[IceBerg]

I've been looking for a studio flat for a few weeks and have been in contact with a few SCAMMERS whom I became aware of once they mentioned Western Union or MoneyGram, see email addys below:

1) veera45partanen@hotmail.com = claims to be Veera
2) fdgergbre@gmail.com = claims to be Daniela
3) fletcher_grey@yahoo.com
4) jamdick59@yahoo.com
5) anna.rufer2@googlemail.com = claims to be Anna Rufer
6) copraimage@yahoo.com

Think the first 4 are either the same person or a group working together because they all send the same replies to my emails.

I must say #5 is very very crafty who said she doesn't trust peps word so sh'e using Gumtree Estate Agent. I was a buit surprised because I've never heard of it b4 but what happened after was even more shocking. I received an email from Gumtree Estate Agents/Gumtree Team (customer@gumtree-ea.com) outlining all the details and procedure. I started to think maybe, just maybe, this is true and I'm getting a real bargin. Anywayz I decided to ring NALS & TDPS which they claimed to be registered with, turns out they're not. Thats when alarm bells started to ring in my head.

I almost feel victim because I'd already done the WU transaction but fortunately I did not email/fax it. That is one of the best 'mistakes' I've made (smiling with my money back in my account, well minus the WU charges, nevertheless - woohoo)

[zoolander66]

I've also received emails from anna.rufer2@googlemail.com, who claimed to be a doctor in Glasgow, as well as an email from Gumtree Estate Agents/Gumtree Team (customer@gumtree-ea.com).

I didn't send any money, I thought it was ridiculous to ask for money in order to view a flat.

I do hope Gumtree do something to stop these scams.

[karen_cy]

Send details to
FraudDesk@city-of-london.pnn.police.uk

[thisisbrilliant]

I emailed about a couple of properties, which sounded too good to be true, and got the following email from "andrew Nawaz" andrew.ramaz@googlemail.com http://www.gumtree.com/london/23/40207123.html

******************

hello !

My name is Andrew ,I am 42 years old and i am engineer.
The property is available .I can rent it for max 5 years,and the minimum period is 3 months.I really want to find a good and responsible tenant for it and I was hoping if you can send me some personal informations about yourself. In the monthly rent all the bills are included.The only problem is that I had to move with my job to Ireland where I am now and I left the keys and contract already signed by me at the Gumtree Rental Properties Services, and they will handle the payment and delivery for us. If you want to know more about how this deal can work please get back to me ASAP and i will send you the details step by step.

Thank you and hope to hear back from you!

*****************

sounds very familiar? so i asked about a viewing and got this:

*****************

hello again ,


If we decide to proceed with this transaction, I will have to contact the Gumtree and provide them all the necessary information, so they can start the process right away. You will receive a notification from Gumtree shortly after that, together with all the instructions to follow and the invoice as well. The bills are included. The deposit is for 1 month.
Regarding the payment, you will be instructed to deposit the money to a Gumtree Trust Agent from United Kingdom. They will hold and insure your money until you check the apartment and decide if you want take it or not. That is how their buyer protection policy works. As far as my concerns, I will be glad to know that Gumtree Rental Properties Services has the possession of the money during the delivery period. That is my insurance.
As soon as the funds have been deposited into their account, they will immediately start the shipping process.
The keys and rental contract will be delivered at your address in no more than 24h. You will be given a 3 days inspection period from the day you receive the keys and contract at home. If you decide to hold the apartment, then you will have to authorize Gumtree Team to release the funds to me, and the transaction will be completed. If you will not be satisfied with the apartment, you will be able to send the keys and contract back through the same service and ask Gumtree Team to return the deposit to you.
Though I am sure you will love the apartment, it is good to know that you do have this second option available. If you wish to proceed with the renting, please provide me your full name and address so I can initiate the deal through Gumtree Rental Services right away. Your total cost is 1 month deposit (500pounds)
my phone number is: 07598884503

Regards,

*************************

straight away it sounded dodgey so I searched for Gumtree Trust Agent and found this thread. The scammers are so retarded they are all using the same emails, word for word.

**********************

Gumtree people:

Do something about it. Your reputation is down the toilet. Don't you check out the ads on here?

[Ella_bai]

[b]
Ad: two bedroom flat in the heart of trendy Notting Hill (£125 pw)

Emailed contact asking for more info and got the reply:
hello !

My name is Andrew ,I am 42 years old and i am engineer.
The property is available .I can rent it for max 5 years,and the minimum period is 3 months.I really want to find a good and responsible tenant for it and I was hoping if you can send me some personal informations about yourself. In the monthly rent all the bills are included.The only problem is that I had to move with my job to Ireland where I am now and I left the keys and contract already signed by me at the Gumtree Rental Properties Services, and they will handle the payment and delivery for us. If you want to know more about how this deal can work please get back to me ASAP and i will send you the details step by step.

Thank you and hope to hear back from you!

Replied again and then received:
hello again ,


If we decide to proceed with this transaction, I will have to contact the Gumtree and provide them all the necessary information, so they can start the process right away. You will receive a notification from Gumtree shortly after that, together with all the instructions to follow and the invoice as well. The bills are included. The deposit is for 1 month.
Regarding the payment, you will be instructed to deposit the money to a Gumtree Trust Agent from United Kingdom. They will hold and insure your money until you check the apartment and decide if you want take it or not. That is how their buyer protection policy works. As far as my concerns, I will be glad to know that Gumtree Rental Properties Services has the possession of the money during the delivery period. That is my insurance.
As soon as the funds have been deposited into their account, they will immediately start the shipping process.
The keys and rental contract will be delivered at your address in no more than 24h. You will be given a 3 days inspection period from the day you receive the keys and contract at home. If you decide to hold the apartment, then you will have to authorize Gumtree Team to release the funds to me, and the transaction will be completed. If you will not be satisfied with the apartment, you will be able to send the keys and contract back through the same service and ask Gumtree Team to return the deposit to you.
Though I am sure you will love the apartment, it is good to know that you do have this second option available. If you wish to proceed with the renting, please provide me your full name and address so I can initiate the deal through Gumtree Rental Services right away. Your total cost is 1 month deposit (500pounds)
my phone number is: 07598884503

Regards,


This person is currently operating under the name of ANDREW RAMOS. DO NOT BUY FROM THIS SERIAL SCAMMER! Bet the phone number isn't even legit...[/b]

[thisisbrilliant]

Andrew Ramos = Andrew Ramaz

I am not happy about this fraud, Gumtree. If they had slightly more creative emails it would be easy for some one to be fooled.

I think Gumtree should check every ad, and if not, make it very clear to all users that they run the risk of giving personal details to potential fraudsters, if not money. This guy has my number.

[ozinlondon]

What is Gumtree doing to combat the Western Union scmmers? They have known about it for ages and there are at least three threads of conversation in their accomodation forum talking about it.I have made a suggestion as to what they could do to overcome this problem in the main discussion further down the accomodation forum list (you can't miss it as it is written in capitals half way down). Come on guys, what is going on? Does Gumtree get a kick back from these frauds that they have allowedit to go on for so long and not even post very explicit warnings to users?

[montyzuma]

Hi Oz


more to the point

western union and moneygram have been used for fraud on any an every sale site

what are they doing about it?

[ozinlondon]

Hi Montezuma,
You have very kindly pointed out that there is abuse of your site being carried out via a third party. Has Gumtree approached Western Union about this abuse? You are in the position to be able to track movement of intial e-mail contact through your site. How is Gumtree working with the police and Western Union to eradicate this problem?

[montyzuma]

Hi Oz
i an an unpaid volunteer forum mod on here and as such have nowt to do with the ads

I do have a lot of experience with scammers however

gumtree was initially set up as a free ad site and is subject to abuse by scammers not only in the accomodation section

ive just tried to respond to a flat and to the right is a warning saying

Always view the property before you pay any money
Beware of landlords claiming to be overseas
Never send money using services like Western Union or Moneygram, even to a friend to 'prove' you can pay the deposit
Beware of the Gumtree Real Estate Agency. This is a scam and is not affiliated to us

what gumtree staff are doing is a closed book to me but they are aware of the problem


Its a fine line between warning people and covering the place with warnings.

personally i feel that raising the awareness of people that there are scams out there is the way to go

[Piste_Hooligan]

Is there such a thing as Gumtree LR (Gumtree london rentals)???
as far as i know, gumtree doesnt have any services for tenancy set-up...AVOID FAKE GUMTREE PARTNERS AND SERVICES!

I found a post on Craigs list and im not sure it even exists gumtree (maybe it is so so you cant report it) but they wanted me to transfer funds to Gumtree LR which they said is a third party protecting your money (tranfers through Western Union - alarm bells!) until you sign the tenancy agreement. This is what they wrote (among other things):

"...I need an assurance that you are committed to rent my flat and not only to view it, that's why I will rent the flat trough Gumtree London Rentals, which is a special protection program developed by Gumtree for rental transactions. You can read about it at www.gumtree-lr.com.

If we decide to proceed I will have to set up a transaction trough Gumtree. I need to know your full name, how many people will live in the flat, when do you want to move in and how long are you planning to stay. I will set up a transaction and you will receive a notification from Gumtree shortly after that, together with all the details about the steps to follow. "

they then sent me an email which looked exactly like gumtree format but the address was/ http://www.gumtreelr.110mb.com instead of ".com"

they refused to work in any other way and they rent was really too good to be true, so watch out eveyone! the email they use is:

ashleyhagewood@googlemail.com

Close one!
Peace

[shujoya@gmail.com]

I had the same scammer with exactly the same wording. The are all using the same text!

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Sheila Bound <boundsheila@googlemail.com>
Date: 2009/8/12
Subject: Re: Your Gumtree.com ad #43419605: Superb, light and airy one bedroom apartment
To:


Hi again,

I had to detele my ad because I have receive over 50 emails in one day. Go to maps.google.co.uk and search for 15 portman square, W1H 6LJ, London to see the location on the map.

I would like to meet you Sunday, get to know you and show you the flat because this is the first time I am renting my flat and I am a little bit worried about the future tenants. The problem is that I've been disappointed twice after scheduling viewings, because the tenants couldn't pay the rent in advance and asked me to lower the rent. Please don't be offended! I am not doubting your capabilities to pay the rent, I only want to be sure I will not travel to London for nothing. I need an assurance that you are committed to rent my flat and not only to view it, that's why I will rent the flat trough Gumtree London Rentals, which is a special protection program developed by Gumtree for rental transactions. You can read about it at www.gumtree-lr.com.

If we decide to proceed I will have to set up a transaction trough Gumtree. I need to know your full name, how many people will live in the flat, when do you want to move in and how long are you planning to stay. I will set up a transaction and you will receive a notification from Gumtree shortly after that, together with all the details about the steps to follow.
I am looking forward to hearing from you !

Best regards

[carlacarla1]

My one was called Eleanor Wilkinson
wilkinson.eleanor2@googlemail.com

She even gave me the address for the flat - very nice building it was too!

Then I get the email from 'gumtree london rentals'. I've never seen a legal document with such terrible grammar and punctuation!

[montyzuma]

it is a scam why would gumtree post on a rival?

western union= scam no exceptions

[onetouchfresh]

Here some more e-mail addresses of scammers:

thomasg888@hotmail.com
alfred.nelson123@hotmail.com
kelvinsmith4955@rediffmail.com

They all sent me the same mail.....

Ciao....Maurizio.

[antonjw]

here's another:

gabrielocarman@gmail.com



there are loads of these on the site. personally, i think gumtree should do something to stop these guys from posting... it's making me think twice about using Gumtree, however, I suppose once you know, you can spot the fakers (pictures too good to be true, prices too good to be true, no phone number included on the ad).

But I'll make a suggestion.


If the advertiser won't publicly disclose a phone number on their ad:

- advertiser has to lodge a mobile phone number with Gumtree
- upon posting the ad, a text message is sent to the advertiser's mobile, which they have to reply to or come back onto Gumtree and punch in a code included in the text, in order to complete their ad


this means that either a telephone number has been publicised on the ad, or gumtree has a mobile number for the advertiser - therefore they are traceable?

perhaps such a system might work for all high-value ads on Gumtree? the issue to work through would be the cost of sending out the texts, though perhaps if you make ad submission a text reply only (rather than the idea of coming back here to enter a confirmation code), then you get a kickback from the reply texts?


anyway the thought is that if they had to lodge a mobile phone number, that would make them traceable (presumably this is true?). and that if they chose to disclose a publicly-visible phone number on the ad that was fake, then it would be much more easily identifiable as a scam immediately.


anyway i realise this would change the gumtree model for high-value ads, but... if you're ensuring people's peace of mind, then that's probably a good thing.

there's an 'i was scammed on Gumtree' story just waiting to happen.

[antonjw]

further to that - making enquiries re: an ad:

- no contact details are immediately available until you click a 'make enquiry' button

- icons are displayed with the ad to show what the enquiry mechanism will be - Gumtree-routed e-mail form, (advertisers') email, landline, mobile (the advertiser has to lodge a validated uk number (i.e. has to be valid uk number + if its a mobile, advertiser has to have validated that the phone is in their possession via a text code) in order for the ad to be accepted, whether or not he/she makes that available to enquirers)

- you have to have a gumtree account to be able to click the 'make enquiry' button


then, as a registered user, when you click the 'make enquiry' button, only then are advertiser's chosen contact details displayed on-screen (via a bit of AJAX scripting).

this protects genuine advertisers' details from being farmed and used in other scams, and the 'genuine validated uk number' suggestion protects people responding to ads and makes advertisers traceable, and hopefully therefore far less willing to try to scam people through gumtree.


once as an enquirer or advertiser you are registered and your number validated, then you are pretty much using Gumtree as normal, but these steps could really help people to feel that Gumtree is doing something serious to try to protect them, and that it is a safe site that they have confidence in using.

[ColdDish]

robison albert wrote:
Hi again,
I told you 100 % vacant because i have a lots of poeple interested rent my flat not anly you,but i do think you are more responsible on what you have stated in your previous email sent to me and i hope you understand my concern. I can't take the risk to leave my new job for days and when I arrive in London to see that I come for nothing because .Three days ago I was in London to meet with a client but when I arrived in London he never respond to my e`mails and now i need be soure 100 % before i come in London.Is that you should go to any western union office to send the money cash GBP 1,500 (2 months rent + 1 Month Deposit) to your partner's name, friend to your own name in your present address or your partner,friend send it to you(Making your partner,friend the sender and you the reciever) or someone you think is very close to you ...all i need is the scanned copy of the transfer receipt for confirmation on their customer care line if the money is available for you to pick up for me when i come over to sort the viewings with you and handing over of the keys.
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 needs the money or you make it a gift,(i think you don`t want pay more money for this).
The charges for the transfer is refundable by me when i get to london so you dont have to worry about that, if you can make it possible first thing tomorrow morning i could get the next flight available in the afternoon probably i should arrive by 5pm and then as soon as i sort the viewing with you and handing over of the house keys including signing the required document.
You must understand ... YOU DON'T NEED SEND ME ANY MONEY...ONLY MAKE THE PAYMENT PROVE YOU HAVE MONEY READY RENT THE FLAT AND MY I WILL KEEP FOR YOU THIS FLAT AVAILABE.
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 !

Regards


albert77robison@live.com

Hi,

If we decide to proceed with this transaction, I will have to contact Gumtree Rental Services and provide them all the necessary information, so they can start the process right away. I will need your FULL NAME, ADDRESS and PHONE NUMBER for that. You will receive a notification from Gumtree shortly after that, together with all the instructions to follow and the invoice for payment as well.

Regarding the payment, you will be instructed to deposit the money to a Gumtree Agent from United Kingdom. They will hold and insure your money until you check the apartment and decide if you want take it or not. That is how their protection policy works. As far as my concerns, I will be glad to know that Gumtree Rental Properties Services has the possession of the money during the delivery period. That is our insurance.
As soon as the funds have been deposited into their account, they will immediately start the shipping process. You will have to pay for 1 month paid in advance+1 month deposit!
The keys and rental contract will be delivered at your address in no more than 24h. You will be given a 3 days inspection period from the day you receive the keys and contract at home. If you decide to rent the apartment, then you will have to authorize Gumtree Team to release the funds to me, and the transaction will be completed.

If you will not be satisfied with the apartment, you will be able to send the keys and contract back through the same service and ask Gumtree Team to return the deposit to you.

Though I am sure you will love the apartment, it is good to know that you do have this second option available. If you wish to proceed with the renting, please provide me your full name, address and phone number so I can initiate the deal through Gumtree Rental Services right away.
My phone number: +44 703 186 3463

Best Regards

marcusbeltrans100@googlemail.com

Hello
Thanks for your mail. I am a very young comfortable professional,26 who works in a recording company as a studio manager.I would like to rent out a double bedroom Garden Flat with Broad Band Internet to a very easy going person at 500 per month including all bills.available now for you to occupy.not shared apartment...My apartment is very comfortable fully furnished flat of brand duplex flat..Located in quiet residential area {Pentonville Road, Islington, London, N1 9LA}in fashionable Islington, next to Upper Street which is alive with restaurants, cafes and bars. Easily accessible by train or London Underground, the flat is just a few minutes' walk from Angel Tube Station and also close to King's Cross. The Design Centre is just a five-minute stroll away while the Barbican Centre and the City Square Mile are also close by..is fully furnished with digital home cinema, hi-fi system, VCR, DVD player, phone, fax, computer, cable/satellite, internet access, wardrobe, cupboard, Hanging wardrobe, safe deposit box, radio alarm clock, hair dryer, fully air-conditioned, central heating, intruder alarm, fire alarm and more. Large fully equipped kitchen, 2 toilets and unlimited wireless internet.
I dont want any problem for myself.., i need to know the person that will occupy my apartment that is, the person that willl take care of my apartment like theirs because am letting the flat out because am presently in manchester working. It is not compulsory that i rent out the flat but if i can get a reliable and tidy person that will take care of my flat for me i can let it out.so i need to know them better i.e what you and your partner do for a living.
Waiting to read from you.

debdoul@yahoo.com

WAITING TO READ FROM YOU TOO DUHHHHH

[ColdDish]

Thank you very much for your interest ,inquiry and you call yesterday evening .As you can see I have available the apartment located in London, with 3 bedroom and 2 bathroom, because I moved with my job to Coventry and I need money to pay the rent here.

This is the main reason I want to rent at this price and also to find a good person for my apartment. I can rent you the apartment for maximum of 3 years because I have a contract here in Coventry for this period. I'm the owner of the apartment. the rent for 1 month is £150 for a month for the entire apartment including all utilities (water, electricity, Internet, cable, parking, air conditioning, fireplace, dishwasher, microwave, refrigerator,heater)... You can move in the flat the same day when you receive the keys.

My requirement is £150 for 1month payment in advance plus £50 for security deposit which total is £1200 for 6 month in advanced for the initial to move in and you need to move fast cos i got other contacts that are also interested in renting the place.

Thank you for your interest and I will look forward to hearing
More information
My number is +447011127402
The address is: 146 Praed Street, Paddington, London, W2 1EE
Micheal Morgan
Thanks

[ColdDish]

Hello ,

Yes we can arrage a viewing but I need to be sure that all is serious ... I don't want to have problems again ...
I need to speak with my boss , book my fly ... and I've told you I need a guarantee before this ... I really don't want to waste money and time again ...
I have a idea and I think that you will agree with ...
I don't know if you unsed before the Western Union Money Transfer ... is every where ... and is very easy to use ...
You will have to send the amount of GBP 1300 from your name to your friend name in England via Western Union and send me the paper as proof ... I will immediately call at Western Union to verify the transfer ... if all will be ok I will speak with my boss , take a free day and book my fly for this weekend for exemple ...
Again , you will not send money to me ... you will send the money to your friend via Western Union and after that you will send me the paper as proof...
If you agree please arrange the transfer , email me the paper , send me your phone number also and I will arrange our meeting tomorrow ...
Regarding the flat , it is perfect , and looks exactly like in the pictures ... you will be 100% satisfied I'm sure about this ...

Thank you and please give me your decision .

[montyzuma]

and your decision is

take your imaginary house and shove it up .............

[ColdDish]

95% of all flats I have looked at on gumtree and craigslist have been scammers.

[montyzuma]

ill pass your observation towards a gumtree gaffer

[jonin60seconds]

[ColdDish]

"95% of all flats I have looked at on gumtree and craigslist have been scammers."

these are flats I have personally looked at. I am not stating that 95% of all advertisements on gumtree are fake. I stated

"95% of all flats I have looked at on gumtree and craigslist have been scammers."

---->95% of all flats I have looked at <-----