Friday, April 22, 2011

I WAS SCAMMED!!!

I WAS SCAMMED!!!
…Well nearly. Here’s how it all went down;
I own a rental property which is a duplex of 1800 square feet on two levels. It has four bedrooms, two full baths, good sized living room, patio, and kitchen with dinette. It is centrally located just a few minutes walk to downtown, across the street from a city park, and other walking paths are also just minutes away. Not too shabby! We (my wife, son, and myself) bought this place 12 years ago and immediately started renting out the two downstairs rooms. We managed like this – living with others – about 8 years, when the opportunity came up for us to purchase the other half of the duplex. We dove right in! With our experience renting rooms, we knew that it would be possible to fill 4 bedrooms instead of just 2.
We first filled it with a group of Japanese students / working holiday types. This turned out to be a bit of a hassle… let’s leave that for another time.
After the first group had gone, we got in some UVic students who have been great! But now, after 3 years, they have finished their studies at the University, and gave me notice that they are moving on.
I brought out my ads, updated them a bit and placed them online; Kijiji, UsedVictoria, and Craigslist. I originally advertised trying to rent out the entire house, and had quite a few groups shuffle through, but no return bites… maybe my price was too high? I checked the web. Yup, it seems that there is a housing glut at the moment: renter’s market. Damn. Oh well, bite the bullet: redo the ads. Now I started advertising for shares/singles, and dropped the price. More bites, more lookie-loos.
Now here’s where the problem started.
I got a lovely, flowery email from one “Josh Hudson” from the UK. Here’s the email conversation that transpired;
josh hudson [joshhudson83@gmail.com] "Hi,
I'm really interested and inclined in renting your place advertised.
I am 28, very animated in nature and always open to ideas and opinions of
others.I'm very simple and take life one step at a time.
I'd love to rent from a matured,friendly and respectful individual.
I love to read(a lot) and also write at my spare time(I'm not really
Good at it but I do it anyway,lol!).
I don't smoke nor drink and also won't be bringing pets though I don't
mind having them around.
I'm coming to Canada because I was offered a job as a DBA/Business
Strategist for the next three years. Changing environment is very
vital for me as I have seen the highs and lows with working in other Continents and i have always looking forward to some great time in canada as i have read alot about the place .
Please kindly email me back if you have questions.
Cheers.
Josh”

Morgan Onda [onda@shaw.ca] “What part of the world are you from? (doesn’t matter to me, just curious!) If you would like to come by to view the place, then how about tomorrow sometime between 2:30pm and 5:00pm? Let me know ASAP so I can give my present tenants notice! Call me @ 250-386-XXXX, or re-email.
- -morgan

josh hudson [joshhudson83@gmail.com]
Hi Morgan,
I am happy you responded to my email and I look forward to coming over
to Canada from the UK by 3rd week in April but I can be flexible to your plans.
My employer will be sending you payment for the first month and damage deposit
Also my shipper will be shipping my Honda 2009 model and other
Personal effects before I move into your place. I won’t be bringing much
over as I intend to buy most afresh there. But my PC will be coming
with me surely & other personal belongings. If this is ok with you,
kindly mail me back your name to make out the payment in & your
address to have it sent to. I will also need your number so we can
talk.
I will be off to see my sick mum in the hospital who is due for
surgery soon. I look forward to your response.
Yours Sincerely
Josh”

Morgan Onda [onda@shaw.ca]
I guess that ’popping by for a quick look-see’ is out of the question, then? Give me a call at 250-386-1971 between 1500h and 2100h (pacific standard time GMT -7h) as you see fit. The rent will be $500.00 per month all inclusive (I’ve had to bite the bullet as Victoria has a wee bit of a “renter’s market” these days) and thusly the deposit will be $250.00. My address is 211 Henry ST, Victoria BC, V9A 3H8. Proper name is: Morgan Onda.
Also attached is an example of the lease agreement that I use… it’s based on the kind we use in BC.
- -morgan

josh hudson [joshhudson83@gmail.com]
“Hello, My employer has sent payment to your location and I'll be sending you the details later. This will enable you know when it will arrive. I will appreciate if you notify me as soon as it does. This is the first time I will be traveling to North America and I believe articulating myself with the cultural change will not be difficult as people like you will make me settle in easily. In the UK majority of us are conservatives and I believe Canada is an environment with more liberal and free thinking individuals. Facing new challenges and enhancing my skills will be first priority and I promise you that you will not regret ever renting the place out to me as I am a very matured and understanding person. Most importantly my shipper will be getting in touch with you regarding shipping of my Honda Accord to your place and I have given him your contact.His name is Adam Finley and he'll contact you by email.
Yours sincerely Josh”

Liberal environment?!? Is he trying to imply something?
“Josh” called and left a message: Definite London accent, but with a hint of something else – foreign (for London, that is). Also an “Unknown Name/Unlisted number”, and there were a few “clicks” and “pops”… sounded like a “Skype” line.

Morgan Onda [onda@shaw.ca]
Sorry, was out at a band rehearsal. I’ll be home today and tonight and tomorrow in the day until 2pm (my time). ‘tis a day off. And we usually screen calls that show as ‘Unknown” etc. But I’ll be sure to pick up.
- -morgan

Adam Antoine Finley [shipitfastfast@gmail.com]
“Hello , I am Adam Finley and I am Mr Josh Hudson's shipper.He instructed me to get in touch with you pertaining his personal effects that he will be shipping from the UK to Canada but I have been instructed not to commence shipping until you confirm receipt of your rent. There are certain details that I will be requiring from you so as to make sure everything goes as planned.But most especially I will be needing the address that Mr Hudson's effects will be arriving in Canada. I await your response.
Thank You Adam”

Morgan Onda [onda@shaw.ca]
I’m not exactly sure what you mean by “the address that Mr Hudson's effects will be arriving in Canada.” But the address to where things should be shipped to is 209 Henry ST, Victoria BC, V9A 3H8. My phone number is 250-386- XXXX. As yet, the deposit and rent has yet to arrive. I will email you again when this happens.
- -morgan onda

josh hudson [joshhudson83@gmail.com]
Hi, My mum's surgery is scheduled to take place in 8hrs time, wish me luck! You can track payment on www.canadapost.ca with tracking number 7218 8090 0642 6366 Let me know as soon as it arrives. Here's a poem I composed(100% Plagiarised,lol).
Josh
Canada, oh Canada
what hast thou done with me
whenever I do close my eyes
my heart is there with thee

Your mountains and great forests
of an infinity
Sequoias stand majestically
ancient serenity

What everlasting pleasure
lies in your scenery
the crumbling walls of what once was
beneath a Maple tree

Golden fields of waving grain
whisper a lullaby
the sunset slowly fades away
beyond your endless sky

Canada, oh Canada
what hast thou done with me
I feel thou whispers in my soul
I wish to be with thee

I spot a single red deer
scent danger in the breeze
the slightest noise will make her flee
among your mighty trees

I see your children playing
out on a frozen pond
at snowball fights and slapping pucks
a magic way beyond

Mem'ries of the days gone by
engraved into my soul
return to you I will some day
it's always been my goal

Canada, oh Canada
what hast thou done with me
thou temptress of my craving heart
I long to be with thee”

You’re kidding right?!? A poem? A Freaking poem?!! Just what kind of crap is this? Oh well, let’s continue.

I did NOT respond to the poem.

josh hudson [joshhudson83@gmail.com] “Hello , The unimaginable thing I feared most has happened to me.My mother passed away yesterday. I am the most distraught person on planet earth but there is need for me to gather mental, physical and spiritual strength at this trying moment. My mother is the catalyst behind all my present achievements and I have been 500% dependent on her for more future support. Why did she have to go? Arrangements are being made and she will be laid to rest on Thursday. I told my employer about the news and he has given his condolences. He made a mistake of sending Adam's(shipper) money along with your payment to your address,instead of sending it separately.What do we do about that? Please advise. Josh
PS:My traveling plans still remain intact but there might be a shift in my arrival date. Please bear with me.”
Oh, dear ~!
Morgan Onda [onda@shaw.ca]
I am so sorry to hear about your loss. The loss of a parent is also the most difficult. Be strong. When any funds arrive here, I will sort it out. I will email Adam and arrange with him the easiest way to get his portion to him.
Take the best care of yourself, and your family.
- -morgan
josh hudson [joshhudson83@gmail.com] “Hi, I tried calling today. It's just so hard knowing I won't hug, kiss and see my mum again, never again. She was an amazing woman and I believe a better place awaits her. I also appreciate all the soothing words of encouragement and how much you really understand what I'm going through right now, no other future situation can be worse... arguably. Furthermore I want to say thank you for giving me the benefit of doubt and holding on to your place for me regardless of how shambolic things seemed from my end. In the midst of all the confusion I made an error and gave my employer the wrong amount for the rent which was sent to you. You received $3500, in which $750 is for the part of the rent and $2750 is meant for Adam. I'll have him email you now so he can give you details of how he wants the funds for him to commence shipping today as my car might be held under demur-rage on Thursday because it has been at the port for a week. God Bless you
Josh”

“Josh” phoned, leaving a message, sobbing and crying about his poor, dead mother, thanking me for my kind words

The cheque arrived. It was sent in a brown envelope “XPRESSPOST” from
“Alex Morgan
208 1160 Dorval Drive
Oakville ON L6M 3E9”
The Cheque looked very legitimate, complete with a gold “safety seal”. It had proper looking fonts, transit numbers etc. It was very good… except that my name, and the amount of monies were not printed on the cheque, but rather printed at the same time the cheque was printed. By this, I mean that the same printer that made the cheque also made this same cheque with my name already on it.

Morgan Onda [onda@shaw.ca]
I received the cheque today from the “Regional Municipality of York” in the amount of $3,500.00. It is made out to me (Morgan Onda) and I will deposit it into my account. The amount for the first month’s rent and the deposit add up to just $750.00 which leaves $2,750.00. What would you have me do with the remainder at this time? I realize that you probably have this set aside for your shipper, Adam Finley but I wanted to double check how you wish me to forward it to him.
Should I wait until the goods have arrived? Or should I write him a cheque and send it straight away? I will wait to read your response.
Yours truly, Morgan Onda

Very soon after I sent this email, I got these two emails from “Adam”;

Adam Antoine Finley [shipitfastfast@gmail.com]
“Hello,
I have been instructed by Mr Josh Hudson to commence shipping
of his personal effects to his new place. He instructed me to also get
in touch with you about the funds($2750) you will be sending me today
so I can prosecute the shipping of his effects and also to
give you details of how I will be receiving the funds.You will be
required to send it via western union money transfer to the details below.
Name: Antoine Finley
Destination: 18 Buckingham Gate London United Kingdom
You will be required to send the transfer information details to me
today which include the amount sent and senders name and MTCN(money
transfer control number).I hope you are very conversant with western
union.Also western union will be charging you to send the funds so
you can deduct the charges from the funds before sending.
Thanks
Adam Antoine Finley”

“you will be sending me today” – subliminal force… a trick magicians use to force the audience into action.
Adam Antoine Finley [shipitfastfast@gmail.com]
“You can visit any Walmart store, Safeway, SUPER DRUG MART,INSTALOANS
,WEST END GROCERY,FINANCIAL STOP ,Money mart or Cash store around you to send western union. All you have to do is tell them you want to send western union and ask for a senders slip, fill it and hand the money over to them. They will process it and give you the
information I need and I can get it in 10mins. It's very fast, safe and reliable.
You can also try any of the agents below,I hope this helps?
---After this part, there was a list of agents where I could go to create this money order (I won’t post this here, for reasons of brevity). But this list only had places like Walmart, Safeway, Moneymart, Western Union retail outlets, etc. It did not mention any true financial institutions, Banks or Credit Unions. I know that My Credit Union uses Western Union as its Money order company, so when it did not appear on this list, I was even more suspicious.
Let’s continue!
Morgan Onda [onda@shaw.ca]
I must wait until the cheque clears the bank before I can forward the funds to Adam. Perhaps he can call me with his banking information as my bank can do a direct wire transfer with no fees.
Thank you, Morgan Onda
Adam Antoine Finley [shipitfastfast@gmail.com]
Hello Sir, Hope you got my last email. Adam
On 4/20/11, Adam Antoine Finley <shipitfastfast@gmail.com> wrote:
>Hello,
>I have been instructed by Mr Josh Hudson to commence shipping of his
>personal effects to his new place. He instructed me to also get in
>touch with you about the funds($2750) you will be sending me today so
>I can prosecute the shipping of his effects and also to give you
>details of how I will be receiving the funds.You will be required to
>send it via *western union money transfer* to the details below.
>*Name: Antoine Finley
>Destination: 18 Buckingham Gate London United Kingdom *You will be
>required to send the transfer information details to me today which
>include the amount sent and senders name and MTCN(money transfer
>control number).I hope you are very conversant with western union.Also
>western union will be charging you to send the funds so you can
>deduct the charges from the funds before sending.
>Thanks
>Adam Antoine Finley”

josh hudson [joshhudson83@gmail.com]
“Hello,
Thanks for the update. I have asked my shipper to be patient until the funds become available. I will call you later in the evening to discuss about my rescheduled arrival date.
Josh”

Morgan Onda [onda@shaw.ca]
Adam: Send me your bank account information (transit number, account number, branch) and I will transfer it to you today.
- -morgan

Morgan Onda [onda@shaw.ca]
Josh, If you wouldn’t mind just emailing me the details, my phones are on the fritz.
Thank you, Morgan Onda
These are the last emails I have sent these two. I have checked online and come up with these links:
Interesting thing about the Google Map; if you focus down to street level, and “look” at the actual address, you’ll notice that there’s a flag marked “Kingdom of Swaziland High”. Suspicious. There is also a marker Tsakos Shipping (London) Ltd‎”, but it has little or nothing to do with shipitfastfast@gmail.com
I do believe there must be someone in the UK, named Adam Antoine Finley who is cashing the money orders sent from poor unsuspecting dupes here in Canada (and more places?). AND there is someone here in Canada who is posting the fraudulent cheques (from Ontario).
This may be difficult to prosecute for the authorities, trying to find the crooks responsible. If people would use the resources of their banks and wait for a cheque to clear, this wouldn’t be a possibility. But as long as there are Crooks, there will be Dupes!
** CRAIGSLIST ADVISORY --- AVOID SCAMS BY DEALING LOCALLY
** Avoid: wiring money, cross-border deals, work-at-home
** Beware: cashier checks, money orders, escrow, shipping
** More Info: http://www.craigslist.org/about/scams.html




josh hudson [joshhudson83@gmail.com]
 I'll be arriving on the 7th of May 5:30pm local time.

You can do a direct deposit into this account below:
Name:AYOBAMI AWOYEMI
CIBC ACCOUNT
TRASIT: 00922
ACCOUNT # 59-01081

…So true!

110 comments:

  1. not yet... got another email today. New info altogether! I'll edit this post above!

    ReplyDelete
  2. OMG! We received the same emails from this Josh guy wanting to rent our room!

    My name is Karen and I live in the Netherlands. We have not gone as far as your situation, but are at the stage where Josh's mother is seeing doctors.

    Heartfelt thanks for sharing your experience!

    Have a look at our correspondence below, and you will notice there are many similarities! I've edited my replies for brevity.

    -----------------
    On 16/04/2011 03:04, josh hudson wrote:
    > Hi,
    > I'm interested and inclined in renting your place advertised.
    I am 28, very animated in nature and always open to ideas and opinions of others.I'm very simple and take life one step at a time.
    I'd love to rent from a matured,friendly and respectful individual.
    I love to read(a lot) and also write at my spare time(I'm not really
    Good at it but I do it anyway,lol!).
    I don't smoke nor drink and also won't be bringing pets though I don't mind having them around.
    I'm coming to Amsterdam because I was offered a job as a DBA/Business Strategist for the next three years. Changing environment is very
    vital for me as I have seen the highs and lows with working in other Continents and i have always looking forward to some great time in Amsterdam.
    Please kindly email me back if you have questions.
    Cheers.
    Josh

    -------
    Note: I informed him that we are more interested in renting our room for short-term stays, and that we live >120km from Amsterdam. I also asked if he was ok with travelling long distances to work.
    -------

    >>>On 18/04/2011 09:05, josh hudson wrote:
    Hi,
    Thanks for your reply.Im actually looking for a long term stay,but all i have tried proved abortive.But since i have a long time to stay in the country,il accept your place for a short period until i get a place for a longer stay.If this is okay with you,pls let me have your full name and address and also your phone number,so i can forward to my employers and payments can be made and i secure your place on time.Thanks for your help.Godbless

    --------
    Note: I replied to ask how long he would be staying and where he was coming from
    --------

    >>>On 18/04/2011 23:42, josh hudson wrote:
    According to plans,il be arriving by 4th of May,i would love to stay about 2months or less,so i can at least settle down,before i start looking for an apartment with longer rentals.Im half American,half british,,hope u got no problem with that,,lol.Pls keep me posted,so i can go ahead with payments and be rest assured.Thanks for your help,,really appreciate it.Godbless

    --------
    Note: I emailed him my address, phone number and full name.
    --------

    >>> On Tue, Apr 19, 2011 at 8:47 PM, josh hudson wrote:
    Thanks Karen,il get in touch with u soonest.I will just like to clarify your full name,so there's no mistake.Thanks once again.

    >>> On 20/04/2011 08:04, josh hudson wrote:
    Lastly i need to know how much is the total amount for a month booking.thanks

    ------
    Note: I emailed him the amount and my full name
    ------

    ...(to be continued on the next post)

    ReplyDelete
  3. Thanks for your post! Great to know I helped somebody!

    ReplyDelete
  4. I got the same e-mail from Josh Hudson. Somehow, it felt fishy to me and I did a Google search for "Josh Hudson" and DBA. I had no intentions of renting to a man anyway, since I am a looking for a female roommate. But, nice to know that I have good Scamdar.. Thanks for posting!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Thanks for your blog. I was just almost scammed by this group. The texts of many of their emails were identical to the ones you've posted but the names were different. "Peter Brown" was the guy who wanted to rent my place and "Adam Antoine Finley" (ooh la la) was the phoney shipper.

    I have written up my entire experience and will paste it in a comment after this. I just wanted to say thanks for your blog - it confirmed my growing suspicions about the evolving situation with "Peter" and "Adam". Thanks for posting!

    ReplyDelete
  6. I have the same situation, and I'll do anything to get this guy. The cops have not been able to do anything yet, but I'm hoping some of my friends who are really good with computers will track this guys somehow.

    Wow I've totally got all the same emails trying to rent out my suite, everything seemed fine until I got the cheque today and a email asking to wire the extra money to his shipper, the same as you. This is brutal, I want this guy busted.

    ReplyDelete
  7. It happened to me just in this couple weeks!! In my case, the UK guy's name was Charles Morles. The shipper's name was the same: Adam Findley. They sent us a turly REAL-LOOKING bank draft (National Bank of Canada). Luckily for me, I did not feel right when they asked me to wire the money by Western Union -_-;; so I did little bit of a research and found this blog!! Be careful people because I even spoke to this guy on the phone!! I am reporting this to the police so that innocent people will not be scammed anymore.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Hey Thanks for posting this!
    The Scammers are still alive and well! Wiley Donavon, is now only 26 years old. And his "mum" is still dying....again. It was a narrow escape, but luckily I am compassionate yes, gullible no...wish I caught on a little sooner. His shipper is now going by Finley Adams at shipitfastfastfast@gmail.com, and Wiley Donavon goes from abundantmeans@gmail.com. I wanted to add that I read this blog last night after realizing what was happening...and had not yet severed ties with the scammers even though I received the fake cheque. So this morning the Londoner called me crying, and I said "oh wiley, or is your name JOSH! I'm onto you and I know this is a scam!" then he hung up...hopefully still crying. I wish I felt more satisfied by my chance to call a spade a spade, but I guess he managed to earn my trust so I just feel pissed! One noticeable trait is that when I asked him questions he didn't reply, his emails seem to be all cut and paste as I received the same ones you all did.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Hey< I'm the guy that got to back talk to the scammer! Just so you know, you all should be calling the anti fraud centre of canada to report your experience and get advice of how to proceed from here to protect your identity. These guys are very experienced scammers! 1-888-495-8501.

    ReplyDelete
  10. yup same thing just happend to me the name was wiley too thanks for the posts saved me from completing the check

    ReplyDelete
  11. I have also received the same email as Morgan, I suspected it was spam due to the wording, so Googled it and arrived here. Thanks for the story Morgan, I was comtemplating playing along for awhile after reading it, to see it continues the same as you and the others, but I think it's best not to. I will report the profile on the house mate site!

    ReplyDelete
  12. I have, in my hand, a cheque from "Right Management" for an amount of $3700. Gold hologram, microprint, and all.

    Josh Hudson strikes again.

    As soon as I received his second e-mail I suspected scam, but I let him waste the shipping money, time, and the fake cheque. I think I'll play him a little longer. See if he can send me another cheque. :)

    ReplyDelete
  13. Anyone have an update on this? The same thing happened to me and I reported the case to the police (British Columbia), but they weren't able to do anything with it.

    Cheque was "from" LHM Technologies in Woodbridge, Ontario.

    ReplyDelete
  14. Thank

    I have the same message of you from a Jamie Alesandro (abundantmeans2@gmail.com)... But I just receive 3 messages from him, then I find your blog!

    I will stop to answer him

    Cindy

    ReplyDelete
  15. Dude. Just received the cheque today. Got a "weird" feeling about it. Googled all kinds of info... and your blog came up. Same emails. Even got a weird phone call from some place that I can't call back. Called the RCMP: they routed me to www.antifraudcentre.ca
    Thanks for posting! Potentially saved me thousands of dollars.
    -Jennifer-

    ReplyDelete
  16. Oops! www.canadianantifraudcentre.ca

    ReplyDelete
  17. nope. had it right the first time... sorry, guys! A little frazzled today.
    -Jennifer-

    ReplyDelete
  18. Hi, I received the same email in B.C. Canada. I led them on just cause I knew they were scum. I forwarded the email to police and Western Union and they do nothing. I feel sorry for those who have lost money. there must be a way to trace them through there email and bank accounts.

    ReplyDelete
  19. still happening... i just went to try to get the check certified so i wouldn't be on the hook if it bounced and it was non-certifiable and non-negotiable. stay vigilant folks :)

    ReplyDelete
  20. February 2012 These scammers are still at it - we are renting a condo in Waterloo, ON. He's using the name Jaron Alejandro [mailto:abundantmeans18@gmail.com] from Barcelona, Spain. Phone number +447031862922 0r 009447031862922 and skype i.d zagatzagat101

    I got the emails and the phone calls. No cheque yet but I just got an email from the shipper today Mover 'n' Shipper [shipitfastfastfast@gmail.com].

    I wish I knew a hacker that could blast these guys with nasty stuff.

    Thanks for the posting - the shipper name led me to your scam page.

    cheers.

    ReplyDelete
  21. I am so glad you posted this tory, as the SAME GUY AND STRATEGY was used on me in Whistler BC! Exactly the same, I still have the cheque and all the emails, I never reposted it to police (I should have), and maybe I still will. Its was just crazy!!

    ReplyDelete
  22. I just got this as well, from "Jaron". Got suspicious after the 2nd email which mentioned his mother, and googled his email address abundantmeans@gmail.com and landed here. Thanks for this blog post and comments, this saved me time and frustration!

    ReplyDelete
  23. Same scam going on as of March 10th, 2012. Below is the email address he sent me from the following email address: (J.A (abundantmeans@gmail.com)) for my ad for a rooom to rent posted on craiglist.


    I'm Jaron Alejandro, 25 years and from Granada Spain . I am a vivacious, open minded and matured. My philosophy is putting a smile on a face(happiness is a by product of making someone else happy). I don't drink and smoke. I am very clean and organised and will be coming over alone without pets. I will be working from the regular 9-5 and will be in Canada for a while. I hold a very positive view about life and people say I sometimes oscillate from shy to loquacious depending on my environment.

    Although I have a feeling someone might be in contention for the place because I only saw your ad today and you might have responded to previous enquires but my instinct tells me I'm going to be the actual person renting it (My Instinct might be wrong though). I'd be very very happy if you respond as I can make instant arrangement for the rent in case other prospective renters haven't made deposits.

    Have a splendid day

    Jaron


    What a joke. Thank you for having this blog up with all the info!

    ReplyDelete
  24. Wow, thanks for the blog! Almost got duped as of May 22, 2012. Wenly Donovan from Sweden was looking to rent a room in my house. Luckily I haven't given him/her any of my banking information, although I'm kind of scared that he/she knows where I live. I have reported the incident to the canadian anti-fraud centre.

    This was the e-mail I got:

    Hello,

    I'm Wren Donovan, 25 years and from Sweden. I am a vivacious, open minded and matured. My philosophy is putting a smile on a face(happiness is a byproduct of making someone else happy). I don't drink and smoke. I am very clean and organised and will be coming over alone without pets. I will be working from the regular 9-5 as a Design/Development Analyst and will be in Canada for 3 years. I hold a very positive view about life and people say I sometimes oscillate from shy to loquacious depending on my environment.

    Although I have a feeling someone might be in contention for the place because I only saw your ad today and you might have responded to previous enquires but my instinct prodded me In making enquiry.
    I'd be very very happy if you respond as I can make instant arrangement for the rent in case other prospective renters haven't made deposits yet.

    Have a splendid day
    Wren

    ReplyDelete
  25. I'm dealing with the same guy...Wren from Sweden and his shipper! But I'm on to them.

    Thanks for the blog!

    ReplyDelete
  26. I have just dealt with the same guys. I knew it was a scam.

    ReplyDelete
  27. Targeted in British Columbia. Gaaaa there has to be some way of catching people. Oh well if we don't Karama will.

    ReplyDelete
  28. hey i just got an email from him...10 minutes ago and here i find your blog! thx you saved me a lot of time and trouble... im from montreal, his name is wrenl donovan and hes from sweden

    ReplyDelete
  29. i got the same scamm , but i will not respond
    thanks to your blog

    here what it said :

    Wrenly Donovan
    abundantmeans18@gmail.com

    Hello,
    I am very interested in renting your place. I am from Gotenborg, Sweden
    and been living there for the past 15years. I'm 27years old and I
    rarely drink and don't smoke.
    love pets but will be coming with none. I'm very laidback, responsible,
    respectful and the most important thing to me at this moment of
    forging ahead in my career(after family).
    I'm quite open minded and never hold bigoted views against others inclinations.
    I'm coming to resume work as a IT Infrastructure Analyst for the next
    couple of years in Canada. I'm quite flexible to duration of
    availability.
    I look forward to your positive response
    Have a bright day.
    Donovan

    ReplyDelete
  30. ALERT: same scam using a new name!
    the name Nelson Bryant saying he is from Gotenburg, Sweden:

    Hello,
    I am very interested in renting your place. I am from Gotenborg, Sweden
    and been living there for the past 15years. I'm 27years old and I
    rarely drink and don't smoke.
    love pets but will be coming with none. I'm very laidback, responsible,
    respectful and the most important thing to me at this moment of
    forging ahead in my career(after family).
    I'm quite open minded and never hold bigoted views against others inclinations.
    I'm coming to resume work as a IT Infrastructure Analyst for the next
    couple of years in Canada. I'm quite flexible to duration of
    availability.
    I look forward to your positive response
    Have a bright day.
    Nelson

    message 2 from Nelson Bryant

    Hello,
    I am happy you responded to my email and I look forward to coming over
    to Canada alone on July 13th but I'll be resuming work
    officially on the 24th of Aug.
    My employer will be sending you payment for the first month and/or deposit.
    Also my shipper will be shipping my car and other personal effects before I
    move into your place.
    I won't be bringing much over as I intend to buy most afresh there. But my
    PC will be coming with me surely & other personal belongings. If this is ok
    with you, kindly mail me back your name to make out the payment in & your
    address to have it sent to.
    I will be off to see my sick mum in the hospital who is due for surgery soon.
    You can call me anytime on +46317859309 and skype i.d zagatzagat101
    I look forward to your response.
    Yours Sincerely
    Nelson

    aparently there is a CTV W5 report on this but i haven't been able to find it.

    i emailed the antifraud centre of canada here info@antifraudcentre.ca but i don't know how that will help. I found it helpful having all the information in this blog posting. keep posting. posting key words to make it easy for people to find this information WITH references to this blog. i know until i read this i didn't understand how this could be a scam :/ thanks for posting this!

    ReplyDelete
  31. Same deal:

    Ficticious renter: Nelson Bryant email: nbryson28@gmail.com
    abundantmeans14@gmail.com
    I've received correspondence from both.

    Skype ID: zigzatzigzat101

    Name of remitter on bank draft: Daniel Smith

    Return address for Xpresspost Delivery (Fraudulent Bank Draft):
    Mark Anaconda
    1 Rean Drive
    Toronto ON M2K 3C1

    Bank Draft was not very convincing and clearly an amateur fraud (no transit #'s and no normal bank draft security features.)

    ReplyDelete
  32. I have this cheque I dont know what to do with it....he strung me along with the name wrenly Donovan and his shipper n mover victor Henry

    ReplyDelete
  33. I live in Edmonton and have just been scamed by this same guy Wen from Sweden. The Fedex arrived just after I saw your site and I did not pick it up. Thanks so much. Everyone thing is word for word.

    ReplyDelete
  34. Deirdre in VancouverJuly 20, 2012 at 7:05 AM

    Yup, he contacted me as well...numerous phone calls regarding his mother being sick, mother about to be operated on, mother died,(lots of sobbing)funeral arrangements being made at this moment...
    I spoke with the Ontario company that the cheque was allegedly drawn on. Apparently I am close to #40 of fake cheques he has issued. My last conversation with Wrenly was yesterday morning wherein when I asked about his bank, transit number etc etc he simply restated using Western Union or emailing him or his shipper the money with a "I beg of you" plea at the end. This guy is sick!

    ReplyDelete
  35. Hello.

    The exact same thing happened to me when I wanted to rent my room. Same circumstances, same story about the dying mother. Different names but the exact copied and pasted sentences and e-mails. Quite sad. I live in Montreal and I hate the fact that these crooks are out there taking advantage of so many people. The e-mail accounts used with me were:

    shipitfastfastfast@gmail.com
    and
    brad.donovan101@gmail.com

    They sent me a check for $ 2500.00, which was finally withdrawn from my bank account.

    Hopefully, this wren guy will be caught...

    ReplyDelete
  36. I am in correspondence with the little sh*t right now. Why the heck can't somebody catch this guy? Couldn't someone send him maybe $2.00 via Western union and the police pick up the guy who picks up the money? I called the rcmp today and got no one who could do anything nor knew what to do! The opportunity will be gone in a couple of days when he figures out I'm on to him. How frustrating!My husband wants to beat the crap out of him but sadly he will not get to do that either.

    ReplyDelete
  37. I printed this blog and took it to my local MLA's office. Maybe they will do something!

    ReplyDelete
  38. Am currently corresponding with him. New name is Neilson Bryent from Sweden, shipper is Samiel Daniel from shipfastfastfast@gmail.com. They sent the cheque to the wrong place and when I heard his mother died, I started googling what was going on. Thanks for the blog. I am going to post a warning on craigslist for this scum.

    ReplyDelete
  39. So I received my cheque today. I took it straight to the West Van police without opening it so they are going to run the actual cheque for prints.I also asked where I could send flowers and he sent me a street address in Sweden which I also turned over to police. The mailing of my cheque was done on line and paid for by credit card so they are running that info as well.He's been calling me on Skype but I haven't answered. Today I will send him an email to tell him that the bank wouldnt cash the cheque and suggest that maybe his company stopped payment and could he please send the full funds via western union, and see what he has to say.... I'll keep you posted!

    ReplyDelete
  40. RCMP E-Division in BC do not have the manpower or knowledge to investigate. Their computer forensic section is understaffed and as far as I know they are totally overworked. They won't touch anything under $5K. I have dealt with scammers before. Simple rule: No info or details until you proof your credentials and money in my "hands"....Never had a problem with tenants. Call a spade a spade.

    ReplyDelete
  41. It is funny how everyone believes he is from Sweden or wherever he tells people he/she is from.

    I will bet it is the Canadian guy who got caught with the jewels from an Austrian gallery, same guy who stole a few million from the TD bank machines...did some time, has a few alias's...

    He is making hundreds of thousands of dollars per year(if not millions)...

    ReplyDelete
  42. Just got scammed by Nelson Bryant, too. Didn't find this site until too late. Will report as well.

    ReplyDelete
  43. Nielsen Bryent nelsonbryanty@gmail.com
    contacted me last night for my room posted on Craigslist TriCities (BC)
    (thanks for the Blog!!)
    for the record and to continue the tracking, here is the text:
    --------------
    Hello,
    I am very interested in renting your place. I am from Gotenborg, Sweden
    and been living there for the past 15years. I'm 27years old and I
    rarely drink and don't smoke.
    love pets but will be coming with none. I'm very laidback, responsible,
    respectful and the most important thing to me at this moment of
    forging ahead in my career(after family).
    I'm quite open minded and never hold bigoted views against others inclinations.
    I'm coming to resume work as a IT Infrastructure Analyst for the next
    couple of years in Canada. I'm quite flexible to duration of
    availability.
    I look forward to your positive response
    Nielsen
    -------------------
    While I did reply to him with a series of questions I punched in his name in google. Having changed his name it didn't come up right away but I did ask him why his e-mail address didn't match his name. I'll post his reply when/if I get it.
    Claus

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. As expected he replied with the standard text:
      -------------
      From: Nielsen Bryent abundantmeans14@gmail.com
      date: Wed, Aug 8, 2012 at 3:42 PM
      Hello,
      I am happy you responded to my email and I look forward to coming over
      to Canada alone on Aug 17th but I'll be resuming work
      officially on the 24th of Sept.
      My employer will be sending you payment for the first month and/or deposit.
      Also my shipper will be shipping my car and other personal effects before I
      move into your place.
      I won't be bringing much over as I intend to buy most afresh there. But my
      PC will be coming with me surely & other personal belongings. If this is ok
      with you, kindly mail me back your name to make out the payment in & your
      address to have it sent to.
      I will be off to see my sick mum in the hospital who is due for surgery soon.
      You can call me anytime on +46317859309 and skype i.d zagatzagat101
      I look forward to your response.
      Yours Sincerely
      --------------
      Note: he changed his e-mail address to abundantmeans14@gmail.com and did not answer any of my questions.

      I'm going to ask him next for a Western Union transfer instead of a check from his company.

      He'll likely just cut and paste his next reply as per the script above.

      Delete
  44. I live in Canada, and also got the same EXACT email basically LOL.... when he didn't ask about where the place is and just straight up said "I'm shipping things to your place" it didn't add up... not to mention the fact he never mentioned where he was working =.=....
    here is what he wrote
    -------------------------------------
    Hello,
    I am very interested in renting your place. I am from Gotenborg, Sweden
    and been living there for the past 15years. I'm 27years old and I
    rarely drink and don't smoke.
    love pets but will be coming with none. I'm very laidback, responsible,
    respectful and the most important thing to me at this moment of
    forging ahead in my career(after family).
    I'm quite open minded and never hold bigoted views against others inclinations.
    I'm coming to resume work as a IT Infrastructure Analyst for the next
    couple of years in Canada. I'm quite flexible to duration of
    availability.
    I look forward to your positive response
    Nielsen
    ------------------------------------
    Hello,
    I am happy you responded to my email and I look forward to coming over
    to Canada alone on Aug 17th but I'll be resuming work
    officially on the 24th of Sept.
    My employer will be sending you payment for the first month and/or deposit.
    Also my shipper will be shipping my car and other personal effects before I
    move into your place.
    I won't be bringing much over as I intend to buy most afresh there. But my
    PC will be coming with me surely & other personal belongings. If this is ok
    with you, kindly mail me back your name to make out the payment in & your
    address to have it sent to.
    I will be off to see my sick mum in the hospital who is due for surgery soon.
    You can call me anytime on +46317859309 and skype i.d zagatzagat101
    I look forward to your response.
    Yours Sincerely
    -------------------------------------
    I think the CATCH is that skype number that's where I found this blog...i encourage everyone to post it so that if people get scammed they can refer to that same SKYPE number.... either way, I'm glad you posted this on your blog because otherwise I'd still be a little doubtful of a story too good to be true :P

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I got exactly the same email message contents. I asked for the company name and he couldn't tell me. I asked for $300 dollars damage deposit and he offered $900 dollars. I turned it down as he didn't even asked me where the location of house is. I advised to give me the money when he gets here, he disappeared and didn't response anymore. I checked the source of email address and found it weird, the names changes, I began to think it was a scam..what an idiot.

      Delete
  45. Cant believe it. Less than a week after I handed the cheque over to the police, I have Wrenly Dalgaard (abundantmeans@gmail.com) from Sweden again. The idiot cant even remember who he has already tried to scam. I've reported his email address to gmail (abuse@gmail.com) and also to craigslist. I have also had people respond to my Scam Alert in craigs list to say they have been contacted too. Ive tried to report him to skype but couldnt figure out how to do it. I think I'll respond and tell him I rented it to Neilson, see if he actually reads his reposnses or not.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. To report him block his username and another dialog box will come up and ask if you want to report him.

      Delete
  46. Reported him to skype today. They contacred me for more info and asked me send screen shots of our conversations.

    ReplyDelete
  47. I rec'd my cheque for $000. and I am still hping that my MPP's office is going to do something but as for me, he will not be calling again as my husband got irritated the last time he phoned and put the run on him. Too bad because I'd like to try to get him caught.

    ReplyDelete
  48. I got the exact same email as Joby Chen. The email came from a "Nelson Bryant" but the idiot signed the email as "Nielsen". That is beyond stupid! I am very happy that people are onto this scam and I pray that nobody falls for it! We need to keep the word out there. . .

    ReplyDelete
  49. A couple of years ago I posted a car for sale on kijiji and I received a reply from someone in the UK. He wanted to buy the car and have it shipped to England. He wanted to send me a cheque for the amount I asked for plus $2000 for the shipping and I was to forward the extra $2000 to the shipping company. This sounded really fishy to me so I just ignored him. He emailed again and I never replied.

    ReplyDelete
  50. I got the same sort of email but from some guy by the name of Morales. I work for a bank so when I received the cheque I called CIBC to confirm funds. They said not to cash the cheque and contact our police department. They did flag the account. Its a numbers game, they send hundreads of emails and unfortunately some trusting people fall for this BS. I am sure they make their living this way. I didnt google his name but was suspicious when he did want more info about the apartment and why would anyone want to ship a old car! I knew for sure he was a scammer when he said his mother died. What a low life for using this line!!!

    ReplyDelete
  51. From: Wrenly Dalgaard
    Subject: $650 Fully furnished room in a 2BR bsmt suite for International Students

    I did receive the same email from Joby Chen and we live here at Vancouver, BC. I think the target is British Columbia now. Is there anyway this kind of person be caught?

    ReplyDelete
  52. I had just read your blog this morning, so had a good laugh when i received this: From Nielsen Bryent bryantn432@gmail.com

    Hello,
    I am very interested in renting your place. I am from Gotenborg, Sweden
    and been living there for the past 15years. I'm 27years old and I
    rarely drink and don't smoke.
    love pets but will be coming with none. I'm very laidback, responsible,
    respectful and the most important thing to me at this moment of
    forging ahead in my career(after family).
    I'm quite open minded and never hold bigoted views against others inclinations.
    I'm coming to resume work as a IT Infrastructure Analyst for the next
    couple of years in Canada. I'm quite flexible to duration of
    availability.
    I look forward to your positive response
    Nielsen


    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    This message was remailed to you via: b5rxz-3204240871@hous.craigslist.org
    If this email is a scam or spam please flag it now:
    http://craigslist.org/flag/201208171844311oDUlJvo4RG614_hsYYkgQ
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------

    ReplyDelete
  53. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  54. Well I can confirm they are targeting B.C. right now. I received identical e-mails like above from Wrenly Dalgaard. I was suspicious so I thought I would google his name. Thanks to all who posted their experiences I was able to avoid being scammed. I also wrote him an e-mail back telling him exactly what I thought of him. Won't help but it sure made me feel better. Still awaiting my cheque in the mail!!!

    ReplyDelete
  55. This guy just tried to get me for a place I listed in Sooke, BC, under Wrenly Dalgaard... I asked him to fill out a form and send me a scan of his photo ID so I'm curious to see if he responds or not. Funny I wish I had gotten the poem, that gave me a good laugh!
    Thanks so much for this blog, you saved me from further headaches! I knew it was too good to be true (also anyone who mentions their sick mother in this situation raises a red flag anyways!) also the word "bigot" also in general, booking an apartment without seeing it!

    ReplyDelete
  56. Latest iteration as of Sept. 7-14, 2012: Wrenly Dalgaard, 27, is from Gotenburg, Sweden, and wants to move into my suite. His email ID is abundantmeans13@gmail.com . Peter Matthew of Shipitfastfastfast is shipping his car and other things to Canada. Peter's supposed address is 67 c backen storgats, Jonkoping, Sweden. Other details--sick mother, pending surgery, her death, distraught phone call from Wrenly, his poem--are all the same.

    Morgan Onda, thank you for posting your story and helping to save some of us from these world-class jerks. Your commendable citizenship and concern for others is the antithesis of these scammers' fraudulent behavior.

    ReplyDelete
  57. This idiot never learns. I have again had an email from Neilson Bryant, and now a new name:
    Presley Mcfarland
    Email address:
    presley.mcfarlane11@gmail.com
    Called him an f***** A******* and told him to get a real job instead of trying to hurt hard working people. Wont do any good but made me feel better.

    ReplyDelete
  58. And ColiP, in my case alone it would have been a $6000 fraud when the dust settles(original cheque of $3500 being reversed from my account and the $2500 he wanted me to send)but the police still weren't interested. Their reason was I hadn't fallen for it so fraud was not actually committed.

    ReplyDelete
  59. (sooke person) I wish I had hacking skills so that I could trace him better myself! He didn't send me an ID and wants my phone number... maybe I should give him the number of the local police if only to get him (her / them) to sh*t their pants for a second!

    ReplyDelete
  60. Still going on, fifteen months later!

    This time it's "Wrenly Dalgaard" from Sweden. I'm playing with him for a bit, to see if he's stupid enough to reveal anything to hang him with. So far, I have what I assume is a fake postal address: "54 D Frended Gopen Jonpeking Gotenburg Sweden," which Google Maps is unable to locate.

    By using gmail, these guys are essentially untraceable. whois(1) tells me his email came through a US Google IP address, but that's all you can find out. It would be nice if Google tacked on the sender's IP address, because they have that when he sends the mail, but it's lost after that.

    Just remember: if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

    ReplyDelete
  61. I am in the same situation. He told that his cheque has been sent and will arrive to me. Also, his car shipper sent me an email today, and he said that he will wait until I confirm that I received the cheque, and then sends the belongings. What should I do now??? Please advise.

    ReplyDelete
  62. Folks it just happened to me today!! Dont fall for it!! Sept 30th , 2012

    As Per Below:

    Hello,
    I am very interested in renting your place. I am from Gotenborg, Sweden
    and been living there for the past 15years. I'm 27years old and I
    rarely drink and don't smoke.
    love pets but will be coming with none. I'm very laidback, responsible,
    respectful and the most important thing to me at this moment of
    forging ahead in my career(after family).
    I'm quite open minded and never hold bigoted views against others inclinations.
    I'm coming to resume work as a IT Infrastructure Analyst for the next
    couple of years in Canada. I'm quite flexible to duration of
    availability.
    Nielsen

    ReplyDelete
  63. His name was Nelson Bryant

    ReplyDelete
  64. Just told young Wrenly that we don't rent to Reptilians from Swaziland.....

    ReplyDelete
  65. This is his reply email changed his name up a bit too, since i had blocked him on my email

    Hello,
    I am happy you responded to my email and I look forward to coming over
    to Canada alone on Oct 10 but I'll be resuming work
    officially on the 24th of Nov.
    My employer will be sending you payment for the first month and/or deposit.
    Also my shipper will be shipping my car and other personal effects before I
    move into your place.
    I won't be bringing much over as I intend to buy most afresh there. But my
    PC will be coming with me surely & other personal belongings. If this is ok
    with you, kindly mail me back your name to make out the payment in & your
    address to have it sent to.
    I will be off to see my sick mum in the hospital who is due for surgery soon.
    You can call me anytime on skype i.d abound.abound
    I look forward to your response.
    Nielsen



    This is from delta, canada

    ReplyDelete
  66. Just got the same the eamil from Wrenly Dalgaard

    Hello,
    I am very interested in renting your place. I am from Gotenborg, Sweden
    and been living there for the past 15years. I'm 27years old and I
    rarely drink and don't smoke.
    love pets but will be coming with none. I'm very laidback, responsible,
    respectful and the most important thing to me at this moment of
    forging ahead in my career(after family).
    I'm quite open minded and never hold bigoted views against others inclinations.
    I'm coming to resume work as a IT Infrastructure Analyst for the next
    couple of years in Canada. I'm quite flexible to duration of
    availability.
    Wrenly

    Im in BC

    ReplyDelete
  67. I received the exact same e-mail on September 30th via Craigslist Victoria. It looked fishy so I wrote back asking for more information then Googled his name and found this site.

    You can report him to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre info@antifraudcentre.ca. Not sure if they actually do anything...

    ReplyDelete
  68. Just received an e-mail from a creep named Wrenly from Sweden.

    What a waste of time. Thanks for sharing Morgan!

    ReplyDelete
  69. Well here's an interesting one. I posted a scam alert on Craigslist, and received a new response:

    Thanks for getting back to me... My name is Diana (Female),I am 27yrs old,I am fun loving, personal, friendly,clean and respectful of others. A non-smoker, don't do drugs, i drink occasionally,and drama free. I graduated last year in France. I am single and have no children..

    Am coming for my masters degree by beginning of next month for the next One year. I was born in France (Bordeaux), my dad is from USA but my mum is from Paris...I went to University of Bordeaux in France i speak both French and English ,am presently on research work at Guam (USA), am almost done with the research. Am doing it because its part of prerequisite for my masters in Microbiology. I would have loved to call you but this is a remote area calls is hard to go through from here and i don't want to waste much time.

    Am really interested in renting from you and i don't really love pets but i don't care if there is any in the house. I would have loved to see the place but am very far away,. I will also like you to tell me more about you and if you have garage or parking space because I will have my own car come over, please let me know the total payment of the place and more over I will send your email to my dad for him to email you later because he is the one that will be paying the bills but nevertheless,get back to me with your

    (1) Full name as it will appear on the check.
    (2) Address with Zip code
    (3) Cell phone number


    So that my Dad will issue out the payment for the place as soon as possible,with that you can hold on the place for me till i come. I will be looking forward to your email soonest.

    Thanks and have a nice day.

    I received this after I told her the suite was gone. So now it has spread to Guam and Daddy's paying the bills Still shipping her car over though.Wonder what daddy's name is? Nelson? Neilson? Wrenly?or a new player in the game?

    ReplyDelete
  70. Still going on, sixteen months later! Now Vancouver, BC

    The exact same thing happened to me when I wanted to rent my room. Now his name is Nielsen Bryent. Same circumstances, same story about the dying mother. Different names but the exact copied and pasted sentences and e-mails. Quite sad. I hate the fact that these crooks are out there taking advantage of so many people. The e-mail accounts used with me were:

    shipitfastfastfast@gmail.com
    and
    bryanson77@gmail.com
    then changed to: Nielsen Bryent

    Hopefully, this wren guy will be caught...

    On Sat, Oct 20, 2012 at 1:48 AM, Nielsen Bryent wrote:

    Hello,
    I am very interested in renting your place. I am from Gotenborg, Sweden
    and been living there for the past 15years. I'm 27years old and I
    rarely drink and don't smoke.
    love pets but will be coming with none. I'm very laidback, responsible,
    respectful and the most important thing to me at this moment of
    forging ahead in my career(after family).
    I'm quite open minded and never hold bigoted views against others inclinations.
    I'm coming to resume work as a IT Infrastructure Analyst for the next
    couple of years in Canada. I'm quite flexible to duration of
    availability.
    Nielsen

    On Sat, Oct 20, 2012 at 11:38 AM, Nielsen Bryent wrote:

    Hello,
    I am happy you responded to my email and I look forward to coming over
    to Canada alone on Oct 31 but I'll be resuming work
    officially on the 24th of Nov.
    My employer will be sending you payment for the first month and/or deposit.
    Also my shipper will be shipping my car and other personal effects before I
    move into your place.
    I won't be bringing much over as I intend to buy most afresh there. But my
    PC will be coming with me surely & other personal belongings. If this is ok
    with you, kindly mail me back your name to make out the payment in & your
    address to have it sent to.
    I will be off to see my sick mum in the hospital who is due for surgery soon.
    You can call me anytime on skype i.d abound.abound
    I look forward to your response.
    Nielsen

    On Mon, Oct 22, 2012 at 5:16 AM, Nielsen Bryent wrote:

    Hello,
    My employer has sent payment to your location and I'll be sending
    you the details later. This will enable you know when it will arrive.
    I will appreciate if you notify me as soon as it does.
    This is the first time I will be traveling to North America and I
    believe articulating myself with the cultural change will not be
    difficult as people like you will make me settle in easily. In Sweden
    majority of us are conservatives and I believe Canada is an
    environment with more liberal and free thinking individuals.
    Facing new challenges and enhancing my skills will be first priority
    and I promise you that you will not regret ever renting the place out
    to me as I am a very matured and understanding person.
    Most importantly my shipper will be getting in touch with you
    regarding shipping of my car to your place and I have
    given him your contact.His name is Matthew Daniel and he'll contact you
    by email.
    Nielsen


    On Mon, Oct 22, 2012 at 8:03 AM, Mover 'n' Shipper wrote:

    Hello ,
    I am Matthew Daniel, and Mr Nielsen Bryent's shipper. He instructed me to get
    in touch with you pertaining his personal effects that he will be shipping
    to Canada but I have been instructed not to commence shipping until you
    confirm receipt of your rent.
    There are certain details that I will be requiring from you so as to make
    sure everything goes as planned.But most especially I will be needing the
    address that Mr Bryent's effects will be arriving in Canada.
    I await your response.
    Thank You
    Matthew

    ReplyDelete
  71. Thank you so much for your post, I to was almost scammed by this same email. It was almost word for word as yours except that it was a 27 year old female from Gotenborg Sweden. She said that she was coming to Canada to work as an IT Tech for a couple of years. She went by the name Wrenly D. and stated that her employer was going to ship her vehicle and personal belongings over and wanted me name and address to send the cheque. She gave me her Skype address and I said that I would like to meet and talk to her first and discuss a few things. I sent the Skype request, however she did not add me in order to contact her. She then sent me an email telling me that she was available to Skype all day today. I did a little investigation and discovered that she spelled the name of her town where she supposedly lived in Sweden for 15 years wrong. It is spelled Goteborg, Sweden. I then did a name search and came up with nothing. I then did a search on the email address and found your blog. It was a nice touch with the sick mother needing surgery. I cannot believe how rampant these scams are. Hopefully we can prevent someone else from falling for it. Luckily I clued in when I did a little detective work. Thank you again for you post.
    Cher

    ReplyDelete
  72. I have recieved an email from a Wrenly Donovan very similar to yours looking to rent my house. Thanks for posting this, I googled wrenly donovan and this came up... I can't believe these people have so much time on there hands to think this shit up! hmmm... I asked emailed him a rental agreement form asking for his canadian employment information... doubt I will hear back from him!

    ReplyDelete
  73. Thank you so much for posting! Also got an email from Wrenly in Sweden wanting to rent from us. Asked him if he'd be able to provide references and verification of his employment in Canada. Can't believe the nerve of some people and I feel for all who've been duped in these senseless scams.

    ReplyDelete
  74. Name is now Wrenly Dalgaard. He even called me from 1-805-778-1724. Recieved note from his shipper. Cheque came in the mail from employer - LowGradeLumber Seattle WA, through the Royal Bank with local address. The bank verified fraudulant cheque. Bank kept cheque.
    RCMP will do nothing until you acually lose money.

    ReplyDelete
  75. Thank you for this alert. I googled this name Wrenly D from sweden the IT infrastructure Anaylst and I saw this alert. You have saved me time and money.

    ReplyDelete
  76. Thank you for you blog. Neilsen Bryent, 27, from Sweden emailed me shortly after I posted my ad on Craigslist!

    ReplyDelete
  77. Thanks for publishing this blog. I had never heard of the name 'Wrenly' before, so I googled, "Wrenly, Sweden" and the top results yielded craiglist scammer...of the same name and email. Here is what 'Wrenly' sent to me:

    On 2012-11-10, at 10:18 AM, Wrenly D wrote:


    Hello,
    I am very interested in renting your place. I am from Gotenborg, Sweden
    and been living there for the past 15years. I'm 27years old and I
    rarely drink and don't smoke.
    love pets but will be coming with none. I'm very laidback, responsible,
    respectful and the most important thing to me at this moment of
    forging ahead in my career(after family).
    I'm quite open minded and never hold bigoted views against others inclinations.
    I'm coming to resume work as a IT Infrastructure Analyst for the next
    couple of years in Canada. I'm quite flexible to duration of
    availability.
    Wrenly

    ReplyDelete
  78. I am from Vancouver BC and was duped with the same scam with Nielsen Bryent from Sweden and Matthew Daniels. Unfortunately I found this blog pretty late but thankfully I hadnt sent any money back to these scamsters.
    To avoid other people being duped and to protect our information which they already have, is there anything we can do? Someone mentioned reporting them on craigslist but my case suggests that apparently that wasnt of much help. Is reporting to the Canadian anti-fraud centre any fruitful and should we make a formal complaint against these people?

    ReplyDelete
  79. WOW, these people have been pretty busy!My story and the rest of these are almost exactly the same . The things that made me suspicious were 1. Wrenly wouldn't name the IT company she was going to work for in Victoria. 2. she was bringing a car? 3. no confirmed date of arrival. Her mother is dying and she has time to write a poem about Canada? Thanks to Morgan for setting up this blog. Should have checked this site before I waisted my time with e-mails to these low lifes.

    ReplyDelete
  80. HAHA I received that email too.
    I told him my place will be free for the first 3 months and I told him to come to stay.

    I don't need his money... haha

    ReplyDelete
  81. Anonymous November 24th, 2012

    I just got a message from Mr. Nielsen Bryent yesterday that I should send my name and address for the paycheque and that he does not answer any more questions as it is dangerous to do so on Internet and it is a question of security...... I got very suspicious because I asked for female Nielsen is a male name, the emails have two differeent addresses and his skype abound.abound did appear to belong to someone in his city.

    Thank you so much for all this posting, I found another when I posted his Nielsen Bryent name.

    ReplyDelete
  82. We've been corresponding with this guy recently as well. Any ideas on how to scam the scammer? We're at the point where he has mailed us a cheque with a tracking #. Interestingly enough the tracking # starts from Brampton ON (he says he's in Sweden). We're in Vancouver area, looks like he is targeting the West Coast atm.
    Thanks for your blog and thanks to everyone who has posted their stories, food info and also good for a few laughs. Loved his Canada poem, lol.

    ReplyDelete
  83. your a bit of a bonehead for posting all your persoanl info addresses email etc in this blog. Your ripe for identity theft, not to mention a prime candidate for CL scams...which you have already shown a vulnerability to.

    Bottom line 99% of CL scams are originating from outside your country. So why are you even dealing with foreigners?

    ReplyDelete
  84. Same thing happended to me but I had my suspsicions, so I immediately requested a meet up. naturally the response I received prompted my search:










    Nielsen Bryent brynsonn@gmail.com via craigslist.org



    Dec 4 (1 day ago)














    to vdpzn-34536470.











    Hello,

    I am very interested in renting your place. I am from Gotenborg, Sweden

    and been living there for the past 15years. I'm 27years old and I

    rarely drink and don't smoke.

    love pets but will be coming with none. I'm very laidback, responsible,

    respectful and the most important thing to me at this moment of

    forging ahead in my career(after family).

    I'm quite open minded and never hold bigoted views against others inclinations.

    I'm coming to resume work as a IT Infrastructure Analyst for the next

    couple of years in Canada. I'm quite flexible to duration of

    availability.

    Nielsen


    --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Original craigslist post:
    http://vancouver.en.craigslist.ca/van/roo/3453647074.html
    If this email is a scam or spam please flag it now:
    http://craigslist.org/mf/01d954ccd3e1e235a5234d07b68115f47dd036a0.1
    --------------------------------------------------------------------------------






























































































    Shay A



    8:49 PM (22 hours ago)














    to Nielsen











    Hey Nielsen:



    Thank you for you response. Glad to have received it. Are you in town now? or will you be arriving soon? The place is available for rent starting Jan 1, 2013 and I would need someone to move in immediately. As the lease is under my name, I would really like someone who is kind hearted, respectful, understanding, yet easy going and lighthearted.



    If you are around, perhaps we could meet to see if we get on well. Please advise if this is something you are comfortable with. I lead a relatively busy lifestyle where my schedule is filled up weeks in advance. Its even worse during the holidays. Wondering if you would be okay meeting either the 13 or 14 of December?



    Looking forward to your response,



    Shaylen








































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




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








































    Nielsen Bryent



    10:25 PM (20 hours ago)














    to me










    Hello,
    I am happy you responded to my email and I look forward to coming over
    to Canada alone on Dec 13 but I'll be resuming work
    officially on the 20th of Jan.
    My employer will be sending you payment for the first month and/or deposit.
    Also my shipper will be shipping my car and other personal effects before I
    move into your place.
    I won't be bringing much over as I intend to buy most afresh there. But my
    PC will be coming with me surely & other personal belongings. If this is ok
    with you, kindly mail me back your name to make out the payment in & your
    address to have it sent to.
    I will be off to see my sick mum in the hospital who is due for surgery soon.
    You can call me anytime on skype i.d abound.abound
    I look forward to your response.

    ReplyDelete
  85. Same craigslist email to a BC posting. Nielsen Bryent gmail address. (Nielsen is a last name in Swedish, so it is suspicious.) I got his IP address through skype. (Look at your network traffic through resource monitor once you have a skype voice connection.) He can't speak Swedish, obviously, but tried to use instant skype translation which resulted in poor Swedish grammar. (I've lived in Sweden and can still speak it.) I used goiptool for 41.203.67.52 (abound.abound) and it turned up to be Lagos, Nigeria. Enough said. I doubt if the police will do anything.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I forgot to add a couple details. The person cannot spell properly since he says that he comes from Gotenburg, Sweden. The correct spellings are Gothenburg (English) or Göteberg (Swedish). The same incorrect spelling is also used as his skype location.
      Also 2 different email addresses were used on followup communication.

      Nielsen Bryent
      Nielsen Bryent

      If you get an email from him, tell him you've traced his IP address and then ask him how the weather is in Lagos! That should make him wonder a bit.

      Unfortunately, gmail filters the originating IP address in the headers so you can't tell from a gmail email.

      The IP search I used was geoiptool (typo before). If you simply add him to your skype contacts, when he is online, if you look through your filtered network traffic, you'll see an IP address similar to 41.203.67.xx

      There are obviously numerous mistakes in his scam, so if someone falls for it they are pretty gullible. Especially if they send money before a cheque clears. But he's playing a numbers game.

      Delete
    2. emails didn't show up in posting
      bryantn432@gmail.com
      abundantmeans14@gmail.com

      Delete
  86. I just got the same email, from a Nelson Bryant (bryanson43@gmail.com) which later suspiciously changes to the abundantmeans14@gmail.com. He wanted to rent my suite in Surrey, BC: it seems to be his favorite place to scam. It was sloppy on his part.



    Hello,
    I am very interested in renting your place. I am from Gotenborg, Sweden
    and been living there for the past 15years. I'm 27years old and I
    rarely drink and don't smoke.
    love pets but will be coming with none. I'm very laidback, responsible,
    respectful and the most important thing to me at this moment of
    forging ahead in my career(after family).
    I'm quite open minded and never hold bigoted views against others inclinations.
    I'm coming to resume work as a IT Infrastructure Analyst for the next
    couple of years in Canada. I'm quite flexible to duration of
    availability.
    Nielsen




    Hi there, Nielsen,

    You're coming all the way from Sweden? Wow! I bet it's beautiful there. I hope you'll like it here in British Columbia. It's pretty warm here most of the time (we haven't gotten any snow yet even though it's already December) and tends to rain more than anything, but the mountains are spectacular and there's lots to do.

    We're ideally looking for someone like yourself who is going to be around for awhile. We're quiet, family oriented type people, who love tradition and believe that respect is always the key to good relationships with others. We definitely have a nerdy side to us, too, though! We can be a lot of fun. :)

    Are you going to be coming for January? I think this could be a good fit :)

    Cheers,
    Destiny




    Hello,
    I am happy you responded to my email and I look forward to coming over
    to Canada alone on Dec 17 but I'll be resuming work
    officially on the 20th of Jan.
    My employer will be sending you payment for the first month and/or deposit.
    Also my shipper will be shipping my car and other personal effects before I
    move into your place.
    I won't be bringing much over as I intend to buy most afresh there. But my
    PC will be coming with me surely & other personal belongings. If this is ok
    with you, kindly mail me back your name to make out the payment in & your
    address to have it sent to.
    I will be off to see my sick mum in the hospital who is due for surgery soon.
    You can call me anytime on skype i.d abound.abound
    I look forward to your response.




    THANK YOU FOR POSTING THIS. If I hadn't found it I might have been in the process of being scammed, plus I would have been out a room mate. :( Lame. I hate this guy. He really preys on people. I hope that the police decide to do something to him someday instead of allowing him to freely continue his criminal activities.

    ReplyDelete
  87. I got the same email from Wrenly Daalgard email: abundantmeans13@gmail.com. His movers are Mover 'N' Shipper email shipitfastfastfast@gmail.com.

    The cheque from Lordco Auto parts where he supposedly will be working was sent from Matthew McCormick with a Toronto address thru Canapost Xpresspost with tracking number. The cheque looks amazingly real

    The phone numbers i have received from these guys are:

    14164772333
    0112348127302879


    ReplyDelete
  88. Oh .. so much fun could be had with this (these) guy(s). I would love to post an ad and wait on Nielson, Wrenly, Diana (or any of their other alias') and say... I am a psychic and I have some very bad news for you...Your Mother is going to fall very ill and die and your car is going to suffer an unforntunate accident while being shipped from Sweden to Canada and be swallowed into the sea by a rougue wave all while you are arranging some very important financial transactions and composing very important correspence to some very nice and trusting Canadians, a knock will sound at your door and you will be hand-cuffed and arrested for internet fraud and thrown in jail.

    ReplyDelete
  89. Exact same guy just tried to scam my mother who is renting out a room on craigslist vancouver, bc.

    Scammer "Knelsen Briant"

    Shipper scammer "William Johnson": shipitfastfastfast@gmail.com

    Glad that this post existed, it confirmed our suspicions that this is a scam attempt.

    ReplyDelete
  90. THANK YOU!!

    Same scam endeavour.

    Scammer "Wrienly Dagrat":
    abundantmeans13@gmail.com
    from Gotenborg, Sweden.
    27 years old
    skype name: abound.abound
    mobile phone (listed on skype): +467655788992
    Tried to call many times from the following number: 2348127302879

    Shipper scammer "William Johnson": shipitfastfastfast@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  91. THANK YOU...
    SAME SCAM... February 16,2013...
    Scammer "Wrienly Dagrat"
    Exactly like the previous note above....

    ReplyDelete
  92. Thanks for confirming my suspicions

    Same scam Feb 22, 2013
    Scammer "Wrienly Dagrat"

    ReplyDelete
  93. Since 2011 (or earlier) and still this scam network is operating! here the email I received in reply to an AD for a room in Vancouver, the 2013 version!
    Hello,
    I was going through series of adverts and came across yours. I think
    your place might be best suited for me and I'd loved to rent it.
    I am 28 and presently live in Stockholm but will be moving to Canada
    and will be working as a Business development analyst, hence I plan on
    getting a place before my arrival to make settling convenient for me.

    I'm quite easy going, matured and most times gregarious, nonetheless
    I'm not perfect and I come with my inadequacies. I believe good
    communication is always essential and I often tend to nip any
    complications in the bud before it becomes worse. Most of my friends
    call me the peace maker as I tend to shy away from any form of
    confrontation. I'm also big time lover of outdoor activities and
    sports.
    I drink socially and don't smoke and never tried drugs.

    I love my career and the reason behind my big move to Canada is
    because judging from several parameters is has the most favourable
    environment for business, the needed experience and exposure coupled
    with a very stable economy.

    I do look forward to your response and hope I end up being the choice
    candidate to rent your place.



    Thanks


    Knelsen

    ReplyDelete
  94. Same deal here. Since most of us never gave him a cheque, the police won't do anything. I suggest that those of you who did lose money contact one another and put in a group request to the Canadian anti-fraud centre (info@antifraudcentre.ca). Surely even among those who did lose money, there are at least $50,000 in claims just from those viewing this blog. Perhaps one of you who has lost money could create an email address to coordinate with the others? Good luck!

    ReplyDelete
  95. Also got an e-mail from this one claiming to be Wrienly Dagrat moving here from Stockholm. When you can google this stuff in an instant I'm surprised anyone still falls for it. Just human nature I guess.

    ReplyDelete
  96. Knelson also sent me exactly the same message.
    He was targetting the AMS(UBC) rentsline.

    ReplyDelete
  97. This scam has been around for years, it's called Nigerian Advance Fee Fraud and is most often carried out from Internet cafes in Lagos, Nigeria. Endless fake names and back stories, same old scam. Beware!

    http://parishousingscamwatch.wordpress.com/2008/06/17/alert-scammer-tenant-sandra-roland/

    http://parishousingscamwatch.wordpress.com/2008/06/20/sandrarolandscammer/

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. This scheme has been around for years in one form of another. Every time I put an ad out there for a place to rent, I get a response from someone overseas offering to rent sight unseen with advance overpayment. I just ignore and delete the message. However, the fact that it is still going on only tells me that they are still making money off it. The law is not doing anything about it so we should make sure we warn everyone we know trying to rent out places not to respond to anyone trying to rent a place sight unseen. Especially the ones who are offering large sums in advance.

      Delete
  98. I got a reply from maybe this same guy a few years back — it's been happening for some time now. I recognized it as a scam early on and alerted both Vancouver police and London police. Vancouver police don't bother with fraud under $50K. London police, on the other hand, were calling me to find out why Vancouver police weren't taking this seriously and not returning their calls.

    As VPD was stalling, I kept the guy on the hook by telling him the bank wouldn't accept his first money order as the date wasn't clear. His "employer" sent another "overpayment".

    Anyone who gets one of these money orders should take it to the bank it's supposedly from. They're probably the best chance to get the fraud taken seriously.

    ReplyDelete
  99. He's at it again! He's now going as Stuart Pierce but still using an e-mail address of brysonnel@gmail.com

    He contacted me through GuySpy, a gay hookup app. His message is as follows.

    I'm exhilarated you replied my message. I'm a firm believer that great
    things can happen via obvious impossibilities.
    I'm 34 years old, compassionate, romantic and a quite honest(my
    friends tell me that). I dislike pretense and really need one thing;
    to build a lasting companionship with you.
    I'm quite open minded and never hold bigoted views against others
    inclinations. I believe in love and compassion.
    You find out these days the world has less of both but more of "self"
    and people forget about how the next person feels.

    I was born in the UK but moved to Canada with my mom at the
    age of eight after my dad passed away.
    She didn't really recover from the shock of losing my dad and reeled
    into drug use as such she barely noticed me and it led to a lot of
    abuse from her male acquaintances on me. She eventually died of a drug
    overdose. I was taken to an SOS village where I was taken care of and
    brought up. I made up my mind I was going to do something with my life
    and not get
    caught in the Vicious cycle that people in my circumstance get tangled in.
    I joined the the Army and gave my life a solid direction. I feel
    fulfilled to be candid with you.

    I'm sorry if I appear loquacious, but I thinks it's important you know
    me before anything. I will be glad to know about you as well;
    Your relationship status, work, career, family, whatever you feel
    comfortable to share with me.
    I have attached few more of my pictures, I will appreciate same from you.
    I will await your message.

    Stuart

    PS: We are not allowed to use any form of voice communication for
    security reasons and may delay sometimes in responding to your
    message, but will surely do when I get online

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. what does he want? he sent me the same email.

      Delete
  100. "Wrenly Donovan" attempted to rent a room in our house as well. I went so far as to confirm that I had sent him $2,500.00 via Western Union and gave him a phony 10 digit tracking number. He actually had the balls to send me an email asking why I would try and "mess up his brain". This guy writes the same responses, tells the same story about his mom being in surgery and then dying, sends the same poem and talks about the same wonderful opportunity that moving to a new country brings. I wish someone could catch him.

    ReplyDelete
  101. This crap is still going on. How hard can it be to catch someone picking up $ at Western Union? I don't know why the "authorities" don't get moving on this stuff. Between love scams, senior scams, and rent scams...and I know someone who got ripped off trying to buy a dog over the internet...come on!

    ReplyDelete