I know my topic is very vague, but I didn't wan to mention any names.

I made a reservation for a NYC apartment for next month through craigslist. The lady requested we pay through moneygram, which at the time I didn't know was a no-no.
So I did it.

It was for 5 nights beginning Nov. 15 on 25th street in Manhattan.

The lady acknowledged she received the moneygram, but I haven't heard from her since.

The phone number she supplied me with, I call and all I get is an answering service and never a call back. It doesn't even mention her name, just: The person you are trying to reach is not available, please leave a message," type thing.

I also have sent numerous e-mails and even sent a text message to the number she provided. All have fallen on deaf ears.

I am pretty sure I have been scammed, but what do you think? She had me send the moneygram to: 46 Salem St., Greenwich, NY.

Should I be alarmed? How would you handle this? Would you put this person's name out on a Web site like this, if for nothing else, to let others know and perhaps find out if it has happened before?

I will give you the property address at which we are supposed to have a place and maybe somebody out there will know if it is a fake or if it is a real property that rents out apartments.

It is: 456 W 25th Street, NYC (Manhattan).10001

I hope I haven't overstepped my bounds here, but I am pretty peaved.

Please let me know. I will probably have to make another reservation, but I really need some valuable input.

Thanks

(And if you know of anything that might be available for the dates mentioned, now on a relatively skimpy budget, please let me know that, too.)

I looked it up on google map. It appears to be a real building - 3 story walkup, with basement. The basement has a boarded up window. There is a man sitting on the step.


How much did you pay and what were you supposed to be getting? Apartment, how many bedrooms. etc.

I don't have a good feeling about this. Were there pictures on craigslist?

Deb

I suspect you have been scammed. I would contact craigslist and see if you can get additional info. For housing they charge posters so they probably have the posters real name and credit card info.

I am pretty sure I have been scammed, but what do you think?

Absolutely.

Should I be alarmed? How would you handle this? Would you put this person's name out on a Web site like this, if for nothing else, to let others know and perhaps find out if it has happened before?

http://newyork.craigslist.org/about/scams
Scroll down to "Who should I notify about fraud or scam attempts?"

You can also add your experience to this nice collection over on Tripadvisor:
http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic..._New_York.html

I am so sorry to read this. There is one small silver lining to sending a moneygram--at least, unlike a check, you did not send her more personal information that could lead to identity theft.

I googled 46 Salem St Greenwich NY. It is near Albany. There are several houses for sale on that street, looks like a nice suburban neighborhood. The phone #'s in the RE ad are area code 518 - is that what you have been calling?

Also, not sure, but doesn't Western Union require id to get money? do they keep records?

Deb

Hmmmm. I was just up that way earlier this week. Is there a finders fee?

Sorry, no finder's fee. Already on a limited budget. And losing over $500 on this really hurts. I am still hopeful I will get a call or something of a reply before long. Probably wishful thinking and naive, but I am trying to remain positive.

I really now need some ideas for housing. I don't want to get there and have to find something. That's not fun at all.

I know I should have been more careful, but it was a good deal. I know: if it sounds too good to be true...

I feel like Lamont Sanford on the episode about the Regency Commode when the dude gave him a phone number for a McDonald's hamburger place on the back of his check.

Thanks for the feedback. Keep 'em coming.

Just to answer some more of your questions:
yes, there were pictures. And they looked great.

I don't know anything about the practices of western union. I would think the person would have to show identification, but I just don't know.

The area code provided was not 518, but it could be a cell phone from anywhere.

Thanks so far. I will keep checking for new responses.

Would u print her name on here?

so sorry to hear this.

You can google the area could and see what area comes up.

There's a Hostelling International hostel on the West side and it is reputable and the rates are great for New York. Maybe you could try there for a private room? Just a suggestion.

Doug Stalling, Fodors editor, once posted a bunch of relatively inexpensive hotels and places to stay in New York that were reputable. If I can find the thread, I'll pull it up for you.

Believe there's also a YMCA/YWCA that was mentioned some time ago.

Just a couple of suggestions for you to look into.

Well - if you want New YorkCity you would have to be in Greenwich Village- but the address would still be New York, NY with a zipcode of 100XX. I'm not aware of any Salem St in Greenwich Village -but I live uptown and don;tknow every tiny street.

Also don't know Greenwich, NY (but Greenwich CTis av very upscale suburb about an hour from thecity.

If it's a Manhattan phonenumber the area code would be eithre 212 (older nos) or 917 or 646 (either newer numbers or cell phone).

If you haven;t heard anything I would assume you have been scammed adn contact:

1)NY City Better Business
2)Craig's list
3) tripadvisor
4) put more specifics here

5 nights for $500 in Manhattan inNovisincredibly cheap-would be amaxedif you coud get any legitimate apartment for that.(You would have trouble getting a room in a B&B with a shared bth.)

We don't want anything with a shared anything. We go on vacations to get out, but we really like our priovacy when it comes to certain things. Thanks for the input, though.

The name I was given is Jennifer Bash, the phone number is (646) 233-3041.

I just wish I had some recourse. I realize I was stupid and shouldn't have done it, but that's all water under the bridge now. That ship has long since sailed.

The address I mentioned is the correct address she gave me:
46 Salem St., Greenwich, NY.

I haven't tried to do anything through Craigslist yet. Should I wait and see for a bit longer? Should I go ahead and bite the bullet and reserve another place?

It just hacks me off that there are fiends out there ready to prey on the unsuspecting. I would like to say that it's never going to happen to me again, but never is a long time. And I am a far cry from being perfect.

Sorry. Now I'm rambling.

Thanks

As you have now found out you have booked in the wrong area. This is NOT New York City, but up past Albany. http://www.greenwichny.org/

You may want to just consider going, and see what you find. It is easy to find cheap lodging in that area.

Only, suggestion I have for cheaper NYC loding is Priceline. Alternatively, consider the Newark Hilton, which is at the Penn Station, and easy PATH access into Manhattan.

BQ - the address in Greenwich NY is where the OP sent the money gram; the location of the rental was on W 25th st. in NYC.

How long ago did you send money gram? When are you supposed to stay in the place? Wondering if there is a legit reason, but have doubts.

How were you supposed to get keys to get into apt? That is a long distance for them to come and give you keys.

Did you see outside picture of the place in craigslist? Does it match the one you can see on google map?

So much real estate, especially rental, is bogus on CL. People find legit places for rent on other sites and then post them on craigslist as their own with absurd reasons why you have to send them downpayment [out of country, etc].

I would not go to NYC and expect to be able to stay at that location unless you have talked to the person you sent $$ to and gotten details about how you get keys. To blindly go there, HOPING it is legit, will leave you literally out on the streets.

Deb

I see OP did a google search on phone number earlier today and found [as I did] that there are questions about it being a rental scam using this phone # from March 2009.

Sorry.

There are all of these ads for apartment rentals using the same phone # and different properties within the first couple of pages on google.
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http://www.holiday4you.de/sucherg-4081-11-0.htm at 133 W 45th st, 10036 New York (Manhattan), Tel.: 646-233-3041
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"I bet a trial will convince you. Contact Name Richard or Michael - Owner Contact Email Send an Email Inquiry Contact Phone 646-233-3041 ..."
-----------------

"United States, New York, New York City. The apartment is a two bedroom apartment located in the best part of NYC, to aid your vacation experience and enjoyment. 646-233-3041. For Rent. Posted: Jun 15 2007 / Expires: Dec 31 2008 "
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http://www.homeandhosed.com/preview.aspx?id=256

You will need to write this one off. I hope you can find another place.

Deb

magnumholmes,

This really saddens me that you were scammed in this way. It especially saddens me because I remember your lengthy thread last year when you began your search for an apartment in Manhattan and many regular NYC Fodorites posted warnings about scams such as these and included inexpensive options. If you return to your 2008 thread on this subject, you may still find some of the suggestions there as affordable solutions to your predicament.

I'm sorry for any financial loss you may experience.

For other posters who may still consider short-term apartment rentals in Manhattan: we are not kidding when we warn against such "deals."

Yes, google the number, and you will see that it has been used for MANY scams as has the name "Jennifer Bush". At least you will have the satisfaction of knowing that you are not alone -- this is a real professional operation.

By the way, googling any phone number you don't know before responding is a very eye-opening experience.

Oh no. I just read the OP's original thread where several posters warned him that this was most likely a scam. Frankly, it had scam written all over it.

Sorry this happened to you but I'm not sure why you would come here asking for advice and then ignore everything people tell you. Please be smart about this and if you still end up coming to NYC, rent a hotel room at a legitimate place.