Katie Hart Scam – KatiesRentals.com
Posted by NitoAug 27
It seems there’s a new name associated with the rental scam I posted a little while back. Katie Hart, which I assume is the same person who created the Anne Brooks scam.
I won’t go into all the details, because it’s an exact duplicate of the Anne Brooks scam, which you can find in a previous post here.
Remember that by law, no land lord can force you to fill out any personal information over the internet. If they won’t meet you in person, cross off the apartment and move on. Never give anyone your credit information via email, instant message or any other way online (Excluding certified credit monitoring websites).
I’d like to thank all my subscribers for bringing this to my attention.
Until next time,
-Nito
43 comments
Comment by Shala on September 6, 2009 at 4:27 pm
I think this may be a part of the same scam…
“Hello Micheala,
Thank you inquiring about my condo for rent. I am scheduling viewings of the unit and would be interested in showing you around the building.
Due to poor renting experiences in the past I am requesting that you confirm you have an reasonable credit score and would like to hear more about your current employment to avoid dealing with under qualified tenants.
I would suggest getting a free report from http://www.creditscoreunion.com/creditreport/ which requires less than 3 minutes and has no cost. No viewings will be allowed until I have received your score. This will be helpful for other properties you are looking at and is a standard in pre-rent screening procedures.
I am asking that you complete the report and provide me with the numerical score, please DO NOT send the report as it contains sensitive information, you can print it for your records and bring it with you to the viewing.
If you can also tell me a little bit about yourself, your interests, hobbies.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Thank you,
Justin [Ghif]“
Comment by Nito on September 6, 2009 at 9:39 pm
Even if it’s not a scam, Shala, I wouldn’t trust the person who sent that to you in an email. If they won’t meet you before you give them any information, they shouldn’t be trusted.
For one, you ALWAYS want to see the property before you put any effort into filling out paperwork, as it may be a waste of time due to the shape of the apartment/house is in.
You should always meet the person you’re talking to before filling out any information (at their office), to make sure that they are legit, and have the proper credentials to be giving your information to. Sending information to some one you just met is like writing down you social security number, date of birth, full name and just randomly passing it out to people on the street.
Remember that it’s not your responsibility to fill out a credit check and send/give it to them. If they require any information, there are agencies that provide the services to reputable businesses. The same way a business gets a background check when you apply.
-Nito
Comment by catherine on October 9, 2009 at 10:37 am
Anna Hughes [anna@annasrentallist.com] email address for scam
email left: Hi and thank you for your interest,
My inbox was flooded yesterday with inquiries so I’ll do my best to answer some of the questions:
1) Move-in can begin as early as next month.
2) The security deposit amount depends on your credit score.
3) Cable, wireless internet, heat, water, and electricity are included in the monthly rental fee.
4) I haven’t gotten around to taking more pictures yet but I will be taking groups of interested parties for showings later this week.
If I didn’t answer one of your personal questions, I’m sorry. I’ve been getting numerous emails and I want to narrow it down to the people who are serious about actually moving to this property. If you are interested in a showing sometime this week and further information, please fill out the application I’ve attached to this email. Reply back with that as an attachment and I’ll give you a call.
I look forward to hearing from you,
Katie Hart
Katie Hart Properties
Comment by Clifster on October 12, 2009 at 3:40 pm
FWIW, seeing same posts here in Hartford, CT. WHOIS information on that website indicates “Moniker Privacy Services” with hidden admin contacts.
Folks, this is a scam and I would be willing to bet any info you put into that site becomes a great way to take over your identity.
Comment by ella on October 13, 2009 at 7:16 pm
My heart dropped when i read this email here because i think i just fall for this scam w/out knowing it was a scam. I was desperate to get into an aprtment and I sent them “katiesrentals.com” my credit report i know i have poor credit but i still felt so dumb!
From: katie@katiesrentals.com
To: xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: RE: $515 / 1br – WITH SEPARATE DINING ROOM / NEWLY REMODELED/ CLOSE TO SHOPPING $South Bay$
Date: Tue, 13 Oct 2009 19:46:07 -0400
hey nice to hear from you … the apartment is still available did you want to schedule a time to come check it out?
i’m the building manager and i can show it to you from 9am-9pm any day of the week .. i should tell you that the landlord does a credit check, but he’s not too hard on people about that .. i still recommend checking your score first, you can get a free report at http://mycreditreportnow.net … only takes a few minutes.
hope to hear from you, ciau –
Comment by Joslynn on October 14, 2009 at 11:12 am
I got this exact same email yesterday after responding to an add on Craigslist regarding an apartment in Tulsa, OK.
Comment by Joslynn on October 14, 2009 at 11:13 am
She is going by Katie Brooks now.
Comment by Alia on October 20, 2009 at 12:31 pm
Thx for putting this post, you save me from falling into a scam.
Here is a sample of the reply email that I got:
RE: $540 / 1br – Extremely Spacious 1 BDRM Apt in Luxury Complex!!
From: Anna Hughes (anna@annasrentallist.com)
Sent: Tue 10/20/09 11:08 AM
Attachments: 1 attachment
RentalApp…doc (40.9 KB)
Hi and thank you for your interest,
My inbox was flooded yesterday with inquiries so I’ll do my best to answer some of the questions:
1) Move-in can begin as early as next month.
2) The security deposit amount depends on your credit score.
3) Cable, wireless internet, heat, water, and electricity are included in the monthly rental fee.
4) I haven’t gotten around to taking more pictures yet but I will be taking groups of interested parties for showings later this week.
If I didn’t answer one of your personal questions, I’m sorry. I’ve been getting numerous emails and I want to narrow it down to the people who are serious about actually moving to this property. If you are interested in a showing sometime this week and further information, please fill out the application I’ve attached to this email. Reply back with that as an attachment and I’ll give you a call.
I look forward to hearing from you,
Katie Hart
Katie Hart Properties
Comment by Ashley on October 22, 2009 at 6:20 pm
Just fell for the same scam – she is going by Kati Hart Properities and the email address being used is Anna Hughes anna@annarentallist.com
Comment by David on October 28, 2009 at 8:33 am
Has also been posted on craigslist Cleveland. Sent an e-mail about a 1br with everything included and the low price of $505/mo. Got the exact same e-mail as @Alia, @Catherine.
Comment by Paula on November 5, 2009 at 10:44 am
She is now on CraigsList DENVER… geez!
Comment by Kelly on December 12, 2009 at 8:30 am
Rochester, NY too…. got the same exact email. Knew there was somehting fishy when the apartments shown were a bit different and no address was written down. Katie Hart is a SCAMMER.
Comment by Jane on December 12, 2009 at 12:42 pm
Wow, glad I found this page. Almost fell into the trap, too. I found this particular page when I Googled Katie Hart Properties, and I got the exact same e-mail Clifster and Ashley got. Thanks for saving my ass. P.S. I’m in Portland, OR, so Pacific Northwesterners beware.
Comment by Sis on December 14, 2009 at 8:30 am
I have received a few of these. They are not all the same person, but I have received a few. I have done some research and I went to visit one of these places, and they were not worth $100.00. DO NOT WASTE YOUR TIME!
Comment by Cory on December 16, 2009 at 9:51 am
I just responded to the email to view the apartment. Then I did a search for the proerties and found this site.
Advice: Recall any emails you sent to this person.
Thanks, Cory.
Comment by John on December 23, 2009 at 12:13 pm
WARNING Katie Hart is in the Southwest also!!!!! Got the same scam letter regarding an apt. in Albuquerque NM!!!
Comment by Katie on January 7, 2010 at 8:38 pm
Same scam in the MKE craigslist postings by “Steve Madden”. I later got the same post from this “Katie Hart” scam so I thought I’d check it out.
Hi and thank you for your interest,
My inbox was flooded today with inquiries so I’ll do my best to answer some of the questions:
1) Cable, wireless internet, heat, water, and electricity are included in the monthly rental fee.
2) The security deposit amount depends on your credit score.
3) Move-in can begin as early as next month.
4) I haven’t gotten around to taking more pictures yet but I will be taking groups of interested parties for showings later this week.
Due to the overwhelming response I’ve included a preliminary rental application for any interested parties. I only want to converse with people who are serious about actually moving into this property. So if you are interested in a showing and further information, please fill out the attached application and email it to me so that I can get back to you soon.
I look forward to hearing from you,
Steve Madden
Madden-Brooks Properties
Comment by Denise on January 7, 2010 at 8:41 pm
Katie Hart is in Chicago!!!!!!
Comment by Gina on January 8, 2010 at 2:04 pm
I’m speechless, I just fell for this twice. I too am desparate to find a place to live so I found an apartment for $505 everything included, even internet and I was first answered by a Mathew Roger, but never recieved a follow-up, fortunately I only gave him my number, but I wasn’t soo smart with Katie Hart, I filled out the application because a friend of mine said that it is the new thing to do in this recession, to weed out people who cannot truly afford the apartment they are inquiring about. Now I am panicked and hope and pray that my good credit and identity is not in jeopardy.
Comment by Gwen on January 11, 2010 at 1:28 pm
I went on craiglist for NC Durham area. I recieved the same email from Steve Madden. I am glad I found this site before I submitted my info. Thanks!!!
Comment by Palma Perkins on January 11, 2010 at 4:52 pm
This is the e-mail I received after I inquired about a rental property. The location wasn’t shown so I e-mailed to find out where it was located. I still don’t know but I’m in Charlotte, NC. I’m glad I decided to look up the company and saw a couple of items showing this to be a scam.
Hi and thank you for your interest,
My inbox was flooded today with inquiries so I’ll do my best to answer some of the questions:
1) Cable, wireless internet, heat, water, and electricity are included in the monthly rental fee.
2) The security deposit amount depends on your credit score.
3) Move-in can begin as early as next month.
4) I haven’t gotten around to taking more pictures yet but I will be taking groups of interested parties for showings later this week.
Due to the overwhelming response I’ve included a preliminary rental application for any interested parties. I only want to converse with people who are serious about actually moving into this property. So if you are interested in a showing and further information, please fill out the attached application and email it to me so that I can get back to you soon.
I look forward to hearing from you,
Steve Madden
Madden-Brooks Properties
I guess what they say is true, ‘if it sounds too good to be true, it probably isn’t’.
Comment by TJ Black on January 12, 2010 at 11:20 pm
Just got the same email in Portland, OR
Comment by Ben on January 13, 2010 at 10:28 pm
I am in Indianapolis and got the same email. Are the properties you inquired about really nice condos for rent? I also got the same email about being swamped and asking to fill out an application and email it.
Comment by Chris Loyd on January 14, 2010 at 2:30 am
Wow. If it wasn’t for this thread/site, I’d be fooled too. FYI, Katie Hart is in Nashville and I found the ad on Craigslist. I pasted it below. Thank you, Nito.
On Tue, Jan 12, 2010 at 9:51 PM, Katie Hart wrote:
Hi and thank you for your interest,
My inbox was flooded today with inquiries so I’ll do my best to answer
some of the questions:
1) Move-in can begin as early as next month.
2) The security deposit amount depends on your credit score.
3) Cable, wireless internet, heat, water, and electricity are
included in the monthly rental fee.
4) I haven’t gotten around to taking more pictures yet but I will
be taking groups of interested parties for showings later this week.
If I didn’t answer one of your personal questions, I’m sorry. I’ve been
getting numerous emails and I want to narrow it down to the people who are
serious about actually moving into this property. If you are interested in
further information including a showing sometime this week, please fill
out the application I’ve attached to this email. Reply back with that as
an attachment and I’ll give you a call.
I look forward to hearing from you,
Katie Hart
Katie Hart Properties
Comment by paid directory on January 18, 2010 at 10:28 pm
Shes in Louisville now!.. got the same email as everyone today!
Comment by Nikki on January 30, 2010 at 7:07 am
I just received the same e-mail from Steve in Memphis, TN. I greatly appreciate this site. I always google everything I see on craigslist, even businesses when I am looking for employment.
Hi and thank you for your interest,
My inbox was flooded today with inquiries so I’ll do my best to answer some of the questions:
1) Cable, wireless internet, heat, water, and electricity are included in the monthly rental fee.
2) The security deposit amount depends on your credit score.
3) Move-in can begin as early as next month.
4) I haven’t gotten around to taking more pictures yet but I will be taking groups of interested parties for showings later this week.
Due to the overwhelming response I’ve included a preliminary rental application for any interested parties. I only want to converse with people who are serious about actually moving into this property. So if you are interested in a showing and further information, please fill out the attached application and email it to me so that I can get back to you soon.
I look forward to hearing from you,
Steve Madden
Madden-Brooks Properties
Comment by Le An on January 30, 2010 at 5:29 pm
I just received the same e-mail as above from Steve in SC.
Comment by Carrie on February 3, 2010 at 6:04 am
I got the exact same email as the Katie Hart Properties but w/ a different name attached to it…Madden-Brooks (which there is one apparently in Tulsa…but not so sure about Louisville…)
Comment by j on February 4, 2010 at 10:04 am
Going by steve madden now, aka madden-brooks properties. Here is the response I got after responding to a listing on craigslist.
Hi and thank you for your interest,
My inbox was flooded today with inquiries so I’ll do my best to answer some of the questions:
1) Cable, wireless internet, heat, water, and electricity are included in the monthly rental fee.
2) The security deposit amount depends on your credit score.
3) Move-in can begin as early as next month.
4) I haven’t gotten around to taking more pictures yet but I will be taking groups of interested parties for showings later this week.
Due to the overwhelming response I’ve included a preliminary rental application for any interested parties. I only want to converse with people who are serious about actually moving into this property. So if you are interested in a showing and further information, please fill out the attached application and email it to me so that I can get back to you soon.
I look forward to hearing from you,
Steve Madden
Madden-Brooks Properties
After doing some research the first thing on google was a blog about it being a scam and right below it was a link to this page. here is the link:
http://net-scams.blogspot.com/2010/01/craigslist-property-scam-sound-to-good.html
Comment by Bmccook on February 11, 2010 at 11:06 pm
Got the exact same email from madden-Brooks in Fresno,ca.
Comment by Mike Stevens on February 16, 2010 at 7:53 pm
I just recieved the same email in Richmond Va
Comment by jess on February 24, 2010 at 9:59 am
I recieved the same email in CT.
Comment by Brian on March 28, 2010 at 5:07 am
I responded to a post on Craigslist for a house in Placerville, CA. I received the same email that everybody else did. The price was to good to be true and I typed Steve Madden Madden-Brooks Properties into google and one site after another talking about the scam.
Comment by Stephanie on May 31, 2010 at 2:59 pm
Just got the same email responding to a craigslist ad in Long Beach, CA. Same email contents, but the new name is Lauren Holley from Lauren Holley Properties laurenholley@2tanproperties.com
Comment by J on June 9, 2010 at 9:09 am
I also got a similar email from Lauren Holley yesterday looking for a place in NYC. I stupidly gave her some info on the rental application (Name, DOB, phone number, and I told her my credit score). I did not give her my SS# and did not give her my credit report or any account numbers. Am I in any danger of having my identity stolen? Much thanks to anyone who can ease my mind!
Comment by D on June 10, 2010 at 10:37 pm
For those who have sent in all of their information, did anything happen? Identity theft? Credit card purchases?
Comment by Toni on June 23, 2010 at 4:47 pm
Oh man am I fuming. Ok, so I got the same cookie cutter email that most people get from Lauren Holley, aka Kaitie Hart, aka Steve Madden. This person caught me on the wrong day. I just found out that a really pretty apt I was looking foward to in DC being rented by a Rev Patrick Morgan is a Nigerian scam and I’m still PO’d about that. After dealing with craigslist and talking to the ACTUAL realitor of the property (and no, I didn’t send anyone information other than my name and phone number, which was in the intital email), I get a message from Lauren Holley. I, curious because I had gotten the same email from someone before, google 2tanproperties and find yall. This is my response:
Dear Lauren,
I’d like to congratulate you on your recent sex change! I bet going from a Steve Madden to a Lauren Holley can be quite tramatic, but that’s okay! I’ll contact the appropriate authorities because nobody wants a criminal to be shy in their new jail cell after they’re hauled in for fraud. I’m sure someone will with legal action will be contacting you soon!
Best of luck!
Comment by John on July 22, 2010 at 11:04 pm
From:
Mary Annreapo
Hello John,
Thank you inquiring about my condo for rent. I am scheduling viewings of the unit and would be interested in showing you around the building.
Due to poor renting experiences in the past I am requesting that you confirm you have an reasonable credit score and would like to hear more about your current employment to avoid dealing with under qualified tenants.
I would suggest getting a free report from http://www.exclusivecreditscore.com/freereport/ which requires less than 3 minutes and has no cost. No viewings will be allowed until I have received your score. This will be helpful for other properties you are looking at and is a standard in pre-rent screening procedures.
I am asking that you complete the report and provide me with the numerical score, please DO NOT send the report as it contains sensitive information, you can print it for your records and bring it with you to the viewing.
If you can also tell me a little bit about yourself, your interests, hobbies.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Thank you,
Mary
Comment by don on July 29, 2010 at 10:09 pm
so if you do fall for this trap, what can you do to protect yourself? nothing??
Comment by Liz on August 2, 2010 at 1:13 pm
I got this response after responding to a Craigslist ad and it set off warning bells immediately. This site tells me I was right to be suspicious…Thank you!
THis came from Alysha Bodin(alyshabodin@329up@hotmail.com)
Hello E,
Thank you inquiring about my condo for rent. I am scheduling viewings of the unit and would be interested in showing you around the building.
Due to poor renting experiences in the past I am requesting that you confirm you have an reasonable credit score and would like to hear more about your current employment to avoid dealing with under qualified tenants.
I would suggest getting a free report from http://www.exclusivecreditscore.com/freereport/ which requires less than 3 minutes and has no cost. No viewings will be allowed until I have received your score. This will be helpful for other properties you are looking at and is a standard in pre-rent screening procedures.
I am asking that you complete the report and provide me with the numerical score, please DO NOT send the report as it contains sensitive information, you can print it for your records and bring it with you to the viewing.
If you can also tell me a little bit about yourself, your interests, hobbies.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Thank you,
Alysha
Comment by Megan on August 10, 2010 at 10:21 pm
In Orlando, too!
Please, guys, do NOT follow links to websites where you are asked to enter information. I thought the email sounded fishy, so I didn’t click on the link thinking it would either result in a virus or, if I entered info, identity theft. To check it out, my response to the email was just a number for a credit score and, surprise, I got no reply back to “schedule viewings.” Craiglist should just omit posts with the bogus addresses for the listings. If you notice, the addresses often don’t physically exist and they keep using the same ones over and over. Like 404 Colonial in Orlando.
Comment by Mike on August 12, 2010 at 12:05 pm
In Chicago also thanks for the info I googled her name and came upon your website
Exact same email format and address
From:
Alysha Bodin
Comment by Bridget on August 12, 2010 at 2:05 pm
So, I just filled out all of my information on the website she gave me (I can’t remember if I clicked on her link or if I went to freecreditscore.com myself). What type of scam is this exactly? Is she going to steal my identity or do they just get paid for every person that clicks on the link? I canceled my credit card and am wondering if I should do the same for all my bank accounts. On the credit score website I had to enter my name, address, SS#, etc. HELP! What should I do??