The Creel Deal

Beware Rental Scams Operating on Craigslist.com

Michael Creel (Brio Realty Inc.) — Mon, 10 Sep 2007 13:54:38 -0500

As you may have read in my previous Blog, the Nigerian 419 scam has invaded our very own realty market here in Washington State. This is a fairly sophisticated scam that many people have fallen for and lost thousands in the process. Any clients you may have that are intending to buy property for the purpose of renting it out needs to be aware of this situation.

One popular free advertising source known as Craiglist.com is a steady source of victims for the scam artist operating out of Nigeria and the UK. However, it's not uncommon for listings on the MLS to receive such offers as well. There are three groups involved in perpetrating the scam. The first bunch are known as the Yahoo Boys, and they are the ones that scour the web for email address regarding rental properties. They send out emails by the thousands in the hope a few will respond.

Once someone has they may pass it on to another scammer that's experienced in the art of reeling the victim in (2^nd level). All of this activity is watched over by the ring leaders (3^rd level) that actually monitor all of the email accounts to insure the "worker bees" are performing correctly, and if it appears one is dropping the ball they will pull him out and bring in another more experienced player. The ringleaders collect the funds and actually pay commissions down the line to the boys that reeled them in. Many of the Yahoo Boys are college students and are given computers and promises of big money to participate; they view it as a job. It's not any different from Americas own drug dealers luring kids in to selling drugs for them. A great deal of this type of activity takes place in internet cafés, but often the kids are provided laptops and internet connections to work from home.

I recently ran an ad on craigslist.com to see if they were still working it. Craigslist has posted many warnings against responding to such solicitations and I was curious if the scammers had moved on to more fertile ground. They have not; I received 16 such inquiries in one day to a simple ad offering a room for rent in Bellevue. I used a fictitious identity and a newly created email address. I'll use the emails from just one of them as an example. This particular scammer managed to have a check on my doorstep by the next day!

This is a common type of email sent in search of victims and is sent to dozens of people at a time (they are often poorly written):

First response to my ad:

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________

Hi ,
I am willing to rent a room or seek roommates who is nice and honest.
My name is Helen and I am 28yrs, Single, never been married, I am originally from Harrisburg, PA but I am currently out of the United States, I should return back to the State, as soon as I am able to secure a room where I will stay.

I am honest, trustworthy and caring person, who enjoy making good friends, I dont smoke and I dont drink ( but I am not against it), my hobbies are traveling, and Singing, I go to a friends party, but I dont stay late at night.

I would have loved to come and look at the room, but I am not in the States yet, so I will trust you on what you tell me regards the room.
I am currently working for GVI (GLOBAL VISION INTERNATIONAL) and I travel most times to the UK, I work as resercher on a construction Project/Research and Exploration Expedition.
I am moving back to the States. this very week, I have plans to staying back in the States, and look for a part-time job with my degree in Marketing, have thought about it carefully and I want to move to friendly city, where I can start my own life different from the one I have lived in the UK while working with my company GVI and the part-time job I will get any moment from now.
So I just want you to confirm the rent including utilities and if there is any deposit, whats the amount to move in all together? I am willing to stay for up to 8 months but I can move out during this 8 months if you want me to, as soon as I arrange payment for 2 months rent and deposit, when do I move in?

What is the closest international airport to the house? I will ask my company's associate in the US to send you a payment to cover for 2 months to confirm my willingness to occupy your space.
Please forward me your full details where you would want the payment be mailed to:

(Full Name)......
(Address):.....
(City, Zip Code):...
(Email):...
(Direct Phone):...

Thanks, I will be waiting for your details so I can proceed with the payment, I have also forwarded you my picture so you will know how I look.

Regards,

Helen
+44(0)7031817967

______________________________________________________________________________________________________

Once someone has responded and expresses interest in renting to the scammer, they will receive this (already calling themselves your roommate), the "private email address" is actually the pass-off to the more experienced con artist.

______________________________________________________________________________________________________

Hi Michelle,

How are you doing, This is Helen, your roommate, this is my private email address............. carterplp@yahoo.com, I have forwarded your details and I am looking forward to meet you, so the payment of the room will get to you by Wednesday-Thursday due to the postal system, as soon as you get it do not hesitate to contact me so I can proceed with my flight. I will also need your phone number just in case I want to reach you.

My company associate in the States has issued a cashier's check to cover for the rent and my expenses during my trip to the states, as soon as you get it, deduct your rent for 2 months including deposit and forward the remaining funds to my traveling Agent, through Western Union so I can use it to get my flight ticket. I will be buying a used car when I arrive, I will appreciate it if you can help me remove your ads from the internet so I will be assured that I am the only one contacting you regards the room. do you have YAHOO or MSN instant messenger so we can also talk for free on yahoo, my yahoo chat ID is: carterplp@yahoo.com.

Thanks, I cant wait to meet you in person, I will forward you the tracking number of the package(payment)

Your future roommate,
Helen

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________

After a bit of small talk you will receive this email:

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

Hi Misha,

How are you doing?, I am happy that you will get the payment today, the UPS tracking number is (J2080425169), you can go to http://www.ups.com/USto track the package. I was informed that the $4550 was mailed to you to cover for my rent and my flight ticket to the US, as soon as you get it, go and deposit it in your account, you will help me transfer the balance of $2400 to my traveling agent who is in charge of my flight directly, while the remaining funds will be used towards my rent and utilities. I will be flying on either KLM or British Airways, since I am a member, but will forward you my flight details as soon as it has been scheduled.
Below is my traveling agent's info where you will transfer my ticket funds to, through Western Union Money Transfer, you only need the Agent's Name and City, Zip and country to transfer funds using Western Union Money Transfer.

(Name): TIMOTHY MONTOYA

(City)Port Washington

(State)WI.

(Zip) 53074

I will be expecting the following info from you as soon as you send the funds, I am aware that the Western Union Agent will charge you for sending fee, please use out of the funds to pay the tranfer fee, I will need the info as follows:

(1)Exact Amount Sent(after deducting the transfer charges):................
(2)Senders Name and Address:...........
(3)Money Control Number/Reference Number(MTCN):.........

Please, do make sure the funds are sent same day you get the payment so I can get my ticket on Friday and fly on Saturday, that reminds me, how do I get the keys to the room, will you be available to pick me up on Thursday???.
Thanks, I awaits the Western Union Details.

Regards,
Helen

______________________________________________________________________________________________________

Then the sense of urgency begins and often you will receive several emails in rapid succession:

_______________________________________________________________________________________

Hello Misha,

How are you doing, I just got your message, please make sure the funds are wired today, Saturday is my flight, I want to be able to schedule a flight tomorrow, did you get my traveling agent's info?

Thanks, looking forward to meet you.

Helen

____________________________________________________________________________________________________

Hello Michelle,

How are you doing, did you get the payment yet, I tracked it and it has been delivered at the front door of your room, so please I will need your swift response ok, I cant wait to meet you, will you be able to pick me up at the airport?

Thanks, will be waiting for the Western Union Details.

Helen

______________________________________________________________________________________________________

Because I like to see how they deal different objections I send various responses, this is one I used:

______________________________________________________________________________________________________

Me: Yes, it was there when I got home from school today but it was too late to go to the bank. I talked to my mom today cause I was real excited about you coming here, and she thinks it's a great thing. She did suggest though that I wait until the check clears with the bank before sending any funds to you. I'll have to ask the bank how many days it takes to clear completely, hope that's not a problem luv. I'm really excited about your coming here and I know we're going to be the best of friends!

Scammer: Hello Misha, How are you doing, I am really excited at the thought of meeting you, I can see that you are nice and honest, I am the same kind of person, I cant wait to meet you, please the bank might want to put 2-3days on it, I wont be able to wait for that long.

I am asking you, if there is anything we can do so I can get my flight, or if there is a way you can borrow money for me and as soon as it clears, we will replace it back. Can we exchange pictures?

Helen

Me: I maybe could borrow some money from my student loan account, but that's about all the money that's in it. If for some reason I couldn't pay it back I wouldn't be able to pay for next semester and I would not be able to attend classes. My mom would just kill me! What's your flight number and departure time?

Scammer: Hello Misha, I really appreciate what you are doing to me, I promise to be the best fried you ever have, please, maybe we shouldnt tell your mom about it, so when the check clears, we can return it back, my flight is Saturday 6pm, I will need to pay my traveling agent before I can get a confirmation for my flight. ok.

Please, I will appreciate it if you can wire the money to my traveling agent today or early tomorrow, It is certain we will replace it back ok. Thanks. Looking forward to meet you

Helen

Me: I do feel like I've known you all my life, and I'm certain I can trust you. Maybe when I go to the bank I should just explain the urgency of the situation and they can call the bank that issued the check to confirm it's good. I'll bet that would solve our problem! What do you think? I hate to lie to my poor mother, she's been really sick with cancer and all and she doesn't feel good. Wouldn't it be better to just ask the bank to help us out?

Scammer: Hello Misha, I understand, I wouldn't want you to lie as well, there is nothing the bank can do because it is a policy they must follow, let just see how many days they will ask use to wait then. Thanks, looking forward to meet you.

Helen

(After this email, a more experienced scammer came in. This one was dropping the ball)

Me: Gee thanks, that's a good idea. I knew you would be understanding of the situation. I actually forgot where you're flying from! I see your travel agent is here in the US, did you used to live in that State? I'm still so excited knowing your coming so soon, the weathers still pretty nice so we can spend a little time going downtown and eating at all the beautiful restaurants. What's your favorite kinda food Helen!

Scammer: Hello Misha, How are you doing, I am exicted about meeting you as well, yes I use to live in Harrisburg, PA and Wi but thats a long time, I am originally from PA. I like lights food, yes we could go out and have a nice time.

Helen

Me: Where are you now, are you in England? I've always wanted to go there! What do you do for work?? I want to be a Hotel Manager, or maybe work on one of those big cruise ships after I graduate. Did you go to college in Harrisburg? You mentioned earlier we could exchange pictures; I don't remember if I ever sent you any or not, so I'll go ahead and attach a few for you now.

Scammer: How are you doing? I just got your email, I want to know if i can borrow some little funds from you, any amount you have, I will appreciate it. I WANT T RAISE SOME MONEY TO BUY MY FLIGHT BEFORE THE CHECK CLEARS, the days the bank asked you to come seems like a year to me, I will be waiting for your swift response.

miss ya

Helen

Me: How much do you need to borrow sweety? I don't think it will be a big problem. Can you possibly send me a scan of your photo identification, like a driver's license, or school ID? Then I at least know exactly who I'm making the loan too.

Scammer: Hello Misha, how are you doing? I just got your email, I cant believe you are asking me for these just because I ask you to borrow me some money, I dont have a scanner to scan what you have asked me to send to you.

But, I want you to know that I am an honest person, I cant borrow what I will not pay for, it is very urgent thats the reason why I turned to you for assistance, we are now friends, I can assist you if you want me to as well.....

Please there is no way I can send all this, since I dont have a scanner, I want to believe you trust me right? Please........

Helen

Me: Well, shoot, don't they have places that can scan for you? Oh, wait, I know. Maybe you can just take a picture of it and send that! I would at least like pictures of you or something, I know we're friends and all but I've never even seen you. Plus, you didn't say how much you want me to loan you. I only have about $5,000 in my college loan account that I'm supposed to use for school next semester, if I sent you that I would really need to be sure your going to pay me. If I lose my college money I can't return to school for half a year, and my mothers so sick with cancer I know it would just kill her if I wasn't in school.

It's not that I don't trust you hon, but the check didn't come from you, it came from another person. I have no idea who that person is. What if they cheated you and me both? What should we do Helen???

Scammer: Hello Misha, I just got your email and I believe you, I wouldnt want you to risk anything for your college ok, I will have to wait till the check clears then, I just hope it wont tkae more than 3day, but what I was acutally going to borrow from is $1000 and not $5000, I was just thinking I could be in the State by this new week, so we can visit alot of places together, I am really excited about meeting you.

and I know you will make a good friend. I wish you could borrow just the $1000 before noon tomorrow, I would appreciate it, that means I will still be able to fly later in the evening on Saturday.

How is your parents doing, I hope she is using her treatment, where di she travel to? would you like to visit the UK in your holidays? we cna go together and stay in my house here in London.

Thanks, will be waiting for your email.

Helen

Me: So sorry I just got your message Helen, I went to my best friend's birthday party (see pic) and we had such a good time. I really wish you could have been there. As for your question, $1,000 doesn't seem so bad; it is a lot of money to me so please realize that even losing that amount would dramatically affect my life.

The banks aren't open tomorrow though Helen, so I can't do it until Monday. You really have to swear to me though, if the check your friend sent for any reason doesn't clear (which it can't in 3 days, it takes over a week), you will pay me when you get here.

Surely you understand that even losing a thousand dollars would mean I can't continue my education, and when my mother returns from France from her cancer treatment, the last thing in the whole world I want to do is break her heart and tell her I lost my school money and had to drop out. I think I would rather kill myself than do that.

So please, you must promise me on the Holy Bible you will make good on the loan if the check isn't good. Do you promise??

Love you always,

Scammer: Hi Misha, How are you doing, I just got your email, yes I realized that alot of things is at stake if you have to borrow me the money, I promise to give you back if anything happens to the check ok, but I bet you nothing is going to happen, because this is my pay check, and no one will want to send me a bad payment, but I promise to give you back the funds if anything happens ok..... trust me on this.

Regards the party, I saw the pic, I just wished I was there with you, at least thats another avenue where we can spend time together and get to know ourselves better, right now it is as if I have known you for years, the understanding is just too perfect.
I cant wait to be there so we can go to other occasions like that, we could even visit London together during your hols in school. Please, do make sure the funds are wired early on Monday, try and do everything very early on Monday, I will really appreciate it.....I promise to pay you back in a very big way!

Thanks, looking forward to meet you.
Helen

(As you can see, the scammer is finding humor in ripping her off when he say's "I promise to pay you back in a very big way!")

Me: How much of my school money should I send? What do you need for your trip? I've seen those pics before, is that all you have?

Hello Misha,

How are you doing today, sorry I have not been online for sometime now, I have been busy putting my things in place for my trip. I would have appreciate $1500, but I am not sure you would be able to do that? if it is possible help me with $1500, and if you think $1000 is ok, then try and send it to me very early Monday morning ok.

Please, it is Monday here and the time is 4:56am, I will be coming back to check my email for the Western Union Details ok.

I hope you still remember my agent's info:

(Name): TIMOTHY MONTOYA

(City) Port Washington

(State) WI.

(Zip) 53074

I am looking forward to meet you Misha, I cant wait for us to paint the city with beautiful colors together.

Helen

Me: Thank for all your patience, I spoke with the bank and they said the money was available for withdrawal so I've sent $2,515.00 early this morning. The MCN number they gave me was 289-609-5468. Take care and be sure to get back to me with your flight information!

Now obviously I sent no money and the number is fictitious; often I'll send them to the WU several times attempting to collect, and sometimes I even send them a doctored receipt from Western Union to convince them it was indeed sent. On one such occasion the scammer went to Western Unions office with the fictitious receipt so many times the police were waiting for him when he came the 4^th time to collect and his associates emails me asking me to help get him out of jail! He was quite upset and said "Our Minister of Finance" has been arrested!" that made my day.

The two things people have said to me in the past regarding these scams is that:

Anyone getting pulled into such a scam is being greedy and trying to get something for nothing, therefore they deserve what they got!

The Nigerians are so poor they're simply acting in desperation and trying to find a better life.

I don't really believe either are true 100% of the time. As you can see by this email exchange, this person I fabricated was merely trying to rent out a room, and for a fair price. It wasn't part of a "Help me sneak 45 million of a deceased persons bank account and I'll split it with you" scam (although that is a common scheme); so honest hard working people are victimized by these scams.

I intentionally said all I could to see if the scammer had any sympathy at all. In the end, it didn't matter how sweet and innocent Misha sounded, that she would not be able to pay for college once the scam was complete, or that her mother was gravely ill. The scammer had no qualms getting her to take her college money and send it and instructed her to keep it a secret from her ailing mother.

I also wanted to show how they befriend the victim and prey on many lonely people. The young and elderly are common victims. I recently saw a young man on TV that simply wanted to sell his motorcycle. He was contacted by a man from overseas and sent a check for more than the amount due. He was then contacted by the "shipper" and asks to wire money so that they would pick the bike up and ship it out. He lost over $3,000 and now has to work 3 jobs to repay the bank or face criminal charges. He wasn't trying to get rich quick, just sell his bike.

I spoke with a Realtor last week that said she had in fact rented a home to someone that contacted her via the web and rented the home prior to arriving from Canada. They did send her a cashier's check, but they did not ask for money back; it was a legitimate deal. So it's not hard for someone to believe that it is legitimate since on occasion people do rent rooms in this manner. Then when the bank permits them to withdraw the money from the account based on the check being deposited, many believe that indicates it has cleared, when in fact it has not.

As for the Nigerians impoverished condition driving them to do this, that's not quite true. The bulk of the profits are going to the ringleaders and they have made billions. The Yahoo Boys are paid nominal commissions for their success. Many consider it a game, as this popular song indicates. It's called "I Go Chop Your Dollar" and has lyrics such as this:

"419 is just a game. You are the loser, I am the winner. White people greedy.... I take your money and disappear.... You be the fool, I be the master."

The losses from this scam are in the billions! On August 6^th 2007 the EEOC (Economic and Financial Crimes Commission) ran a sting operation in Nigeria and confiscated outbound mail for the US and UK. The operation produced startling discoveries of how criminal elements operating from the country ship fake documents and counterfeit financial instruments abroad. In several packages they found fraudulent identification and counterfeit financial instruments neatly concealed in carbon paper to evade the sensors of scanners.

In all, 15,129 counterfeit checks related to advance fee fraud scams were intercepted. They included 6,948 blank checks and others drawn for the sums of $145.9 million, Euro 211,077, 218.00, over two million Pounds Sterling and 120,450.00 Canadian dollars. So this is a major problem that shouldn't be ignored and written off as "something that happens to greedy fools".

In playing along with their scam and allowing them to send the check, only to realize they have wasted their time and money in doing so and perhaps makes them more leery of who they send the checks to. I've noticed that some of the ads I place on Craigslist receive no response. The Yahoo Boys have private websites where they post messages to one another regarding their own bad experience with victims and who to avoid.

I hope that in doing this I make them more leery of any ads for Washington State property rentals. I'm not crazy enough to believe I can end it, but as I said before, if I can just save a few from this scam it's worth my time. I haven't taken as much time or effort as it may seem; I often do it when I'm bored or need a break. Also, I can't lie; it's a bit fun at times.

Seven Days?

Michael Creel (Brio Realty Inc.) — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 00:39:54 -0500

In the beginning, God created Heaven and the Earth.

However, before he even began, God was faced with a citation from the regulatory board.

God was granted a temporary permit for the project, but quickly received a cease-and-desist order for the oceans he planned to build; he had failed to submit an environmental impact statement.

Then God said, "Let there be light!" Immediately, the regulatory board demanded to know how the light would be made, would there be strip mining? What about thermal pollution? Was the light harmful?

God explained that the light would come from a large ball of fire. God was granted provisional permission to make light, assuming that a burn permit would be obtained, that there would be conservation of energy via green construction methods, and that the light would be out half the time.

God said, "Let the earth put forth vegetation, with plants yielding seed and fruit trees bearing fruit." The advisory board agreed to approve this, as long as only native seed was used and a licensed arborist was hired to select the location for each tree.

It seemed all was fine until God said the project would be completed in seven days. The officials said it would take at least 200 days to review the applications and environmental impact statement; after that would be the public hearing, and then it would be 10-12 months before ...

At this point, God moved on to create Hell

More Jokes

Unemployment, Just How Bad Is It?

Michael Creel (Brio Realty Inc.) — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 07:13:05 -0500

Seems each day I read the paper or watch the news more and more people are losing jobs, and businesses closing. I decided I really wanted to see the cold hard numbers for myself, and get a clear picture of just what's gone on in the U.S. over the last year.

I spent some time on the Department of Labors website pouring through the Bureau of Labor Statistics massive data base. Here is what I've learned, and it's not pretty. Keep in mind as you look at these numbers, a "mass layoff action" means at least 50 people were laid off.

January 2008: employers took 1,438 mass layoff actions; number of workers involved totaled 144,111. The number of initial claims due to mass layoffs increased for five consecutive months; 427 mass layoff events were reported in the manufacturing sector, resulting in 55,488 initial claims.

California recorded the highest number of initial claims filed due to mass layoff events in January (38,715), reflecting layoffs in administrative and support services. Other states with large numbers of mass layoff-related claims were New York (18,636), Alabama (10,160), Pennsylvania (9,644), Ohio (9,352), and Illinois (9,106).

February 2008: employers took 1,672 mass layoff actions; the number of workers involved totaled 177,374.

California recorded the highest number of initial claims filed due to mass layoff events in February (32,747), followed by Pennsylvania (8,204), Florida (6,572), Illinois (6,344), and New York (5,912). These five states accounted for 56 percent of all mass layoff events and 50 percent of all initial claims for unemployment insurance in February.

March 2008: employers took 1,571 mass layoff actions, the number of workers involved totaled 157,156. The manufacturing sector accounted for 31 percent of all mass layoff events and 38 percent of all related initial claims filed.

California recorded the highest number of initial claims filed due to mass layoff events in March (21,812), followed by Pennsylvania (12,745), Wisconsin (7,067), Illinois (6,694), and Ohio (6,236). These five states accounted for 51 percent of all mass layoff events and 42 percent of all initial claims for unemployment insurance in March.

April 2008: employers took 1,308 mass layoff actions, the number of workers involved totaled 133,914. The manufacturing sector accounted for 31 percent of all mass layoff events and 37 percent of initial claims filed.

California recorded the highest number of initial claims filed due to mass layoff events in April with 28,172, followed by Michigan (11,156), New York (7,539), and Pennsylvania (7,506).

May 2008, employers took 1,626 mass layoff actions, the number of workers involved totaled 171,387. The manufacturing sector accounted for 25 percent of all mass layoff events and 32 percent of initial claims filed.

California recorded the highest number of initial claims filed due to mass layoff events in May with 34,085, largely due to layoffs in motion picture and sound recording industries and in administrative and support services. The next highest states reporting mass layoff initial claims were New York (9,613), Pennsylvania (8,975), Florida (8,841), and Kentucky (8,666).

June 2008: employers took 1,643 mass layoff actions, the number of workers involved totaled 165,697. The manufacturing sector accounted for 40 percent of all mass layoff events and 54 percent of initial claims filed.

California recorded the highest number of initial claims filed due to mass layoff events in June with 44,754, largely due to layoffs in educational services and in administrative and support services. The states reporting the next highest number of mass layoff initial claims were Pennsylvania (14,835), Florida (10,751), and New Jersey (9,512).

July 2008: employers took 1,512 mass layoff actions, the number of workers involved totaled 151,171. The manufacturing sector accounted for 40 percent of all mass layoff events and 54 percent of initial claims filed.

California recorded the highest number of initial claims filed due to mass layoff events in July with 33,250, largely due to layoffs in administrative and support services and in educational services. The next highest numbers of mass layoff initial claims were in Michigan (27,672), Ohio (19,402), and Kentucky (11,907).

August 2008: employers took 1,772 mass layoff actions, the number of workers involved totaled 173,955. The manufacturing sector accounted for 29 percent of all mass layoff events and 37 percent of initial claims filed.

California recorded the highest number of initial claims filed due to mass layoff events in August with 36,120, largely due to layoffs in administrative and support services and in motion picture and sound recording industries. The states with the next highest numbers of mass layoff initial claims were New York (10,760), Florida (9,849), and Ohio (7,994).

September 2008: employers took 2,269 mass layoff actions, number of workers involved totaled 235,681. The manufacturing sector accounted for 28 percent of all mass layoff events and 36 percent of initial claims filed.

California recorded the highest number of initial claims filed due to mass layoff events in September with 34,584. The next highest states reporting mass layoff initial claims were Louisiana (14,929) and Texas (10,616). Six states reached program highs in 2008 for the month of September; Indiana, Ohio, Texas, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.

Thirty-five states registered over-the-year increases in initial claims associated with mass layoffs, led by Louisiana (+14,366), California (+13,440), and Texas (+8,010). The effects of Hurricane Gustav in Louisiana and of Hurricane Ike in Texas contributed to the higher September 2008 layoff activity in those two states.

October 2008: employers took 2,140 mass layoff actions, the number of workers involved totaled 232,468. The manufacturing sector accounted for 32 percent of all mass layoff events and 45 percent of initial claims filed.

California recorded the highest number of initial claims filed due to mass layoff events in October with 51,286. The next highest states reporting mass layoff initial claims were Ohio (17,764) and Michigan (16,851).

Twelve states reached program highs in average weekly initial claims in 2008 for the month of October; Alabama, Alaska, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Michigan, Nebraska, Nevada, Ohio, Utah, and Wyoming.

November 2008: employers took 2,328 mass layoff actions, the number of workers involved totaled 224,079. The manufacturing sector accounted for 39 percent of all mass layoff events and 45 percent of initial claims filed.

California recorded the highest number of initial claims filed due to mass layoff events in November with 47,690. The states with the next highest number of mass layoff initial claims were Michigan (14,657), Wisconsin (13,966), and Indiana (13,420).

In 2008, 15 states reached program highs in average weekly initial claims for the month of November; Alabama, Arizona, Florida, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Mississippi, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Ohio, Oregon, South Dakota, and Tennessee.

December 2008: employers took 2,275 mass layoff actions, the number of workers involved totaled 226,117.

California recorded the highest number of initial claims filed due to mass layoff events in December with 43,265. The states with the next highest number of mass layoff initial claims were Ohio (27,836), Illinois (25,885), and Michigan (24,508).

In January 2009 employers took 2,227 mass layoff actions that resulted in the separation of 237,902 workers. In January, 738 mass layoff events were reported in the manufacturing sector, resulting in 102,577 initial claims.

During the 14 months from December 2007 through January 2009, the total number of mass layoff events was 25,712, and the number of initial claims was 2,632,336.

(December 2007 was the start of a recession as designated by the National Bureau of Economic Research.)

In February 2009, employers took 2,769 mass layoff actions involving 295,477 workers. Mass layoff events increased by 542 from January, and initial claims increased by 57,575. Layoff events for all industries and for the manufacturing sector rose to their highest levels on record. Thirty states reached program highs in average weekly initial claims.

California recorded the highest number of initial claims filed due to mass layoff events in January with 54,153. The states with the next highest number of mass layoff initial claims were New York (31,893), Pennsylvania (29,656), and Ohio (27,971).

In 2009, 18 states reached program highs in average weekly initial claims for the month of January; Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Iowa, Kentucky, Michigan, Montana, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, and West Virginia.

Employers took 2,769 mass layoff actions in February that resulted in the separation of 295,477.

So as anyone can see by looking through these numbers, we're far from being out of the recession. Please keep in mind; these are only the "mass layoff" stats, which don't include terminations of fewer than 50 people BYone employer.

Each month, states report on employers which have at least 50 initial claims filed against them during a consecutive 5-week period. These employers then are contacted by the state agency to determine whether these separations lasted 31 days or longer, and, if so, other information concerning the layoff is collected. States report on layoffs lasting more than 1 month on a quarterly basis.

Liars Loans are Back!

Michael Creel (Brio Realty Inc.) — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 03:28:34 -0500

We've all heard of Liars Loans, the infamous loan given to borrowers based on nothing more than the lie's they put on their application. Lately the term has taken on a new meaning for me; now liars are sending me loan applications!

In May I began receiving offers for low interest loans for just about anything I want to use them for. They seem to come daily now. I know people in the business wouldn't bite into this little scam, but I have no doubt someone in dire need of cash might.

Because so many of my previous post have resulted in "thank you" emails from people that searched Google and discovered my warnings after receiving such offers, I felt I should post this one as well.

All of these "lenders" will asked for upfront fee's to be paid, and of course, no loan will ever come of it.

-----------------------------------------

From: WILLIAMS LOAN INVESTMENT info@mrdmantelloanfirm007.com
Subject: URGENT LOAN OFFER (APPLY NOW)
Date: Monday, May 12, 2008, 11:37 PM

Hello

I am osmald williams a private Loan lender and a cooperate financial for real estate and any kinds of business financing.

I also offer Loans to individuals, Firms and cooperate bodies at 3% interest rate per annum and 0.5% interest rate monthly base, loan terms determinant, Loan amount between the sum of $5,000.00 to $50,000,000.00 US Dollars.Loan for developing businesses a competitive edge/ business expansion.

We offer the following kinds of loans:

* Personal Loans (Secure and Unsecured)

* Business Loans (Secure and Unsecured)

* Consolidation Loan

* Combination Loan

-Low Down or Zero Money Financing Program Available

-Great Refinance Programs with competitive rates, Fixed, Arms, Interest Only.

-Quick Cash Loans: Home Equity Lines of Credit and 2nd loan-Self-Employed,

Stated, No Income/No Asset.

FIRST INFORMATIONS NEEDED ARE:

Full Name:...............................

Country:...................... ...........

Marital status:..............................

Contact Phone numbers:.........................

Amount Needed :.........................

Loan Duration........................

Contact E-mail:mrdmantelloanfirm007@gmail.com

THERE IS NOTHING TO LOSE BUT YOUR DEBT AND FINANCIAL PROBLEMS !!!

Here to show you a better way to financial freedom !!!

Thanks

Warm regards

Osmald Williams

------------------------------------------

From: Ky Mortensen KMortensen@vetmed.lsu.edu
Date: Friday, August 8, 2008, 12:11 PM

Goodday,

Are you a business man or woman ? Are you in any financial mess or do you need funds to start up your own business? Do you need loan to settle your debt or pay off your bills or start a nice business?

Do you have a low credit score and you are finding it hard to obtain capital loan from local banks/other financial institutes? Do you need a loan or funding for any reason such as:

a) Personal Loan,Business Expansion,

b) Business Start-up ,Education,

c) Debt Consolidation ,

d) Hard Money Loans

We offer loan at low interest rate of 5% and with no credit check ,we offer Personal loans, debt

consolidation loans, venture capital,business loans, education loans, home loans or

"loans for any reason!".

However, Our method, offers you the chance to state the amount of loan needed and also the duration

you can afford, This gives you a real chance to get the funds you need!

Any interested Applicants should get back to me on my email at mrdavidwall@live.com

Thanks.

-----------------------------------------------

From: David Williams lsokolov@ugr.es
Date: Saturday, August 9, 2008, 12:16 AM

Good day

I am a financier I am willing to lend out loans with the interest rate of 4% and with in the amount of $10,000 to $5,000,000 as the offer, I offer loan to all categories of people, firms, companies, all kinds of business organizations, private individuals and real estate investors, I give out loans at very cheap and moderate rates.

I am a certified, registered and legit lender. You can contact me today if you are interested in getting this loan, contact me for more information about the loan process, process like the loan terms and conditions and how the loan will be transferred to you. I need your urgent response if you are interested. You are to contact me with this

Email:david.williamsloans@hotmail.com

I hope to hear from you.

Best Regards

Mr David Williams

--------------------------------------------------

From: David Wall <mrdavidwall@live.com>
Subject: LOAN APPLICATION FORM
Date: Sunday, August 10, 2008, 1:44 PM

Hello,

Below this mail is the loan application form. Please fill out the application and return it to me. I have also included my contact information below. I look forward to assisting you with your loan needs at 5%. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions.

I WANT YOU TO FILL THE LOAN FORM, USING THE CORRECT DETAILS, I WILL BE LOOKING FORWARD TO YOUR RESPONSE

LOAN APPLICATION FORM

Name (Mr., Mrs., Ms., Dr., etc.):
First name:
Middle name:
Last name:
Date of birth (yyyy-mm-dd):
Gender:
Marital status:
Total Amount Needed:
Time Duration
Address:
City:
State/province:
Zip/postal code:
Country:
Phone:
Fax:
Mobile/cellular:
Monthly Income
Occupation:
E-mail:

Sincerely,

Hilton Financial Services, U.K.
6 Old Bond Road
Wood green, London, U.K. N22 6DS.
+44-704-571-6068
+44-704-572-2115 Offices

----------------------------------------------------------

From: DAVID WILLIAMS david_williamsloans@hotmail.com
Subject: Re:Loan
Date: Monday, August 11, 2008, 12:01 AM

DAVID WILLIAMS LOAN FIRM.
CALLE MOSTOLES 15/B 28925, ALCONCON
MADRID SPAIN.
TEL: 0034-615-178-680
FAX: 0034-911-013-765

Attn:

The content of your mail was noted.

We are large scale investment located here in spain, approved by the spanish government, we offer loans to private companies and individuals.

Kindly indicate how much you need as a loan to enable us proceed with this loan transaction, with maximum or $10,000,000.00 with 3% interest rate.

I await your swift response.

You can reach me via 0034-615-178-680

DAVID WILLIAMS

(loan agent)

--------------------------------------------

As you can see by reading my previous blog, the name David Williams is becoming common in scams (or versions there of). http://activerain.com/blogsview/632880/Scamming-in-the-Rain

I’M NOT LEAVING NOW, RESCUE ME LATER!

Michael Creel (Brio Realty Inc.) — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 23:07:01 -0500

It never ceases to amaze me when disaster is imminent, and warnings to evacuate are given, some just sit there. Many say the same brave words "If the Lord wants to take you, he will". Yet it seems when the Lord comes knocking on the door, they call 911.

That's what irks me the most when these disasters strike and tens of thousands of homeowners loose everything they've worked for. At a time when resources are already stretched thin, they have to be stretched further to accommodate those hardheaded holdouts that have such bravado in the beginning, and none in the end.

I can't help but ask myself these questions:

How many people should risk their lives to go rescue these former brave souls?
How many millions should be spent?
Should these people face criminal charges for ignoring a mandatory evacuation order?
Should they bear civil penalties for the expenses incurred rescuing them?
Should they face criminal prosecution for the death of anyone that's attempting to rescue them?

Although I've been fortunate enough to never face an evacuaiton warning, I have lived in Texas, Louisiana, and Florida; and believe me, you only need to tell me once its evacuation time. By current estimates, in Texas alone 140,000 people ignored the warnings and stayed; now they all need to be rescued.

Before the choppers carry them to saftey, perhaps they should leave a note for the Lord and let him know they've changed their mind.

When Good Real Estate Goes Bad

Michael Creel (Brio Realty Inc.) — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 10:46:14 -0500

Over the last year or so we have all seen the news flashes of real estate scams being exposed and people going to jail. Often I seek out such stories to share with others, so these lessons can be learned from.

Today I ran across a truly bizzarre fraud case while looking through online court records. One thing that really stood out to me was the dates of the crimes; obviously mortgage fraud has been an issue for quite some time.

I do not know any of the people mentioned in the article, and these are public records available to anyone; this is not from a news report, but from actual court records.

A jury convicted Doyle Spruill and David Saks on one count of conspiracy to defraud the United States, 18 U.S.C. § 371, and five counts of bank fraud, 18 U.S.C. § 1344.

Spruill and Saks were business partners in Omni Interests, Inc., a commercial real estate development company, based in San Antonio. Omni specialized in the development of office buildings, shopping centers, and apartment projects in different locations throughout Texas. In 1983, Spruill and Saks formed a limited partnership, Omni/Corpus Christi Limited, to acquire and develop a large tract of land in Corpus Christi.

They purchased the property for $3 million in 1984 as a location for a large shopping center. They had the property rezoned and began negotiations with major mall developers. By year end, however, Omni had financial problems. Spruill and Saks needing cash for the company's short term financial obligations, decided to borrow, with the Corpus Christi property as collateral.

They approached Peoples Savings & Loan Association, where officials informed them that they would need about $14 million to pay existing debt on the property and keep their company afloat. Peoples could not handle a loan of that size, and referred them to Security Savings Association.

That was a fateful day. In December of 1984, Spruill and Saks met with Cliff Brannon and Don Jones, co-chairmen of the board of Security and owners of a controlling interest in it. They asked Brannon and Jones for a loan of $14 million. They had obtained an appraisal valuing the property at $24 million, based on its potential as a site for a regional shopping mall. Brannon and Jones listened and promised to let them know soon. The prospective lender, it seems, saw in this prospective loan a solution to its own unrelated but serious problem.

The year before, Security had loaned Ray Stockman about $20 million to develop Chaucer Village, a condominium project in Dallas. When Saks and Spruill walked in, Chaucer Village had failed. Officials of the Federal Home Loan Bank Board had determined that the Chaucer Village loan had been "overfunded" by about $5 million. The Board had directed Brannon and Jones either to write down the loan, that is, to establish a loss reserve against the overfunded amount, or cover it with new capital. Without an infusion of funds from some outside source, Brannon and Jones would effectively be out of business or under supervisory control, since Security's net worth would fall below the minimum regulatory requirements. They did not have the money.

Brannon and Jones explained to Stockman that Spruill and Saks had requested a $14 million loan, but that by lending $19 million, with Stockman as a business partner, Saks and Spruill could pay Stockman $5 million of the loan proceeds. Stockman would then pass the $5 million to Security for the troubled Chaucer Village loan.

Stockman's name would not appear on any loan documents, hiding from federal regulators the tied transactions. In short, the proposal was a shuffle of the $5 million debt from Stockman and the Chaucer Village project, in which the regulators were keenly interested, to Spruill and Saks and the Corpus Christi project, where there was no apparent impropriety. There would be no real infusion of capital, since the source of the funds to cover the Chaucer Village loan would originate with Security itself. The transaction would create the appearance of such an infusion, however, so as to placate the FHLBB.

Brannon and Jones persuaded Stockman with the suggestion that he would receive no further funding absent his help. The two bankers then told Spruill and Saks that the loan came with Stockman as a partner and the $5 million added would never leave the bank but would flow through Stockman to Security. They explained the Chaucer Village loan and why Stockman could not appear on any of the paper work. Spruill and Saks objected at first, but succumbed. Spruill later said that he felt that their backs were against the wall and they would lose everything they had if they did not agree to the deal.

So then, on January 14th of 1985, Omni/Corpus Christi borrowed $19 million from Security and two closely affiliated banks, Meridian Savings Association and Peoples Savings and Loan Association. The Corpus Christi property was pledged as collateral. Spruill and Saks signed a loan agreement reciting that the loan was for the sole benefit of the lender and borrower and was not for the benefit of any third party. Stockman's name was not on any of the closing documents. Robert Brown, Meridian's attorney and the preparer of the closing documents, later said that he was completely unaware of Stockman's role. The same day, Spruill, Saks, and Stockman formed Crosstown Joint Venture to develop the Corpus Christi property. At the insistence of Spruill and Saks, Stockman also signed a separate guaranty of the $19 million that Omni/Corpus Christi had borrowed.

A few days later, Spruill took $5 million of the loan proceeds and made out a cashier's check to Stockman for this amount, ostensibly for his services as an "advisor" in Crosstown Joint Venture. Stockman rendered no such services. Spruill gave the check to Jones, who met with Stockman, gave him the check, and had him purchase a certificate of deposit in the name of his company, Condo Homes Corporation.

Condo Homes then wired the money to Security to pay down the Chaucer Village loan. Security informed federal regulators that a purchaser had been found to take over Chaucer Village and pay off the loan, but did not disclose the true source of the funds. With the shuffle complete, Omni was left to carry a $19 million debt, over 25% of which it had never received.

In 1986, Meridian sued for foreclosure on the Corpus Christi property. Spruill and Saks counterclaimed against Meridian, Security, and Peoples, asserting that the loan was usurious. They argued that part of the loan transaction was a sham, since $5 million was not in fact loaned to Omni/Corpus Christi but was diverted to Security for Stockman's debt. Crosstown Joint Venture was merely an artifice conceived by Security to hide the true nature of the relationship between Spruill, Saks, and Omni/Corpus Christi on the one hand, and Stockman on the other.

Spruill and Saks signed pleadings detailing the fraudulent nature of the loan arrangement, and Spruill testified at length about the transaction in depositions.² Spruill and Saks ultimately won a settlement in this lawsuit dissolving the Omni note and requiring the banks to pay them approximately $2 million.

In 1990, the government indicted Saks and Spruill on charges of conspiracy to defraud the United States and aiding and abetting bank fraud. There were two theories: first, that they defrauded federal regulators by concealing Stockman's involvement in the loan transaction, and second, that they defrauded the banks of their money. Saks testified in his defense at trial. Spruill did not but the court admitted Spruill's deposition testimony from the civil suit into evidence.

The jury found both defendants guilty on five counts of bank fraud, 18 U.S.C. §§ 2, 1344, and one count of conspiracy to defraud the United States, 18 U.S.C. § 371.

Read Entire Case Here

Expanding Your Horizons

Michael Creel (Brio Realty Inc.) — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 00:09:56 -0600

Six months ago as the collapse of the economy appeared inevitable I decided to not just think out of the box, but to step out of it; I decided to work in Iraq. Having previously ventured to countries such as China and Italy, I had always entertained the idea of working overseas.

Unfortunately as Americans, we're really not given the skills as children to make this an easy task. Most of us just can't grasp the metric system, or speak any language other than English. While other countries, perhaps out of necessity, raise their kids with the aspiration of traveling abroad to work, we do not.

Instead what we seem to do is encourage the belief that money will come to you if you just work hard, and sometimes thats not the truth. Many work hard all their life, and have little to show for it.

Having become involved in this Expatriate lifestyle, I've seen and met many Americans who for the first time have ventured abroad. Many had never previously been out of the town or city they were born in, and I'm not just talking about young people.

Sometimes, from hardship and disaster something good is born. As bad as war is, and as bad as our financial crises is, they have motivated thousands of Americans to venture out into a world they had never considered before; a world only seen to them on television, and at the movies. The people now working in places like Afghanistan, Iraq, Kuwait, Dubai, and even Africa, are all making very good money, and sending it home to the U.S.

Many don't have advanced degrees, or any degree at all for that matter. Some are young, and had few opportunities in America to earn a good living.

They've come here to earn $88,000 to $120,000 per year, and they pay a fortune into the Social Security System, which desperately needs the infusion (currently there are an estimated 5 million Americans living abroad; many are retired).

When their vacation time comes they visit countries like Germany, Italy, Thailand, and China. They are seeing the world, and building a solid future for themselves. These Americans come in every age group, and profession. They are Foremen, Plumbers, Electricians, IT, Medics, Fireman, Truck Drivers, and yes, even a Realtor or two. Many stay for years, and some for only days.

So for those of you that aren't making ends meet right now, or are just tired of looking at the same four walls and driving down the same congested freeway each day, give some thought to stepping out of the box for a year or so. You won't melt, and you may even learn the metric system.

Motor City Driven Under?

Michael Creel (Brio Realty Inc.) — Wed, 13 Feb 2008 15:48:54 -0600

After reading the paper today I was a bit surprised at the high number of foreclosures coming out of some areas around the country. Detroit appears to be in a real crises. Roughly 4.9 percent of the households in the Detroit metro area were in some stage of foreclosure in 2007, which is 4.8 times the national average; according to the study released by mortgage research company RealtyTrac Inc.

Stockton, Calif., ranked second with about 4.8 percent of its households in some stage of foreclosure, while the Las Vegas metro area was third with a 4.2 percent rate. In all, 72,616 filings on 41,273 properties were reported in the Detroit metro area, which includes Livonia and Dearborn. The foreclosure rate represents a 68 percent jump from 2006.

In Stockton, 22,184 foreclosure filings were reported on 10,608 properties last year, up 271 percent from 2006, RealtyTrac said.

The Riverside-San Bernardino metro area east of Los Angeles was ranked fourth, with 102,506 filings on 51,739 homes, a rate of 3.8 percent.

Sacramento was ranked fifth, with 3.1 percent of its households reporting late payments.

The other California metropolitan areas in the top 20 were Bakersfield, ranked seventh; Fresno, ranked 14th; and Oakland at 16th.

The Las Vegas metro area, which also includes Paradise, Nev., reported a total of 59,983 foreclosure filings on 30,375 properties in 2007.

Ohio, which has also been racked by high unemployment, had four metro areas among the top 20, including Akron at 12th, Dayton at 15th and Toledo at 19th.

The metro area comprising Cleveland, Lorain, Elyria and Mentor was ranked sixth, with some 2.9 percent of all households in some stage of foreclosure.

Miami ranked eighth with a 2.7 percent rate, the highest among all metro areas in Florida. Fort Lauderdale was 10th and Orlando was 20th.

The other areas in the top 20 were Denver-Aurora, Colo., at No. 9; Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Marietta, Ga., at No. 11; Memphis, Tenn., at No. 13.; and Indianapolis at No. 18.

With all of this happening, I can't say I understand why banks don't simply re-negotiate the loans with their clients instead of following through with converting those ARM loans to a full amortized loan; knowing it will lead to default. Most of these homes will end up in the hands of overseas investors buying them in bulk for 50-70 cents on the dollar from the banks. How sad.

Avoid the Hole

Michael Creel (Brio Realty Inc.) — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 02:29:10 -0500

We speak only of real estate and mortgage in our little corner of the universe, but the ugly truth is, we're merely the epicenter of a national crises. The mortgage debacle, coupled with absurdly high gas prices, has created a financial black hole that's sucking in all money matter around it.

Did you know that U.S. business bankruptcies saw their sharpest quarterly rise in two years, jumping 17 percent in the second quarter of 2008?

Did you know that Commercial filings for the first half of 2008 are up 45 percent from last year; or that from April through June, 15,471 U.S. businesses shuttered their doors?

It was the 10th straight quarter that business bankruptcy filings have increased. Nearly 29,000 companies filed in the first half of 2008. More than 20 percent of the newly shuttered businesses were in California, which logged 3,141 bankruptcies in the second quarter.

Texas fielded the next highest number of bankruptcies with 1,168, followed by Michigan with 702 and Florida with 635. New York was next, with 618 petitions, and Colorado had 547.

Food costs went up 1.5 percent (the biggest increase since January) and even pet food jumped by 6 percent, the largest monthly increase on record, and wholesale energy prices shot up 6 percent. The price of unleaded regular gas surged 9 percent in June on top of a comparable increase in May. Home heating oil, natural gas and liquefied petroleum gas also took big jumps.

If you glance back at history you'll see that an average of more than 500,000 businesses failed in the United States during each of the 10 recessions that have occurred since the end of World War II, and there's little doubt at this point that we face a full blown recession.

SMALL CHANGE'S CAN KEEP US OUT OF THE HOLE

Be Aware of how much money you spend

Many shopaholics live in denial about how much they spend. If you realize how much you spend on various items, this may help reduce your spending. With disposable income slipping, spending frugally is important. Discount stores such as Marshalls and other surplus outlets and have seen increased business as people look for bargains.

Don't spend money to kill time

Don't spend every lunch break wandering around your favorite shops, go to a park or place where there is little temptation to pull that wallet out. If you do go shopping have a clear objective of what you need to buy. This means that you will buy things because you need them, rather than want them.

Avoid Spending by Habit

Quite often a lot of our spending is a daily habit. For example, if you hit Starbucks everyday, why not invest in a coffee machine? Just because you spend $10 a day on lunch doesn't mean this habit has to continue forever. Try taking your own lunch.

Give Items Objective ratings

Guy's, do you really need another $100 silk tie, or that new boat? Ladies, Is that $2,000 Louis Vuitton purse really necessary (you're just as beautiful without it)? I know that Burberry coat is lovely, but your paying a bundle for that snappy plaid collar and cuffs.

Instead of trading that luxury ride in, why not pay it off and live car payment free for a couple of years? We all tend to have a desire to live a bit larger than we can afford, its human nature, but now is not the time.

Even if you seem to be rolling in cash today, you don't know what tomorrow will bring. Even Starbucks is closing stores down for the first time.

Remember money isn't everything

Don't feel that financial well being is the only thing that matters. Even in difficult times, don't lose perspective and allow yourself to be depressed. With the right attitude a frugal lifestyle can have its own pleasures. I'll bet there's a park you drive by all the time and have never been to, or a hiking trail you pretend not to see.

Take the time, save the money, and avoid the hole.

Are the Gods Angry at California?

Michael Creel (Brio Realty Inc.) — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 09:50:20 -0500

Seems poor California just can't ever get a break! Earthquakes, fires, heat waves, and foreclosures, all located on some of the most beautiful real estate in the U.S. It Just doesn't seems fair.

When I was 21 I moved to Pismo Beach California and had the best time of my life. I grew up in a small town in Texas, and it's about as opposite of the Cali beach town you can find. Every day I was amazed at the beautiful weather and scenery, and, well,..the girls weren't bad either.

Even then there were fires every summer, an occasional earthquake, and of course fluctuations in the economy. I just don't recall seeing so much disaster hitting there all at the same time.

The magnitude 5.4 earthquake that hit metropolitan Los Angeles today caused no serious damage or injuries, but experts say it's a reminder that the "Big One" could happen at any time. California's history of quakes incredible to say the least.

On February 9, 1971, California experienced one of its most devastating earthquakes. Just before sunrise, the highly-populated San Fernando region was shaken by a 6.6 Richter magnitude quake that destroyed homes and businesses, badly damaged three hospitals, collapsed highways and water reservoirs, and resulted in the deaths of 65 people.

A list of the biggest quakes in recent California history, measured by magnitude:

1. 7.3, Landers, Calif., June 28, 1992, three deaths

2. 7.2, Cape Mendocino, Calif., April 25, 1992

3. 7.2, Off coast of Northern California, June 14, 2005

4. 7.1, Hector Mine, Calif., Oct. 16, 1999

5. 7.0, Honeydew, Calif., Aug. 17, 1991

6. 7.0, Cape Mendocino, Calif., Sept. 1, 1994

7. 6.9, Loma Prieta, Calif., Oct. 18, 1989, 63 deaths

8. 6.7, Northridge, Calif., Jan. 17, 1994, 60 deaths

9. 6.6, San Simeon, Calif., Dec. 22, 2003, 2 deaths

10. 6.6, Off coast of Northern California, June 16, 2005

11. 6.2, Joshua Tree, Calif., April 23, 1992

12. 6.0, Central California, Sept. 28, 2004

13. 5.6, Sierra Madre, Calif., June 28, 1991, two deaths

14. 5.6, San Francisco Bay Area, Calif., Oct. 30, 2007

15. 5.4, Chino Hills, Calif., July 29, 2008

Source: U.S. Geological Survey

Above is a map of southern California, with epicenters of historic earthquakes (as far back as 1812)

How do homeowners protect their most valuable asset?

Less than 12 percent of California homeowners have earthquake insurance, according to the Insurance Information Network of California. A deductible cost chosen by the homeowner can reach up to 25 percent of the house value to be paid in the event of any earthquake damage. The higher the deductible, the lower the cost of the earthquake insurance.

Unfortunately, even if you have insurance, in order for it to pay-off the house needs to be rendered unoccupiable by a quake. That probability is low for most homes and the value of most stuff that would be destroyed would probably be less than the deductible you pay.

So it seems Californians are simply at the mercy of the Gods of natural disaster, and right now, the Gods appear to be very, very, angry!

Extreme Makeover or Extremely Stupid?

Michael Creel (Brio Realty Inc.) — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 23:33:09 -0500

It seems at times that no matter how much society does to help those in need, there will always be the few that don't possess the solid decision making capabilities to survive.

Sounds harsh, but after learning of the "Extreme Makeover" home that has had all of the "gifted" equity sucked out of it and allowed to fall into foreclosure, it is the only conclusion I can reach.

In January 2005 Atlanta-based Beazer Homes USA and ABC's "Extreme Makeover" demolished the Harper family home and its faulty septic system. Six days later, crews and volunteers, totaling over 1800 people, completed work on the largest home that the television program had ever built.

Replacing their old dilapidated home is a four-bedroom house with rock walls and a three-car garage that towers over homes in their neighborhood. The front door opens into a lobby that features four fireplaces, a solarium, a music room and a plush office. A total of $450,000 in materials and labor were donated for the home.

Beazer Homes' employees and company partners raised an additional $250,000 in contributions for the family, along with scholarships for the couple's three children and a home maintenance fund.

After the show, the Harper family used the two-story home as collateral for a $450,000 "construction business-loan", which they have since defaulted on and the majestic home is now set to hit the auction block on the steps of the Clayton County Courthouse Aug. 5.

Perhaps yet another kind soul will buy it and hand it to them for free, yet again.

The ReScam - A New Twist on the 419 Nigerian Con Game!

Michael Creel (Brio Realty Inc.) — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 07:46:20 -0500

Over the last two years I've become a bit of an expert on the Nigerian 419 Scam as a hobby. The 419 covers everything from rental, lottery, inheritance, to employment scams; all done via emails.

Many originate on craigslist.com and occur when you place a rental or sales ad there; others just find their way to your email box. Often your receive lovely pictures (like the one to the left) from Barrister's, Bishops, and even an occasional Princess.

I've written on the subject in the past and have had more people contact me regarding the post than I can recount. The latest version of the 419 is fairly clever (if you can overlook the spelling) and has been successful on quite a few people that previously fell victim to one of the aforementioned versions.

I know from the emails I've received, and the news, people are buying into these scams, Thus I feel the need to warn them about what I can only call "The Re-Scam".

Heres how it goes:

From: BISHOP JOHNSON <earlspencer_00@yahoo.com>
Sent: Monday, July 14, 2008 8:51:48 PM
Subject: ZENITH BANK/UNITED NATIONS,SCAM VICTIMS

   ZENITH BANK/UNITED NATIONS,SCAM VICTIMS
    COMPENSATIONS PAYMENTS.DIRECTOR,
    SCAMMED VICTIM/$100,000 BENEFICIARIES.
    REF/PAYMENTS CODE:06654 $100,000 USD.
    ATTENTION BENEFICIARY:

          ZENITH BANK/UNITED NATIONS SCAM VICTIMS COMPENSATIONS PAYMENTS.

    This is to bring to your notice that I am delegated from the United Nations to Central Bank to pay 48 scam victims $100,000 USD (One Hundred Thounsand Dollars) each. You are listed and approved for this payment as one of the scammed victims to be paid this amount, get back to us as soon as possible for the immediate payments of your $100,000 USD compensations funds.

    On this faithful recommendations, know that during the last U.N. meetings held at Abuja the Capital of this Country Nigeria, it was alarmed so much by the world in the meetings on the lose of funds by various individuals to the Nigerian scams artists operating in syndicates all over the world today.

    In other to compensate victims, the U.N Body in conjunction with the Nigerian Government is now paying 48 victims of this operators $100,000 USD each in accordance with the U.N. recommendations. Due to the corrupt and inefficient Banking Systems in Nigeria, the payments are to be supervised by the United Nations' Officials and the Central Bank Nigeria as the corresponding paying bank is ZENITH BANK PLC.

    According to the number of applicants at hand, 21 Beneficiaries has been paid, half of the victims are from the United States, we still have more 27 left to be paid the compensations of $100,000 USD each. Your particulars was mentioned by one of the Syndicates who claimed to be the ATM Director CBN who was arrested as one of their victims of the operations, you are hereby warned not to communicate or duplicate this message to him for any reason what so ever as the U.S. secret service is already on trace of the other criminals. So keep it secret till they are all apprehended. Other victims who have not been contacted can submit their application as well for security and possible consideration.

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) (Motto: No Body is Above the Law) have combined effort with the United Nation Anti-crime commission to alleviate and redeem the image and past wounds of foreigners and firms who were defrauded, scammed and abandoned by this syndicates to slight down our dignities to international communities.

    Many banks have been in bankrupcy today, Universal firms, Companies and individuals due to the activity of these hoodlums. However, investigation have shown that these people have dropped over 500,000 victims after collecting their money falsefuly, many committed suicide and others living by the grace of God.

    With the sanity presently at hand, we have over 500 convicts at hand, 300 in kirikri prisons while many are still awaiting trail while We still fetch for others who feel they are wise and hope that you will be our friend by giving us more information as per clue in apprehending them.

You can receive your compensations payments via any of this options you Choose, DRAFT/CHEQUE PAYMENTS or WIRE TRANSFERS.I shall reply you with further modalities as soon as I hear from yoU.

SCAMMED VICTIM REF/PAYMENTS CODE:06654 $100,000 USD.
Email: bishopjohnsondate@yahoo.co.jp

Waiting to hear from you as soon as possible.

Yours faithfully,
BISHOP JHONSON
bishopjohnsondate@yahoo.co.jp
SCAMMED VICTIM/REF/PAYMENTS

CODE:06654 $100,000

-------------------

My Response: Indeed I was scammmed out of $7,000 USD by a fellow claiming he wanted to rent my home from me. What can I do to recover the money?

-------------------------------

Attention: Michael Creel

I want you to forward the conversations you had with the scammer, all the papers or the info you received from him,the info used when sending the money to him, then enclose your contact address, your telephone number, a copy of your drivers license.... we need your hunble corporations over this matter to enable us track the scammer... after verifications your payment will be made....and you advice to comply with our instructions to enable us proceed faster with your case.... Sincerely

Bishop Johnson

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My Response: Will this cost me anything up front?

-----------------------------

Dear Michael Creel

Thanks for your message, We are working towards everything here all we need is your corporations, Just do what I instructed you, send all the conversation you have with the fraudster, the documents he sent to you ... or you can aswell send the payment informtions you sent to him... I will attach this stated items to your claim files...and fax them to the Bank that will make your payment of 100,000 dollars.....but before this will be commence will need total verifications to ensure that you are telling us the truth...however you will also required to follow legal process to enable your payments..... Sincerely

BISHOP JOHNSON

-----------------------------

My Response: All I'm asking is, what is the "legal process". To put it simply, is this a free service?
---------------------------

Dear Michael Creel

Thanks for your Questions? I want you to understand that you are in the safe side... that this is 100% Free from this department... But what I mean by Legal Process means that you will have to get a lawyer from Nigeria who will sign some Papers and Deffend your Files in High Court Abuja from their your Payment info will be Fax to the PAYBANK that will credit your account with the fund of 100.000 dollars as your compesation Payment to renew this country image and reputation in world Record... we are fighting 24/7 against corruption and crime in this country...and I want you to follow every instruction giving to you to enable you get your payment.....Send your contact details and a copy of your drivers license for more perusal and means of Identifications... When I confirm the above stated info from you I will then tell you what you need to do...before the bank will contact you to inform you of your payment....

Sincerely Bishop Johson

------------------------------

My Response: I am curious bishop. do you feel even the least bit of remorse when you scam a person for the second time with this little charade of yours? Or do you simply justify it within yourself and claim the rich Americans deserve it?

-----------------------------

Michael what did you mean? please tell me what did you think?

Bishop Johnson

-----------------------------END

After that last one I did indeed tell him what I think, so I can't include it in this post (you can use your imagination). Normally I play along with these scams a bit further to see what all they want me to do. In the end, it's always the same, wire money to cover legal fee's.

So, anyone that has been burned by one of these people, believe me when I say your money is gone, and no one is going to contact you to give if back.

Trust me on that one!

PayPal Users Beware

Michael Creel (Brio Realty Inc.) — Sat, 19 Jul 2008 09:12:50 -0500

The newest scam people are getting is the "update your paypal account" email. It's fairly realistic looking and I have no doubt its worked on a few folks. I know my super-smart colleagues would never fall for this, but I'll put it out there just the same.

----- Original Message ----
From: "service@paypal.com" <service@verio.com>
Sent: Thursday, June 26, 2008 10:49:47 AM
Subject: Notification of Limited Account Access

Dear PayPal Member,

As part of our efforts to provide a safe and secure environment for the online community, we regularly screen account activity. While reviewing your PayPal accounts, we observed activity that we would like to further verify.

For this reason, limitations have been placed on your account until your will review your registered intormation. In order to resolve the account limitations, complete our online form by clicking on the following link:

Log into your PayPal account

After we have gathered the necessary information, your account will be reviewed for reinstatement and you will be notified by e-mail of our decision.

We thank you for your prompt attention to this matter and apologize for any inconvenience.

Sincerely,
Account Review Department

Then you will then see this page (above link is now dead)

Then once you click on the link on that page, you go here:

The page will accept any fake password combo you enter, since its really just collected info. You will then go to yet another page that will ask you for your personal info such as birthday, social security number, bank account number, mothers maiden name, and even your ATM card number with PIN number!

You may also receive similar emails and bogus log in pages for all major banks.

King County WA. Sales Statistics for June 2008 (year to date)

Michael Creel (Brio Realty Inc.) — Sat, 19 Jul 2008 00:59:37 -0500

Residential sales volume for June 2008 decreased 6% from May 2008

All Sales

Residential sales volume: off 42% to $6 billion

Residential transactions: off 42% to 12,006

Mobile home sales on land: off 52% to $19 million

Plexes (2-5 units) sales: off 55% to $106 million

Land sales: off 67% to $172 million

Commercial volume: off 72% to $1.5 billion

Average residence: $499,439, up 1%

Existing home transactions sold decreased 4% in June 2008 from May 2008

Existing Home Sales

Units sold: off 40%; volume: off 41% to $3.6 billion

6,582 units sold this year vs. 10,989

Average price off 1% to $547,332

Half homes (median) sold for less than $435,000, off 2%

Average $/SF for homes sold at $283.65 (all sales), off 4%

Best range: $300,001 - $350,000, with 141.7 monthly

Second best absorption rate: $500,001 - $600,000, with 136.7 per month

13.3 acreage parcels sold monthly, off 61%; average price: $224,898 off 30% from last year

Acreage Sales

55.7 per month existing homes sold, off 42%, average price: $739,549, off 10%

Median price for existing homes: $590,000, off 6%

5 new homes sold monthly, off 48%, average price: $1,046,548, up 7%

Median price for new homes: $810,000, up 28%

The $/SF for existing homes: $298.99, off 15%; new: $247.31, off 19% (60% w/data)

Average lot sizes, for existing homes: 3.9 acres, up 18%; new: 3.5 acres, off 42%

The average price per acre for acreage lot sales: $90,457, off 19%

New single family homes units sold

Average sale price: $661,961, off 3%

Median sale price: $530,000, off 5%

New homes represent 19% of volume and 16% of units recorded

1,281 sold vs. 1,929 last year, off 34% volume: off 36% to $848 million

Average $/SF: $250.29, off 4% (49% of sales with data)

Best range: $750,001 - $1,000,000 with 32 per month

Next best range: $600,000 - $750,000, with absorption of 31.8 monthly

Best lot range: $200,001 - $300,000, with absorption of 13 per month, off 20%

Subdivisions

The average lot sold for $228,161, off 15%

Half the lots sold for more than $216,780 (median), up 9%

34.5 sold per month vs. 84 last year, off 59%

Average lot represents 34.5% of the average priced new home

The median is 40.9% of the median priced new home

Attached unit sales off 21% in June 2008 from May 2008

Attached (vs. Year- to date 2007) includes condos, commons and town/row homes

Average sale price: $369,282, up 3%

Median sale price: $322,500, up 2%

35% (1,369 units) of sales are new

3,887 sold vs. 7,245 last year, off 46%; volume: off 45% to $1.4 billion

Average existing $/SF: up 5% to $327.36; new: $321.52, off 3%, (56% w/data)

Range with best sales, existing: $300,001 - $350,000, with 59 per month

Range with best sales, new: $300,001 - $350,000, with 38.5 monthly

Projection

Relative inventory is increased to 8.7 months, still a buyers' market. Prices will fall. The meltdown of both FNMA and FHLMC is a terrible blow to the housing market. No matter what solution is created, borrowers will pay more for mortgage money.

Pierce County Wa. Home Sales Statistics for June 2008 (Vs. Year-to-date 2007)

Michael Creel (Brio Realty Inc.) — Sat, 19 Jul 2008 02:49:05 -0500

Residential sales volume for June 2008 is up 5% from May 2008

All Sales

Residential sales volume: off 44% to $1.4 billion

Residential transactions: off 41% with 4,704

Mobile home sales on land: off 63% to $38 million

Plexes (2-5 units) sales: off 54% to $33 million

Land sales: decreased 66% to $85 million

Commercial volume: off 52% to $263 million

Average residence: $296,970 off 4%

Existing home transactions sold off 4% in June 2008 from May 2008

Existing Home Sales

Units sold: off 40%; volume: off 43% to $914 million

3,029 units sold this year vs. 5,116

Average price off 4% to $301,700

Half homes (median) sold for more than $263,000 off 3%

Average $/SF for homes sold at $164.76 (all sales), off 8%

Best range: $225,001 - $250,000, with 74.3 recorded monthly

Second best range: $250,001 - $275,000, with 63.2 per month

8.5 acreage parcels sold monthly, off 65%; average price: $147,222 off 3%

Acreage Sales

44.2 per month of existing homes sold, off 39%; average price: $452,164, off 8%

Median price for existing homes: $370,000, off 5%

7.2 new homes sold monthly, off 23%; average price of $378,721, off 25%

Median price for new homes: $327,000, off 17%

The $/SF for existing homes: $197.82, off 12%

For $/SF for new homes on acreage: $158.82, off 13% (70% of sales with data)

Average lot sizes, for existing homes: 3.3 acres, off 5%; for new: 3 acres, off 7%

New single family homes units sold in June 2008 are up 25% from May 2008

New Single Family Homes

Average sale price: $346,127, off 9%

Median sale price: $315,000, off 5%

New homes represent 24% of volume and 22% of units recorded

840 sold vs. 1,091 last year, off 23%

Volume: off 30% to $291 million

Average $/SF: $148.93, off 7% from last year's average (58% of sales with data)

Best range: $300,001 - $350,000, with 30.7 per month

Second best range: $275,001 - $300,000, with 20.7 monthly

Best lot range: $75,000 - $100,000 with 12.2 sold per month, off 58%

Subdivisions

The average lot sold for $106,467, off 15%

Half the lots sold for more than $98,684, off 10% (median)

29.8 sold monthly vs. 99.2 last year, off 70%

The average lot represents 30.8% of the average new home price; 31.3% for median

Attached unit sales off 2% in June 2008 from May 2008

Attached includes town-homes, condos and commons

Average sale price: $234,694, off 10%

Median sale price: $211,000, off 11%

39% (207 units) are new

532 sold vs. 1,096 last year, down 51%; volume: off 6457% to $125 million

Average $/SF: $190.62, off 1% for existing units; new: $193.03, up 22% (40% w/data)

Range with best sales, existing: $250,000 - $300,000 with 6.7 per month

Best range new: $190,001 - $200,000 with 5 monthly

Projection

Relative inventory decreased to 9.8 months, still a buyers' market. Prices will be soft. The meltdown of both FNMA and FHLMC is a terrible blow to the housing market. No matter what solution is created, borrowers will pay more for mortgage money.