The Ed Newman NYC Apartment Scam On Craigslist

THIS IS A SCAM ALERT
Last summer someone contacted me to confirm whether I had an apartment available in Manhattan. I informed this person that I indeed did not have such an apartment for rent.

Evidently someone posing as me has been placing a Craigslist advertisement regarding an apartment in the West Village just off Bleecker Street about three blocks from the river.

The person running the Craigslist ad not only says he is Ed Newman but that he is Director of Advertising at AMSOIL in Superior, Wisconsin. Evidently he is using these details to establish his credibility.

The first time this occurred I thought it strange, but imagined it would go away. I notified the potential victim that I am not advertising an apartment in New York City, though it looks like an interesting part of town. (Well, anywhere on Manhattan is probably interesting.)

A few months passed and I was contacted yet again. This time I attempted to do something about it, but couldn't find the ad so I was unable to have it deleted. This past month now, three people have contacted me to verify that I am I. Yes, I am Ed Newman, but I am not the person who placed the ad on Craigslist.

Two of these found me by means of Linked In, and I am grateful for their due diligence. I replied by letting them know (as I did the others) that I am not the one placing the ads, and then asked that they send the correspondence they had with this joker who claimed to be me. This is the letter from my impersonator:

Hello,
Thanks for your email. I am Ed Newman, owner of the Unit at ( 295 West 11th St, West Village New York, NY 10014 ) currently listed for $1400 with security deposit $1000. It is very much available for a ready to move in tenant. Utilities: water, Gas and electric are included in rent.

I presently live and work in Wisconsin with AMSOIL, INC. 925 Tower Ave. Superior, WI 54880 Wisconsin as, Director of Advertising.

I have received a dozen of mails about the apartment since I put it on Craigs list. We just need someone to take care of the unit until we decide what to do with it since my Job here may keep me for a couple of years, this is why we chose to put it up for rent. We are actually seeking a renter that will guarantee a good maintenance of the unit like it is theirs, It is not really about the money, this is why it is low in price but not withstanding, all due processes must be observed.

Note: We will only accept a ready tenant, willing and able to pay 1 month rent and a security deposit for a start. We are only willing to offer a one year maximum lease for now but might be extended however, pending..... Let us know a bit of you, please fill out the form bellow with genuine details, thanks.

Regards Ed Newman

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Lest I have not made myself clear, the above is not from the real Ed Newman. In each case the emails have a Canadian source, and not my own address that ends in @northlc.com

After the second time, I made an attempt last fall to have the ad pulled. It proved to be a bit complicated and other issues assumed greater prominence.

Right now, I would welcome any assistance on how to proceed. I really don't want to see anyone stripped of their hard-earned cash due to this kind of deception.

* * * *

One of my first published articles for which I was paid nearly thirty years ago was titled "Look Before you Leap" and dealt with the variety of ways immoral people take advantage of innocent and unsuspecting people. I'd been duped a couple times and decided to do something about it. I couldn't get my money back, but I could warn others. That's what I am doing again here.  

Be wise.