[crane965]

Why oh why do people part with their hard earned cash so easily ?
If you are looking to rent property then never ever give a penny upfront. Always wait until you have the keys in your hand and you have seen the property physically before handing over your cash. If the person renting the property is genuine then they will comply with these simple rules.
I do feel so sorry for anyone losing their money in this way, and it must feel awful to know that you have been conned so easily by these bastards.
Lets just hope that more people read forums like this before it happens to them.

[ranga27]

from olivia hl <olivia71.hl@gmail.com>
date 26 April 2009 09:28
subject Re: Your Gumtree.com ad #38033629: 3 bedrooms in St Helens Gardens, North Kensington, W10
mailed-by gmail.com

Hi,
My name is Olivia and I have the flat for rent. The rent is 950£ per month including all bills and the concil tax. I moved in Dubai because I got a new job. I work in a hospital. You can rent the flat as long as you need to stay even for 2 or 3 years. The first payment will be for 2 months(1900£).In case you want it, let me know so we can arrange the transaction. For me is very hard to come in UK and if I will come i must be 100% sure that I will not come for nothing.
As you can see in the photos everything it's new in the flat and the flat is fully furnished, newly refurbished and also benefits from wood flooring. You have internet connection, phone, washing machine with dryer, cable TV and most important parking place.Please let me know what your intentions are....when you intend to move in?how long you want the contract to last for?how many people would be living in it and some other things you feel i should know.
Get back to me

[ruelamin]

Hello,
Thanks for your reply and am sorry for the late in reply, Actually I lived in the house with my family; my wife and My only daughter Before and now have packed because of the Relocation of my church and i'm now located in France, and now my Flat is still Available.
But can still come around if we both agree on a perfect date and time to meet. Now that I am here in France For missionary work.
But ,what i am requesting for is the assurance that you are going to pay me and an evidence that you have the money to pay at hand when i come around, because i have heard on several times whereby some people said they are interested and after viewing and like the flat and love to occupy.later they will also tell me to reduce the amount for them or will pay me later once they get a good job.in For now i need your suggestion,because i cant afford to waste my time.
TYPE:
2 bedroom apartment
INTERNET:
Yes, BroadBand Access 20M unlimited ADSL, wire and wireless THE APARTMENT COST: ( £220 GBP Per Month) Deposit of 100 GBP.
Utilities include: electricity, gas, cable, phone, internet wiffi,air condition,wardrobe and so on and i will like you to get back to me with the information below:
Maximum stay:
Flatmate Description
Personal info:
Household info:
Age:
Smoker:
Pet:
Room and apartment description
Features: Flat, Floor #, Parking available,
No parking cost, 2 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms
Neighbourhood: N/A Home amenities: Alarm system, Cable
ready,Washer/Dryer,Dishwasher,
Microwave, Kitchen access,
Storage. House amenities: Furnished, Air conditioning, Private
entrance, Private bath, Phone jack, TV, Cable jack, Closet..
Hope you like it?Get back to me with your full name and full contact detail to prepare the RENT APPLICATION FORM......

Regards......
Thanks.

his e-mail is rdiehl49@yahoo.com

[laughalot]

Warning, this man/woman/whoever it is is a scammer!! I was almost taken in, and then luckily I googled it too as many other people have done, and thank god! Thanks to everyone for sharing their experiences and warnings.

Lol - this is the first e-mail I received from a guy supposedly called Richard Morriss... look familiar to anyone? It's IDENTICAL to the post below!!



Hello,
Thanks for your reply and am sorry for the late in reply, Actually I lived in the house with my family; my wife and My only daughter Before and now have packed because of the Relocation of my church and i'm now located in France, and now my Flat is still Available.

But can still come around if we both agree on a perfect date and time to meet. Now that I am here in France For missionary work.

But ,what i am requesting for is the assurance that you are going to pay me and an evidence that you have the money to pay at hand when i come around, because i have heard on several times whereby some people said they are interested and after viewing and like the flat and love to occupy.later they will also tell me to reduce the amount for them or will pay me later once they get a good job.in For now i need your suggestion,because i cant afford to waste my time.

TYPE:
2 bedroom apartment

INTERNET:
Yes, BroadBand Access 20M unlimited ADSL, wire and wireless THE APARTMENT COST: (£650 GBP Per Month) Deposit of 100 GBP.

Utilities include: electricity, gas, cable, phone, internet wiffi,air condition,wardrobe and so on and i will like you to get back to me with the information below:

Maximum stay:
Flatmate Description
Personal info:
Household info:
Age:
Smoker:
Pet:

Room and apartment description

Features: Flat, Floor #, Parking available,
No parking cost, 2 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms
Neighbourhood: N/A Home amenities: Alarm system, Cable
ready,Washer/Dryer,Dishwasher,
Microwave, Kitchen access,
Storage. House amenities: Furnished, Air conditioning, Private
entrance, Private bath, Phone jack, TV, Cable jack, Closet..

Hope you like it?Get back to me with your full name and full contact detail to prepare the RENT APPLICATION FORM......


Regards......

Thanks.
Richard Moriss.



He even gave me an address for his 'apartment' - I wonder what would happen if I actually went round?! It's tempting!!

So, everyone, please be careful!

[laughalot]

Oh, and what a surprise, this is the other flat I was interested in and lo and behold, the e-mail is again the same as ranga27's post below - except my 'contact' isn't called Olivia, he's called Colin. How strange....

Hi,
My name is Colin and I have the flat for rent. The rent is 780£ per month including all bills and the concil tax. I moved in Germany because I got a new job. I work in a hospital. You can rent the flat as long as you need to stay even for 2 or 3 years. The first payment will be for 2 months(1560£).In case you want it, let me know so we can arrange the transaction. For me is very hard to come in UK and if I will come i must be 100% sure that I will not come for nothing. As you can see in the photos everything it's new in the flat and the flat is fully furnished, newly refurbished and also benefits from wood flooring. You have internet connection, phone, washing machine with dryer, cable TV and most important parking place.Please let me know what your intentions are....when you intend to move in?How long you want the contract to last for?How many people would be living in it and some other things you feel I should know.
Best Regards and sorry for the late answer !


Has everyone noticed that they always work 'in a hospital' or 'as a missionary' or something else equally 'good' - talk about scams! Trying to make you trust them. It's SO frustrating that the police can't do anything about this. GRR!

[Yasan]

Hey,

Thanks guys for this forum, because of you I ll be spared of falling for this stupid scams...!!! Here are the add's details i saw posted this morning...it already seemed to be too good to be true:

scam add's name (cant find the add again' probabely removed): Affordable one bedroom flat situated in a conducive enviroment all bills included,Regent street Regent street Short Term

guys (fake) name: Mr & Mrs Walcott Alexander

guys mail: inuayetawa@gmail.com

scam mail he wrote me:

Sorry it took me a while to write you back, I've been so busy lately.
All the bills are included in the rent. I need to know some few
questions about you.

1. How many of you are coming to live in my flat?
2. Can you take care of my flat as it is?
3. Can you bring your identity passport when coming for viewing?
4. How many months do you intend to rent and pay for?
5. Do you have references in London?

I am happy to read back from you of your interest in my flat and also
hope you are not part of those time wasters.The rent has been
confirmed per month and refundable deposit as well to you.Please dear
i want you to understand that i have had a lot of disappointment in
having inviting people in the past and it is sad to confirm on the
spot of viewing that 60% of viewer still depend on money that are not
visible.Therefore i will appreciate it,if you really like my flat to
go ahead with the transfer of at least a month rent and security
deposit which is 1,030 pounds to your friend's name as the receiver
through a money transfer agent that can be verified on the website of the
money transfer website,such as money gram post office or western union
which i will prefer the money gram post office so that the cost of
transfer will not be too much,cos that transfer cost will be refunded
back to you on the spot of viewing.I am taking my time to study this
method of confirmation as the transfer can also be confirmed via
telephone or internet to check if the transfer is there for your
partner to pick up or not.It is a very simple test that you need to do
in order to be sure of your finances.Also be cautious of who you drop
or show your bank statement to,because it is very risky in doing so
and that is why my lawyer has opted out this simple method that does
not require any of your details in any form.The process of making the
transfer is stated below so you can be sure that it does not require
any of your bank details and also this is another means you are
learning here to make a money transfer all over the world.

1. Locate the nearest post office shop around you.
2.Pick up the form of transfer and fill in the details which needs to
be filled and return back to the post master.Details needed on the
form are {sender name;your name and address.}{receiver name and
address}
3.Return back to the post master with the cash you are transferring to
your partner or friend and wait for the receipt to be returned back to
you.
4.Scan the receipt to me and give me a call so i can check it if its
truly genuine and available in your friend's custody.
5.After it has been confirmed on the website,then we can proceed for
the viewing and you can as well tell your friend or partner to pick
up the money.

Regards
Mr & Mrs Walcott Alexander

[macavitycat]

below is a transcript of the emails i have received and sent today - so if you get anything like this then be aware - i didnt send any money but alarm bells are ringing so ive ended the conversation with 'david barnes'. read from bottom upwards:

(i've removed my personal info):

from them:

Thanks for your email, All i want is a serious occupant only and i think you will make a very good tenant,am not asking for money or a deposit in advance before you view but like i was explaining to you in my last email, i have been really decieved and would like to be sure and certain before i make the trip, verbal assurance is not just enough to show one has enough funds available and serious, am sure you wouldnt want to rent out your property just on verbal assurance so i will like to do this in a transparent way so everybody is safe and happy ,I will come down to Coventry on Friday to and finalise the rentage but i have to be really sure first, i do NOT and will NOT collect any money from you now until you have fully viewed and are satisfied with my property so i will like you to show me a valid proof to show you have funds available to pay the rentage and take care of our property, most preferably reference from your previous or current landlord and a post office Money Gram money transfer made to your Sister or Mother, the sum of £700(actual rent plus deposits) you can do the transfer to your partner e.g you to your sister ( all i need to see as proof that you have the money is the receipt) , then email with the details so i can confirm its validity Online, once i confirm its validity i will be sure you have money available to pay my rent and will have no doubt about your seriousness and besides you wont be revealing any personal details...All you have to do is walk into any POST OFFICE and send the £700 to your sister using the money gram service, all i need to see is the receipt to show you have the money available.

With this method we are both safe and you are rest assured that your money is still within your reach( with you or your sister) after which you can retrieve your money back from Money Gram by cancelling the transaction as soon as i have confirmed the validity and i am convinced, then we can arrange to meet on Friday by 4pm to come show you the property or alternatively you can make the transfer to yourself using your middle name so that you money is still with you ( for example your first name to your middle name or your middle name to your surname), all i need to see is that the transfer is valid, when i arrive Dundee ,we can both go to the nearest Money Gram agent location( POST OFFICE) close to my property if you like & you can pick up your money and we go to the property and have your viewing, if you like the property then we ll discuss on how you would move in and make the payments.. I do not want to collect money from you yet until you have viewed the place all i just want is for me to be sure and convinced about you before making any trip as i have been decieved so many times before and even now with the recession and situation of people loosing thier jobs, cash crunch and bad economic situation, landlords are now wary and must be certain about who rents our property.. I promise to refund back to you the charges in sending the money at Money Gram or it will be deducted from your first month rent before you pay me.

I 'll also like you to know that a copy of Tenancy Agreement form will be signed by both you and i and to be kept for record purpose and if at any point in time you break the rules listed in the agreement form, we'll return your money and ask you to leave.. I will attach a copy of one of my tenants post office money gram proof so you will have an idea of am talking about and how to go about it.

I hope that we can reach a gentleman agreement soon and hope you understand with me. if you have any question don't hesitate email me and i'll be glad to produce answers. We really dont want anymore time wasters.

07500314694
Regards


On Tue, May 12, 2009 at 7:55 PM, macavity cat <macavity-cat@hotmail.co.uk> wrote:

hi

friday would be great for a viewing because i've booked the day off work to spend some time with my sister who is up for the weekend from london. i'm not sure how to prove that i'm a good tenant unless you want to inspect the house i'm currently in, which is smaller but more expensive and lacking in a bath (a feature that i miss) and i could get a reference from my current landlord if i ask him, i'm sure, if required. i would not have the cash on me on friday because it's on my savings account and they require a week's notice.


Catherine x
http://www.**********.co.uk




Date: Tue, 12 May 2009 18:43:25 +0100
Subject: Re: Your Gumtree Coventry ad #38699520: Minimum 2 bed house wanted, long term let, reliable & clean tenant

From: cheallybarny1010@googlemail.com
To: **********

Hello,
Thanks for your email, I know the price might sound quite cheap but i am actually fed up with Agencies and thier ridiculous prices which scare away good tenant, all we just want is a good tenant to take care of our property so we are not so keen on the price of the rent as we have all mortagges fully paid years back. We have had a few people turn down our because they feel it was expensive which is why we decided to reduce the price again.
We would like you to know a little about us, we are a lovely,freindly, hardworking family which when you ll get to know us you will be glad to meet.We got married 10years ago and have 4 lovely childeren, ( Mark 19, jessy, 18 , chriss 14 and Angella 11) .We moved to Manchester cos of our newly bought property and Job which we want to take care of, and we intend to settle down here fully..Our property was purchased a couple of years ago and we have worked hard to maintain it and thats why we would like to keep it that way and rent it out to a capable Tenant. we have a quite a few interest from other contacts as well but we are just trying to be careful to give it to the right tenant. We would really like a tenant who would maintain it as thiers so we are being careful as to whom we rent our property to.It is a safe neighbourhood with very responsible people and very clean ..

You would be able to view the property and we will be pleased to show you arround our property on Friday or at any time you like as viewing the house is no problem, i can come down to show you the place anytime you are ready and as you would have read in my previous email to you that we have relocated to Manchester and i wouldnt want to just make a trip down to Coventry and be disapointed. i have been fooled and decieved so many times lastest being last week where i travelled down to Coventry and they didnt turn up, this has always been the case or they tell me they dont have enough money to pay even after agreeing on the price.Imagine if you have to leave your very busy schedule to make the trip and they never turn up. This is time, effort and money wasting so i have to be really certain you are serious and capable of paying our rent before i make any trip, am sorry if i sound rude but i hope you understand my situation..i would need a proof that you are serious and capable of paying the rent, i just need a solid proof that you are capable and serious to rent this property, i have had enough of time wasters and i really dont not want it anymore.I am not saying you are a time waster but i need to be assured to be comfortable..

PS: i do not like to accept bank statements and wage slips, i have had a lot of forged ones and besides some people dont like the idea as they think it gives away to much personal details which i think is correct as i will not give any one my personal details so i will not expect to collect anyones either.

Thank you for your understanding
Regards

On Tue, May 12, 2009 at 6:14 PM, macavity cat <macavity-cat@hotmail.co.uk> wrote:

hi

im a lecturer at ********, my mother is a ****** and my father has now retired. excuse me for being cynical, but this place looks really lovely, i'd have expected the rent to be higher on it. could i arrange a viewing? you would be happy for two dogs and a child also to be reisident?

Catherine x





Date: Tue, 12 May 2009 17:51:58 +0100
Subject: Re: Your Gumtree Coventry ad #38699520: Minimum 2 bed house wanted, long term let, reliable &amp; clean tenant
From: cheallybarny1010@googlemail.com


Hi,

It's wonderful reading from you regarding our property. The house is actually a beautifully styled and spacious 2 bedroom house (2 x double bedroom) and boasting gorgeous floor throughout, sky tv with a 24hour broadband internet ready if you have a computer, the house is furnished, Its got a very Magnificent interior Deco like Flat screen TV, fully fitted kitchen, sleek and stylish fixtures and fittings throughout, newly renovated and mordern bathrooms, a combi boiler gas Central heating and back garden.

It is situated at Kempley Avenue, Coventry, CV2 5LP.....The house is presently available for rent and you have to act fast to retain it. The monthly rent is £400 plus a £300 security deposit. The £300 security deposit is refundable at the end of your stay if nothing is damaged in the house, you'll have your own privacy without anyone interfering in what you do. The rent is with all taxes and utilities bills included in the rent.
We have attached some photographs of the house for your clean view. We hope you would get back to us as soon as you can so that we can reach a conclusion.Also i would like to know a little bit more about you, your family, what you do and relatives. We just want to know a little bit more of whom we might be renting our property to.

Best Regards




On Tue, May 12, 2009 at 5:25 PM, macavity cat <

hi

i'd be interested on more details about your property

Catherine x





> Date: Mon, 11 May 2009 13:01:31 +0100
> From: cheallybarny1010@googlemail.com
> To: macavity-cat@hotmail.co.uk
> Subject: Your Gumtree Coventry ad #38699520: Minimum 2 bed house wanted, long term let, reliable &amp;amp; clean tenant
>
> This email has been sent to you through the Gumtree system because you have selected to
> hide your email address in your ad:
>
> http://coventry.gumtree.com/coventry/20/38699520.html
>
> Is this email spam? Let us know here: http://www.gumtree.com/cgi-bin/help.pl?f=1&s=19
> Is this email dodgy? Let us know here: http://www.gumtree.com/cgi-bin/help.pl?f=1&s=2
>
> Contact: cheallybarny1010@googlemail.com
>
> ______________________________________________________________________
>
> Hi,
>
> we have a 2 bedroom property for rent in conventry, please get back to me for details, location and pictures if you are interested.
>
> Regards
>

" Upgrade to Internet Explorer 8 Optimised for MSN. " Download Now



Surfing the web just got more rewarding. Download t

[VIGILANTE]

I've also lost money via this scam so i now dedicate an hour a day to reporting and abusing these people via email. They are easy to spot to be fair, If a 1 bed flat in kensigton is £1000 a month why are they offering if for £600.

its time to screw these c**nts

the gumtree vigilante

[flamemynx]

I have just received an email in regards to a property i was curious in. However, my partner had already pointed out a few things wrong - the pictures didn't quite match up (was claimed to be a ground floor flat, but most of the roof pictured was slanted), and that the price itself was strange.

I looked into it, and after recieving an email telling me to use moneygram as she was currently living in Cardiff after getting a job there, i looked into that too, coming up with this page as a result. so thank you to all who've created and contributed to this. the email address i received this from was <solarsloane@yahoo.com>

Becareful everyone - i've just got to try and remember that if its too good to be true - it probably is.

[nessVAN]

I RECEIVED THIS EMAIL AFTER ENQUIRING ABOUT A FLAT - LUCKILY I GOOGLED MONEYGRAM AND SAW THIS FORUM!
THE EMAIL ADDRESS IS
porpino ingrid <hruhbdj@gmail.com>

Hello Dear,

Thanks for email me back and interest in the flat.I Need to know
some few questions about you.How many of you are coming to live in my
flat?Can you take care of my flat as it is?Can i have a look at of
your identity?How many months do you intend to rent and pay for?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
traveled all the way from Scotland to London to take some interested
candidates round my flat because that where i work with clerwood
construction limited. Henceforth my lawyer and i have decided to carry
out a simple test on financial ability to pay for my rent before
coming for viewing.I would not ask you to send your bank statement as
it may be used illegally sometimes by some hoodlums,but if you are
able to transfer money to your friend or partner's custody,which my
lawyer would make confirmation if truly you have transfered the money
to your friend or partner's custody that show how capable and
financially buoyant you are,then we can arrange viewing and we can
proceed.After confirmation has been made,you can tell your friend or
partner to pick up the money.I will be responsible for the cost of
transfer,as soon as you arrive to my flat.At least a month rent and
security deposit which is 1000pounds would be required from you to
transfer to your friend's custody,that shows how reliable your
finance is to rent a flat.You can make the transfer to your close
friend,thru Money gram post office or money shop around you,that is if
you will be willing to do this because it is not compulsory to do this
transfer it depend on how you really love to live in my flat.Once you
have done this,you can scan the receipt to me or send the details of
the receipt or call me if you have no scanner,as i send it to my
lawyer to verify,after verification,then you can pick up your money
back as we proceed to view and also refund back to you the cost of
transfer.And 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.You can reach me
on my mobile phone.07024091503 07024098672
Regards
Mr and Mrs Ingrid

[puki]

Be aware of this other scam in Edinburgh from jonathanvan5winkle@gmail.com
HI again,

I work for SBG -Sales Business Germany GmbH 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 Germany.
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 MoneyGram for 2 months rent that means 680 GBP 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 MoneyGram office and you will take the money back and pay me.So all you have to do is to find a MoneyGram office and wire 680 GBP 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. Hope you can understand my situations.
P.S : As I told you,I have a lot of customers interested to rent the apartment. I will reserve the apartment to the first one that provides
me the scanned paper from MoneyGram. As soon as I have the confirmation from MoneyGram that the money are available on his name I stop the transactions with all the other customers

I wait your response.

We are currently located in Berlin,
Jonathan Van Winkle
Auguststrasse 52
10119 Berlin
Germany

[justwhenyouthought]

Thanks for the heads up.

A genuine ad from me, to be had by what seems like a genuine person on the other side. And in a time when one can't afford to be ripped off, it is so easy to be conned by these people.

If it seems too good to be true, and they then ask for this procedure for the Moneygram verification = alarm bells ring, loudly. NEVER in my renting life have I been asked to do this. Now I see why. Because it's a scam.

Cheers.

Watch out for also:

Tina Andres
(andrestin001@gmail.com)

Posing as a Marine Doctor from the States with a beyond belief amazing flatshare in Clapham Common. Even sends you a copy of their passport. But "constantly" asks for the Moneygram verification, regardless of how genuine yourself might be.

No doubt making up a new identity now as I write this.

Eyes open at all times. Shame as gumtree used to be a great place for all things. Now I just wonder if anyone I deal with are real anymore.

[lxsli]

Thanks so much for this thread!

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

From: Jean Ardell <jean.ardell@yahoo.fr>
>> I`m sorry for my late reply but I`ve had some medical problems! My name is Jean Ardell and I am from France and the flat is still available for rent. I had an aunt in UK and after her death she left me her apartment in UK a few years ago.
>> The flat was redecorated last year and the flat is looking very nice and clean. The property has a fully furnished kitchen,clean and well tidy sitting rooms,laundry room,and fully furnished with home utilities like: electric shower, Lounge,Vacuum Cleaner,Toaster, Oven and microwave, dryer, iron, washing machine , refrigerator , dishwasher, power-shower, heater, cable ready,TV set and DVD player,Internet connection, equipped kitchen and everything a house needs. I'm interested in finding someone clean who can take care of this house more than getting money from renting it if you know what I mean.
>> Till last month the apartment was rented by some students from Germany and now they left and the apartment is available again for rent. The price I want is 130 UK pounds per week and the advance it's the price for the first 2 months(1 advance and 1 guarantee).
>> If you have the money I could come in the next few days to show you the apartment and maybe sign the rental agreement if you like it but first I have to be sure you are honest you really do need a place to live because two weeks ago a person from Bristol told me he is really interested and he asked me to go to Bristol to meet him and sign the rental agreement and when I arrived there no person showed up to rent my place and I lost time and money for nothing.
>> I will wait for your e-mail, Jean Ardell

> Hello,
> I will attach some pictures of the flat and also a model of the rental contract! The flat is located on 30-38, Baldwin Street, BRISTOL, BS1 1NR but I can`t give you the exactly address because there`s no one living out there and I`m afraid of thief's and I do apologies for this but I hope you understand me because I`m in France right now! The property comprises reception room, kitchen with washing machine/tumble dryer, master bedroom with fitted wardrobes and en suite bathroom, second bedroom with fitted wardrobe and bathroom. In the kitchen there is a dishwasher and also a Big fridge freezer! Regarding the council tax I can tell you that it is included in the price of 520pounds per month and also Sky TV,Internet broadband,gas and electricity are included in this price! The refundable deposit is 520pounds and you will get it back at the end of the contract. Regarding the plummets and all that kind of stuff I can tell you that the flat was recently renovated and all electrical part and plummets are new so that won`t be necessary any repairs anyway I have a person who can manage this starting from July.
> We can sign the rental contract starting from next week but I need to be sure that you have serious intentions in renting the flat that`s why I attach here a model of the rental contract and also we can discuss the terms when we will meet!
> If you are decided to view the flat let me know because there is another person interested in reserving it!
> Kind regards,
> Jean Ardell


Hello,
Due to previous predicament that I have gone through in the past trying to rent the property to some students,I have got to realize so many people are not really in need of an apartment all they do is secure a place in advance, My last experience in trying to rent the property to a particular lady had got me to predicate on these,she made me believe she was willing and ready to get the apartment she even went to the extend of showing me her statement of account,which made me took her for the viewing but after taking her for the viewing,she saw the apartment and got to love it and never wanted to loose it,so she kept pleading i retain it for her because she is not financially composed at the moment,which i did but end up disastrously.
So basically for me to be sure of you been willing and ready to get the apartment I will employ you walk into any Money Gram outlet and send the total bill cash £1040(one month rent and one month refundable deposit) to your partner`s name(NOT to ME),or your partner should send it to you with location of Bristol ,All I need is for you to get back to me with the receipt issued to you after making the transaction so I can confirm it! When we will meet in person to sign the papers we will go together to Money Gram and you or your partner will cash the money and pay me in hand! I just need to see that you do have the money available and you do have serious intentions in renting the flat! If the Money Gram agent will ask you about the receiver you should tell him that is your cousin because the transfer fees will be cheaper! Anyway I will pay for it either you take the flat or not! I will book the flight for the next Saturday as soon as I have your positive answer because I can come only in weekends! I do apologize for that but as I told you last time when I arrived to Bristol to show the flat to a person everything was a stupid joke and I hope you understand me because I don`t want to waste my time and money on plane tickets..
Regards,
Jean Ardell

[crazydodobird]

Another Scam for Holland Park! To think I actually spent so much time talking to him before I read this forum

RE: Your Gumtree.com ad #39497652: £150 per week Studio to rent in Holland Park Avenue, Holland Park, W11
InboxX



Tom Tom to me
show details 9:52 AM (13 hours ago) Reply



Hi,
The rent is 600£ per month including all bills and the concil tax. I moved in Italy, Venetia because I got a new job. I work in a hospital and the flat is empty and that is the reason that I want to rent it. You can rent the flat as long as you need to stay even for 2 or 3 years. The first payment will be for 2 months(1200£).In case you want it, let me know so we can arrange the transaction. For me is very hard to come in London and if I will come i must be 100% sure that I will not come for nothing. As you can see in the photos everything it's new in the flat and the flat is fully furnished, newly refurbished and also benefits from wood flooring. You have internet connection, phone, washing machine with dryer, cable TV and most important parking place.Please let me know what your intentions are....when you intend to move in?how long you want the contract to last for?how many people would be living in it and some other things you feel i should know.
cheers

When I start to question...he got angry and scolded me...

Hello yes the studio have all you need inclusiv bedd and all the details Once i see the moneygram or Western Union receipt i will be sure that you have the money , and once i see that i prepare my flight to Uk , we will meet ,you see the flat , make the contract and go together at moneygram , you pickup your money back and pay me , anyway , please let me know if you can arrange the payment tomorrow and scan me the copy so i can buy my tickets tomorrow About the deal ,I m sorry because you feel like that about me.Now,if you are in my
place to sell something,you'll take the risk to cheat people and have the police on your door in a few days?????I don't think so!!!I m in this position!!!!Liberty is more precious then everything in this world!!
I am a 50 year old man . I have been married to the same woman for 28 years and we have two grown suns who are successful in their own careers. We are all college educated. I didn't get to this stage in life by doing dumb things. I want to take this opportunity to asure you that there is nothing to be worried about this deal. I would never cheat you or swindle you!! I have a reputation to protect and a good Christian and I do not want to be imprisoned. You have my word and good faith on the fact that I'll keep my end of the bargain. I have never lied and cheated anyone. I will not risk my career, my freedom and my future for anything in the world! I would rather close this deal with other person than to know that you'll be very stressed hoping that I am a honest person, Your peace of mind is a lot more important than this deal!!!I am not a scam artist, and the last thing I want to do is rob you.
I am a very honest man honest in every aspect of my life and like to believe that we have a mutual trust.look i live by the rules ...money to me is nothing in life it the trust that it count ,
If you try to scam somebody in life, later on life will scam you back.
I promise, you won't be dissapointed. I am a man of my word.You can count on me.About our deal I assume we are 2 mature persons who want to make a fair deal.
I understand you are a little concerned from this point of view but this is not the case...i don't sell my reputation even for 1 milion £.....
Thank you

[emokid_dude]

Hi, Just been looking at a place that I was fairly sure was a bit odd and it turns out it the same as this scam, Wlliam Middlebrooks from Germany with the e-mail address of williammiddlebeooks@googlemail.com

This one added onto it a suggestion that other people are interested to try and speed up the scam!

Watch out and I hope nobody else gets caught! Thanks to those who have already posted.

[GundamDX]

I go by a saying "If it sounds too good to be true it usually is". I tested out a couple of attractive properties and they all came back with the same scam -
Here's a couple more

elenaklopp@hotmail.com
misslonlonely@yahoo.co.uk

A shame as the first one sounded so nice and wanted to be my friend...:'''(

[coral corner]

yes i have had a problem and looking at what steps to take next>My invoice i received seemed to come from e bay who are a part of gumtree but who does not want to help there answer its not there problem

[montyzuma]

IT WOULD BE HELPFUL it you worded your question better

if you have received and invoice from gumtree or ebay it is a fake


they dont do that

do not send any money

[ventsi_velika@abv.bg]

Hello ,
my boyfriend and I were victims of a “well used scam“ according to Caroline Irwin 13387 CID Team Co-ordinator, Staines.Using very well the holes in MoneyGram security Here is the story.





We were trying to rent an apartment in Central London. We find a very good offer on www.gumtree.co.uk .The apartment on the photos was really nice and clean and even with a parking place.......




There was no phone number so we wrote to "the owner".He wrote back telling us that he got a new job in Greece and he is ready to rent us the apartment for 500GBP a month but he need a proof from us that we really have the money so he(or she) do not loose his time flying to London and back for nothing.The proof he (or she ) ask us to provide was a scanned transfer ticket(between me and my boyfriend for at least 800 GBP) from MoneyGram. We did try to give a proof by bank statement or any other proof ,but "the owner" insisted on MoneyGram transfer. We did that .And it appears that the person was able to claim the money (that was send from my boyfriend to me). We don`t understand how is that possible without the receiver ID documents?What will happened if you just loose the receipt?




On the 05.12.2008 we went to collect our money and the money was gone .In the post office we were told that the money has been claimed .Between 12.30 and 13 o`clock we call the number that was given to us from the post office in Egham (68a Hight street, Egham,Surrey,TW20 9EY) 08007833221(because on the Senders or Recievers forms of MoneyGram there are no contact details how is that possible..... ) the person on the phone explain to us that they are not able to do anything about it , advise us to report it to the police and promised us full cooperation with the police in order to solve the case . The case was reported to the police on 06.12.08 .What we do not understand is how is it possible MoneyGram system to be actually so unsecured,regarding the fact that the transfers are quite expensive at least must be really safe. On the phone the information where and by who the money has been claimed was refused . I wrote an email to MoneyGram from the official web site 10 days latter I received this email


Fraud Mailbox <Fraud3@moneygram.com>

FW: Contact Us Service Forms

Понеделник, 2008, Декември 15 22:54:03 EET


Dear XXXXXXXXXXXXX,



As you are not the sender of the transaction mentioned below, we cannot release any information to you.


Regards,
MoneyGram
Fraud Prevention

On 23 of December we got this email sent to my boyfriend the sender of the money




От: "Fraud Mailbox"
Относно: RE: FW: Contact Us Service Forms
До:
Изпратено на: Вторник, 2008, Декември 23 23:52:37 EET






Dear Mr. XXXXXXXX,

Reference number 60815746 has been received, and a refund is not available. The transaction was paid in Maidenhead, United Kingdom on 12/5/08 to XXXXXXXXXXXX. If you feel you are a victim of fraud we recommend you contact your local law enforcement and file a report.

If additional information is required a subpoena can be sent via email to: UKpolicerequests@moneygram.com or fax to (44)207-089-5414 for assistance.


Regards,
MoneyGram




Fraud Prevention



Officers PC Martin and Caroline Irwin from Surrey police station try to contact them for details the information hes been refused ,also they do not know nothing about the e-mail address MoneyGram provide UKpolicerequests@moneygram.com .

We have been advised to do not accept the last letter and to insist to correspond with their legal department or their external legal advisers and to requested contact details. We also demanded copies of the documents the money had been claimed with. We want to find out what documentation was used to collect the money. But we are sill waiting for respond on this demand.There is no contact details no where on the official site .




We ask assistance from police in order to get this information . After 2 months refusing the information or simply not responding to the police on 6 of February we received this email




-------- Оригинално писмо --------
От: "Irwin, Caroline 13387"
Относно: RE: Case N RM/08/5354
До: "?????????? ????????"
Изпратено на: Петък, 2009, Февруари 6 15:27:12 EET




Hello,

We have now been provided with the details of the branch the money was claimed from. However, this particular Post Office have confirmed they do not have any CCTV, so we are unable to obtain footage of the offender for identification.

The employee who carried out the transaction is on holiday at the moment. We will speak to them when they return, but at this point the best that can be achieved is a description of the offender which will be used for intelligence purposes.

The offender used an Italian passport, produced in your name, to claim the money. However, the Post Office do not keep a copy of any ID presented to them.

Please could you confirm whether you have ever had an Italian passport.
This seems to be a well used scam, where offenders pick locations which they know we will not be able to obtain evidence from.

Unfortunately there are no further proportionate enquiries to be made into this matter, so we will have to file this as undetected. I am sorry we were not able to provide you with better news.
Kind regards
Caroline Irwin 13387
CID Team Co-ordinator, Staines
Tel: 01483 633156

Even though there are no CCTV cameras I don`t think that they keep records for 2 months even if there were . However I do not have Italian passport and I never had one, but even my name is not correct according the second email from MoneyGram.

Can we to take some actions (extra-legal process ) like complaining to the Financial Services Ombudsman or civil right of action in tort for conversion of our money or at common law for negligence against the payer (who may have failed to check ID correctly before paying out).

As customers we paid 46 GBP for a service (money transfer) we never received we have lost the transferred amount 800 GBP .

I need to refuse a contract on a river cruise ship for Christmas ,we were almost on the street and ,we embarrassed ourselves in front of the visitors we have for Christmas . We have lost a lot of time and had so much headaches .
Can we do something about it ?

Can someone help us?

If you can help please e-mail me.

Thank you .

Kind regards.

[valenciano]

[sarahwyer]

VW Camper T2 Bay Westy

Manufactured 72 registered 74 carrying an M plate on black and silver classic plates. Westy ready to roll for summer, a Tax Exempt Westfalia camper, Brand new MOT and was partly restored and repainted in 2006 by previous owner, In the last 3 years she has had new cab doors, new tyres and empi 5 spoke wheels, cd player and speakers, new battery, new brake pads and calipers, new monza 4 exhaust, new heat exchangers, all new rubber seals all round, new roof canvas, and reupholstered inside. She is a great usable van which starts first time every time. With the van is a Just Kampers 4 berth awning with an inside bedroom compartment, which attatches to the side of the van, We use the awning to do all the cooking and equipment storage. The van itself sleeps 5, two double beds, and a hammock across the front seats. All the westy bits are still with the van! Please remember this is a 37 year old vehicle and is not perfect, it is however a great looking and really reliable van which drives great, and is ready for summer, the bottom of the cargo sliding door requires some attention and the panels for this will be included in the sale. Total price is £1900 and free shipping anywhere in the UK. For more information and photos contact me at zabedahpervase@yahoo.co.uk

I lost £1900 through Moneygram. I stupidly thought it was secure. the ad said it was based in Birmingham.

Ive notified the Police. When I googled the name Zabedah it came up as being the mother of a child in Birmingham with Spina Bifida. so Im guessing its not her real name!???

[FACS]

I contacted this person about an apartment in paris, Allan Gidley Jean. I thought it was real and we had many email exchanges but even after i repeatedly told her that i would not pay up without first seeing the place, she still insisted that i do so in order for her to "come down from london to show you the place". I finally told her that there was no way i would pay up unless i saw the place first and hinted that i suspected it was a scam. I have gotten no reply since, after which i googled her name and found this forum. So she really was a con. She also sent me the contract form along with a scan of her passport which i hope is real. Might not be though. This is the photo.

My last reply was on the 11th of June. Today. If you wish to catch this person, i may be of assistance. Do let me know.

[montyzuma]

its such a low res scan its difficult to tell if its been photoshopped but the pic looks fake head is too big and its almost a 3/4 view instead of full face

[joannag21]

Below is an e-mail I have received from guy named Michael Uwe. Unfortunately I was stupid enough to fall for it. Lost all my brother's savings cause it was gonna be a car for him I've been to the police, but all they have found out so far is that money were withdrawn in London.Someone produced Belgium passport with my name on it ... The worst thing is that the same car is keep on appearing on Auto Trader website, so more people might fall for it . Don't- it's a scam!!!!
You will loose all your money!!! We lost £2900 .....


Good Day,

I am writing you regarding the: 2003 AUDI A4 2.0 [6] 4dr,Saloon,74600 km, £ 2800 (Left Hand drive).
It is in perfect condition inside and outside as well,never been implicated in accidents.I never smoke in it and i want to sell it to a serious person. The car is located in London/United Kingdom.
The price that i'm asking for the car is: £ 2800.The car got MOT,TAX and full service history.
Now i am located in Germany with my bussines and i have nobody in United Kingdom that could show you the car. I need to come personal to meet you and present the car.
Feew weeks ago a buyer told me that he'll buy the car, so we must meet in United Kingdom.I came to United Kingdom because I trusted his word, but when I arrived i call him and no answer, so I lost money and precious time on his promise.I don't want to ask you to send me any money in advance, I just want to see that you are a serious buyer.I will come only for a serious deal. If you don't want to buy it after you will inspect it, no problem, but I need to be sure that you will be there.
To be sure that you are real and serious, here is what I propose:
1. The service name that we'll use is Money Gram transfers.You will find Money Gram agency at all the Post Office in your city and you will go there with your best friend or your wife.Your wife or your friend (relative) will be the sender of the money and you will be the receiver in London.
2. Ask your wife or your friend to send £ 2800 to your name in London.Is enough for me too see that I have a interested buyer. (I will pay the Money Gram fees when we will meet)
3. Only you can pick up the money from London, so this is no risk on your side.
4. Once the money is sent, you will have to scann the paper from Money Gram and email my.In this way you proof my that you have the money for my car and that you come to London to take your money back and see my car.
5. In the same day I will buy the flight ticket and I will email you the scanned ticket.(We will verify the car with a mechanical service and at police to. I also accept any test)
6. We will meet in London and we will finish the deal.
If you don't want to buy the car I will pay for your transport.I assure you that you will love this car and you will buy it. It is in perfect conditions.
I repeat: You must understand that you will not send the money to me.You will be the receiver of the money and only you can pick the money from Money Gram only in London.
If you are still interested to make the deal with me please reply me or call me.
Please don't spend my time with endless disscutions,or pure curiosity.
My UK phone number is:07597502048.
Thank you for contacting me and hope you will understand my point of view!!!
Respectfully:
My Name is: Michael Uwe.
Phone number:07597502048.

[jonin60seconds]

Good to see such vigorous debate about this serious topic. The more people that know about these scams, the better informed everyone will be. For me, the golden rule is Face to Face. Never send money to people you've never met or for an item/property you've never seen.

Also please report a scam advert on Gumtree using the 'Report this ad' button and mark it as 'Illegal / fraudulent ad'