[tedblue]

[ditchburn]

How does anybody ever get somewhere to live?? I posted an ad on Gumtree and have now had 4 of these scammers reply. Ive just cut and pasted the scam warning from Gumtree and send it back to them. For some reason they dont respond!!!!

[krishjh]

I viewed a property in Angel - 3bed house, beautiful place for a cheap price. Got in touch with the landlord who requested me to transfer money through Western union to a friend etc. This is obviously a hoax, i asked for pictures too and it looked like another country! there was definitely a palm tree i spotted in the background!

jgoldsmith888@gmail.com ..... This was the email address he was emailing from. Don't believe this one!

[montyzuma]

krish how did you view it?

pictures or physically?

[krishjh]

I asked for some pictures and the ones I got didn't quite match up with the area/location space etc. Plus im pretty sure we saw a swimming pool in the back garden and tiled living room floor (not v common)

I was asked to transfer money to a friend using Western union and send a receipt before he would come from his 'relocation' to show me the place!
In fact he kept insisting to do it through that method so he could double check it was there.

Thought i should warn anyone who likes the look of the place. Don't believe it!

[bartpants]

Hello again,
Thanks for the email and your interest in the flat. I need to know some few questions about you.Can you bring your identity passport when coming for viewing? Do you have references in London? It is unfortunate that my past bitter experience of inviting people to come and view my flat without any form of confirmation of their financial ability and not keeping up to time as at when scheduled has brought about great loss to me. I have lost my job some months ago because of taking people who cant even afford the rent.I have decided to carry out a simple test on financial ability to pay for my rent before coming for viewing as am presently in Liverpool right now, but i will like to come immediately u are able to follow the procedure, I would not ask you to send your bank statement as it may be used illegally sometimes, while some produce fake bank statements and pay slip, but if you are able to transfer money to your friend or partner's custody via Western Union Money Transfer. The payment will be for 2 months(1200£) total. Would be required from you to transfer to your friend's custody or viceversa in UK, which will shows how reliable your finance is to rent a flat. You can make the transfer to your close friend.I will be responsible for the cost of transfer, as soon as you arrive to my flat Once you have done this, you can scan the receipt to me or send the details of the receipt if you have no scanner,I need check the transfer,after verification is 100% ok i stop the transactions with all the other customers.I will also appreciate a clean and tidy fellow in my flat as it has just undergone renovation in and out. Also you will be responsible for any form of damages in the building, if you eventually rent my flat.I will come for show you the flat next day or when you have time send me the payment prove.

I will wait the answer (Yes or No ) if you rent the flat or i find another customers.

[robbysgirl]

[beboppity]

Hi

I have been reading these pages for about 10 days after a scammer contacted me. Thanks to what was written here I wasn’t scammed, but I wanted to share a couple of things. First, I think there are some tickbox questions that would help people know they are dealing with a scammer. I’ve made some, but if anyone would like to add to it, please do.
If you can answer yes to the majority of these questions you are almost certainly dealing with a scammer
• Is the rent below the market rent, often significantly?
• Is the flat in a popular area or the “city centre”
• Does the rent include all bills?
• Does the landlord/owner say they are living in another country and cannot meet you yet?
• Do they complain of having wasted time showing others around?
• Do they seem curiously uninterested in details of your employment/tenant history?
• Do they mention finding a “trustworthy” or “responsible” tenant?
• Does the vendor have an English name, yet write bad second-language English, which often varies between emails?
• If a phone number is offered, does it begin with 070?
• Do any subsequent emails fail to answer specific questions, focusing instead on generalities?
• In later emails, do they suggest using Western Union to “prove” you have the funds?

The second thing I wanted to mention is how to respond to these emails. I have become involved in some interesting email correspondence with scammers and I am thoroughly enjoying it. I am doing this mainly to cause them a bit of stress, but also to waste their time  Here’s what I do … it’s easy.
I reply to the email saying how interested I am in the property. I keep the replies brief and it soon moves to the Western Union transfer. I continue to be gullible and enthusiastic, I keep them hanging on for a day or two with some “post office is closed” nonsense and then finally I send them a MS word file entitled “Western Union receipt” (a nice touch I feel) This file contains … well you decide, a picture, a smiley face, a poem, a few well-chosen comments … who knows? Unfortunately I have never had any reply to the last email, but while the scammer is playing games with me he is not scamming someone else. Plus it will stress them!

Yours
Stuart

[beboppity]

One thing I forgot. I know this is childish but as these people are not native speakers when I reply I use joke names, you know like Betty Swallocks, Shaun Bush, etc. I got an email last week addressed to Mr Hugh Jorgan!!

these days you've got to make your own entertainment ...

[Dan5000]

Another couple to add to the checklist

The phrase "I'll expect to hear from you"
The phrase "are you still looking" hours after posting a wanted ad
Asking you to email back without giving any real info - this gets them your all-important email address which is what they want
Email addresses with numbers at the end - i.e. andrestin300@hotmail.com - I appreciate this alone isn't a signal of guilt however!
Seemingly poor combinations of first name and surname, i.e. Philip Andrew, Andres Tina, Robert Gary, etc.
Anyone who wants you to house-sit for months/years at a time
Anyone who says they're on missionary work

[Dan5000]

Just had another from "Whiting Michelle Danielle" - what a peculiar name

To add to the list - the name or elements of the email in a different font/colour to the rest of the text

These scammers eh, the pesky scamps!

[stutz]

Dear All
I've had the same scam as Jordada, the email was from "gold.james39@yahoo.com". The letter I recieved was almost word for word the same, obviously house/flat was a different location. It must be a new kind of mobile home

[Selaen]

Aberdeen people!

Just to look out for:

Dave Jakes, operating from two different email addresses:

jakesron@gmail.com

I can't find the other one, but it's somethink like jake(then a buttload of numbers)@yahoo.com. Damn gmail has changed his email to his gmail address on all of our "conversations"

I've flagged his ad on gumtree and hopefully he won't have had time to actually scam anyone!

The ad:

[newentry]

Hallo, I posted an ad looking for a room ( Damn!) and received many offers.

Two of them turned out dodgy.. here the first e-mail ( with a copy of passport!!!!)

this is the e-mail address: dnm0000@gmail.com

hello,

Thanks for the mail, i will like to be sure you are serious and capable of paying the rent because i've been receiving emails on the property and most of them are time wasters,for me to arrange viewing with i will have to see prove of payment that you are capable of paying the rent.

I understand and accept that you have to see the apartment first before any payment to me that why i want to be fair with you. You will make the security deposit and a month rent(£720) to any of your friend, family or anybody in the UNITED KINGDOM (from you to....such person) through any Western union money transfer outlet around you and i will ONLY need to confirm the payment with Western union money transfer to know you are fully prepared and ready for the viewing then you scan me the receipt to me to confirm the payment with western union immediately i verify the payment with western union so i can be positive about your viewing that am not coming to waste my time because due to recession in the world most tenant are not capable of paying the rent.

I have attached my international passport photo page with this email, if there is anything that is not clear to you get back to me as soon as possible, we can also chat on msn michelle_whit20@live.com,hope to read from you soon.

Whit.

This is the 2nd one: sanwo0509@gmail.com

Hello,

Thanks for the mail.I have a contract to show that you live at that address and its a 2 bed flat and I will like you to make a reservation for the apartment by doing the following necessary procedure:We now proceed to the rental procedure,i will like you to give me your details such as NAME,CURRENT ADDRESS,Date of birth and the DATE you're moving in and the DATE you will be moving out so that i can tell my lawyer to prepare the rental agreement form for you,which i will attach it here with my email then you print it out make a copy for yourself then read carefully and sign on it.After which you will forward it back to me through email so that i can have a copy to myself with your names,current address,the DATE you're moving in and the DATE you will be moving out on it.
After my lawyer might have prepared the lease agreement contract and if
forwarded to you then you will make an upfront payment of a month rent and the deposit that is the housing rental procedure in U.k all bills is included you're not paying any bills again.
Reading the agreement form and after signing on it will guarantee you that I'm rest assured you're capable and ready to occupy my apartment and the room has been properly reserved for you .Then you can pay the deposit and the first month rent through WESTERN UNION to me I think this will show your commitment,seriousness and interest in the apartment,cos I need someone that is serious and ready to take care of my apartment.Let me know if this is okay by you cause i have been deceived by unserious people about this apartment,that is why my Lawyer advised me to request for the deposit and first month rent before concluding agreement with anybody.its written in the agreement form that your money(deposit) will be returned to you after your stay in the house.Mean while this arrangement will be reported at the council tax office for any further information.Get back asap.

Mrs Lance Trudy

[newentry]

Another time waster!

Here we are:
richard.willms202@yahoo.com

Single room in Fulham 4 Effie road fulham Broadway London sw6 1ad...

Hello,
Now that you are interested in my flat,we can proceed to rental agreement form which is the legal bond between the tenant and the landlord..this will be done by my lawyer..i will need your details such as full name,contact address, move in date and date of birth.. so that i can forward it to my lawyer to prepare the contract... after the contract has been made....i will get it sent to you via email then you will need to download it and print it out in which you will have to read carefully and as long as you agree with the terms then you can get it signed and send it back to me via email...after all this has been done..you make a payment to reserve the place for you and this will be a financial commitment .i hope you understand this process.My number 07045792485

Richard.

[newentry]

[eddiehawker]

We have had a similar experience of this attempted scam. Just to add some dodgy e-mail addresses to the list (as one of ours came up on Google which alerted us to the problem):

Cecilia Potivov, ceciliapotivov@yahoo.co.uk

Jean, jean_boutier@yahoo.com

Felix Glen, lovelylandlord@gmail.com

Albert Jorg, albertjorg.jorg684@yahoo.com

Basically, all of the responses to our wanted ad seem to have been scams - it is a bit disappointing that gumtree doesn't do more about this such as putting a warning up whenever you post an ad or giving tips on things to look out for - this post has been useful though in making it clear the things to look for so good work.

Ed

[allegraa]

Hi guys,
unfortunately we got the same message from Olivia the 'private landlord'.

We googled her email address, which is Olivia hl, Olivia72.hl@gmail.com and we found out in this site that she has other nicknames such as Olivia64 hl, Olivia71hl...

Thanks God, she is using the same nickname and the exact wording in her(!) emails. So, we were lucky to learn her real intention before it was too late for us.

Beware of this OLIVIA HL. This is a fake person.

[allegraa]

[SergioRodriguez]

from olivia hl <olivia72.hl@gmail.com>

[Hb47]

Hey all - I've received yet another scam attempt. This time the idiot doing it used two different email addresses. A give-away is the "I'll be expecting mail", and also in the second email, the text was all different sizes.

First one:

From: tinandtin001@gmail.com

Hi,

I saw your advert that you are looking for a room.I have 2 vacant rooms in my apartment.Let me know if you care for more information and photos.I'll be expecting mail.
Thanks

Second one:
From: andrestin001@gmail.com

Hello,


Thanks for your mail and interest in renting my vacant rooms. I still have the spare rooms available. The flat is good looking and well decorated, excellently maintained, and it has good-sized (12 x 15ft)The apartment is three bedroom flat and i will like to let out two rooms. I'm the only one staying in the flat now.



My names are Andres Tina Lee,I am originally from United States but born in Canada, Am single, 24years of age, I am a marine Doctor, I work six weeks home and six weeks away. I have been living in London for the past 2 years.I'm an easy going person, responsible and friendly. I wish to stay with someone who is mature, responsible and have a stable source of income.


The apartment is situated at 45, Weavers Way, Camden, London NW1 0XF.It is within walking distance to the station. A room is only £350 per month Including Utility bills and £400 refundable security deposit for the apartment.I've attached to the mail more pictures of the flat and i hope you will like it?


The bedrooms is fully furnished.It's also have a private bathroom,bedspread,and also in the sitting room their is a plasma TV, wireless high-speed broadband,fully fitted kitchen,central heating, tasteful bespoke lighting,washing with dryer machine, microwave oven and a parking space.I am willing to entertain any question.

Let me know asap if you are interested.

Tina.

[gavettafatta]

seems like this one!


from: "Philippa Stanton" <s.phip@hotmail.com>

Hi,
Thanks for your swift response and the interest you showed in my flat.I have attached pictures of the said flat below my message for you to confirm. As I said in my previous email that i am an industrious person. I don't interfere into other peoples private affairs. Am a very laid back person and also, I am open minded and free with everyone. I am looking for Student, Professional and Couples with someone that is okay with my kind of person and most especially a trustworthy person, a Clean and Tidy and person that I could confide in as a friend and family and that could confide in me as well and I believed you would be the kind of person. Kindly get back to me with your Full Name and Address so that I can prepare the Agreement Form for you to read the Terms & Condition and Sign. If you are satisfy with the Terms and Condition then we will proceed. Wimpole Street is moments from excellent amenities and close to 24hr shop and all amenities.The nearest underground tube station to my house is Oxford Circus tube station' which is about 3 minutes walk to my flat. It is a recently developed area and walkways with lots of entertainment and places to eat and drink. My flat offers a high and superb location for shops, supermarkets services and transport.

My PERSONAL INFO: Miss Philippa Stanton , 23 yrs old, Female a British/Australian girl, Straight and I am Professional Hair Stylist.

Location and Room Rent Details:
ADDRESS: Wimpole Street,London, GREATER LONDON W1G 8AP, England
AREA: 01- London Central (Lambeth, Soho, Belgravia, Southwark, The City, Westminster).

70 GBP weekly
300 GBP monthly
Monthly or Weekly rental includes all bills and council tax.
Available: yes

Transport
1 min. walk to bus stop
3 min. to Oxford Circus tube station.

Deposit: £400.00 Pounds is the payment of Security Deposit implies that you have a serious intention towards renting my flat and that would enable me to secure the flat room for you. The sum of £400.00 is refundable back to you immediately you arrive for viewing or moving into the flat. Details of Security Deposit will be sent to you in the Agreement form. The Security Deposit will be transfered by Western Union and the scanned receipt must be brought along for the viewing of my flat. If this is okay by you, get back to me with your Full names and the contact Address so that I can send the contract and flat terms to you by email.
ROOM AND APARTMENT DESCRIPTION
I have a flat available as of today in Greater London ideally located with BEDROOMS and BATHROOMS (one ensuite), a modern kitchen and a spacious living room. Personal Bathroom/toilet attached to each room.. You will have your own Bedroom and Bathroom/Toilet seperatly. But we would share KITCHEN reception and SITTING ROOM only. It's fully furnished, DG, GCH, bath/wc, 24 hrs Security and Porter Service available and entry phone.

Household Utilities and Amenities includes:
*Central Heating
*Underfloor Central Heating
*Alarm system
*Electricity
*Flat screen plasma TVs with cable broadcasting
*Hi-tech music players with surround sound
*Satellite
*DVD/VCD players
*Video Game {Play station 3}
*Internet Access.
*Broadband internet connections
*Reading Desk.
*Bedside Lamp
*Wardrobe
*In-room iron and board
*Goose down duvets and luxurious bedding
*State of the art fully fitted kitchen
*Gas and Microwave
*Superb Kitchen with Washing Machine/Dryer/Dishwasher
*Cookware and tableware
*Constant hot water
*Parking Lot
*Storage and Gym
*Access to Health Club
*Business Facilities.

I will need your full name and address so that I can prepare the Agreement Form for you to read the Terms & Condition and sign. If you are satisfy with the Terms and Condition then we will proceed.

You could Add & Join me for a Live Chat on my MSN messenger service am online now... (s.phip@hotmail.com)

I look forward to hearing back from you ASAP..
Your's FutureFlatmate,
Philippa.

[alexandermadam]

Guys - same again, 'Paul Fletcher' posted a too good to be true ad for 1 bedroom in sands end at watermans quay for 600pcm inc bills.
Couldnt believe it and when i looked around, i found the same flat on foxtons for almost 3,000 pcm. Anyway, I sent an email to enquire about it and got a reply that is pretty much an exact replica of one of the responses above....see below for his email response...


Hi,
Thanks for your response and Enquiry, the flat is still available to rent.
My name is Paul and i am a private landlord.although i own the flat,i do not live in it because i am actually practicing medicine in Dubai.However,i will be willing to meet you,get to know you and show you round the flat so that you can see what you are renting.
The flat is a fully furnished.
- Toilet and Bathroom with Shower
- Kitchen with modern fittings
- Dish washer/Dryer
- Washing Machine
- Cable TV
- Wired Internet connection
- Street Parking space available
- Tube station five minutes
The price i am looking for is £600 per month including all bills.
Meanwhile, Below are the lease terms:
* An advance payment of the one month rent and 1 month deposit shall be paid.
* The Rent shall be paid on Monthly.
* If you will need to vacate the flat, notice shall be given a month prior to intended day of moving.

N.B:
Will you be able to take good care of my Flat like your own?
Do you have the money to pay me if you like the Flat after viewing?
Waiting to read from you.

Paul

btw - his email is paulfltchr@gmail.com

[/b]

[alexandermadam]

So following on from the above correspondence, I entertained a response and this is what I got....

Hi,
Like i told you in the first e-mail i work in a hospital and is very hard for me to come in UK. I can't take the risk to leave my new job for days and when I arrive in UK to see that I come for nothing. I want to be 100% sure that when I will meet you, we do the rent papers then i can come back in Dubai.
So i can be sure of that look how we can do:
You make the payment from your name and address to your best friend name and address in UK using Western Union for 2 months rent that means 1200 £ and send me the scanned receipt. As soon as I see the scanned receipt that you have made the payment, I will come in UK and you will see the flat and maybe rent it. After that, we will go together at the Western Union office and you will take the money back and pay me.So all you have to do is to find a Western Union office and wire 1200 £ from your name to your friend name and send the scanned receipt. I am asking you this to be sure that I do not come in UK for nothing.When you will go to the WesternUnion Office to wire the money sometimes they ask you why are you doing that and if you tell them you want make the payment for rent a flat when pick up the money you must pay another fees and for don't pay another money you must tell to WesternUnion you will send the money to a person how need the money or you make it a gift,(i think you don`t want pay more money for this).I will reserve the apartment to the first one that provides me have money available in WesternUnion account.
The WesternUnion transfer fee i will pay you back cash when we meet to show you the flat.As soon as I have the confirmation from WesternUnion that the money are available on his name I stop the transactions with all the other customers.
You must understand correctly the situation you don't need send me any money,penny ,only prove that have the money until the day you want to see the apartment for keep this flat for you , this is my warranty.
I expect your decision about this if you want rent my flat because i have more people interested in rented apartment.
Thank you for your time !

Seriously - please dont fall for this and im sure many of you wont as you cant be that naive!!!

[Almost_Scammed9]

Hi,

Before i want to tell you i don`t use a agency(and i think you don`t want to pay commission).

I work in a hospital and is very hard for me to come in UK. I can't take the risk to leave my new job for days and when I arrive in UK to see that I come for nothing. I want to be 100% sure that when I will meet you, we do the rent papers then i can come back in denmark.

So i can be sure of that look how we can do:

You make the payment from your name and address to your best friend name and address in UK using Western Union for 2 months rent that means 1200 £ and send me the scanned receipt. As soon as I see the scanned receipt that you have made the payment, I will come in UK and you will see the flat and maybe rent it. After that, we will go together at the Western Union office and you will take the money back and pay me.So all you have to do is to find a Western Union office(www2.ukmoneytransfer.com/agentsearch.asp) and wire 1200 £ from your name to your friend name and send the scanned receipt. I am asking you this to be sure that I do not come in UK for nothing..I will reserve the apartment to the first one that provides me have money available in WesternUnion account.

The WesternUnion transfer fee i will pay you back cash when we meet to show you the flat.As soon as I have the confirmation from WesternUnion that the money are available on his name I stop the transactions with all the other customers.

You must understand correctly the situation you don't need send me any money,penny ,only prove that have the money until the day you want to see the apartment for keep this flat for you , this is my warranty.
I expect your decision about this if you want rent my flat because i have more people interested in rented apartment.

Thank you for your time !