Tuesday 1 June 2010

Scammed again

Honestly, I must have a big S on my virtual forehead for ":sucker:".  Last year, we stayed in a gorgeous condo with my parents but never got our deposit back.  It was a big chunk of change as it was a full month's rent.  The man who owned the company that the agent worked for turned out to be an A1 crook and it has now turned into a criminal case involving extradition, hundreds of victims, very messy.  I doubt we'll ever see a penny of that money.  All of this has been unfolding slowly since about the end of last year.  So you'd think we'd learned our lesson about dodgy real estate on the web.  Well I've done it again.  I gave some money to a non existent person for a non existent apartment in New York for our weekend.  This time we are only out the 3 nights worth of rental, but I feel incredibly stupid and annoyed.  So for my friends to whom I recommended Craigslist as a great place to fine deals on vacation rentals, please be careful.  I have rented successfully from them in the past so they are not all crooks but it is a tremendous leap of faith I realize now to send someone you've never met money in the hopes that they will do what they say they will.  So no more deals for me, I will just spend the extra and potentially save myself hundreds in money lost not to mention the aggravation and inconvenience.  I feel badly for all the honest people out there trying to rent their places out.  All I can say is Jane Synovec, if you really exist, I hope you use our money for something stupid and it brings you no joy.
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58 comments:

  1. Katie Gates7 June 2010 at 07:41

    Oh Hiromi, I'm so sorry to hear that this happened. Damn cybercrooks! My uncle and his wife had a related (I won't say "similar") experience. They did a housing trade with some folks in Paris. The Paris digs they landed in were not up to the description (not by a long shot), while the Parisian couple who got to stay in my uncle's beautiful Boston-area duplex got exactly what was described to them. It's a shame when one's trusting instincts are punished. I like your admonition to aka Jane Synovec, though. May she get what she deserves!

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  2. Hiromi Stone8 June 2010 at 04:58

    Thanks Katie, it was very frustrating but what can you do. I am hoping to do the house swap thing at some point too, it never occurred to me that there could be fraud there too.

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  3. Maria9 June 2010 at 21:28

    In my ex[erience the house-swap or house-borrowing thing is better done by word of mouth rather than websites (ie friends of friends give at least some sort of moral guarantee)

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  4. Maria11 June 2010 at 00:19

    but to add to my comment above, most continental Europeans would not define furnishings and household equipment in the same way as Americans or Londoners would. Generally speaking "high end" isn't as high end as here (typically bathrooms and kitchens). Creaky wood floors are considered "charming" (but having been back in a charming Parisian apartment in April, I realised I can't deal with those anymore!!), other example is the bedding and the furniture. Things tend to me much more contemporary over here (vs in the continent, where they tend to confuse antiques with just plain old!!). Some has to do with taste, but not just that...
    And not to speak of diverging definitions of cleanliness!!

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  5. Anonymous28 June 2010 at 07:11

    Hi Hiromi,

    I don't know you but thanks for your post about Jane Synovec. we are a young french couple who is going to visit New york in september. To save money, we wanted to rent an apartment via craislist and guess who wants me to make a deposit via western union?
    I won't reply to him or her anymore...
    Really, thank you!!!

    Kind regards,
    Valerie

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  6. Hiromi Stone28 June 2010 at 07:39

    Wow, I am so glad I was able to save you so much grief. I hope you find somewhere nice to stay, have a lovely holiday.

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  7. Pam Cox30 July 2010 at 19:50

    Thanks to your notes about JANE SYNOVEC, I am trying different options. She also asked me for a deposit plus 1/2 of the rent, and to send it western union to her sister in Terra Houte, Indiana. I have told her that I was uncormfortable sending money to her sister via western union....so we will see... But I am very cautious! Thanks for the heads up!!

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  8. Hiromi Stone30 July 2010 at 20:21

    Pam, I'm not sure the apartment really exists. I did see some gorgeous photos but really they could have been of anywhere. After they picked up the money, (mailed to her husband in Vermont)they said there was something wrong and we should try it again. Also, the address we sent it to turned out to be the abandoned police station in that town. The entire thing was shady from beginning to end, she was really friendly in her e mails though.

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  9. Anonymous2 August 2010 at 01:51

    Wow, I'm glad I googled here. She is about to send me a Western Union form. Whew.....thanks, everyone, for posting.

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  10. Hiromi Stone2 August 2010 at 19:37

    I'm glad to be able to do my part. I contacted Craigslist right after I got my first response on this post telling them about the scam. So far, I have heard nothing. I guess since they say in their FAQs not to respond to Western Union requests, they figure they are covered.

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  11. muddy17 August 2010 at 03:15

    apparently, this jane synovec is still running her scam. i just saw her craigslist ad a few days ago.

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  12. Hiromi Stone18 August 2010 at 18:23

    Thanks muddy, it's amazing that she hasn't even changed her name to run the same scam. If you were a criminal, you should google your name often, don't you think?

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  13. Anonymous21 August 2010 at 06:39

    God I wish I saw that post before I send 300 $ to that same jane synovec for a vacation rental in NY...
    I knew deep down , I don't even know how I could be so stupid .
    I got a mail telling me that her sister ( indiana ) got a very grave accident on her way to the western union office !!! That was too much ...
    Be aware !!

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  14. Hiromi Stone21 August 2010 at 15:19

    I know exactly what you mean, I kind of knew this was a bad thing to be doing. I'm sorry it happened to you too, hopefully other people will see it before it's too late.

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  15. Anonymous26 August 2010 at 07:42

    well... i just actually emailed Jane Synovec a few minutes ago... phew...

    i guess i'll just have to find something else...

    i cant believe she is still out there...

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  16. Anonymous28 August 2010 at 21:03

    28 August 2010

    Thanks for the post. GF just about ready to send $480.00 via Western Union to good ole Jane Synovec!

    Someone should call the Feds. It's interstate and it's fraud!!

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  17. Anonymous9 September 2010 at 19:43

    Wow. Thank you so much for posting this-- you just saved me $900-- she's still at it, I suppose.

    THANK YOU

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  18. gman2615 September 2010 at 18:28

    Hiromi - Glad I found this. I was in contact with 'Jane'. I'm finding that anything that is cheaply priced on Craigslist is generally not legitimate. I'm have a 3-month job in NYC and need a place but am not having any luck with an apartment. Guess it's back to my sister's couch.

    Tasukatta.

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  19. Anonymous23 September 2010 at 03:14

    If you sent the money via western union you can sue them in small claims court. They usually settle as they are aware of this scam and continue to fuel it.

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  20. Anonymous23 September 2010 at 03:15

    Jane is not a female. It a nigerian / Kenyan scam. Check their IP address.

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  21. Anonymous24 September 2010 at 20:10

    Wow - it's still going!! I was just asked for money to be sent to the sister in Indiana. Security deposit and first nights rent. I'm SO glad that I googled the name so thanks for posting this!!!

    Hopefully I can find a cheap hotel!

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  22. Anonymous12 October 2010 at 19:19

    "the Jane scam" is still running. I too am looking for a place to stay in NYC, however when I saw Jane's direction to payment, I knew that it was a scam. I worked for a company where this type of thing happened all the time and they give away to the scam was that they always asked you to send the funds via western union.

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  23. Anonymous14 October 2010 at 19:10

    Thank you so much for writing this. I googled the girl when I saw her ad, so really, thank you for saving my time... and money!
    Here's her ad on Craigslist
    http://newyork.craigslist.org/mnh/vac/2006033180.html

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  24. Anonymous25 October 2010 at 13:14

    I seriously almost booked a place through her today! I am so glad I found this! I find it frankly quite sketchy that I live in New York and she won't meet me in person to take the payment and wants western union only. THANK YOU for posting this!

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  25. Anonymous31 October 2010 at 19:14

    I booked a place for her last week! i forward her the money through Western union and now she/he obviously doesnt forward me a receipt!! damn!!!
    Craiglist should take her off!!

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  26. Anonymous5 November 2010 at 20:23

    Hi... Unfortunately I found those bad information about this Jane Synovec to late... I send her the money and she never e-mail me back with the receipt. But at least I found out that this is a scam before my trip. I'm going to post an adivice on Craigslist about her.

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  27. Hiromi Stone6 November 2010 at 10:28

    Let me know if you get anywhere with Craigslist. I never even got an answer to my complaint. I hope you find somewhere nice to stay.

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  28. Anonymous2 December 2010 at 19:49

    Hi, i'm from Spain and I was nearly to send the money to this Jane. She gave me a phone number and just as curiposity I googled her name on the inetrnet and I saw all this. I'm quite afraid to rent an apartment in NY for 9 nights. Any idea of good places in order to book it? Any idea it will be more that useful please...thank you

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  29. Anonymous5 January 2011 at 20:04

    THANK YOU for posting this, I googled her name about a NYC apartment on Craigs' list, and found your post. Thank you. You have saved several people the same fate.

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  30. Erick Pessoa18 February 2011 at 06:12

    One more here. I was about to sign the "contract" and send to JANE SYNOVEC the money but now she is asking to send to her husband, MICHAEL WILLAMS in the same Terre Haute, Indiana address. Just sent an email to her asking for a regular bank account, recent pictures of the apartment and more information. Let's see what she answers. Thanks Hiromi for posting this info here! Saved us some money.

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  31. The Jarp-inator8 March 2011 at 15:06

    Thank you so much, I can only hope that anyone that has been scammed has entered the scammers names because I have been in talks with this Jayne Sinonvec and could have easily been fooled, what tipped me off is the ad saying there was no dishwasher and then her email saying there was...

    thanks again.

    does anyone have any contacts for NYC apartments for rent that aren't scams?

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  32. Anonymous3 April 2011 at 21:21

    Why is she still out there? My husband was almost fooled!

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  33. Hiromi Stone3 April 2011 at 21:55

    It's amazing how many people still write in with comments about this post. I'm glad I have saved some people grief.

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  34. Unknown5 April 2011 at 14:10

    We're from the Philippines and have been looking for vacation rental for our trip to NY this month. I've been exchanging emails with this Jane Synovec. I insisted that a friend of mine who is currently studying in New York do an ocular. First she says she's not around. I insisted saying that someone will have to check us in or hand us the key when we get there. That person could assist my friend. All she said was she owns the place -- as if that helps any. Good thing I googled her name. And came across your story, Hiromi. Thanks a lot! I have flagged her ads (she has more than 1 on CL) but I'm pretty sure she'll rack in more before she's discovered. How is she able to get away with this?

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  35. Anonymous12 April 2011 at 16:12

    I think she still continue to exist but under the name of Carter Nancy, mail carternancy52@yahoo.com
    Now I have the phone number from Nigeria : +02 347 0349 08863
    And Yes I believed I ve been scammed of 550 $

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  36. Anonymous19 April 2011 at 18:39

    thanks for posting your experience. i was about to further inquire on an apartment with jane synovec but decided to look her up. i will no longer continue with the transaction. thank you.

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  37. Anonymous2 May 2011 at 13:50

    I cannot thank you enough for posting this! You saved me!
    Thanks again amazing person

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  38. Anonymous20 May 2011 at 21:11

    Just avoided dealing with Jane Synovec thanks to your post. If you google Jane S and the first options you get is Jane Synovec, you immediately know it is a scam. If you feel like spamming her/him, write to jane.synovec7241@gmail.com

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  39. Anonymous3 June 2011 at 04:20

    Still active under this name and others, very likely a Nigerian scammer. Never send money via Western Union, always ask for the person to call on the phone (a scammer is unlikely to do this). I was notified that someone from Craigslist will call when I inquired about a deal (which is a huge red flag in itself, if you ever tried to get someone from Craigslist on the phone you would know). Another name I see being used is Sandra Owens in New York. If it seems to good to be true, it probably is! I think someone should help karma come around to this/these scammers.

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  40. Hiromi Stone3 June 2011 at 04:28

    Thanks so much for the info, the more we publicize names, the better. It has now been a year since I posted this and it still seems to be helping people. I'm sure karma will prevail.

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  41. Nati5 July 2011 at 14:57

    Thank you so much for this post. It made me google some other landlords on craig's list and I guess I won't find an apartment any time soon..
    For more names and email addresses of scammers, check out
    http://www.joseandterrirentals.com
    There should be a list of honest landlords as well!

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  42. Anonymous6 July 2011 at 17:35

    Almost got into a sublet with carternancy. Thank you!

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  43. Anonymous25 July 2011 at 12:02

    Thanks to everyone for letting me know of Carter Nancy, mail carternancy52@yahoo.com.
    I almost sent money to her as well.
    Emmanuel

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  44. Anonymous26 July 2011 at 14:37

    Jane is still in craigslist. But what happens with Western Union, suppously the people pick the money up with identification, what identification this person is showing up?

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  45. Anonymous16 August 2011 at 00:57

    Hiromi, I appreciate you posted this. I was querying the apartment for Jane Synovec and Carter Nancy to get vacation rental this summer.
    There name is still on craiglist.
    I am glad I found this before I send money!

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  46. Hiromi Stone16 August 2011 at 01:40

    You're welcome. Glad you saved yourself the money and grief.

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  47. Anonymous16 August 2011 at 03:57

    Thanks for this! I am looking for an apartment as a short vacation rental.. your blog was an awesome help : ) Def. staying away from these crooks!

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  48. Anonymous29 September 2011 at 23:30

    Wow.. I'm so happy I checked this out! I was just conversing with her via email, and she seemed very shady. Thanks for the heads up. She now uses the email: jane.synonvec724@yahoo.com

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  49. Anonymous26 October 2011 at 01:02

    i'm being scammed by jane as we speak. i did send her the link to this blog though. thanks guys!

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  50. Anonymous26 October 2011 at 01:04

    she's now using:

    jane.synovec7241@gmail.com

    how clever....

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  51. Anonymous26 October 2011 at 22:21

    Thank you for your post! I was searching for vacation rental in NYC and came across Jane Synovec's posting and had been emailing her back and forth today. She is now using email address -- jane.synovec724@yahoo.com.

    To Jane: What goes around comes around!!! May all the money you scammed from other be worth "nothing" to you. WORST of luck to you and those you love!

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  52. Kelly6 December 2011 at 01:34

    Was the email rentalbiz73@yahoo.com and did you send your money to Miltt Jaffey in Federal Way, WA? They scammed me too, and Craigslist has done nothing to stop them.

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  53. Anonymous30 December 2011 at 05:41

    WOW - I can't beleive this is still happening - she is still on craigslist - I have flagged her again!
    Does anyone know of a legit place to stay in New York? Now I'm paranoid about all vacation rental..
    By the way thanks for all these posts!!!

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    Replies
    1. Anonymous3 April 2012 at 11:25

      Hi , We're a French familly trying to find an app in NYC in Oct ( 1 week ) and look what I found... Jane !
      Thanks for your post ....Frank

      http://newyork.craigslist.org/mnh/vac/2937442041.html

      Delete
  54. Matu2 May 2012 at 22:21

    Jane Synovec tried to cheat also, we suspected there was something weird but thanks to this post we haven't paid anything. Many thanks from Spain.

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  55. Anonymous22 July 2012 at 22:57

    Just to update, today I also exchanged e-mails with this fake Jane. Luckily, a good friend from NYC told me that for the location and number of days, it seemed unreal and probably a scam. I am so happy that I decided to google it, and that Hiromi was nice enough to post this. You save me some money and headaches. Thanks a lot.

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  56. Hiromi Stone23 July 2012 at 04:49

    So glad I was able to help. It is outrageous that there are so many scams like this out there. Hope you find a nice place to stay.

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  57. Anonymous18 June 2013 at 00:54

    Hi
    We were just about to transfer for the ny apt. U saved us today. Thank you.

    ReplyDelete

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