Consumer complaint received 2019-06-04
Company: JPMORGAN CHASE & CO.
State: CA
Product: Money transfer, virtual currency, or money service
Sub-product: Domestic (US) money transfer
Issue: Fraud or scam

Complaint:
-- -- -- -- -- Forwarded message -- -- -- -- - From : XXXX XXXX XXXX Date : Wed, XX/XX/2019 at XXXX XXXX Subject : Fwd : Follow-up : XXXX XXXX Police Report Filing on Saturday XX/XX/2019 by XXXX XXXX Regarding Fraud To : XXXX Begin forwarded message XXXX From : XXXX XXXX XXXX Date : XX/XX/2019 at XXXX XXXX PDT To : XXXX Subject : Fwd : Follow-up : XXXX XXXX Police Report Filing on Saturday XX/XX/2019 by XXXX XXXX Regarding Fraud Hi there, I am writing to provide a written record of my experience with XXXX. I will not sign a hold harmless letter at this time as it is my understanding that XXXX is fully liable for enabling their client 's scam behavior. 

I am on a call with one of XXXX 's representatives now who has informed me that there is not a local email that I can sent my full report to, and thus I am emailing this email. 

As a result, XXXX has on file a full record of what transpired and this can be referenced by XXXX representatives moving forward. 

Please let me know what questions you have. 

Best, XXXX -- -- -- -- -- Forwarded message -- -- -- -- - From : XXXX XXXX XXXX Date : Sat, XX/XX/2019 at XXXX XXXX Subject : Follow-up : XXXX XXXX Police Report Filing on Saturday XX/XX/2019 by XXXX XXXX Regarding Fraud To : XXXX Hi Officer XXXX, Thank you for taking your time to speak with me today and file a police report regarding the fraud I experienced on XX/XX/2019. Please find enclosed a detailed account of what occurred and what I have provided to my bank ( JP Morgan Chase ) in order to move forward with a Fraud claim I have filed with JP Morgan Chase. 

-- Start Secure Message To JP Morgan Chase -- I write to file a report in writing for a scam that was committed. 

On XX/XX/2019, I reached out to a property manager, XXXX XXXX, regarding a XXXX posting. XXXX 's email is XXXX and his phone number is XXXX. 

On XX/XX/2019, I completed a full rental application and was accepted. I was told to send {$3300.00} to the Landlord, XXXX XXXX, as outlined in the lease agreement. This amount was to cover the first month of rent plus the security deposit. XXXX 's email is XXXX. I do not know XXXX 's phone number. 

On XX/XX/2019, I sent the requested {$3300.00} to : Account Name : XXXX XXXX Account Number : XXXX Routing Number : XXXX Swift Cose : XXXX Beneficiary Address : XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX, CA XXXX. 

More happened and I can explain this if you would like me to. But the next big event is that I was told that I had to send another three months rent in order to secure the location. The lease agreement was updated to document this change in payment, and then I wired the requested amount. 

On XX/XX/2019, I sent the requested additional {$3900.00} to XXXX XXXX at XXXX XXXX again. This amount was to cover an extra two months of rent because the landlord said that this was required in order to secure the apartment. 

They also requested for me to send more money for a tenancy ID after this, but I refused until I moved in on XX/XX/2019. 

On XX/XX/2019, I went to the location to move in. I received an email the morning of XX/XX/2019 from XXXX XXXX and XXXX XXXX saying that they were not going to come, my contract was cancelled because I did not pay the tenancy ID amount, and that they would refund me the full {$6900.00}. 

On XX/XX/2019, I did not see a refund, and I reported the fraudulent activity to my bank, JP Morgan Chase. 

On XX/XX/2019, I reported the fraudulent activity to XXXX XXXX bank. 

On XX/XX/2019, I filed a police report in XXXX XXXX, CA. The police report number is XXXX. The emailI have on file for the XXXX Police is : XXXX. 

On XX/XX/XXXX, I called XXXX  XXXX to provide the police report case number as well. 

I was notified by JPM that my wire recalls from XXXX XXXX were denied and that JPM can not help me anymore. I was advised by JPM to reach directly out to XXXX XXXX bank. 

I reached out to XXXX XXXX bank, and I was told that I can not receive any more information about this case, as this is a bank to bank process and that JPM has to reach out to XXXX XXXX so I should speak with someone from my bank. 

I went into a JPM branch today in XXXX XXXX, CA and spoke with XXXX XXXX. I was advised to send a secure message with the relevant information and am doing so now. 

Please also find attached a copy of the lease agreement. 

Thanks, XXXX -- For reference please find enclosed a trail of  emails. 

The following conversation thread are words passed throughout XX/XX/2019. 

On Thu, XX/XX/2019 at XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX wrote : Hello ! 

I am interested in the XXXX XXXX condo you posted on XXXX. 

Given it all checks out, I can move in XX/XX/XXXX and pay one month 's rent upfront. 

For reference : My credit score is regularly +800. 
I have a full time job. 
I don't drink or do drugs, just a lot of yoga and meditation. 
I also play violin, but will probably do that at XXXX. 

At your convenience, please let me know if this location is still available and what information you need from me to proceed. 

Cheers, XXXX I received a response from the property manager, XXXX. 


XXXX XXXX XXXX XX/XX/2019, XXXX XXXX to me Hi XXXX, Thanks for contacting me ; i am the property manager of the apartment you inquired about ; Beautifully updated 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom condo in XXXX XXXX . Sleek kitchen boasts new stainlesss appliances, quartz countertops and marble backsplash. A/C and additional storage room by parking. Perfect investment opportunity. Located in XXXX XXXX with close proximity to XXXX XXXX XXXX  's, XXXX XXXX, XXXX XXXX shops and XXXX. Award winning XXXX XXXX School District!. 

**The apartment is 800 sq. ft. 
Address : XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX, XXXX XXXX, CA XXXX Bedrooms : 1 BD Bathrooms : 1 BA Style : Condo Parking : 1 Parking space Fully furnished ( but can also be rented unfurnished ), if you care about security this is the place to stay and its pet friendly. 

Lease term is flexible, month to month, 6 months or 1 year lease term ... .... which can be renewed when it expires. 

* Available furnished {$2000.00} * Available unfurnished {$1800.00} * Security Deposit ( Refundable ) {$1500.00} Utilities ( Electricity, water, parking, gas, heat and sewer ) are included in the monthly rent ; and you can have it reserve now for your move in date if you wish. 

Please keep in mind that our homes are very popular and are leasing extremely fast. I don't want you to miss out on the perfect home ; I strongly recommend beginning the process ASAP to secure your home & special leasing rental rates! 

If this apartment satisfies what you are looking for, do let me know so that I can forward to you the tenancy form, lease contract for review and reservation details for booking. 

Lastly, please note that 1 other possible renter have shown interest in this apartment also, and I will be obliged to rent out to anyone that makes reservation now. 

My Regards, XXXX XXXX XXXX PS : The apartment will only be available for viewing from XX/XX/XXXX So you can schedule to come view the unit between XXXX and XXXX. Do let me know if you would like to begin the application process now so that I can forward to you the tenancy form. 

I responded. 


XXXX XXXX XXXX Thu, XX/XX/XXXX, XXXX XXXX to XXXX  Hi XXXX, Of course . Thank you for your prompt response. 

Wonderful. I would like to reserve the spot now and start the process with you. 

Please send over any required documentation. 

In addition, may I swing by to see the location today or tomorrow? 

Best, XXXX And I responded a second time. 

XXXX XXXX XXXX Thu, XX/XX/XXXX, XXXX XXXX to XXXX  Hi XXXX, Two additional notes : 1. With regard to renting the location furnished or unfurnished, I would like to see the location first before I make that decision. 

2. With regard to the lease term, I am interested in 6 months initially. Given that my first few months are pleasant, I am interested in extending longer. 

Best, XXXX XXXX responded. 

Hi XXXX,, This is to acknowledge your interest to begin the application process and reserve the apartment. I am glad to know that this apartment satisfies what you are looking for. So you can have the apartment reserve now for your desire move-in date if you wish. Please note that the property is privately owned and there is no application fee for this apartment. Electricity, garbage and other bills are included in the rent, fully furnished with sheets, towels and kitchenware and can also be rented unfurnished, if you wish to bring your furniture you are free to do so. There is Washer/Dryer in the unit. 

As mentioned in my previous email the apartment will now be available for viewing from XX/XX/XXXX ; this is because the current occupant 's lease expires XX/XX/XXXX and he is expected to move out on or before the lease expiration since he is not renewing the lease, while professional cleaning will be done on the unit the next day. 

However, I want you to understand that the rental market in XXXX XXXX is competitive, so the apartment is on high demand and if you are really interested in this apartment I will advice you try and secure it now so that you do not loose it to other prospective tenants. Due to the high demand who secures it first gets the unit. To lock down the unit you will have to deposit only the first month 's rent plus the refundable security deposit after completing all the relevant rental documents. The payment is to be made upon signing of the lease contract to the landlord 's account as I am under no obligation to collect money from renter. Note that if you choose to lock down the unit now, and if after you have viewed the unit and you are not satisfied you can request for a REFUND which will be given to you that same instant. The terms and conditions of the contract gives you full refund if you do not want the apartment upon viewing. 

Lease Plan Available : - One Month rent with a refundable security deposit. 
- 3 months upfront rent payment attract 10 % discount of the total plus refundable security deposit. 
- 6 months upfront payment attract discount of 10 % of the total rent plus a refundable security deposit. 
- Upfront payment a year lease attracts 15 % discount of the total rent with a refundable security deposit. 

In the meantime, I have attached the rental application form, kindly download the form, fill out all necessary fields and return to me by e-mail or fax along with a copy of your ID and as soon as I receive the filled form I shall forward the lease contract agreement for your review. 

I will await your earliest response so that we can proceed with the securing of the apartment for your lease duration. 

My Regards, XXXX XXXX Tel : ( XXXX ) XXXX Fax : ( XXXX ) XXXX I responded and provided my driver 's license as well as an attached rental application. 

Hi XXXX, Yes I would like to reserve the location. Please find attached the relevant application along with my driver 's license enclosed. 

Best, XXXX XXXX responded and attached the unfilled lease agreement that is also attached here for reference. 

Hi XXXX,, Once again i have received the scanned copy of your rental application form and copy of your ID.. I am indeed impressed and i will be glad to lease the apartment to you based on your request and the apartment will be ready for XX/XX/XXXX or XX/XX/2019 move-in date. Like i said in my previous email the lease terms is flexible and you can renew it when it expires. Be rest assure that the apartment is yours once the lease agreement has been sign. Parking is included in the rent and there is WIFI/Internet in the unit. 

I have sent you the lease contract agreement attached below, go through it and if you agree to the terms and conditions of the apartment you can go ahead and make deposit now to have the apartment reserve for you until your move-in. 

Monthly Rent : {$1800.00} Security deposit : {$1500.00} To make reservation, you are to make deposit for the first month rent ( {$1800.00} ) plus the security deposit ( {$1500.00} ), which totals {$3300.00} to the landlord account details below ; The terms and conditions of the contract gives you full refund if you do not want the apartment upon viewing. 

Bank Name : XXXX Account Name : XXXX XXXX Account Number : XXXX Routing Number : XXXX Swift Code : XXXX Beneficiary Address : XXXX XXXX XXXX, XXXX XXXX, CA XXXX You are to fill out your name ( s ) where applicable and your move-in and move out date. You are to email or fax the lease contract signed and a copy of the wire transfer slip, as soon as payment is made and agreement signed the lease is yours. I will advice you try and secure it now so that you do not loose it to other prospective tenants who are also in contact me now. Like I said before who secures it first gets the unit. You should also note again that if for whatever reason when you get to view the apartment ( before move in ) you no longer want to take up the lease your deposit is fully refundable to you in cash. This is the law too although i am 101 % sure that will not happen but just so you know. 

Please confirm receipt of the lease contract agreement and let me know your decision. 

We look forward to a pleasant landlord/Tenant relationship when you move in. 

My regards XXXX XXXX Tel : ( XXXX ) XXXX Fax : ( XXXX ) XXXX I responded with the rental agreement and a wire confirmation, also attached here. 

Hi XXXX, Please find attached the lease agreement along with my confirmed wire transfer. 

At your earliest convenience, please let me know when I can see the space and/or if I can also receive a layout of the space. 

I would also like to speak with you or XXXX over the phone or meet you in person this weekend prior to moving in. 

Best, XXXX XXXX responded : Hi XXXX, Once again thanks for your phone call and your email, i have gotten the scanned copy of your signed lease contract agreement and copy of the wire receipt. everything is okay with the signed lease agreement and we are good to go. 

Please note that i have a busy schedule for this weekend except if we will have to do it by Saturday or Sunday XXXX, as i am currently very busy finalizing arrangement for my late mother burial. 

Let me know if the timing works for you or we can do Tuesday XXXX next week. 

Please keep me posted and see you soon. 

My regards, XXXX XXXX Tel : ( XXXX ) XXXX Fax : ( XXXX ) XXXX I responded : XXXX, I am so sorry for your loss. 

I appreciate that you responded to me so swiftly, even during this difficult time. I am happy to accommodate XXXX PT Saturday or Sunday, or can set aside time to come by Tuesday at XXXX PT. Please let me know what is most convenient for you. 

My deepest sympathy, XXXX I felt weird about the email XXXX sent me so I responded the following : XXXX, I would like to meet in person tomorrow morning actually. 

Let 's meet at the apartment location. 

I am going to stop payment until I meet you in person. 

Thanks, XXXX And I also said : I don't mean to be harsh but I just got another email from someone telling me I was scammed out of nowhere so I'm feeling like I want to make sure this is real before I push the money through. 

On XX/XX/2019 at XXXX PT, XXXX responded : Hi XXXX, This is really embarrassing that you got email from someone else that you been scammed, can you do me a favor? by sending me copy of the email and also i can only meet with you tomorrow between XXXX to XXXX. Let me know if this will work for you and also i have to warn however that there has been indicated interest to make deposits for the apartment today by other applicant that infringes on the time you want the apartment for and i am bound by law to uphold any lease agreement signed where deposit has been made. 
Like i said before i will suggest that you not to stop the payment so you don't miss the unit and be 100 % assure that you will get your full refund if for any reason when come to view the unit tomorrow and you don't want it. 
Do get back to me and let me know your position and i also await copy of the email you got from the person telling you that you been scammed. Please i need that favor from you so i can verify that. 
Thank you and XXXX bless. 
My regards XXXX XXXX XXXX I then responded : Hi XXXX, Yes. This is embarrassing. And I feel really uncomfortable sending over the {$3300.00}. 

But, the one time I actually cant meet today is after XXXX, as I have meetings straight from XXXX in XXXX. 

So, to secure my spot, I just rewired over the {$3300.00}. I really hope you arent scamming me. 

Please let me know when we can meet tomorrow. 

Best, XXXX XXXX then responded : Hi XXXX, Once again i have gotten the your email and the corresponding email from the other person and at this point i will advice you to disregards every email and stop further communication with them to avoid be scammed. I have same issue with this same person last 2 months with one of my apartment and these people will only deprive you from getting your home end up wasting your time and money. 

Like i said before you need to be very careful and ignore every email from them and do everything to finalize with the this lease so you don't miss out the place. Do follow up with your bank and let me know if the payment has gone through and as soon as i get the details and confirm i will also issue you a certified Landlord association receipt acknowledging payment. 

I hope this works for you and let me know your decision. 

My regards XXXX XXXX XXXX Along with : XXXX, No problem, I understand. and thanks for your understanding and trust in me, be 100 % assure that the unit is yours and i look forward meeting you tomorrow. 

And another : Also send copy of the new wire receipt to me for my records. Thanks And another : Hi XXXX Please send scan copy of the new wire receipt for my perusal or is the old one still valid? 

Do keep me posted. 

My regards, XXXX XXXX I then responded saying : Ok I will send confirmation shortly. 
Can you meet within the next hour by any chance? 
Or, can we meet tomorrow morning around XXXX or XXXX or XXXX PT? 

Followed by a one line email sending my wire confirmations, attached here for reference : Please see attached for all wire receipts. 

XXXX responded : Received, thank you and like i said before still busy finalizing arrangement for my late mother burial and i will let you know if tomorrow XXXX will work, if not we will have to do it for tomorrow evening as schedule. I hope its okay with you. Thanks again for your understanding and cooperation and i really look forward toward a good relationship when you move in. 
Regards, XXXX I responded : Hi XXXX, Ok. Thank you for letting me know. 
Again, I am really sorry about your loss. 
At the same time, I trust you will understand how this situation could come off as a scam. 
I look forward to meeting you live and a good relationship when I move in too! 
I really hope this all checks out! 
Best, XXXX XXXX responded : Thank you for your understanding and do have a great day There are quite a few other emails, but those are the main ones for you to understand what the conversation was. 

On XX/XX/2019, XXXX reached out again : Hello XXXX, Sorry for not responding back to you immediately, my apologies, i have been so busy and I am so sorry will not be available by XXXX or XXXX today due to unforeseen circumstances beyond my control and will be have to reschedule this after the weekend, moreover the current tenant just informed me that she out of the city for the this weekend.. I will be available as from Tuesday XXXX Morning I will be able to hand over the keys to you then if you decide to retain the unit after we have viewed it. You will still have ample time before you move in by the XXXX.I can assure you that the unit is ready to move in and you will not need to make any repairs or clean ups.I sincerely apologize for any inconveniences this may cause you. 
I will see you any time on Tuesday that works best for you. 
Thanks for you patient and understanding. 
My regards XXXX XXXX Hi XXXX, Attached below are the photos of the unit and the email from the current tenant. I will see you on Tuesday morning and handover the keys to you. 

-- End Secure Message To JP Morgan Chase --

Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation