Friday, February 24, 2012

An Apartment in Paris

The amount of scamming we've run into on Craigslist while looking for an apartment to rent in Paris is incredible!

This email thread between my husband and one scam artist was too funny not to share (read from the first inquiry at the bottom up to the most recent at top below):

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Alex
Date: Fri, Feb 24, 2012 at 2:40 PM
Subject: Re: EUR60 / 1br - UNIQUE CHARMING 1 BEDROOM APARTMENT AFFORDABLE (LE MARIAS)
To: Pascal Bernard <bernrentals@hotmail.com>

Hello Pascal,

You won't believe this...the nearest Western Union is 90 miles away. When I went to my car to head out I snapped this picture of Mr. Tibbles driving away. 




There is a bus that leaves tonight at Midnight, I will have to take that bus unless Tibbles gets back sooner.

Please hold the dates for me.

I can't believe this happened again. 

On Fri, Feb 24, 2012 at 2:22 PM, Pascal Bernard <bernrentals@hotmail.com> wrote:
Thanks for your Interest..  I have attached the Booking Agreement form/payment process with this message, fill it and send it back to me with a scanned copy of the funds transfer confirmation and also send me your contact address, all these details will be with the doorman for proper recognition when you get to the apartment, i will personally hand over to you the keys of the apartment upon arrival.


MODE OF PAYMENT WESTERN UNION® MONEY TRANSFER TO:
Here are the information needed to make the payment:
RECEIVER`S NAME: KATE  PETER ( ACCOUNTANT )
RECEIVER`S ADDRESS: 3 RUE ELZEVIR, 75003 PARIS, FRANCE.
You can visit www.westernunion.com to locate any outlet close to your location.. You should send the funds via WesternUnion® Money Transfer.. It`s Easier, Faster and Reliable and you`ll have to Locate the Western Union Agent outlet to do it in person (cash)...
Note: Is only when payment has been made before i can secure your dates.
After payment has been made please do send me details of the payment and the signed booking agreement form to my Email for my records.
Welcome to Paris and Happy Stay in My Apartment.  I do offer airport pick-up service to all my customers, please let me know if you are interested in it.

Waiting to receive the above from you in order for me to confirm your reservation.

Regards,
Pascal

Date: Fri, 24 Feb 2012 10:02:17 -0800

Subject: Re: EUR60 / 1br - UNIQUE CHARMING 1 BEDROOM APARTMENT AFFORDABLE (LE MARIAS)
From: Alex
To: bernrentals@hotmail.com

Pascal,

This is wonderful news! Mr. Tibbles and I celebrated by eating apples and hay all night long. You should have seen how excited he was. Here is a picture I took of him in bed this morning.

How do I make payment?

Thanks,

Alex and Tibbles
On Thu, Feb 23, 2012 at 5:59 PM, Pascal Bernard <bernrentals@hotmail.com> wrote:
Hello Alex,

Thanks for your email.

I have seen the pet and i am willingly to allow it but you will have to pay a security deposit of 400 Euros for any damages caused.

Your dates of reservation from 04/01/12 to 04/06/12 is 5-nights and the rental fee is EURO 300 (@ 60 euros a night)..  

50% of the Rental fee ( EURO 150) + EURO 400 Refundable Security deposit = EURO 550 including cleaning fee and taxes..

Please let me know if it is ok by you so that i can forward you the booking agreement form and the payment instructions before someone else does..

Waiting to hear from you.

Regards
Pascal

Date: Thu, 23 Feb 2012 17:26:49 -0800

Subject: Re: EUR60 / 1br - UNIQUE CHARMING 1 BEDROOM APARTMENT AFFORDABLE (LE MARIAS)
From: Alex
To: bernrentals@hotmail.com

He is a miniature horse named Mr. Tibbles. We take him everywhere (he is like family) and he is very gentle.

Attached is a photo of him traveling with us on our last trip.

I could maybe wire a higher security deposit to make you more comfortable?

Regards

On Thu, Feb 23, 2012 at 5:09 PM, Pascal Bernard <bernrentals@hotmail.com> wrote:
Hello Alex,

Thanks for your quick response to my mail.

Please what kind of pet do you have, i may consider it.

Waiting to hear from you.

Regards

Pascal


Date: Thu, 23 Feb 2012 16:20:29 -0800
Subject: Re: EUR60 / 1br - UNIQUE CHARMING 1 BEDROOM APARTMENT AFFORDABLE (LE MARIAS)
From: Alex
To: bernrentals@hotmail.com

Hello,

The place looks great. Unfortunately we may have a pet so I don't think this will work.

Thanks.

On Thu, Feb 23, 2012 at 2:34 PM, Pascal Bernard <bernrentals@hotmail.com> wrote:
Thanks for your Interest, luckily for you the Apartment is still Available for your dates, the rental fee for the 5-nights is = EURO 300 (@ 60 euros a night)..  To Book down the Apartment for your dates, 50% of the Rental fee ( EURO 150) + EURO 300 Refundable Security deposit. All you need to pay to have the Apartment reserve for your dates = EURO 450 including cleaning fee and taxes..

Not Shared, Private Full Apartment.
 
Property Type:
    * apartment
 
Exact Address:
    *  
3 Rue Elzevir, 75003 Paris, France.
 
Nearest Metro Station
    *   
Saint Paul
 
Building Level
    *  3rd floor with elevator
 
 Accommodation Type:
    * self-catering
 
Floor Area:
    * 592 sq. ft.
 
General:
    * towels provided
    * air-conditioning
    * central heating
    * telephone   
    * linens provided
    * Washing Machine and Dryer
Kitchen:
    * oven
    * stove top burners
    * dish washer
    * freezer
    * microwave
    * refrigerator
    * washing machine
    * Utensils and all whats needed in a modern Kitchen.
 
Outside:
    * Balcony
 
Bathrooms:
          * 1 Bathroom
          * Bathroom 1 - Combination Tub/Shower, Toilet
     
Bedrooms:
          *  1 Bedroom, Sleeps 4 
          *  Bedroom 1 - 1 Queen 
             Convertible Bed - 1 Sleep Sofa /Futon 
             The elegant bedroom has a very comfortable queen size double bed and plenty of closet space. It is very quiet as it also overlooks the private gardens. 
 
Entertainment:
    * stereo system
    * radio
    * satellite or cable
    * Flat screen TV (Both in Living room and Bedroom)
    * CD
    * single home theater system
 
Internet Access:
    * wireless broadband
    * broadband access
 
Suitability:
    * children welcome
    * pets not allowed
    * non smoking only
 
Local Activities:
    * Walking
 
Nearby Attraction / Facility:
    * restaurants
    * bars
   
Other Activities:
    * Shopping/Sightseeing
 
The remaining 50% of the rent will be paid when you arrive to the Apartment and also the security deposit will be refunded in cash when leaving the apartment..
 
My method of payment is via Western Union, Money Gram or Liberty Reserve...
 
Get back to me asap if you`d love to Book.... So I can send you the Booking Agreement form, and how to make the Payment to secure this Wonderful Apartment for your dates before someone else does....
 
More Photos attached and I`m providing you a Contact info of my past Tenants from U.S..
 
Mr Damian Stewart from U.S, stayed 5nights...
damian.stewart@aol.com
 
DECIDE AND GET BACK TO ME ASAP..
 
Regards
Pascal Bernard

Date: Thu, 23 Feb 2012 10:54:00 -0800
Subject: EUR60 / 1br - UNIQUE CHARMING 1 BEDROOM APARTMENT AFFORDABLE (LE MARIAS)
From: Alex
To: mwtkw-2825807834@hous.craigslist.org

Hello,

I may be interested in the apartment.

How does the rental process work?

Thanks,

Alex

http://paris.en.craigslist.fr/vac/2825807834.html

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