has me and my friend's personal information. Including my cat.
I guess it was really too good to be true :(

i hope the asshole gets caught though. My faith in humanity has just dropped significantly.

[arghhhhhh]

I just got this same email from a George Laurence after inquiring about an ad for an apt in Raleigh, NC. He wrote from [specialize17@yahoo.com]

grr!

[unregisterd]

Gave him my information too....am doing the fraud stuff....but beware in Ausitn, Tx Allen Francis [up.close03@yahoo.com]....and its for 901 West 9th Ave. Austin, TX 78701.

[Un registered]

I found him in Houston. 7575 Kirby. His email was "Landofgold07@yahoo.com"

[Peruchonyc]

Thanks for the email. My name is Allen Francis,I own the 1 bedroom apartment at 315 East 70th Street,New York.NY .I want you to know that i was transferred to West Africa so my family and i moved down here hence we decided to give the apartment out for rent. We are 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 it to be clean and well taken care of by whosoever will rent it.We expect the person to take care of the apartment as if it were his or her own.Presently We are here in West Africa in our new house.I personally wanted to Sell the apartment in question but we decided to put it out for rent since my wife love the place so much.If you could promise us that you will take very good care of the house,then you can
send an email with the following information.


1) Your Full Name
2) Your Full Address & Phone Number
3) Age
4) Marital status
5) How many people will be living in the house?
6) Do you have a pet?
7) Do you have a car?
8) Occupation?
9) Duration of lease/Rent
10) Gender
11) Your Picture if available


One Mr. Smith called me about the apartment,After due consideration, i told him that I can
not give him the apartment because he doesn't sound like some one that can take care of the place.I do not have any problem with you socializing or staying in the apartment with some body but all i ask is that you live responsibly.This is very important because i will not be around and the kind of tenant i give out my apartment to will reflect the kind of person i am.The rent is going to be $600 with no extra fee attached I will like you to give me a call
to this effect to know If you are still interested and how serious you are. My phone number
is 0112347068586390 or +2347068586390. I will see you by August when i come to the states on an official mission.I hope that by then you would have completely settled down as my tenant.I am looking forward to hearing from you with all the required details so that i can
have enough information to work on and so that i can easily contact you. Reply immediately let us discuss how to get the document and the house keys to you. I know that out there in the world of evil doers there are still God fearing individuals and i hope that you will turn out to be one of them since i am trusting you not to let me down.

I As a man of God will stick to my words and terms of agreement and i hope you will honor
our agreement at the end of the day and that putting a blind trust in you will not make me
regret.I EXPECT YOU TO STICK TO YOUR WORDS. I am putting everything in the hand of God,so please do not let me and my wife down.


NOTE: THE KEYS WILL BE SENT TO YOU VIA FEDEX to your personal address.I HOPE YOU CAN LIVE PEACEFULLY AND RESPONSIBLY IN THE HOUSE? YOU AS THE TENANT WILL PAY FOR THE SHIPPING COST OF THE KEY TO YOU.


Regards
Allen Francis.

[allie mcbeal]

I got the same message yesterday... from [landofgold09@yahoo.com]

Thanks for the email. My name is Allen Francis,I own the 1 bedroom apartment at 401 S. 1st Street #207, Minneapolis, MN. I want you to know that i was transferred to West Africa so my family and i moved down here hence we decided to give the apartment out for rent. We are 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 it to be clean and well taken care of by whosoever will rent it.We expect the person to take care of the apartment as if it were his or her own.Presently We are here in West Africa in our new house.I personally wanted to Sell the apartment in question but we decided to put it out for rent since my wife love the place so much.If you could promise us that you will take very good care of the house,then you can
send an email with the following information.
1) Your Full Name
2) Your Full Address & Phone Number
3) Age
4) Marital status
5) How many people will be living in the house?
6) Do you have a pet?
7) Do you have a car?
8) Occupation?
9) Duration of lease/Rent
10) Gender
One Mr. Smith called me about the apartment,After due consideration, i told him that I can
not give him the apartment because he doesn't sound like some one that can take care of the place.I do not have any problem with you socializing or staying in the apartment with some body but all i ask is that you live responsibly.This is very important because i will not be around and the kind of tenant i give out my apartment to will reflect the kind of person i am.The rent is going to be $300 with no extra fee attached I will like you to give me a call so that we can discuss the detail and for me to know how serious you are. My phone number
is 0112347068586390 or +2347068586390. I will see you August when i come to the states on an official mission.I hope that by then you would have completely settled down as my tenant.I am looking forward to hearing from you with all the required details so that i can
have enough information to work on and so that i can easily contact you. Reply immediately let us discuss how to get the document and the house keys to you. I know that out there in the world of evil doers there are still God fearing individuals and i hope that you will turn out to be one of them since i am trusting you not to let me down.I As a man of God will stick to my words and terms of agreement and i hope you will honor
our agreement at the end of the day and that putting a blind trust in you will not make me
regret.I EXPECT YOU TO STICK TO YOUR WORDS. I am putting everything in the hand of God,so please do not let me and my wife down.
NOTE: THE KEYS WILL BE SENT TO YOU VIA FEDEX to your personal address.I HOPE YOU WILL LIVE PEACEFULLY AND RESPONSIBLY IN THE HOUSE? YOU AS THE TENANT WILL PAY FOR THE SHIPPING COST OF THE KEY TO YOU.


Regards
Allen Francis

I googled him right away and found all of his scams. Hopefully it will help someone esle from getting scammed before they send personal info.

[another one]

Minneapolis, MN. River West Living. I think Craigslist took it off now. Is there any problems if I refused to give him my contact information until he would do work through the apartment complex? All he has is my full name, my e-mail, and that I want fish in the apartment and that I am a violinist. No address, no shipping information, nothing like that.

Hopefully I don't get screwed over.

[deni]

So i replied to his add on craigslist today and THEN decided to google him, how stupid! Anyway, i gave him my phone #, address and full name, can he do anything with that?

[Taken]

He got me too with the same email. I sent all info requested except address and a picture. Easy enough to get these days. I even mentioned I was semi-retired at 50...duh. THEN I went to see the apartment that did not exist! I have frozen my bank accounts and put a fraud alert with the credit bureaus. I see a lot of people asking what he does with the info but no answsers. Does anyone know how bad this guy is? I tried to file a police report but they would not take one. Other than getting some people to send him $180, does he do other stuff like try to get credit cards, bank accounts, etc?

Can anyone tell me how bad this can get?

[Central Scrutinizer]

Contact Miyuki and she may be able to help with the police report. No one knows how bad these criminals are.

Oh and it could get a lot worse. You didn't get a fake $300,000 check.

[Taken]

Thanks for the reply. How do I contact Miyuki?

No I did not get a fake check. I do not understand why they would send out fake checks. What good does that do them? It does not give THEM money.

What are some of the most common and worst things you have heard of happening with this guy? I want to head him off at the pass...

[Central Scrutinizer]

Send her a private message.

If this is just some guy in Africa sending out fake checks probably nothing will happen to him. Nothing happens to these guys without a lot of elbow work.

[Taken]

How do I send her a private message? If he is just sending out fake checks then why would he be asking for personal information? And what good would it do him to send out fake checks? There must be more to the story. Is there a way to ask those who have previously responded as to what all he did to them? Most everyone was asking what he might do with the info he collected but there were no answers. I think it would be helpful to all of us if we could find out what he has done to the prior responders to this site.

[Godzilla]

Private message at the right top side.

[Miyuki]

He can make money by sending out fake checks as long as you send him money back and you don't know the check is fake until it is returned by your bank.

You can read more about fake check scams at http://antifraudintl.org/showthread.php?t=3631. The same applies for any fake check.

[Alice S]

He is back Allen Francis on craigslist with manhattan address of 315 east 70th and email address is braindrain03@yahoo.com but there is a link, one im not gonna say but it is obvious when you read all the complaints. i don't wanna post it because he might read it and that may be the way to catch him/her.
I just have the good fortune to think every thing is a scam, and so now the way i think is rubbing off on my girlfriend. so we didn't fall for it, but i hate that it happened to others.

P.S. Everybody please research everything, research, look up, please even when you buy electronics, look everything up. it is time consuming but it will save you time, money and headaches. G-d speed.

[Christopher]

I received the following email after responding to the add giving him my situation. Any thoughts. What a POS

This is to inform you that we are happy to know that you are very interested in renting our apartment and that you are a responsible person,that indeed is good to hear.I told my wife about you and she is very excited and keen to hear from you.I made her know that you are a very responsible person and she is completely disposed to giving the apartment out to you. I need you to understand before hand that my superintendent who is supposed to show you the apartment is away to Spain on vacation and will not be back for some time.We would like to send the keys to the apartment and some documents to you via FED EX express delivery,so that you can go and inspect the apartment.As soon as the keys and documents are shipped to you we will give you the FED EX tracking code so that you can monitor the movement of the package online and be able to sign for it when it arrive. The apartment had just been renovated with security access system installed before we left the state.We are giving you this based on trust and we hope that you will not let us down.Obviously you will love the apartment as it is cozy and well taken care of.All utilities have been taken care of in the rent and the water,electricity,heating and internet systems are in good working condition so you do not need to spend any extra money to move in.The lease period will completely depend on you it will either be a month to month or a year to year arrangement.There is a parking facility in the building.Some of the furnitures hav e been moved into the store room under lock and key, if you need to make use of the furnitures feel free to replace them into the living room and make use of it.We would probably use my Chase account in New York to facilitate the rental transaction.

The reason for shipping the keys to you is to ensure that you have a clear and unbiased view of the apartment,make a good decision before making any serious commitment,since you will be going to the apartment unaccompanied i will also send you a signed letter of authority authorizing you to go into the apartment for viewing in my absence,this is to avoid any form of embarrassment when you go into the apartment from any body..You will need to make Payment for the shipment of the Keys and document to you,so do get back to me so that we can make arrangement on the payment procedure and when to make the shipment.More so, after viewing the apartment, if you do not like it, we will be responsible for shipping the keys back to us.Listed below are the content of the package:

1)Entrance Key card and the rooms Keys.
2)Certificate of occupancy.
3)The house documentary file.
4)Rental contract form.
5)A letter of authority authorizing you to go in and view the apartment in my absence.
6)Rent application form.
7)The apartment security access code.
8)Deed/proof of ownership.

Feel free to give me a call on 0112347068586390 or +2347068586390 . if you need more clarification.The best time to contact me is in the morning American time.


Regards Luarence.








I got the same message yesterday... from [landofgold09@yahoo.com]

Thanks for the email. My name is Allen Francis,I own the 1 bedroom apartment at 401 S. 1st Street #207, Minneapolis, MN. I want you to know that i was transferred to West Africa so my family and i moved down here hence we decided to give the apartment out for rent. We are 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 it to be clean and well taken care of by whosoever will rent it.We expect the person to take care of the apartment as if it were his or her own.Presently We are here in West Africa in our new house.I personally wanted to Sell the apartment in question but we decided to put it out for rent since my wife love the place so much.If you could promise us that you will take very good care of the house,then you can
send an email with the following information.
1) Your Full Name
2) Your Full Address & Phone Number
3) Age
4) Marital status
5) How many people will be living in the house?
6) Do you have a pet?
7) Do you have a car?
8) Occupation?
9) Duration of lease/Rent
10) Gender
One Mr. Smith called me about the apartment,After due consideration, i told him that I can
not give him the apartment because he doesn't sound like some one that can take care of the place.I do not have any problem with you socializing or staying in the apartment with some body but all i ask is that you live responsibly.This is very important because i will not be around and the kind of tenant i give out my apartment to will reflect the kind of person i am.The rent is going to be $300 with no extra fee attached I will like you to give me a call so that we can discuss the detail and for me to know how serious you are. My phone number
is 0112347068586390 or +2347068586390. I will see you August when i come to the states on an official mission.I hope that by then you would have completely settled down as my tenant.I am looking forward to hearing from you with all the required details so that i can
have enough information to work on and so that i can easily contact you. Reply immediately let us discuss how to get the document and the house keys to you. I know that out there in the world of evil doers there are still God fearing individuals and i hope that you will turn out to be one of them since i am trusting you not to let me down.I As a man of God will stick to my words and terms of agreement and i hope you will honor
our agreement at the end of the day and that putting a blind trust in you will not make me
regret.I EXPECT YOU TO STICK TO YOUR WORDS. I am putting everything in the hand of God,so please do not let me and my wife down.
NOTE: THE KEYS WILL BE SENT TO YOU VIA FEDEX to your personal address.I HOPE YOU WILL LIVE PEACEFULLY AND RESPONSIBLY IN THE HOUSE? YOU AS THE TENANT WILL PAY FOR THE SHIPPING COST OF THE KEY TO YOU.


Regards
Allen Francis

I googled him right away and found all of his scams. Hopefully it will help someone esle from getting scammed before they send personal info.

[Christopher]

He also has an add for 3338 Peachtree Rd NE. BEWARE~~~I sent him my contact information. Is there preventative measures I can take to keep my identity safe?

Thanks Chris




I just got this same email from a George Laurence after inquiring about an ad for an apt in Raleigh, NC. He wrote from [specialize17@yahoo.com]

grr!

[Garreg Ddu]

He also has an add for 3338 Peachtree Rd NE. BEWARE~~~I sent him my contact information. Is there preventative measures I can take to keep my identity safe?

Thanks Chris

Welcome and thank you for posting. Keeping your identity safe is very important. You could find it being used for all kinds of scams, from money-laundering to check-mule fraud, and your bank accounts might be attacked, depending on how much information you gave out. Please see the guidelines available at the link Fraud-Aid (http://www.fraudaid.com/) where there is a lot of help available.

If you have specific questions you can use the"Contact Us" (http://antifraudintl.org/sendmessage.php) link to send a message to the Administrators.

Garreg Ddu

[Pissed off New Jerseyite]

I was looking for an Apt in NYC and found it on Craigs list. After a few emails he told me that I had to give him a $190 deposit on the Apt and he would send me the keys. He is using [gold.mine01@yahoo.com]. I luckily didn't send him any other info other than my name and email. Be careful guys.....
Here is the adress of the Apt

21 s End Street NY NY #333

[Baly]

http://newyork.craigslist.org/brk/nfb/1277613169.html

$600 / 1br - close to Prospect Park, Brooklyn Museum & Botanical Garden; the B,Q,2, (222 Park Place #4A, Brooklyn NY 11238)
Date: 2009-07-19, 10:30AM EDT
Reply to: [allen.francis005@yahoo.com] [Errors when replying to ads?]

Have you ever watched a Hollywood film where the young protagonist lives in an impossibly fantastic top-floor apartment? And you think to yourself: "nobody I know lives like that - where do they get these LA fantasies of New York City living?" Well finally here's the answer - and you can be the person who lives in that apartment. So whatever you want to call it - trophy pad - film-set - magazine-ready - triple-mint - macked-out, this apartment is so unique and spectacular that everyone you know will envy you for living here. Plan on hosting all your friends for a 4th of July fireworks party on your roof-deck, while impressing them with your culinary skills in the premium custom kitchen and firing up the grill on your second balcony - right off the kitchen. Your sleeping attic is a perfect flex space, for guests, home entertainment, artist space and/or home office. All windows look out into the trees and the skyline - it feels like you're in a tree house. You also have a parking space and storage container with this apartment - All this in a recently-built condo on a lush and quiet tree-lined street in Prospect Heights - close to Prospect Park, Brooklyn Museum & Botanical Garden; the B,Q,2,3 and 4 trains as well as bars, restaurants, cafes and retail along Flatbush, 5th, 6th and 7th Avenues. It's also a short walk to the attractions of Atlantic Avenue and to BAM. Come fall in love -come get it today.


222 Park Place, (google map) (yahoo map)

* cats are OK - purrr
* dogs are OK - wooof
* Location: 222 Park Place #4A, Brooklyn NY 11238
* it's NOT ok to contact this poster with services or other commercial interests
* Fee Disclosure: no fee
* Listed By: delhi realities

[foolproofme]

JUST BE CAREFUL GUYS! I FOUND HIM IN CHICAGO. I ALMOST GOT FOOLED TOO... I'M GLAD I DID NOT REPLY TO HIS EMAIL WITH ALL MY INFO. HIS BRAND NEW EMAIL IS [specialize04@yahoo.com]

[KelZ]

I was looking for an apt in NY and it sounded to good to be true and my grandma always told me if it sounds to good to be true it usually is. He told me the whole spill about being in Africa and requested that I send him $190. I looked the address up online only to find out that the place was for these high rise apartments that go for $6000 a month and he was offering to have me pay $600 a month. I did not send him any info but my name. Used the e-mail (up.close01@gmail.com).

[cupid37]

It is 3:25 pm 7/27/09

I had emails sent from Allen " " and I just sent via Western Union $190.00.. something made me want to google his name. I did and i FOUND EVERYONES PISSED off messages. I just ran to western Union, and cancelled the transac.


THANKYOU

[clt]

I got this regarding a new york apt this am! :

Greetings!

Thank you very much for your inquiry. My name is Allen Francis I own the apartment located at 1 Main St, Brooklyn NY 11201.The rent is $600 Per Month all Utilities included. I inherited the property from my late parent who died in a ghastly accident last year. I was also involved in the accident too; hence I lost my legs so I’m in a wheelchair.. Presently I’m in a missionary school in West Africa and my wife just joined me here,I need an occupant for the apartment ASAP...
Let me tell you a little about me. I’m the only child of my late parent, I love to serve God and that is way I’m in missionary school presently in West Africa .Initially, I planned to sell out the apartment, but I changed my mind when I found out that the agent is inflating the prize hence making it very difficult to sell. More over my wife is very much in love with the apartment, she prefer us to rent it instead of selling. I need a very responsible person (With good credit) that can take very good care of the apartment and live there like it’s his or her own. As you know I’m in a wheelchair now and the renting of my apartment is the only way I can assist myself and my wife. I will be in the States by October, when I come I will schedule a meeting with you. I hope that by then you would have settled down as my tenant.
If you are willing to rent from me then go ahead and fill out the rental Application form below.

(1) Your Full Name:
(2) Your Full Address & Phone Number
(3) Occupation:
(4) Marital status:
(5) Rental Payment plan ranging from 1 month, 3 months or 6 months or 1 year...(indicate most convenient option)
(6) Duration of rent:
(7) Age:

When my wife was coming to join me here in West Africa she came with the apartment keys and documents, Once I receive a feedback from you I will make arrangement for the keys and documents including an Authorization letter to be shipped to your designated address . I will need you to give me a call so that we can sort this out.My cell phone line is 0112347068586390 if you are dialing from a land line or +2347068586390 if you are dialing from a cell phone.

God bless you abundantly.
Allen Francis.

[gargolek]

Here it is, He tries to rent now on 300 Rector Pl,New York NY I hope he will be catched and jailed

[life.line004@yahoo.com]

Greetings!

Thank you very much for your inquiry. My name is Allen Francis I own the apartment located at 300 Rector Pl,New York NY. The rent is $600 Per Month all Utilities included. I inherited the property from my late parent who died in a ghastly accident last year. I was also involved in the accident too; hence I lost my legs so I’m in a wheelchair. Presently I’m in a missionary school in West Africa and my wife just joined me here,I need an occupant for the apartment ASAP...

Let me tell you a little about me. I’m the only child of my late parent, I love to serve God and that is way I’m in missionary school presently in West Africa .Initially, I planned to sell out the apartment, but I changed my mind when I found out that the agent is inflating the prize hence making it very difficult to sell. More over my wife is very much in love with the apartment, she prefer us to rent it instead of selling. I need a very responsible person (With good credit) that can take very good care of the apartment and live there like it’s his or her own. As you know I’m in a wheelchair now and the renting of my apartment is the only way I can assist myself and my wife. I will be in the States by October, when I come I will schedule a meeting with you. I hope that by then you would have settled down as my tenant.
If you are willing to rent from me then go ahead and fill out the rental Application form below.

(1) Your Full Name:
(2) Your Full Address & Phone Number
(3) Occupation:
(4) Marital status:
(5) Rental Payment plan ranging from 1 month, 3 months or 6 months or 1 year...(indicate most convenient option)
(6) Duration of rent:
(7) Age:

When my wife was coming to join me here in West Africa she came with the apartment keys and documents, Once I receive a feedback from you I will make arrangement for the keys and documents including an Authorization letter to be shipped to your designated address . I will need you to give me a call so that we can sort this out.My cell phone line is 0112347068586390 if you are dialing from a land line or +2347068586390 if you are dialing from a cell phone.

God bless you abundantly.
Allen Francis

[CatwomanIsMe]

I feel like such a fool for falling for Allen Francis' post for an apartment in Staten Island. I am usually the if it sounds to good to be true person, it is too good to be true. I answered his ad and it sounded so genuine. I never bothered to Google him and sent him my name address and phone number. What a fool. After I got the second email telling me to send him $200 for the deposit for the keys to the apartment I decided to Google him. I just am glad I didn't send him any money. He is slime. The story is the same just the locations change I see

[Chi guy]

FYI: He just posted another add on Craigslist, 200 West Grand Avenue #605, Chicago IL. He's using the email address: [specialize04@yahoo.com].

[Glad I googled]

I am already a critic of craigslist but I replied to his post but googled his telephone number after getting his reply to my inquiry. Below is what he sent to me, and to think he uses God in his dirty work.


Greetings!

Thank you very much for your enquiry. My name is George Laurence I own the apartment located at 3324 Peachtree Rd NE #910, Atlanta GA 30326 .The rent is $600 Per Month all Utilities included. I inherited the property from my late parent who died in a ghastly accident last year. I was also involved in the accident too; hence I lost my legs so I’m in a wheelchair. Presently I’m in a missionary school in West Africa and my wife just joined me here,I need an occupant for the apartment ASAP...

Let me tell you a little about me. I’m the only child of my late parent, I love to serve God and that is way I’m in missionary school presently in West Africa .Initially, I planned to sell out the apartment, but I changed my mind when I found out that the agent is inflating the prize hence making it very difficult to sell. More over my wife is very much in love with the apartment, she prefer us to rent it instead of selling. I need a very responsible person (With good credit) that can take very good care of the apartment and live there like it’s his or her own. As you know I’m in a wheelchair now and the renting of my apartment is the only way I can assist myself and my wife. I will be in the States by October, when I come I will schedule a meeting with you. I hope that by then you would have settled down as my tenant.
If you are willing to rent from me then go ahead and fill out the rental Application form below.

(1) Your Full Name:
(2) Your Full Address & Phone Number
(3) Occupation:
(4) Marital status:
(5) Rental Payment plan ranging from 1 month, 3 months or 6 months or 1 year...(indicate most convenient option)
(6) Duration of rent:
(7) Age:

When my wife was coming to join me here in West Africa she came with the apartment keys and documents, Once I receive a feedback from you I will make arrangement for the keys and documents including an Authorization letter to be shipped to your designated address . I will need you to give me a call so that we can sort this out.My cell phone line is 0112347068586390 if you are dialing from a land line or +2347068586390 if you are dialing from a cell phone.
God bless you abundantly.
George Laurence.

[Ashley]

Greetings!

Thank you very much for your inquiry. My name is Allen Francis I own the apartment located at 141 Dorchester Ave,Boston MA .The rent is $600 Per Month all Utilities included. I inherited the property from my late parent who died in a ghastly accident last year. I was also involved in the accident too; hence I lost my legs so I’m in a wheelchair. Presently I’m in a missionary school in West Africa and my wife just joined me here,I need an occupant for the apartment ASAP...
Let me tell you a little about me. I’m the only child of my late parent, I love to serve God and that is way I’m in missionary school presently in West Africa .Initially, I planned to sell out the apartment, but I changed my mind when I found out that the agent is inflating the prize hence making it very difficult to sell. More over my wife is very much in love with the apartment, she prefer us to rent it instead of selling. I need a very responsible person (With good credit) that can take very good care of the apartment and live there like it’s his or her own. As you know I’m in a wheelchair now and the renting of my apartment is the only way I can assist myself and my wife. I will be in the States by October, when I come I will schedule a meeting with you. I hope that by then you would have settled down as my tenant.
If you are willing to rent from me then go ahead and fill out the rental Application form below.

(1) Your Full Name:
(2) Your Full Address & Phone Number
(3) Occupation:
(4) Marital status:
(5) Rental Payment plan ranging from 1 month, 3 months or 6 months or 1 year...(indicate most convenient option)
(6) Duration of rent:
(7) Age:

When my wife was coming to join me here in West Africa she came with the apartment keys and documents, Once I receive a feedback from you I will make arrangement for the keys and documents including an Authorization letter to be shipped to your designated address . I will need you to give me a call so that we can sort this out.My cell phone line is +2347037243137 if you are dialing from a cell phone.

God bless you abundantly.
Allen Francis.



This is to inform you that we are happy to know that you are very interested in renting our apartment and that you are a responsible person,that indeed is good to hear.I told my wife about you and she is very excited and keen to hear from you.I made her know that you are a very responsible person and she is completely disposed to giving the apartment out to you.We would like to send the keys to the apartment and some documents to you via UPS express delivery,so that you can go and inspect the apartment.As soon as the keys and documents are shipped to you we will give you the UPS tracking code so that you can monitor the movement of the package online and be able to sign for it when it arrive. The apartment had just been renovated with security access system installed before we left the state.We are giving you this based on trust and we hope that you will not let us down.Obviously you will love the apartment as it is cozy and well taken care of.All utilities have been taken care of in the rent and the water,electricity,heating and internet systems are in good working condition so you do not need to spend any extra money to move in.The lease period will completely depend on you it will either be a month to month or a year to year arrangement.There is a parking facility in the building.Some of the furnitures have been moved into the store room under lock and key, if you need to make use of the furnitures feel free to replace them into the living room and make use of it.We would probably use my Chase account in New York to facilitate the rental transaction.

The reason for shipping the keys to you is to ensure that you have a clear and unbiased view of the apartment,make a good decision before making any serious commitment,since you will be going to the apartment unaccompanied i will also send you a signed letter of authority authorizing you to go into the apartment for viewing in my absence,this is to avoid any form of embarrassment when you go into the apartment from any body..
You will have to make a deposit of $200 which is refundable. Once you have the keys & document and you dont like the aparment i will refund your deposit. I will ship you the keys & documents via United parcel service(UPS) (which will take a minimum 0f two days and a maximum of 4 days to get to you).

Because we cant just keep shipping the keys and documents back and forth , we have decided to ship keys and documentation to you once you agree to pay the Deposit which is refundable.Kindly email back with the reconfirmation of the address where keys and documentation will be shipped to.

As soon as your address is received I will go ahead and send you the payment information to have the security deposit sent and have the keys and document shipped to you immediately payment is confirmed. ...Why the arrangement is like this is because of the fact that we have had a student who wanted to rent the apartment and when I wanted to ship the keys, on getting to the UPS office.. I called her cell phone for final confirmation of the address she gave me only for her to tell me that she had found another apartment and paid a day before...without notifying me.Do get back to me so that we can make arrangement on the payment procedure and when to make the shipment.More so, after viewing the apartment, if you do not like it, we will be responsible for shipping the keys back to us.Listed below are the content of the package:
1)Entrance Key card and the rooms Keys.
2)Certificate of occupancy..
3)The house documentary file.
4)Rental contract form.
5)A letter of authority authorizing you to go in and view the apartment in my absence.
6)Rent application form.
7)The apartment security access code.
8)Deed/proof of ownership.

Regards,
Allen Francis



This is a terrible man.

[well, dang]

Just got a response (and call, googled the number, which is how I found this) from this guy about a place in Dumbo, Brooklyn, NYC. Beware!

[KRJ]

Same as other places on Craiglist in other cities...

Greetings!

Thank you very much for your inquiry. My name is Allen Francis I own the apartment located at 60 Pineapple St #1B, Brooklyn NY 11201 .The rent is $750 Per Month all Utilities included. I inherited the property from my late parent who died in a ghastly accident last year. I was also involved in the accident too; hence I lost my legs so I’m in a wheelchair. Presently I’m in a missionary school in West Africa and my wife just joined me here,I need an occupant for the apartment ASAP...

Let me tell you a little about me. I’m the only child of my late parent, I love to serve God and that is way I’m in missionary school presently in West Africa .Initially, I planned to sell out the apartment, but I changed my mind when I found out that the agent is inflating the prize hence making it very difficult to sell. More over my wife is very much in love with the apartment, she prefer us to rent it instead of selling. I need a very responsible person (With good credit) that can take very good care of the apartment and live there like it’s his or her own. As you know I’m in a wheelchair now and the renting of my apartment is the only way I can assist myself and my wife. I will be in the States by february next year, when I come I will schedule a meeting with you. I hope that by then you would have settled down as my tenant.
If you are willing to rent from me then go ahead and fill out the rental Application form below.

(1) Your Full Name:
(2) Your Full Address & Phone Number
(3) Occupation:
(4) Marital status:
(5) Rental Payment plan ranging from 1 month, 3 months or 6 months or 1 year...(indicate most convenient option)
(6) Duration of rent:
(7) Age:

When my wife was coming to join me here in West Africa she came with the apartment keys and documents, Once I receive a feedback from you I will make arrangement for the keys and documents including an Authorization letter to be shipped to your designated address . I will need you to give me a call so that we can sort this out.My cell phone line is +2347037243137 if you are dialing from a cell phone.

God bless you abundantly.
Allen Francis.

[Archimedes]

I was scammed by this same person. I have made a police report on him and the internet fraud experts are on him. They are considering it larceny since he has actually taken mine and other peoples' money. They think he is using a scrambler for his fake phone numbers. We will see what happens...