My cousin in Hungary has renovated an old home in a small town north of Budapest called Göd. He did a fantastic job
modernizing the home with a new kitchen to a 2 car garage with opener. It is a home that has a small moment in history as the last place that Admiral Horthy the leader of Hungary during the interwar period stayed before his exile to Portugal.
My cousin is selling the home because the kids are all grown up and they are downsizing. He asked me to post it on some Real Estate sites here to attract Hungarians that may want to move back. After all, since Hungary is no longer a communist country, there is an attraction for some to go back home.
What has happened? I have had some legitimate inquiries into the home from people I am trying to attract. Hungarians that are looking for a nice home back in Hungary.
However, I have also attracted the most bizarre scams. I like this one from a gentlemen professing to be a Colonel Glen Parent of NATO forces in Iraq. There is a real person name Glen Parent who is in NATO, but this guy is just too funny. He obviously has taken on the persona. HIs English is a lot to be desired.
Here is his message to me:
“Hello ,
| I have received the information about your house and i want to assure you that i will surely buy the House.However,i must say that I’m confident and comfortable dealing with you.I have a confidential proposal for you.I hope i can trust you to partner with me to achieve this. Before i continue, let me introduce myself to you, I am Capt.Glen Parent of the US-NATO COALITION troops in Iraq,on war against terrorism. I have now in my possession the sum of $10.5 million which was recovered from one of our raids on terrorists camps here in Iraq,because they keep most of their money at home for evil activities which they normally get through illegal deals on crude oil. Based on the suffering we undergo here some of us do meet such luck. It happened that in our last raid last week we raided one of the terrorist strong base here in Iraq and we recovered this huge sum. This box of money have been deposited with the RED CROSS OFFICE here in Baghdad for its safe keeping pending on the availability of the rightful owner.As the commander of the units,it is under my power to approve whoever comes forth for this funds. So i need someone i can deal with on trust and that is why i contacted you. so If you accept, I will put you forward as the beneficiary/owner of the funds and then move the money to you in Europe. As a military personnel i cannot parade or claim such an amount,so i need to present someone as the beneficiary with my military hierarchy of command.I just need your acceptance and all is done.I have a 100% authentic means of transferring the money through diplomatic courier service to you in Europe. Once i confirm your interest to my proposal and your positive reply i will proceed to register your name as the beneficiary. If you are interested, then let me know so i can proceed to register the consignment in your name as time is very important to me. I am doing this on trust, you should understand that as a trained military expert I will always be carefully in my dealings so everything is intact. This money is my life and i am willing to give you 30% of the total sum when the money is delivered to you.All perfect logistics/intelligence for the success of this transaction has already been put together. I wait for your response so we can proceed immediately. In less than 7days the money should be in your safe custody. The only telephone access we have is radio message which is for our general use and is being monitored,therefore all communication will be via email till i finish my assignment here and fly straight to your country to meet you. I sincerely seek your indulgence to give this proposal a positive thought. Regards My response to him was the following: “Dear Glen, I hope this message finds you well. Blessings from the USA. I think you sent your email to me by mistake. You should probably write to a book publisher. Your story would make great fiction for airport book stores. As we say in Magyar, ”mennye a picsaba“ Regards” The emotive part is that these guys are all ready to part with their money quickly. He has the money and this transaction can happen quickly. The next one is similar, but a little more sophisticated. He has two email addresses and a partner in Toronto. They have even gone so far as to create a fake website to make themselves look legitimate. Now, I am not going to reveal what I found to tip me off. I am going to leave that to you to figure out. But there are some things you should always check to see if someone is legitimate. I will give you a hint, the site is 3 years old and there is no way to contact them. Here is what I wrote: A Chinese guy wants to buy a house in Hungary? Why? Paul Lorinczi His reponse: Dear Paul Thanks for your urgent mail, I am intrested in the property, my stock broker and I will be in your location in 4 weeks time and will update you, I love hungary and I would like to spend my whole life in hungary. I would like my stock broker to forward your lawyer or you a down payment of the property before coming and view the property. I want the funds to be available before my arrival, the home will be a cash buy, I would my stock broker to send your lawyer the funds, information below for a check to be drawn, forward me your lawyer or your complete. Contact Name: Regards, His from email is different than his respond to email. His website address does not match either address. The emotive part is the “I am going to give you cash money and it is going to happen based on this exchange of emails.” What they do is give you a check for a higher amount than the agreed purchase, then they want you to give them the difference by opening up your checking account. It is a scam. I went online and these guys have shown up on other sites. You can see it here: http://www.consumercourt.in/beware/11369-request-company-sales-representative.html So, the final example comes from a guy name Anye Elvis. He lives in South Africa. He does not want his home country to know what he is doing and wants to keep things quiet. His nameless son will be the go between guy.
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Paul is an Internet consultant and President of Professional Blog Service. Professional Blog Service works with companies trying to beat their competition online using business blogging, social media and search engine optimization to dominate their markets. My interests are in Entrepreneurial pursuits, soccer, music, and travel.
Update on this post.
The real Captain Glen Parent contacted me.
He was surprised that someone used his name. He Googled his name and found the blog post. (Another example of how powerful a blog can be).
He was checking media coverage of the work he has done overseas.
It was cool to hear from the real person.
Thank you for the post – in the past two days I too have been emailed by the now infamous “Mr. Chang” – in fact this time he provided a bank account statement from CIBC, his picture ID and Canadian Social Security number without my asking for it and is insisting on sending me money. JERK! I think anyone that is willing to have sellers pack up their things go to closing and then find out they were scammed is hearless.
Well, i’m glad i googled his email address, tel numbers and e-doc signature IP Address since these revealed that his Cell phone was in Toronto and his IP address is in Germany – Go figure! AXA also has a fraud check warning out for Mr. Chang and as far as CIBC Bank – they still have not returned my call to confirm funds on his $3.4 million dollar account.
By the way, according to his account statement he sent a $500,000 check to Inmobiliaria Mayan Paradise S.A. de C.V. in Puerto Vallarta Mexico.
If it is true, I feel sorry for them. From what I’ve read so far Mr. Chang is moving in 4-6 weeks to Mexico, Hungary, Las Vegas, South Florida, and Texas! Must be nice to be the first multiplied-cloned human to roam so many parts of the earth in one single day.
I just received one of these emails over the weekend. He is claiming to be Mr. Kiego from Japan, with a partner in Toronto, Edward Brown. He wants to buy his retirement home in Atlanta.
This morning, he too sent me a proof of funds from CIBC for $3.4M, with the same $500,000 check going to Inmobilaria Mayan Paradise S.A, de C.V.
I was not aware of this scam until I called a real estate attorney, she was fully aware of it.
Got a new in recently:
Dear Mr Paul L
I am very interested to invest in there and wish to have someone.
to exceed, because I can not cope alone: I am looking hurdles
an experienced partner. Someone of confidence on the private and strictly dealt with at length and someone
of this transaction is 100%.
I send you my identification to ensure that you know exactly who you are dealing with. they are ready with me.
I am Dr Philemon Yang: after the death of my uncle Director Ondong straight-Dong;
Crude Oil Company manager ,(COC). Far North (Maroua) Region
Republic of Cameroon. My uncle has been premiums and dividends committees a Substantial assets left, for me.
This private Money is secured at the diplomatic agent and only they can bring the money to abroad and I need your help so that this money can get to you.
The sum is 35.000.000.00 € of which 15% are reserved for you, to understand that you please
must be very honest, trustworthy partner contact so we can all legal documents for the transpotation of the money
I will be sincerly happy to work with faithfull partner, who will see into it that we invest this money in a lucrative sector there. I will hopefull be glad to hear your advice as concern this million euro worth investment.
Dr Philemon Yang
Tel..0023775184340
Needless to say, I just ignored it.
Received this email this week from Eiji Suzuki, supposedly in Toronto:
“My legal name is Eiji Suzuki of 2000 Sheppard Avenue, Toronto Ontario Canada M3N 2J1 and i will not be in Canada before the closing date to wire the funds to an attorney because i am presently out of town now for official assignment so I will advice you to send me an attorney information for a check to be drawn to give enough time for check clearance since I wont be in Canada to wire funds for closing.
Attached is a scan copy of my international passport and ID including statement of account copy as proof of funds for the transaction.
I strongly advice that I need an attorney to represent my interest in this transaction, my lawyer can pay to seller or title company so therefore I would like to deposit all payment with the lawyer.”
His voluntarily attached a color scan of his Canadian passport, his ID card, and statement from CIBC Bank showing a balance of $3.4 million dollars. This statement also shows a check drawn on 6/20 to Immobilaria Mayan Paradise for $500,000.
I told him he will have to execute a written agreement with my attorney and provide a retainer fee up front before I will write his offer. I have not heard back from him…..
Did they send the copy in a zip file? Accompanied by a virus that infects your computer? Seriously, that is the other thing being done.
No zip files, attachments were sent as Jpeg files.
The guy won’t let up and go away. Received an email yesterday stating that he has sent funds \regular post\ through his representative
Rep. Abraham Jacob Esq. \it will take a couple of days to arrive\. Claims he has mailed it my attorney in San Diego. We’ll see where it goes…
Received the following email, Must be a scam..
I will like to offer $409,000 MLS# F1095217 because I love the curb appeal of this property, please send me the contract for me to sign and return immediately this will be my retirement home and it will be a cash buy
1. I will want to close on 15th October, 2010
2. I want to put down $5,000.00 Earnest money
3. $30,000.00 will be applied towards the closing balance and $120,000.00 will be used
By buyer to buy furniture’s in this property
4. I want to put contingency on inspection on the contract.
Please note all 4 listed above shall be on the contract.
My legal name is Jirou Hayashi of 2000 Sheppard Avenue, Toronto Ontario Canada M3N 2J1 and I am single, I will not be in Canada before the closing date to wire the funds to the attorney so I will advice you to send me an attorney information for a check to be drawn to give enough time for check clearance since I wont be in Canada to wire funds for closing.
Please forward me a purchase contract agreement in docusign format, docusign format is an electronic way of signing document. If you don’t have that you can send a pdf
My account manager Mr. Abraham Jacob will Issue payment in US Funds $155,000.00USD for 5,000.00, the will be for earnest money, second deposit of $30,000.00 and $120,000.00 to be applied toward the pay off of buyer’s mortgage in Japan.
My rep Mr. Abraham Jacob Esq. can be reach at:1-613-699-0994, I strongly advice that I need an attorney to represent my interest in this transaction, my lawyer can pay to seller or title company so therefore I would like to deposit all payment with the lawyer.
Please I need the following information for your attorney immediately for payment
Law Firm Name……………………………………………
Law Firm Address……………………………………………….
Law Firm Telephone………………………………………………
Lawyer’s Name…………………………………………………..
Regards
Jirou Hayashi
Gosh, I got the same exact email. And this one is from: his legal name is Jirou Hayashi from 2000 Sheppard Avenue, Toronto… I am so glad that I googled his name and found your blog. I would feel so stupid, coresponding to this scamer.
I have this email..
I have accepted to offer $499,000, AA7456896 at 1615 STERN CT, ANNAPOLIS, MD 21409.This is because I love the curb appeal of this property, please send me the contract for me to sign and return immediately this will be my retirement home and it will be a cash payment.
1. I will want to close on 14 November, 2010
2. I want to put down $5,000.00 Earnest money + $150,000.00 down payment towards home.
3. I want to put contingency on inspection on the contract.
My legal name is Abraham of 2000 Sheppard Avenue, Toronto Ontario Canada M3N 2J1 and I am single, I will not be in Canada before the closing date to wire the funds to an attorney so I will advice you to send me an attorney information for a check to be drawn to give enough time for check clearance since I wont be in Canada to wire funds for closing.
Please forward me a purchase contract agreement in docusign format is an electronic way of signing document. If you don’t have that you can send a pdf
My Canadian rep Mr. Abraham Jacob Esq will Issue payment in US Funds $155,000.00USD for the earnest money and the down payment for the property payable to your attorney, the check will be deliver to your attorney.
My rep Mr. Abraham Jacob Esq can be reach at:1-647-862-1135,I was strongly adviced that I need an attorney to represent my interest in this transaction, my lawyer can pay to seller or title company so therefore I would like to deposit all payment with the lawyer.
Please I need the following information for your attorney immediately for payment
Law Firm Name……………………………………..
Law Firm Address……………………………………………….
Law Firm Telephone………………………………………………
Lawyer’s Name…………………………………………………..
Regards
Eguchi Kaori
We got the same email. With copy of his passport and bank statement. I had responde to him, asking him to open an escrow account to deposit the Earnest money. Escrow account confirmation recieved, Then i will write the purchase contract. I do not think will be reciving any escrow account confirmation. Thanks for every post.
His email. haya...@asia.com
I love the curb appeal of this property, please send me the
contract for me to sign and return immediately this will be my retirement
home and it will be a cash buy
1. I will want to close on 28 April, 2011
2. I want to put down $50,000.00 Earnest money
3. I want to put contingency on inspection on the contract.
My legal name is Hayashi Isozaki, 600 Royal York Road, Toronto, ON M8Y
4G5 I will not be in Canada before the closing date to wire the funds to
an attorney so I will advice you to send me an attorney information for a
check to be drawn to give enough time for check clearance since I wont be
in Canada to wire funds for closing.
Thank God I googled this guys name. The market isn’t good enough right now for anybody to put in an offer on a house sight unseen!
My Hayashi (whoever he may be) sent me the following email.
I will like to offer $540,000 Active / 243 because I love the curb appeal of this property, please send me the contract for me to sign and return immediately this will be my retirement home and it will be a cash buy
1. I will want to close on 28 March, 2011
2. I want to put down $50,000.00 Earnest money
3. I want to put contingency on inspection on the contract.
My legal name is Hayashi Isozaki, 600 Royal York Road, Toronto, ON M8Y 4G5 I will not be in Canada before the closing date to wire the funds to an attorney so I will advice you to send me an attorney information for a check to be drawn to give enough time for check clearance since I wont be in Canada to wire funds for closing.
Please forward me a purchase contract agreement in docusign format, DocuSign format is an electronic way of signing document, forward it to me via docusign format, their website is http://www.docusign.com/ or any other electronic document I don’t have access to a printer or scanner here therefore I can not sign and send it back in PDF format I am in a remote area of Japan.
My Canadian rep will Issue payment in US Funds for the earnest money for the property payable to your company, the check will be deliver to your company.
please I need your company information for a check to be drawn immediately for the earnest money.
I need an attorney in your state to represent my interest in this transaction, so therefore I would like to deposit all payment with the Title company.
Please I need the following information from you the Title company information for immediately payment
Attorney or Title Company Name……………………………………………
Attorney or Title Company Address……………………………………………….
Attorney or Title Telephone………………………………………………
Attornoey or Title Contact Name…………………………………………………..
Regards
Hayashi Isozaki
It is such a shame that people have to waste their time dealing with these ridiculous scams (and yet they must work sometimes or they wouldn’t be doing them). Thanks to this blog for confirming my suspicions.
Looks like our asian friend has moved on to Colorado. Not to smart actually by duplicating one of the letters above word for word. The address was slightly modified and that was all that changed. He’s using a different name; Hirano Ijichi, 600 Royal York Road, Toronto, ON M8Y 4G5. Email address ijic...@asia.com.
I sent all the information into the Colorado Real Estate Board. Not sure it will do any good but thought it might save some other agents some time.
FYI, information below:
I will like to offer $680,000 MLS# 957571 because I love the curb appeal of this property, please send me the contract for me to sign and return immediately this will be my retirement home and it will be a cash buy
1. I will want to close on 28 April, 2011
2. I want to put down $10,000.00 Earnest money
3. I want to put contingency on inspection on the contract.
My legal name is Hirano Ijichi, 600 Royal York Road, Toronto, ON M8Y 4G5 I will not be in Canada before the closing date to wire the funds to an attorney so I will advice you to send me an attorney information for a check to be drawn to give enough time for check clearance since I wont be in Canada to wire funds for closing.
Please forward me a purchase contract agreement in docusign format, DocuSign format is an electronic way of signing document, forward it to me via docusign format, their website is http://www.docusign.com/ or any other electronic document I don’t have access to a printer or scanner here therefore I can not sign and send it back in PDF format I am in a remote area of Japan.
My rep will Issue payment in US Funds for the earnest money for the property payable to your company, the check will be deliver to your company.
please I need your company information for a check to be drawn immediately for the earnest money.
I need an attorney in your state to represent my interest in this transaction, so therefore I would like to deposit all payment with the attorney company.
Please I need the following information from you the attorney company information for immediately payment
Attorney Name……………………………………………
Attorney Address……………………………………………….
Attorney Telephone………………………………………………
Attorney Contact Name…………………………………………………..
Regards
Hirano Ijichi
The Scam has hit Wyoming USA, now. Down is a copy of the e-mail from “Mr Kazuichi Naoki”. Same MO, Slightly different names, etc. Keep a look out for this one.
I am interested in this property MLS# 20111270 / 450,000 I will like to retain the service of an attorney in this transaction to handle the financial part of this purchase and also to represent my interest. Please recommend an attorney for me I do not wish to forward my deposit to a third party before closing on the property. Because of time difference, it meant not be possible for me to reach the attorney on the telephone during business hour. I will like to ask you to contact the attorney on my behalf or send me their email address so that I can introduce myself to them regarding this transaction. Attached is my bank statement.
Below is the information you need before you can write the purchasing contract.
1). Name: Mr. Kazuichi Naoki
Mrs. Hiromi Naoki
4645 Jane Street
Toronto Ontario Canada M3N 2J9
2). Telephone: 81- 3-3357-8111
3). It is going to be cash buy on the property and I will like home inspection to be done on the property, please use a docusign format to send me the contract
4). Offer: $425,000 and closing date: 30th of May, 2011
Because of the time difference, if you have any question you can contact my account advisor, Mr. Andrew Wilson if you have any question at: Telephone:-1-647-832-9064
Sincerely,
Mrs. Naoki
I found this blog post that actually outlines his dealings with Mr. Chang/Kazuichi Naroki. It answers the question, what happens:
http://www.sarasotahomesforsalenow.com/sarasota-real-estate-scam/
Seems he is now looking to buy Florida properties, using the name Hayashi Isozak and Chiasa Isozak, his wife. His local address is still 600 Royal York Road and his new address is haya...@aichiidnk.com. He sent me a signed contract and everything.
Seems Mr. Isozaki is interested again in Texas. Received this from a Homes.com lead. Glad I googled him.
First: Hayashi
Last: Isozaki
Phone: 816-908-1121
Email: Haya...@asia.com
Question/Comments: My Name Hayashi Isozaki and My Wife Is Chiasa Isozaki, We Looking For a 4/6 Bedroom Home 1 Or 2 Story Home, Please Forward Me Some Property Listings, Price Range $400,000 To $800,000, regards hayashi Isozaki haya...@asia.com 816-9081-121
They are now trying to buy property in Washington State too. I recieved the following email but responded back stating I am not comfortable doing business as he outlined. i wish I would have read this first and I wouldn’t have even bothered responding…
here is the email:
I am interested in this property MLS# 204175 / 499,000 I will like to retain the service of an attorney in this transaction to handle the financial part of this purchase and also to represent my interest. Please recommend an attorney for me I do not wish to forward my deposit to a third party before closing on the property. Because of time difference, it meant not be possible for me to reach the attorney on the telephone during business hour. I will like to ask you to contact the attorney on my behalf or send me their email address so that I can introduce myself to them regarding this transaction. Attached is my bank statement.
Below is the information you need before you can write the purchasing contract.
1). Name: Mr. Hiromi Megumi
4645 Jane Street
Toronto Ontario Canada M3N 2J9
2). Telephone: 81- 3-3357-8111
3). It is going to be cash buy on the property and I will like home inspection to be done on the property, please use a docusign format to send me the contract
4). Offer: $489,000 and closing date: 15th of July, 2011
Because of the time difference, if you have any question you can contact my account advisor, Mr. Andrew Wilson if you have any question at: Telephone:-1-647-832-9064
Sincerely,
Mr. Megumi
Looks like our asian friend has changed his name to a Japanese professional wrestler…Toshiaki Kawada…and now he wants to buy a house anywhere in Indiana. I got the same bank statement showing about 3.4 million and showing the $500,000 check to Mayan Paradise and a $48,000 recent deposit….same Toronto address as one of you stated. When I Googled his name, I was impressed that he was a wrestler but when I Googled the phone number, it brought me to this blog. Here are the emails I received:
This one came from Re/Max.com….I will report back to them:
Message from Consumer: Toshiaki Kawada
I am Mr. Toshiaki Kawada a Japanese origin I need a 4 bed room single family home to buy, in a nice area in any city or town in your state and it as to be a traditional sale and its going to be a cash buy, with a garage and 2 bath with or without swimming pool price should be $500,000 please send me some listing/MLS to choose E-mail: tkaw...@hotmail.com
Here is the next email:
I am interested in this property MLS# 21119576 21119576/ 538,000 I will like to retain the service of an attorney in this transaction to handle the financial part of this purchase and also to represent my interest. Please recommend an attorney for me I do not wish to forward my deposit to a third party before closing on the property. Because of time difference, it meant not be possible for me to reach the attorney on the telephone during business hour. I will like to ask you to contact the attorney on my behalf or send me their email address so that I can introduce myself to them regarding this transaction. Attached is my bank statement.
Below is the information you need before you can write the purchasing contract.
1). Name: Mr. Toshiaki Kawada
4645 Jane Street
Toronto Ontario Canada M3N 2J9
2). Telephone: 81- 3-3357-8111
3). It is going to be cash buy on the property and I will like home inspection to be done on the property, please use a docusign format to send me the contract
4). Offer: $528,000 and closing date: 25th of July, 2011
Sincerely,
Mr. Kawada
Oh well…I did send him a contract before I realized it was a scam…I may as well have fun with this now……
Thanx to everyone for your comments and information….Tom Ross, Re/Max Legends Group, Indianapolis, IN
I just got this email…
I will like to offer $785,000 MLS #: AA7534328 because I love the curb appeal of this property, please send me the contract for me to sign and return immediately this will be my retirement home and it will be a cash buy , Please forward me a purchase contract agreement in DocuSign format, DocuSign format is an electronic way of signing document, their website is http://www.docusign.net
I would like to close on the August 26, 2011, earnest money will be wired to Title company or an attorney who will disburse funds accodingly
My legal name is Mr.Shinjyo Naoki my wife is Chiasa Naoki, 120 Blvd St. Joseph O, Montreal QC, Canada, H2T 2P6 , we await the purchase agreement.
Please forward me complete information of an attorney or Title company
Best Regard
Mr.Shinjyo Naoki
SHIN...@techie.com
I don’t get it.
So, you got this email to yourself? By all measures, you are the scammer.
I got this also:
I will like to offer $705,500 MLS #: 07548662 because I love the curb appeal of this property, please send me the contract for me to sign and return immediately this will be my retirement home and it will be a cash buy , Please forward me a purchase contract agreement in DocuSign format, DocuSign format is an electronic way of signing document, their website is http://www.docusign.net
I would like to close on the August 26, 2011, earnest money will be wired to Title company or an attorney who will disburse funds accodingly
My legal name is Mr.Shinjyo Naoki my wife is Chiasa Naoki, 120 Blvd St. Joseph O, Montreal QC, Canada, H2T 2P6 , we await the purchase agreement.
Please forward me complete information of an attorney or Title company
Best Regard
Mr.Shinjyo Naoki
I got the same mofo: I will like to offer $690,000 MLS #: xxxxxx because I love the curb appeal of this property, please send me the contract for me to sign and return immediately this will be my retirement home and it will be a cash buy , Please forward me a purchase contract agreement in DocuSign format, DocuSign format is an electronic way of signing document, their website is http://www.docusign.net
I would like to close on the August 26, 2011, earnest money will be wired to Title company or an attorney who will disburse funds accodingly
My legal name is Mr.Shinjyo Naoki my wife is Chiasa Naoki, 120 Blvd St. Joseph O, Montreal QC, Canada, H2T 2P6 , we await the purchase agreement.
Please forward me complete information of an attorney or Title company
Best Regard
Mr.Shinjyo Naoki
He sure is going to have a lot of retirement homes…just received this today:
Subject -Forward me purchase agreement:
I will like to offer $740,999 MLS #: BC7564521 because I love the curb appeal of this property, please send me the contract for me to sign and return immediately this will be my retirement home and it will be a cash buy , Please forward me a purchase contract agreement in DocuSign format, DocuSign format is an electronic way of signing document, their website is http://www.docusign.net
I would like to close on the August 26, 2011, earnest money will be wired to Title company or an attorney who will disburse funds accodingly
My legal name is Mr.Shinjyo Naoki my wife is Chiasa Naoki, 120 Blvd St. Joseph O, Montreal QC, Canada, H2T 2P6 , we await the purchase agreement.
Please forward me complete information of an attorney or Title company
Best Regard
Mr.Shinjyo Naoki
Thanks to all the posters so I had something more concrete to verify my gut feelings on this!
WOW!!!!!! I got the EXACT same email and FINALLY got the bank statement with the exact same information in it as everyone above and decided to look up the Mayan Paradise thing on the bank statement and lo’n'behold, there was this blog. THANK you to all who wrote about it so we can stop being scammed. I still don’t know how he benefits from this scam, but i guess it sort of works. I am going to report him to my MLS and the the Attorney General here in Washington State. I ended up emailing this guy back and included the whole message blog in my email to him letting him know that we are on to his scam. Here’s the email I received:
I will like to offer $679,940 MLS #: 211722 because I love the curb appeal of this property, please send me the contract for me to sign and return immediately this will be my retirement home and it will be a cash buy , Please forward me a purchase contract agreement in DocuSign format, DocuSign format is an electronic way of signing document, their website is http://www.docusign.net
I would like to close on the August 26, 2011, earnest money will be wired to Title company or an attorney who will disburse funds accodingly
My legal name is Mr.Shinjyo Naoki my wife is Chiasa Naoki, 120 Blvd St. Joseph O, Montreal QC, Canada, H2T 2P6 , we await the purchase agreement.
Please forward me complete information of an attorney or Title company
Best Regard
Mr.Shinjyo Naoki
So…Here I am…Same CIBC Chequing account statement…
New name…Arata Daisuke and Hokia Hosyu of 160 Chalkfarm DR, North York Ontario.
$690,000 offerred on a $699,000 list price of Indiana home.
$3,400,000.00 Balance as of Feb 3rd.
Feb 20 Deposit of $48,000
April 4 Withdraw of $3,000
No date for Check number 216953 Inmobilaria Mayan Paradise S.A. de C.V. $500,000.00USD.
Bottom line is what?
What is this person gaining from this?
Where is the benefit?
I first wondered if it was some elaborate marketing message from DocuSign to gain new customers!
Derek Crager
Crager Bartels Real Estate
317.203.9160
PS. Seriously What is the end game?
Got this in Nashville too for a 600k home. Don’t people have better things to do with their time?
Here is the one I’ve got. These scammers use Realtor.com property inquiry system to generate emails to listing agents.
—————————————————
This Listing MLS #:1069828mv is appealing to me and my family; This will be my retirement home and it will be a cash buy
I shall be closing my purchase proceedings on 14, Oct, 2011
I shall put down $5,000.00 as the Earnest money
And Additional $120,000.00 should be put aside towards the closing but not to be added on the contract until all closing payment are completed
My name is HARU HAYATE, I presently reside at #15, kings gate parade, Victoria road, London SW1E 65H,United Kingdom, I worked and retired in Canada and my family are all in Canada.But i am a Japanese by Citizenship, I am in London now, and will not be in Canada before the closing date to wire the funds to you. So therefore,i advice you to send me your attorney information for a CHECK to be drawn, to give enough time for CHECK clearance since I won’t be in Canada to wire funds before closing. My attorney in Canada Mr. Jason Jacob and my Account Manager will Issue payment in US Funds $455,000.00USD for the earnest money, house inspection charges, attorney’s retainer fee and the down payment for the property payable to your attorney, the CHECK will deliver to your attorney.
Please kindly provide me the following information of a Local attorney immediately to represent me in all legal proceedings.
Law Firm Name…………………………………………………..
Law Firm Address………………………………………… …….
Law firm emails………………………………………………….
Law Firm Telephone…………………………………….. ……….
Lawyer’s Name……………………………………………. …….
Regards,
Haru Hayate
+447045750799
So he’s wanting to buy a home in Marietta GA now. His new name is Hajime, he lives in Canada and he’s buying a home for $500000 cash. Bank statement from CIBC Bank with $3,400,000 account balance. Purchasing it for his retirement home. He did pretend like he was going to send the funds to my closing attorney.
Okay I knew this was a scam as soon as I saw it. So I played along and got this back.
I am not too familiar with the area that is why I need your help as the real estate professional, please send me some property to chose from in a very nice & quiet community I am going to live in this home with my family, PLEASE KINDLY SEND SAMPLES OF THE ONCE YOU KNOW WILL BE OKAY FOR MYSELF AND MY FAMILY. I DON’T HAVE ANY SPECIFICATION IN MIND. IF THE ONES YOU PROVIDE ME IS OKAY I WILL THEN MAKE MY CHOICE. with the price range of 450.000 to 600.000 USD.I AM PAYING CASH.
Thanks for your prompt response. My Family needs a 5+ Bedrooms, 3.5+ Bathrooms, space of about (Acres: +/- 0.27, lotsqFt: 11,761, lot descrip: 1/4 to 1 Acre/corner, Appx sqFt: 5033.). kindly note that you must not provide this same space but something similar or even bigger.I am a Japanese, but reside and worked in Canada. Please i am urgently Looking forward to your prompt and urgent reply of available samples.
Regards,
Haru Hayate.
+447045750799
The point of this scam is that they send FAKE checks and want you to deposit and send them the overage, then guess what when they catch on to you (the FEDS), guess who is in trouble, not him because they can’t locate him.
The reason I know this is because a similar scam with checks about 7 yrs ago. They sent me a check and wanted me to deposit it and then meet with them to give them a portion and that I could keep the rest, they were crazy. I didn’t do it but saved the check and last year or the year before, it was all over dateline and how crooks from other countries are doing this to get the cash wired to them.
Our scammer is in the Dallas area now.
This Listing MLS#:00000000 (number removed for this post) is appealing to me and my family; This will be my retirement home and it will be a cash buy
I shall be closing my purchase proceedings on 30, Oct, 2011
I shall put down $5,000.00 as the Earnest money
And Additional $120,000.00 should be put aside towards the closing but not to be added on the contract until all closing payment are completed
My name is HARU HAYATE, I presently reside at #15, kings gate parade, Victoria road, London SW1E 65H,United Kingdom, I worked and retired in Canada and my family are all in Canada.But i am a Japanese by Citizenship, I am in London now, and will not be in Canada before the closing date to wire the funds to you. So therefore,i advice you to send me your attorney information for a CHECK to be drawn, to give enough time for CHECK clearance since I won’t be in Canada to wire funds before closing. My attorney in Canada Mr. Jason Jacob and my Account Manager will Issue payment in US Funds $455,000.00USD for the earnest money, house inspection charges, attorney’s retainer fee and the down payment for the property payable to your attorney, the CHECK will deliver to your attorney.
Please kindly provide me the following information of a Local attorney immediately to represent me in all legal proceedings.
Law Firm Name…………………………………………………..
Law Firm Address………………………………………… …….
Law firm emails………………………………………………….
Law Firm Telephone…………………………………….. ……….
Lawyer’s Name……………………………………………. …….
Regards,
Haru Hayate
+447045750799
New Name – Ken Kitamura @ 3400 Weston Road, Apt.. 907, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
New name and address: Kominami Mosato and my wifes names is Esaki Mosato, my address 120 Blvd St. Joseph O, Montreal QC, Canada, H2T 2P6
I found ythis website because I googled the address: 120 Blvd St. Joseph O, Montreal QC, Canada
Thank you everyone for your reports, the email content you had received and the warning that a zip file (not yet received) could contain a virus have put an end to this ‘buyer”!
We initially received this email: “I Need a 3 To 5 Bed Room Single Family Home and Its a Cash Buy, With a Garage and 2 Bath, Price Should Range $500,000 To $600,000 Please Send Me Some Property Listing/mls To Choose regards Mr. Kominami Masato”
17 days later, another (he never called):
“Thanks for your responds a thousand appologies for not getting back to you on time have been out of Osaka for a while just arrived now from Tokyo i did try calling your numbers with no sucess perhaps you could direct me as to how to initiate this however , I need a 3 to 5 bed rooms single family home to buy and it as to be a traditional sale and its going to be a cash buy, with a garage and 2 bath in a nice suburb . A structure of one story high with a front brick wall and back yard for kids , i would prefer a gated community where social amenities are shared price should range $300,000 to $400,000 in City Of Manchester , please send me some listing/MLS to choose in your area of greatest expertise.
The home will be my retiring home , please forward me property listings any area, I have been in the locati on so many times .
Regards,
Masato ”
He clarified some questions I’d sent him with this email the following day:
“Thanks for your email and further explanation of the various properties however am not looking at retirement homes wherekids arent allowed but only for a few hours , i am looking for a property in a nice suburb or a gated community which would be my retirement home where my family and friends can come vacate in espectially the little ones .
A one story property is ideal , i sincerely hope to recieve this listings later today , have a nice day .
Masato .”
And the last one, on October 15th:
“Haven gone through all listings and property datas sent by you , its with graet pleaseure to inform you that we were able to agree to an ideal and financially reasonable property as indicated however I will like to offer the sum of $330,000 for this property at … [removed it for the homeowner's sake] Mls# 4081872 because I love the curb appeal of this property, please send me the contract for me to sign and return immediately this will be my retirement home and it will be a cash buy.
Please forward me a purchase contract agreement in DocuSign format, DocuSign format is an electronic way of signing document, their website is http://www.docusign.net I would like to close on the November 25th 2011, according to our tradition in Japan I need a lawyer to represent me in this transaction please provide me a lawyer.
Earnest money will be send to my lawyer or an attorney who will disburse funds accodingly My legal name is Kominami Mosato and my wifes names is Esaki Mosato, my address 120 Blvd St. Joseph O, Montreal QC, Canada, H2T 2P6 , , we await the purchase agreement. Please forward me complete information of an attorney .
Regards ,
Masato”
Received this same email and bank statement this time the name is Mr. Chung Lee and Mrs. Shaun Lee.
Tried again in Ohio – Mr. Yasunari Kawabata (a Nobel laureate, dead since 1972). Sent bank account statement from CIBC, same $500,000 to Mayan Paradise. Thank God for the internet and blogs like this. Also, Google Earth shows his address is a vacant lot in Toronto.
Best regards!
Wow…he’s back in Indiana, as Yasunari Kawabata, an author who apparently committed suicide in 1972. Same bank, CIBC showing a new balance of $5.4 million dollars. Also, a check to Immobilaria Mayan Paradise for $500,000. Glad I did some googling before getting involved with this guy.
Mr. Yasunari Kawabata, address 117 Westmore Drive Etobicoke, Ontario Canada M9V 3Y6 is trying to buy a house in Derby Vermont for $700,000. He’s a busy man for a dead guy!
Mr. Yasunari Kawabata has resurected himself in Tucson, AZ!
Same bank statement from CIBC, same address on Westmore Dr in Etobicoke Ontario Canada. He is requesting an attorney contact and wanting to have a contract written for a cash offer on a Tucson property. Glad I Googled and found this dead writer.
Got the same letter but for New Jersey but his name is now Hidecki Matsui..thats what peeked my interest because I have done deals with international clients.
Three words:
DELETE DELETE DELETE
That’s how much time I spend on scam e-mails that can’t even put forth good English in their attempt to SCAM you!!.
I have received them from all over the world and even on rentals posted on Craig’s List that say do not respond to poster. SHEEZE!
If you want a good laugh, here is how the Chicago Sun Times handled an email scam recently – it’s hilarious: http://www.suntimes.com/8930993-417/scamming-the-scammer-is-always-fun.html