Thank you for writing this post Deborah. We urge anyone who receives any similar emails to forward them to us since the best way we can nip this in the bud is to block the initial messages these users send through our platform.

We’ve also written the following PSA to help agents avoid phishing scams and encourage everyone to share it with their broker/agent sphere.

http://www.trulia.com/blog/discovertrulia/2010/06/trulia_psa_tips_to_help_you_avoid_real_estate_phishing_scams

Best Wishes,

Emily Gibson
Community Moderator

Thanks Deborah - I have written a contract, got sellers on the hook with movers, etc.... I thought it sounded fishy, but no harm no foul, was giving my time and advice to this so-called buyer, knowing that if at any point I was asked, I would not give any personal info. I feel badly for the sellers involved, as they were beyond excited and ready to move in 9 days time. This is too bad and I hope these posts alert all other Realtors out there that scams like this do exist.

Jerks.

Looks like this scam is still alive:) I have received following email via Trulia today:
"I am Mr. Eguchi Kaori a Japan origin I need a 4 bed room single family home to buy, in good neighborhood in any city or town in your state, with a garage and 2 bath with or without swimming pool price should be between $400,000 to $500,000 please send me some listings or MLS you can reach me at Tel: +81-3388-73121/ 416-824-1768"

And in addition, from the following:
Takeuchi Keigo, Inoue Yuji, Lan Jin, Wang Tao, Lin Utazi, Fukuhara Kazuhiko, and So Li.

Watch out, agents!!!

Thanks for your comment, Scott. And agents, not only look at the google search results but photos/ videos too. Makes it so much easier to identify those out to scam you/ your clients.
Best,
Debbie

Dear Karen;
I agree with you, that it is because of our passion and enthusiasm for helping our clients that we respond to every email that comes our way. It cheers me to find that most of us are not cynical or jaded, but unfortunately, that's what the scam artist is counting on.
We need to count on or Realtor brothers and sisters to keep us informed.
I received another one today.
Watch out for Cho Daekyu!
Best, Debbie

Very funny, Casey! ;-)

Thanks for your comment, Ingrid.
As you all know, THE MORE WE COMMENT, THE EASIER IT WILL BE FOR GOOGLE TO FIND THIS THREAD!
I received notes directly from a Canadian agent and a Floridian agent as well, saying they have received solicitations from Trulia from a man of Japanese origin, lawyer in Canada. This is common and SPREADING. Thanks again to all who have posted, and TELL A FRIEND!
Best to all,
Debbie Bremner

Mr Eguchi Karoi is now working the Bayou Country of Southern Louisiana too.

Let's ALL go back to the basics ""If is sounds too good to be true, it probably is""

Thanks all.
Keep posting each new name, attorney name and attorney phone number so agents can find it on google, along with the word SCAM in comment.
The list keeps growing!
Debbie

Marcelle:
From a a bulletin from First American Legal Department:
The agent receives a check from a “purchaser” representing funds for a closing. Often the check is for nearly the full amount of the purchase. The buyer sends funds well ahead of closing and then will call to say they’ve canceled the transaction in the hopes that the attorney/title company will send their escrow money (in the form of a wire) before it is discovered that the check for the deposit is bogus and no money has been credited to the escrow account.
Debbie Bremner

Thanks, Heather. Under what names, attorneys, and phone numbers?
Debbie Bremner

I have been following this as I received a request from Mr. Eguchi Kaori and actually followed it through to see what would happen. Since he requested documents from docusign and had a specific house he wanted to purchase, I went ahead and filled out the paperwork for the purchase to see what would happen. He completed the purchase agreement through docusign. I then sent him an email and told him that unless I had proof in the form of a bank statement that he had the funds available as well as a legitimate driver's license or official document showing his photo as well as a legitimate number for his attorney, I would not make the offer. I told him that trulia was on to him and that he has been pegged as a "scammer". This is his reply and I don't know if you can view the documents he sent with this email, but there is a document from CIBC bank showing almost $3 Million in assets as well as his canadian social insurance number:

Mr. Eguchi,
...or whoever you are. I understand from Trulia that this is all just a scam and I wish to bring it to a close. I noticed on Trulia that you have sent the same emails to other agents and using a different name and different attorney name.

Unless you can prove to me that you are not a scam, i.e., show me proof of funds from a financial institution, provide me with your attorney's full contact information, send me a copy of your driver's license or an official identifying document with your photo, I will not take this any further. I will report you as a scam to the proper authorities as well.
Nicki

--
Nicki Conway, CRS, e-PRO, CDPE
Certified Distress Property Expert
RE/MAX Alliance Group
Sarasota FL 34239
941-315-3331 941-315-3331 (Mobile)
http://www.SearchforSarasotaProperties.com
http://www.SarasotaisConwayCountry.com
nicki@nickiconway.com

Reply Forward

eguchik@asia.comPlease I am not a scammer if you still like to continue let me know see attac...
10:08 AM (47 minutes ago)

eguchik@asia.comLoading...10:08 AM (48 minutes ago)

Reply |eguchik@asia.com to nicki
show details 10:08 AM (48 minutes ago)


Please I am not a scammer if you still like to continue let me know see attached document
- Show quoted text -






-----Original Message-----
From: Nicki Conway
To: eguchik@asia.com
Sent: Tue, Aug 3, 2010 6:54 am
Subject: contract for purchase


Mr. Eguchi,
...or whoever you are. I understand from Trulia that this is all just a scam and I wish to bring it to a close. I noticed on Trulia that you have sent the same emails to other agents and using a different name and different attorney name.

Unless you can prove to me that you are not a scam, i.e., show me proof of funds from a financial institution, provide me with your attorney's full contact information, send me a copy of your driver's license or an official identifying document with your photo, I will not take this any further. I will report you as a scam to the proper authorities as well.
Nicki

--
Nicki Conway, CRS, e-PRO, CDPE
Certified Distress Property Expert
RE/MAX Alliance Group
Sarasota FL 34239
941-315-3331 941-315-3331 (Mobile)
http://www.SearchforSarasotaProperties.com
http://www.SarasotaisConwayCountry.com
nicki@nickiconway.com


2 attachments — Download all attachments View all images
EUCHI STATEMENT ACCOUNT.jpg
910K View Download
EGUCHI ID;S.jpg
432K View Download

So, my question is, when there is a scam, it usually involves trying to get money from you or trying to get information from you so that your credit can be hacked. So, what IS THE SCAM HERE?

Hello I just received this from Trulia as well:
Hi Jolie Muss Eguchi Kaori found you on Trulia Voices and wanted to drop you a line:
Message from: Eguchi Kaori
Please I need to discuse home purchase with you contact me now
Thank you.
Contact sender:
Name: Eguchi Kaori
Email: eguchi62@hotmail.com
My thoughts are also that if you download any attachments you are probably installing a virus as well!
I didn't find this Trulia link right away and in the meantime sent a list of qualifying questions..Darn now I'll probably get a lot more spam since my email has been verified! Can this be reported to someone? Also isn't there a way for Trulia to verify members?

This is a small downside to the community forums like Trulia. Great Job on keeping the post going, well deserved for those of us who are getting these emails. Keep up the good work and we can all help out in keeping everyone straight.

Mr Eguchi Kaori
Has contcted me as well withthe same story
His supposed attorney Abraham Jacob actually answerde the phone and told me he had the funds in a trust account iin Canada

We jumped through hoops to write the contract and canceled appts who wouldn't for this kind of paycheck in this market?? This is terrible!!!! There has to be something that can be done.

We've had several hits in our area also. If it seems too good to be true....

Thanks Kristin, for the update. Please, agents, be sure to add the name, attorney name, phone number and source of the email so we can stay updated.
Best,
Debbie Bremner

I received this email as a lead through Realtor.com:

To: EDWARD SUROVELL REALTORS
From: eguchikaori102@hotmail.com
First Name: Eguchi
Last Name: Kaori

Subject: Lead from a REALTOR.com website consumer about your other listings

Message:
I am Mr. Eguchi Kaori a Japan origin I need a 4 bed room single family home to buy in Adrian, Michigan with a garage and 2 bath price should be between

$400,000 to $1m please send me some listing Tel: 81338873121

Regards
Eguchi Kaori


We sent him listings and then received the following email:

I love the curb appeal of this property, please send me the contract with docusign for me to sign and return immediately this will be my retirement home and
it will be a cash buy.

1. I will want to close on 27th August, 2010
2. I want to put down $5000.00 Earnest money + $150,000.00 down payment towards home.
3. I want to put contingency on inspection on the contract.

My legal name is Eguchi Kaori of 2000 Sheppard Avenue, Toronto Ontario Canada M3N 2J1 and I am single, I will not be in Canada before the closing date to wire the funds to an attorney so I will advice you to send me an attorney information for a check to be drawn to give enough time for check
clearance since I wont be in Canada to wire funds for closing.
Please forward me a purchase contract agreement in docusign format, docusign format is an electronic way of signing document.
My Canadian Rep Mr. Edward Brown Esq will Issue payment in US Funds $155,000.00USD for the earnest money and the down payment for the property payable to your attorney, the check will be deliver to your attorney.
My Rep Mr. Edward Brown Esq can be reach at:1-416-824-1768, I strongly advice that I need an attorney to represent my interest in this transaction, my lawyer can pay to seller or title company so therefore I would like to deposit all payment with the lawyer.
Please I need the following information for your attorney immediately at my own expense.

Law Firm Name...................................................
Law Firm Address.......................................................
Law Firm Telephone......................................................
Lawyer's Name...........................................................

Regards
Eguchi Kaori.


Thank you so much EVERYONE for posting this scam. We thought it sounded too good to be true and decided to Google his name. Up popped this Scam Alert. We have notified our agents. I wanted to include the emails verbatim so that if anyone else did a search they could see this scam alert.

Jeanette Stevens,
Internet Lead Coordinator

It is every site that we post to - they find us and send the emails. I truly have enough emails to go through and this makes it all the more difficult.

Beware of Craigs list too - I had my listing hijacked completely and relisted as a rental. Craigslist took it down immediately, but not sure if anyone lost a rent deposit.
I did get a similar scam, but less detailed, not sure if it was through Trulia. i responded with a few questions immediately as anyone with 300k + to invest is not that dim to blindly purchase unfound property quickly, site unseen, with someone they don't know. (+ nearly impossible to spend that kind of money in the rural area they were looking!) Time wasting, isn't it! Thanks for the postings.

The purchaser wired over $487000 to the title company in less than 48 hours. We closed in a week.

Come on, you know that was funny.

I, too, am surprised that this scam is still going. There has also been a long-running thread on Activerain.com with this same scam listed and more agents than I can count have reported the threat to both Canadian and US authorities, but the scam continues.
I guess there are agents who still keep falling for it, otherwise the scammers would have moved on a long time ago.
Just remember the mantra - "if it sounds too good to be true, it is!"

-TMC
Tim Cahill
MBA, Certified EcoBroker, Realtor
Web site: CyberGreenRealty | Blog: Home Green Home
T: 617.599.2775
E: tim@flynnteam.com

I received a call yesterday from a BUYER who was brought an offer from an agent representing these "gentlemen". He said it sounded too good to be true, so he went online to check it out, and found this thread. He was so appreciative, because his savings was tied up in his home, and neither of the agents spotted the scam. He realized he would have lost everything with this "all cash offer".
Neither of the agents had any idea, and would have proceeded with the transaction.
Which leads me to say, SELLER BEWARE, even if your agent misses the boat.
Best,
Deborah Bremner
REALTOR, 00588885
(D) 818.564.6591
TheBremnerGroup@gmail.com
Blogging at: http://TheBremnerGroup.com/news

I can't believe any agent, or any human being with a house to sell, would think a letter such as this is from a real buyer. They haven't even seen the house for goodness' sake.

Thanks for the posts! Mr. Kaori contacted me here in PA as well. If you ask me he needs to get a job because he's got way too much time on his hands!

Hello to all of you in New England. He's in your neighborhood, and apparently succeeded in one case this week. Buyer (and Broker) beware!
Deborah Bremner
REALTOR, 00588885
ABR, CDPE, eAgent, CSP, SFR, HRC, CRE
(O) 310-571-1364 DIRECT
(D) 818.564.6591
http://www.thebremnergroup.com/news/

Mr. Eguchi Kaori is working in the Bend Oregon area, we got an email from him and a check. We are on to him, is there any way to catch him?

Thanks to all of you for continuing the thread. The fresher it is, the easier to find, and 4 buyers called last week to express appreciation for it. They found it on Google and were saved by your comments. Keep it alive, all. You guys ROCK.
Best,
Debbie Bremner

Hi Deborah,

"Mr Eguchi" is at it again. Now he's working the Binghamton, NY area. Here is the way the whole scam worked out just so agents know what to look for.


Please contact me to discuss real estate purchase.
I am Mr. Eguchi Kaori a Japanese origin. I need a 4 bed room single family home to buy, in a nice area in any city or town in the state, and it has to be a traditional sale, with a garage and 2 bath with or without swimming pool. Price should not be more then $500,000.
please send me some listing/MLS to choose from for further information.
l will be expecting your urgent reply.
Regard
Mr. Eguchi Kaori
+447536037961


I SENT HIM LISTINGS THEN I GOT THIS REPLY:


Attn Mark Anzalone.

This is to inform you that MLS No. ####### is ok by me. Are you in position to sale it out to me? kindly let me know for us to start from here.
Awaiting your reply.
Kaori


DID YOU NOTICE THE GUY DIDNT EVEN HAVE MY NAME RIGHT? THEN I GOT THIS EMAIL:


Attn Tony Arnone

Presently I am in UK, would not be able to be there for inspection of the property before payment. I want your representation for that, beleiving that what you sent to me here is what I am buying and notting less.

I will like to offer $410,900 for MLS: ###### because I love the curb appeal of this property, please send me the contract for me to sign and return immediately, this will be my retirement home and it will be a cash buy

1. I will want to close on 30 September, 2010

2. I want to put down $5,000.00 Earnest money + $150,000.00 down payment towards home.

3. I want to put contingency on inspection on the contract.
4. l will also show prove of fund before the payment as you requested


My name is Eguchi Kaori of 2000 Sheppard Avenue, Toronto Ontario Canada M3N 2J1 I will not be in Canada before the closing date to wire the funds to your attorney, so I will advice you to send me your attorney information for a check to be drawn to give enough time for check clearance, since I wont be in Canada to wire funds for closing.

Please forward me a purchase contract agreement in docusign format, docusign format is an electronic way of signing document. If you don’t have that you can send a jpg or pdf

My Canadian rep Mr. Abraham Jacob Esq will Issue payment in US Funds $155,000.00USD for the earnest money and the down payment for the property payable to your attorney, the check will be deliver to your attorney.

My rep Mr. Abraham Jacob Esq can be reach at:1-647-862-1135, I strongly advice that I need an attorney to represent my interest in this transaction, my lawyer can pay to seller or title company so therefore I would like to deposit all payment with the lawyer.

Please I need the following information for your attorney immediately for payment

Law Firm Name............................
Law Firm Address.........................
Law Firm Telephone.......................
Lawyer's Name............................

Regards

Eguchi Kaori
+44-758 745 0966



I called the phone number and actually spoke to someone claiming to be Abraham Jacob. He verified all the info in my emails. This is a sophisticated scam. Dont be deceived.


Tony Arnone
Licensed Real Estate Salesperson
Realty USA
Endwell, NY
tarnone@realtyusa.com
607 759 8886

Here's a new one:

Hi Deborah Bremner

Atsushi Tasuro found you on Trulia Voices and wanted to drop you a line:
Message from: Atsushi Tasuro
I am Mr.ATSUSHI TASURO a Japanese origin I need a 4 bed room single family home to buy, in a nice area in any city or town in your state and it has to be a traditional sale and its going to be a cash buy, with a garage and 2 bath with or without swimming pool price should be within the range US$500,000. please send me some listing/MLS to choose from.

Thank you.

ATSUSHI TASURO
Thank you.

Google everyone before you waist your time.
I had a call from buyers from Michigan. They wanted an industrial building, a home 300-400K (etc), they wanted to invest in a motel.
Soooo I googled. The female was just let out of prison, for fraud, pictures on Facebook and on the google site, confirmed that this was one and the same person. I drilled down with them after knowing this and then, guess what? They just wanted a seasonal rental......saved me time and money, there gone!
Find out who you are dealing with, it could save you.
Nancy Bailey SFR, GRI, CRS
Keller Willliams So AZ
520.907.8775
http://www.TucsonHomeStore.com

Thanks, Barry, for keeping it alive with new names.
I received this email today:
HI DEBORAH MY NAME IS ALEXIS MESA AND IM WITH KELLER WILLIAMS IN CORAL GABLES,FL.
I JUST WANTED TO THANK YOU FOR THE INFORMATION YOU POSTED ON THE TRULIA SCAMMERS, APPARENTLY I HAD THE OPPURTUNITY TO RUN INTO ONE OF THE SCAMMERS. I AM SO HAPPY YOU POSTED ABOUT THE SCAM. IF YOU'D LIKE I'LL FORWARD YOU THE EMAIL THAT I RECEIVED FROM FROM THIS SCAM. THANKS AGAIN FOR THE POST
This feed is so important for individual agents out there. Thanks to all for keeping it alive.

Hi,
Lisa Devine with College Realty in Hesperia, Ca. I spent all day yesterday working for a Mr. Kaori . Joined docu-sign, previewed the property he requested, sent disclosures, and spoke to four attorney's, including one from C.A.R. , all before my Husband came across the information here. I sent a copy of THE LETTER to our wonderful local association of Realtors, which has posted it to warn others. Hopefully, other associations will follow suite, and save many of us from wasted time. Watch out CALIFORNIA, seems they have our number !now.

Someone was asking if there was anything one could do. I found this site for the Federal Trade Commission - all overpayment scams go to them. I copy and pasted the site page below.



Thank you for advertising on 10Realty.com! Please be aware, however, that as a seller, you will need to use your good judgment in deciding if the e-mails received are valid responses to your ads.


E-mail Scams

Warning for Sellers
Is the email I received a scam?
What if you receive an offer
How can I protect myself?
Check Overpayment Scam
Nigerian Scam
E-mail addresses of known scammers
Example e-mails received
Contact the Federal Trade Commission





Warning for Sellers

Do not deal with emails from overseas. They most likely are scam emails looking to scam you out of your money. You have no protection from the US government when dealing with non-US buyers. You are (to put it bluntly) SOL!
Most Cashier's Checks or money orders offered to sellers are counterfeit.
Do not accept or wire money anywhere, especially overseas via Western Union or Moneygram.
Click here to see e-mail addresses and emails received by known scammers

Is the email I received a scam?

Use caution when replying to email requests about your property for sale. If it looks suspicious, immoral or illegal, it probably is.

You should definitely raise a red flag if...

the person sends you an email saying they want to "buy your house" without even seeing the home. (99% of buyers want to see the home or other real estate before making an offer)
the person is from a country other than the United States. (The majority of people who have tried to scam our listings are from Nigeria, with others from the UK, France and Italy.
the email mentions "depositing funds" or "certified cashiers check" before seeing your home.
you do an Internet search on the phone number or email address they give you and it is the number to an Internet Cafe or other suspicious information turns up.
Some scammer's emails are so obviously incredulous that it's comical. For example, a son of a Great Chief is not going to be interested in your condo in Tampa.
Look out for emails that have the words: inheritance, next of kin, sheik, great chief, international business tycoon.
Click here to see e-mail addresses and emails received by known scammers




What if I receive an offer...
If you received an email that may be a scam and you are tempted to respond to the offer, stop and ask yourself important questions:

Why would someone want to buy your home without ever seeing it?
Why would someone from a foreign country be interested in my home?
Why is this person asking for private information about me but asking nothing about the home?
Why would you share your personal or financial information with someone you don't know?
Click here to see e-mail addresses and emails received by known scammers



How can I protect myself?
Never, under any circumstances, give out personal or financial information – it is not necessary until closing. For example if the person emailing you wants to know "whose name the ownership is in", "is there an insurance certificate", or "are you a US citizen", etc...
Know who you are dealing with – confirm the buyer’s name, street address, and telephone number. Do a search on the internet for the name and telephone number. You may find some revealing information from doing a quick search on Google, Yahoo or MSN.
Avoid any dealings with people from outside the United States.
You have extremely limited protection from fraud when dealing with persons of countries outside of the United States. These scammers know there will not be any legal action brought against them.
If you accept payment by check, ask for a check drawn on a local bank or a bank with a local branch. You can visit that bank branch to determine if the check is legitimate. FAKE CASHIER CHECKS and MONEY ORDERS are common and banks may unknowingly cash them and hold you responsible when the fake is discovered weeks later.
Never accept a check for more than your selling price. This is a definite scam! The buyer offers to pay more than the asking price and wants you, in return, to write a check for the difference. Their check will most certainly bounce and you will be out thousands of dollars.
Never agree to wire funds via Western Union, Moneygram or any other service. Never write a check to a buyer — a legitimate buyer will not pressure you to do so, and you have limited recourse if there is a problem with a wire transfer.
Resist pressure to “act now.”
Click here to see e-mail addresses and emails received by known scammers







Check Overpayment Scam
How does this scam work?
The "Check overpayment” scams target consumers selling their homes or other valuable property through classified ads or online auction sites. A potential buyer offers to buy the property with a cashier's check, then comes up with a reason for writing the check for more than the purchase price for the item. The scam artist will ask the seller to write a check or wire the "difference" in the purchase price.

Later, the scammer’s cashier check bounces, leaving the seller with a big loss. The FTC says although the checks are counterfeit, they may look real enough to fool bank tellers.






Nigerian Scam

The Nigerian Scam, also known as the Nigerian money transfer fraud, Nigerian advance-fee fee fraud, or 419 scam after the relevant section of the Nigerian Criminal Code that it violates, is a fraudulent scheme to extract money from investors living in the USA and other rich countries in Europe, Australia or North America.

This scam has been around for decades, but since the Internet has the potential to reach so many, it has reached epidemic proportions. Despite many warnings, the Nigerian Scam continues to draw in many victims.

Some consumers have told the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) they are receiving dozens of offers a day politely promising big profits in exchange for help moving large sums of money out of their country. And apparently, many compassionate consumers are continuing to fall for the convincing sob stories, the unfailingly polite language, and the promise of receiving money. These advance-fee solicitations are scams. And according to the FTC, the scam artists are playing each and every consumer for a fool.

Many scams originate out of Nigeria because the Nigerian Government does not actively enforce laws to prevent scam or punish with a mere slap on the hand.

How the scam works:
The scammer claims to be either royalty, a government official, civil servant, doctor, banker, business person or the surviving spouse of one of the above. These con artists offer to transfer millions of dollars into your bank account in exchange for a small fee. If you respond to the initial offer, you may receive "official looking" documents. Typically, you're then asked to provide blank letterhead and your bank account numbers, as well as some money to cover transaction and transfer costs and attorney's fees.

Inevitably, though, emergencies come up, requiring more of your money and delaying the "transfer" of funds to your account; in the end, there aren't any profits for you to share, and the scam artist has vanished with your money.

Click here to see e-mail addresses and emails received by known scammers



Federal Trade Commission

Consumers who have been victims of the check overpayment scam or other fraudulent activities should file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC):

FTC Hotline: 877-FTC-HELP (877-382-4357)
FTC online complaint form http://(www.ftc.gov)
Internet Fraud Complaint Center http://(www.ic3.gov/)
The people sending these emails are scam artists and will not think twice about scamming you out of your money, your home or your dignity. Please DO NOT REPLY to their emails. Use your common sense in deciding if an email is legitimate or not.

Consumers who have been victims of the check overpayment scam or other fraudulent activities should file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at http://www.ftc.gov

Please note that these scam responses are not unique to 10Realty.com. Any internet site with classified ads is a potential target especially sites with a high amount of traffic. 10Realty is not responsible for the outcome of any transactions due to advertising on http://www.10Realty.com. We advise you to use caution when replying to e-mails.

Click here to see e-mail addresses and emails received by known scammers

Just received the following email this weekend.....I responded and requested proof of funds and a copy of a government issued ID figuring he would go away. Unbelievable, he sent me a bank staement and passport picture......I always say, if it sonds too good to be true it probably is.

Hi Denise ,

Thanks for the update I will like to offer $295,000.00 for property
with (Address: 5609 Deer Valley Trail ) though i couldn't find the ML#
so please do send me that for this particular property , am offering to
purchase this because I love the over-all curb appeal of this property,
please send me the contract for me to sign and return immediately this
will be my retirement home and it will be a cash buy .

1. I will want to close on 6th November, 2010

2. I want to put down $5,000.00 Earnest money

3. $30,000.00 will be applied towards the closing balance

4. I want to put contingency on inspection on the contract.


My legal name is Jirou Hayashi of 2000 Sheppard Avenue, Toronto Ontario
Canada M3N 2J1 and I am single, I will not be in Canada before the
closing date to wire the funds to the attorney so I will advice you to
send me an attorney information for a check to be drawn to give enough
time for check clearance since I wont be in Canada to wire funds for
closing.

Please forward me a purchase contract agreement in docusign format,
docusign format is an electronic way of signing document. If you don’t
have that you can send a pdf

My account manager Mr. Abraham Jacob will Issue payment in US Funds
$155,000.00USD for 5,000.00, the will be for earnest money, second
deposit of $30,000.00 and the remaining $105,000.00 will be disbursed
accordingly.

My rep Mr. Abraham Jacob Esq. can be reach at:1-647-862-1135, I
strongly advice that I need an attorney to represent my interest in
this transaction, my lawyer can pay to seller or title company so
therefore I would like to deposit all payment with the lawyer.

Please I need the following information for your attorney immediately
for payment

Law Firm Name...................................................
Law Firm Address.......................................................
Law Firm Telephone......................................................

Lawyer's Name...........................................................

Regards

Jirou Hayashi

You're welcome, Julian! ;-)

SO GLAD I FOUND THIS PAGE! I'm just delighted at all of the input, support, and resources!

Also was emailed by Jirou Hayashi just now, beware Washington, DC area.

I was just contacted an hour ago by Jirou Hayashi via Trulia. I always Google my inquires and clients and came across your site. Thanks Craig!

"I am looking for a real estate professional to work with and came upon your profile on Trulia. Please contact me to discuss real estate purchase. Thank you"

The contact name was Jirou Hayashi.

I received the above message for the Washington, DC area. Thanks for confirming that this is a scam.

Also here is the email address of the scammers: jirou_hayashi@yahoo.ca

It never ends......

Hi JR;
With all of the online marketing and statistics, photos, videos, floorplans, etc, it is reasonable for clients to buy without seeing the home. It does happen, especially with overseas buyers in large metropolitan areas. that's why threads like these are so important. Not every agent is at the same knowledge or skill level, and the scam counts on vulnerability, naivete, and hunger on the part of the agents and seller. It's like fishing: cast out enough times, and someone will bite.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Deborah, you really believe that? I'm in New York, for goodness' sake, and I could tell from the first sentence that it was bull. Anyone gullible enough to take an emaill like this seriously is not fit to be a real estate agent or even to be a high school graduate. Ridiculous.

Great one, typical Nigerian-419 scam example. Thanks for bringing awareness up.

Thanks for your comment, Carol. I've been an agent for 35 years, and yes, this one can suck you in!
Debbie

Oh My Goodness! I have been working with this guy for 4-5 days. Same scam. My attorney thought it sounded suspicious because in a recent legal review there was an article to beware of sammers saying they are from Japan. Thanks for the blog. I should've know better...oh well.

I can't figure out what they hope to gain by this. I mean so what if I give them my attys name. I'm certainly not going to send them money so I really don't see what the purpose of this scam is. Can someone tell me what it is that they are hoping to accomplish?

We, too, have seen a number of lead inquiries like this from Trulia. Fortunately, they keep using the same variations of the emails posted here. A good reminder to know who you are dealing with in transactions.

I recently received an offer from a buyer's agent for full price on a listing I currently have on the MLS. I often sell property to buyers site unseen, however the selling agent will typically view the property before submitting a full price offer. Once I received the contract, both the selling agent and I realized it was a scam. I never had the seller sign the documents, yet the "buyer" still sent a check. In my opinion the check and letter appeared to be fraudelent by first glance. I have saved both docuements and I intend on forwarding them both to the board of realtors in my area.

Now it's my turn. I was contacted thru Trulia by a Yanai Takao. Here is his exact email - I didn't change a thing.:
I am not too familiar with the area that is why I need your help as the real estate professional, please send me some property to chose from in a very nice & quiet community. I am going to live in this home with my family.
Thank you for responding to my email, please send me some of your listing to choose from, a single family home, 3-6 bed 2-3 bath 2500sqft, price range starting from $400,000 to $500,000 in a nice & quiet community.
Regards,
Mr. Takao

Here's another variation -- with Chen Guen --

Dear Michael,

Thanks for answering my question and for making me aware I can make an Offer for the property. Although I have not seen the property physically as I am not in the US at the moment but I am very confident that with your assitance, I can acquire it.

All I need is your total support as well as the assistance of a reliable lawyer in the US that will represent my interest till I come there. If all goes well, I will be happy to acquire the property on the 19th of December and will surely be there one week to the Closing.

It will surely be a cash buy and I will not require a mortgage or any form of financing. My Company will be financing the purchase of the property as part of my retirement benefit and they are prepared to issue a Deposit Payment (Down Payment + Earnest Payment as well as other miscellaenous fees that may arise) towards the purchase.

I want to put contingency on inspection on the contract. Please forward me a Purchase Contract Agreement in PDF Format.

I strongly advice that I need a lawyer to represent my interest in this transaction, my Representative can't pay directly to the seller or title company therefore I would like to deposit all payment with the lawyer who will properly document this process and pay of my behalf to the Seller or Title Company as well as the Home Inspection Agency at the appropriate time .

Please I need the following information of your lawyer immediately at my own expense

Law Firm Name...................................................
Law Firm Address.......................................................
Law Firm Telephone......................................................
Lawyer's Email.........................................................
Lawyer's Name...........................................................

However, let me know the steps to follow towards the successfully acquisition of the Property. I await your soonest response.

Have a blissful day!

Chen Guen
_____________________________________________

Dear Michael,

Sorry for not including my details in my previous messages. Find them below:

Legal Name: Chen Guen
Address:11 Thornway, High Lane ,Stockport CHS SK6 8EL England
Phone:+44-702-405-3696 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              +44-702-405-3696      end_of_the_skype_highlighting.

Regards

Chen Guen

Hi Michael,
Thanks for adding the name Chen Guen to the list.
Best,
Debbie Bremner

You're welcome, Abigail. Happy to have helped.
Debbie

and another one...

From The Desk of Mr Ahmed Al Sultan.
Branch Manager National Bank of Abu Dhabi
Al Ain Branch Ali Ibn Abi Talib St, Near Oud
Al Tawba Roundabout,United Arab Emirates U.A .E
Email: ahmed.sultant01@gmail.com

Good day Friend,


I am pleased to get across to you with a very urgent and profitable business proposal. I got your e-mail address on the Internet while browsing and after that, i decided to contact you and ask for your assistance in this urgent matter that requires trust and confidentiality. I am Mr Ahmed Al Sultan, Branch manager, National Bank of Abu Dhabi Al Ain Branch Ali Ibn Abi Talib St, Near Oud Al Tawba Roundabout (UNITED ARAB EMIRATES), Married with four Kids.


I am writing this proposal to ask for your support and cooperation to carry out this deal opportunity in my department. On June 6, 1999, an America Oil consultant/contractor with Petroleum Corporation, Mr Thomas Stone, made a numbered time (fixed) deposit for twelve calendar months, Valued at US$12,000,000.00 (Twelve Million United State Dollars in my branch upon maturity. I sent a routine notification to his forwarding address but got no reply. After a month, we sent a reminder and finally we discovered from his contract employers, the Petroleum Corporation that Mr Thomas Stone, died in the
plane crash On October 31, 1999, ( an Egyptian Boeing 767 Flight 990 ) with other passengers on board as you can confirm it yourself via the website below.

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/1999/11/01/iran/main49778.shtml


Most astonishing of my discovery was that, all records bear no next of kin, meaning no member of Mr Thomas Stone, family knows about the deposit
therefore, no member of his family will ever come forward to claim the money, in order for the bank not to transfer the said sum of Twelve Million United State Dollars ($12,000,000.00) as unclaimed funds to the emirates treasury account, the above stated funds most be claimed immediately by somebody standing in as late Mr Thomas Stone.



Next of Kin, According to (UNITED ARAB EMIRATES LAW), at the expiration of 12 (Twelve) years, the money will be revert to the ownership of the (UNITED ARAB EMIRATES) Government if nobody applies to claim the fund. This revelation is only known to me because i was his personal account officer before i was posted
to become the branch manager, now i seek your cooperation to act as next of kin to late Mr Thomas Stone, to claim the funds and move them into useful investments, we shall split the cash between our self upon the confirmation of the money into your Bank account. I am ready to offer you 35% of the total fund and 60% for me while 5% will be set aside for any expenses that might be incurred during the transaction.

Please note that by virtue of my position in the bank, i have worked out perfect modality as well as i shall provide the relevant information's and documents for the successful claiming and transfer of the funds into the account that will be provided by you. I cannot stand in the forefront of this transaction because i work with the bank ,that is why i have come to you for assistance, be rest assured that this deal involves no risk , upon the receiving of your acceptance mail . I will like you to provide me with the following details, to my private email address: ( ahmed.sultant01@gmail.com )


(1) Your Valid Direct Tel/ Mobile/Fax Number.
(2) Your Full Name:
(3) Current Resident Address.
(4) Your Private E-mail Address.
(5) Your Occupation:
(6) Your Age and Sex:
(7) Your Nationality:


Then i shall furnish you with due process of concluding this transaction without any delay. please discard this message if you are not interested. One Passionate appeal, make sure you didn’t discuss this matter with anybody, if you have any reasons to reject this offer, please and please destroy this message as any Leakage of this information will be too bad for me at my work place as the Branch Manager National Bank of Abu Dhabi, here in U.A.E.

Thanks for your kind understanding.

Mr Ahmed Al Sultan.
Branch Manager National Bank of Abu Dhabi
Al Ain Branch Ali Ibn Abi Talib St, Near Oud
Al Tawba Roundabout, United Arab Emirates U.A .E

I just had a very similar experience. A "buyer" for one of my listings made an offer , even sent proof of funds...a bank statement and a copy of a passport. Looked very ligit....until I call the bank for verification...nope..A FRAUD!
Margaret

The one I just posted came from another network I belong to. I do not know if this scam made it to Trulia.

I received a lead through Realtor.com on Saturday, November 27 from a Jirou Hayashi. The lead came in like this:

From: jirohy@aol.com
First Name: Jirou
Last Name: Hayashi

Subject: Lead from a REALTOR.com website consumer about your other listings

Message:
Good Day
I am Mr.Jirou Hayashi, I need 3 to 4 bed room home price ranging between $400,000.00USD - $650,000.00 in nice neighborhood in your city and state
Regards
Mr.Jirou Hayashi

I proceeded to take some time searching for homes matching this criteria. I sent him the results. Later that day, he responded saying the following:

Thanks so much for your email, I would like to purchase this property MLS# 21001954 located at 1437 BRITTANY DRIVE. The indicated price is $480,000. Please note my offering price is $470,000. I love the curb appeal of this property, please send me the contract for me to sign and return immediately this will be my retirement home and it will be a cash buy, the contract should be a DocuSign please.

1. I will want to close on 29th December, 2010

2. I want to put down $5,000.00 Earnest money
3. $30,000.00 will be applied towards the closing balance and $120,000.00 will be used
By buyer to buy furniture’s in this property
4. I want to put contingency on inspection on the contract.
Please note all 4 listed above shall be on the contract. .

My legal name is Jirou Hayashi of 2000 Sheppard Avenue, Toronto Ontario Canada M3N 2J1 and i will not be in Canada before the closing date to wire the funds to an attorney because i am presently out of town now for official assignment so I will advice you to send me an attorney information for a check to be drawn to give enough time for check clearance since I wont be in Canada to wire funds for closing.

Please forward me a purchase contract agreement in docusign format, docusign format is an electronic way of signing document.
Attached is a scan copy of my international passport and ID including statement of account copy as proof of funds for the transaction.

My Canadian Rep will Issue payment in US Funds $155,000.00USD for the earnest money and the down payment for the property payable to your attorney, the check will be deliver to your attorney.

I strongly advice that I need an attorney to represent my interest in this transaction, my lawyer can pay to seller or title company so therefore I would like to deposit all payment with the lawyer.

Please I need the following information for your attorney immediately at my own expense

Law Firm Name;........................................
Law Firm Address;....................................
Law Firm Telephone;.................................
Contact Name;.........................................


Once again thank you for your endeavour towards my purchase. I await the purchase contract agreement via docusign format and the lawyer info as soon as possible.

Regards.

Mr. Jirou Hayashi

And just like you Reve, he also provided copies of a passport, ID, and a bank statement in PDF format.

Had this hit me today! Was so close when I googled the phone number and this article popped up! Great job Agents!

Thanks for the posts everyone! I received a Trulia Contact a week ago requesting information which I did send. The reply I got looked suspicious and I searched the name, Jagadish Narra, I did find there is a real person with that name but no scam warnings. Today I got this response and searched the attorney's name and found this page. Could have wasted a lot of time if i hadn't. Here is the message I received:

Thanks for your response , i have been having this re-occurring shoulder problem that had to be medicated . So had to use the old fashioned way by going the Indian traditional herbal method which wasn't pleasant but worth it i sincerely apologize for any delay caused by this . Furthermore Thank you for your relentless effort to get me the best property in the present market of Utah , i would really like to know if this is the best offer we can get for these houses because they are breath taking and would love the possibility of negotiating big time for some other interesting properties

Thank you for your update , the properties you sent were very impressive , beautiful and full of potentials in terms of appreciation ,however I will like to offer $500,000 for this property MLS#: 53132 (150 S Crystal Lakes Drive St George ) The reason being that the property is exquisite and suits all purpose , also the pool is an added bonus in terms of appeal but most importantly is because I love the curb appeal of this property, please send me the contract for me to sign and return immediately this will be my retirement home and also my family vacation spot . As an Indian we are culturally obligated to have certain holidays and this is the best location for us , also please do alert the present owners that and it will be a cash buy.

1. I will want to close on 10th January 2011
2. I want to put down $5,000.00 Earnest money
3. $30,000.00 will be applied towards the closing balance
4. I want to put contingency on inspection on the contract.

My legal names are Jagadish Narra am an Indian / Canadian of 2000 Sheppard Avenue, Toronto Ontario Canada M3N 2J1 , please important notice is that I will not be in Canada before the closing date to wire the funds to the representing attorney so I will advice you to send me an attorney information for a check to be drawn to give enough time for check clearance since I wont be in Canada to wire funds for Also am in the process of acquiring some antique japanese furniture's for this property down here from japan please be on the look out for the scheduled arrival of these furniture's in my emails subsequently .

Please forward me a purchase contract agreement in docusign format, docusign format is an electronic way of signing document. Am presently in a remote japanese city and will not be able to access any documents in pdf because of no access to printing and scanning machines please note this .

My account manager Mr. Abraham Jacob will Issue payment in US Funds $155,000.00USD for $5,000.00, the will be for earnest money, second deposit of $30,000.00 and the remaining $310,000 will be disbursed accordingly.

My rep Mr. Abraham Jacob Esq. can be reached at:1-647-862-1135 ( abrahamj@lawyer.com ) , I strongly advice that I need an attorney to represent my interest in this transaction, my lawyer can pay to seller or title company so therefore I would like to deposit all payment with the lawyer. Also i want to be very clear with are you going to be able to arrange a walk through inspection of the property to me or any individual that i will be representing in the event that am not able to attend . i want to be very certain of such issues so we understand each other .

Please I need the following information for your attorney immediately for payment

Law Firm Name...................................................
Law Firm Address...................................................
Law Firm Telephone........................................
Lawyer's Name .................................................

Regards,

Jagadish N

You are so welcome, Pamela, from me and from all of the agents who have responded.
Debbie Bremner

Thanks Beth!
Debbie Bremner
The Bremner Group at Coldwell Banker

Here is an email I received; different name that did not pull up anything on a google search, but same wording as other reported scams!

"I am Mr. yamada Akitoki a Japanese origin I need a 4 to 5 bed room single family

home to buy and it has to be a traditional sale and it’s going to be a cash buy, with a garage

and 2 bath with or without swimming pool price should be $550,000.00 please sends me some

listing/MLS to choose from."

This is not the first, probably won't be the last, scam "lead" from trulia, but I think most professional agents know a scam when they see one! Just wanted to post so that Mr. yamada Akitoki's name might show up if another agent googles the name.

Joyce Fields, REALTOR
Licensed in Alabama
Allied Realty & Development, Inc.
535 Jack Warner Pkwy, N.E., Suite J-2
Tuscaloosa, AL 35404
205-799-9930 Cell
205-554-1792

Message from: Barr.jim Duncan
Barr.JIM DUNCAN & ASSOCIATE.
Cambridge CB2 2LIQ,England ,United Kingdom
Telephone Number:- 44 7045706923,Email:barr_jimduncan1976@yahoo.co.uk


We wish to notify you again that you were listed as a beneficiary to the total sum of 4,600,000.00GBP (Four million Six hundred thousand British Pounds) in the intent of the deceased (Mike Cathy ),this is our second letter to you).

We contacted you because you bear the same surname identity and therefore We can present you as the beneficiary to the inheritance since there is no written will attached to the said fund.Our legal services aims is to provide our private clients with a complete service. We will be happy to prepare wills, set-up and administer Trusts,carry out the administration of estates and prepare and administer powers of attorney.
All the papers will be processed In your names as the new beneficiarys subject to your acceptance of this project,In response to this mail, we request that you kindly forward to us your letter of acceptance,with your full names, your current telephone and fax numbers and a forwarding address to enable us file necessary documents at our high court probate division for the release of this sum of money to you as the new beneficiary/Next-of-Kin.
You may wish to contact me directly on my private E-mail Address(barr_jimduncan1976@yahoo.co.uk)for more information. Expecting to hearing from you.

Yours faithfully,
Barr.JIM DUNCAN,ESQ.
Legal practitioners.
Direct Telephone:- 44 704 5706923
Fax:- 44 870 9743156
Thank you.
Contact sender:
Name: Barr.jim Duncan
Email: barr_jimduncan1976@yahoo.co.uk
Phone: 44 704 5706923

Mr. Hayashi has now decided he wants to retire in Arlington, Texas. I don't blame him. So glad I googled him, he came from Realtor.com and I thought it was fishy from the start. Glad I did not spend much time on this and hope no other sellers/agents do either.

Paul Morgan found you on Trulia Voices and wanted to drop you a line:
Message from: Paul Morgan
Hi,

I am looking for a real estate professional to buy house from and I


came upon your profile on Trulia. Please reply to this email if you are


open to business and schedule a time for us to talk. Please forward your


listing/ including Mls/ price reduction, I am interested.



Thank,

Paul morgan
Thank you.
Contact sender:
Name: Paul Morgan
Email: paulmorgan5778@yahoo.co.uk
Phone: Not provided

Luckily these scammers give themselves away with the very content of their e-mails. Frustrating for sure but easy to avoid.

Get quite a few of these myself. Answer their responses with " I would be happy to meet with you face to face to discuss". That usually ends any further communication! Allan

Hi, Just received one of these from the UK regarding my listing. What is it they are trying to achieve? What can they do with the contract? Nothing has been sent other than some contact details for my solicitor but I was suspicious so did a Google search. Can I alert someone else? Thank you for your advice...

Thanks, Bart

Yamanda Akitoki
yamada_akitoki@hotmail.com
Same story and email.

I received a series of e-mails from "Yamada Akitoki". I did a little research and quickly discredited the lead. I haven't heard back from him. :-P

Message from: Andrew Wungy
Im looking to buy a property in America and to live the America dream
and it is going to be a traditional buy; in cash and I will be glad if you can meet my specification. Airy and open 4 bedroom, 3 bath with over 2300 square feet, master bedroom has an attached office or exercise room with private entry and tons of closet space. Formal dining room with built in china cabinet and doors that open to the patio, backyard views. Gigantic, open and wide a living room and a cozy burning fireplace, warmly beacon. Huge, oozy and flowing green area, through and through with a pleasurable sight, to the delight of sun kissed sky. Enormous chef's kitchen featuring a butcher block island and prepping area, walk in pantry and breakfast nook. Superb outdoor living space with endless viewing pleasures, numerous patios, gardens and the beautiful natural quiet hood which leave the neighbours far at bay. The price range should be in the $750-850, 000, and 00. Finally, you will be talking with my Canadian attorney soon.

Thanks,

Andrew
Thank you.
Contact sender:
Name: Andrew Wungy
Email: wungyandrew@yahoo.com

This is an email scam I recently received: Just FYI although it's pretty obvious it's a scam.

I am Mr. Atsushi Hiroki Japanese origin I need a 4 bed room single family home to buy, in a nice area in any city or town in your state and it as to be a traditional sale and its going to be a cash buy, with a garage and 2 bath with or without swimming pool price should be $500,000 please send me some listing/MLS to choose.


Just another email scam to beware of, hope you all have a great week.

Angie Porter
Century 21 Hometown Realtors
Seneca, SC
http://www.PorterBrock.com

Sent to me from Gail Copley, a real estate agent in Australia:
Hi Deborah, thanks for your response. Yes, you may post whatever info you would like to on your website. I have copied all the email s for reference, to show that it was quite an elaborate hoax considering “Brian Sayers” did send back to me a signed contract of 14 pages witnessed by “Mr Stephen J. Rees Esq”.
I have not had a response to my request for photo ID, surprise surprise……

I will report this to our state body as well. I am still unsure what the whole point is? I can’t see what there is to gain other than satisfaction you have annoyed someone across the other side of the world?

Cheers for now
Gail Copley

Dear Gail,

I am sorry for responding late. My wife was critically sick so I had to take some time off my official duties hence could not respond to emails or calls. Please bear with me. I am in receipt of the attached paper which i will sign and return in due time.

I will contact the Conveyancing Firm as well.

Regards

Brian



Hi Gail,

Greetings to you. Sorry for the misunderstanding regarding the price. Was actually thinking in my currency. I will be happy to make an offer for the listed amount and the purchase should be with a special condition of the FIRB approval.

I presently do not have any known friend or family member in Adelaide so I will need your assistance in this respect.

Like I told you before, I need a lawyer/conveyancer to take charge of the receipt of the deposit funds and I want you to provide me with the details as I have requested in my last message.

I want the Contract to be forwarded to me via PDF as I am regular on business trips so might not be in my apartment to receive it via registered post if sent through that means.

Kindly reconfirm the details of your attorney in the below format:

Name of Attorney:
Name of Law Firm:
Address:
Email address of attorney:
Phone:

Regards

Brian Sayers





Hello Gail,

Thanks a million for your message and am sorry for my late response. I have been very busy with official duties as my retirement draw close.

My Immigration attorney is almost done with the needed FIRB permit and he has instructed me to proceed with the offer.

Below are my personal details for the purpose of records towards the acquisition of the property

My Legal Name: Brian Sayers.
Final Offer: $410,000.00
Finance: It will be a cash purchase as my company is prepared to issue funds to me as part of my retirement benefits towards the purchase of the property
My Address: 11 Thornway, High Lane ,Stockport CHS SK6 8EL England
Phone: +44-702-403-7884

I will be happy for your to give me your total support towards purchasing the property since I am not there to see the property personally but from what I have seen in the pictures, I really like it.

Since I am not there at the moment, I would need the services of reliable Australian lawyer/solicitor to assist me cover the legal aspects of the transaction including the necessary taxes that would be required of me.

Also, I would direct all payments through the lawyer who will in turn disburse funds to the Seller's company on my behalf. Presently, my broker is prepared to issue some funds as Deposit towards the purchase of the property.

Kindly reconfirm the details of your attorney in the below format:

Name of Attorney:
Name of Law Firm:
Address:
Email address of attorney:
Phone:

Thanks as I await your soonest response and anything else you can assist me with to bring about a successful acquisition of the property. Please provide me with the Contract in PDF Format so that I can review then sign and return back.

Regards

Brian Sayers




You have received a new lead from realestate.com.au for

Property id:107123710
Property address: 4 Barunga Street, Yankalilla, SA 5203
Property URL: http://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-sa-yankalilla-107123710

User Details:
Name: Brian Sayers
Email: bsayers28@yahoo.co.uk
Phone:
About me: I am a first home buyer
I would like to: Be contacted about similar properties
Comments: Dear Sir/Madam, I would be happy to make an offer of $250,000.00 for this property. I am a British Citizen and I wish to relocate to Australia with my family after my retirement which is just a few months from now. Please let me know what I have to do. I will be happy to get all the support I can get from you and your team. Regards Brian

Thanks for the update, Karen!

Thanks for updating with NEW information, Ernesto.

who can help me please respond to me on email...

Great post.

Thanks, Chris!

Thanks Hollie!
Best,
Debbie Bremner.