So, I'm looking for a new house and shop to move into, I posted several days ago.
I'm trolling around Hotpads.com when I find
THIS AD for a house for rent. Decent location.
Ad says to contact
johnrsargent@yahoo.com for information.
I look again at the location, and realize... I have a cousin... maybe uncle? Names John Sargent!
Turns out, this is my aunt Norma's old house. I spent many Christmas's there when I was a kid. She passed away about 6 or 7 years ago.
I email John immediately, asking him to call me. Then I call another aunt, and ask how to get hold of him directly.
She tells me John had lost the house. When Norma died, it was split between his sister and he. He bought her half.
I get hold of John via phone, and sure enough, He lost the house.. foreclosed.
Well, gee that's interesting because...
I get an email from "John Sargent" shortly after saying he wants to fill the house.
Quote:
From: John R Sargent
Sent: Oct 7, 2013 8:41 PM
To: WolfeMacleod
Subject: Re: Pinehurst House for Rent
How are you ? I want to rent it out and i want it occupied on time.I won't be able to call you for now but you can reach me via Email in case you have any question you want to ask
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I play the game, knowing this is a scam by now. Someone trying to scam deposit money using John name!
After a couple emails, he asks me when I'm ready to move in. I tell him "immediately" and please let me know how he wants to receive payment for the house.
Quote:
You are to pay first month rent plus deposit which is $2300 in total.Let me know when you will be ready so that i can forward the payment information of my Lawyer to you.And i would like to send the keys and hard copy of the lease agreement to you.
Thank you for your time.
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By this time, I have discovered that the house is owned by a company called Invitation Homes. I've spoken to the actual listing agent, and have let him know what's going on...
John's actual daughter noticed there was a phone number attached to the ad. Number pointed to a Denver, CO location.
I ask for the payment details...
Quote:
This is the account information of my Lawyer,
Capital One Bank
Gregory Johnston
Acct : 331545XXXX (removed)
Rout: 111901014
200 N mesquite st, arlington,tx 76010
Once I confirm your payment I will have the package that contains the keys and house documents sent to you and you will get it in less than 48 hours.Please don't forget to send the picture of the receipt of your payment,it will be used as reference.
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I get curious, and look to see if there is a lawyer in Arlignton, TX by the name of Gregory Johnston.
Sure enough, there's one relatively close...in Austin. And he does [commercial] real estate...
Greg Johnston | | Oxford Commercial*Oxford Commercial Real Estate in Austin, Texas
Pretty weird, what's going on here....
I have a Denver phone number, and a bank account number in Texas....and a name...
Which police should I try to coordinate with?