Original Message:
Timeshare buying scam- watch for "Albert Brown" or "Judy Boulay" (by Patricia D.):
WOW! I am not a timeshare owner, but do own a full-time vacation rental home. I received almost the identical email, but from someone calling themself "Ken Koesters". Here's the latest email:
"Many thanks for your patience.
Just to let you know that I had to travel and will be away from home for the next 5 weeks. I do not know if I have mentioned this before but I have a disability. I was informed by the hospital which I am registered with that a new hearing aid which is supposed to be able to restore 30% of my hearing ability has just been delivered and they would like to test run it with me. This is impromptu so I had to make speedy arrangements. I tried to reach my vacation broker yesterday and today but I got an auto response that he is currently out of the country on business. I have however sent him numerous email messages along with your contact information and expect him to be in touch with you as soon as he receives my messages.
My vacation broker is Samuel Kaplan. Considering my disability, I need him to be able to make my vacation plans easy as he will be making all the arrangements. He will book my flight tickets, arrange for airport pick-up and car rental, book the flights of my daughter and grandson from Alaska(she just beat Cancer so this is supposed to be a surprise vacation). He would also arrange restaurant visits and generally make my trip pleasant. If you have any suggestions, please pass them on to Samuel.
Because I was unable to contact Samuel to send him funds for his fees, tickets and general expenses, I visited my bank and got a certified check for $2,900 which I have also mailed out to you. Upon receipt, please deposit the check, funds should be available immediately, I would need you to deduct your security deposit to secure the dates, Then, forward the balance to Mr Samuel to cover my vacation plans whenever he gets in touch with you. It is my assumption that Samuel will provide additional instructions on how to get the fees to him. Please relay the closest airport to your vacation property to Samuel so he can use information to book flights.
Do watch out for any mails to your address and notify me as soon as you receive my check. Although I am away from home, I would still have access regularly to my email and would be in touch throughout the process.
Thanks for your understanding and sorry for the minor inconvenience. Please respond to this email so I am aware that you have received my message."
I am SO GLAD that this forum exists: I thought there was something fishy about this inquiry from the beginning as they didn't bother to ask for particular availability. I plan to not respond and wait for the "check" and then I plan to take it to the NYS Attorney General's office. I am an attorney.
So, be on the look out for "Ken Koesters!"