Victim Location 60290
Total money lost $500
Type of a scam Phishing
I found a rental on Apartments.com in Chicago. I corresponded with the man and he sent me his passport photo, information, etc. He said he lived overseas and was renting out his apartment. He asked for an iTunes gift card for payment for the security deposit since you have to go in person to the store and show your ID, to avoid scams and such. I went to CVS and bought a $500 gift card and I sent the images to the man, "Brian." I just realized it was a scam today when I followed up to ask when I should get the keys, and he sent the exact same emails about booking the apartment. Then I asked for clarification, and finally, my money refunded, and they sent me a jokey email with "LOL Your Money? "
Victim Location 10024
Type of a scam Rental
I responded to an apartment listing, which I can no longer find on the website. The apartment was listed at $1000/month for a 1 bedroom. The person responded, giving me a *** *** *** story about working offshore and wanting to rent his apartment to someone who will take good care of it, stating that it was already furnished as well. The awkward phrasing and generally unorthodox method of processing my "application" was a dead giveaway that this was a scam. He sent me a picture of his alleged passport and asked that I send him a picture of my i.d. and passport, stating that he needed my information and that none of it could happen in person because of his work. He is inferring that he will submit my application materials to air bnb.