Accomodation Scam

ladygodiva · Joined: 13 Sep 2007 Posts: 1

Hi,

I just want to notify you about a scam regarding accomodation. I was looking for a one bed flat in the Paddington/Marylebone are when I received this email:

2BR Flat - Montagu Court, W1H - Montagu Square

Hello,
My name is Johanna O'Hagan and I am from Athens, Greece. I have the apartment for rent, the rent is 350£ per month this includes all bils. My husband was British and he wanted the apartment in London. Last year we had an accident and my husband lost his life.
I also lost my hearing in the car accident that we had. Now I live in Athens, Greece. I have received another offers today about 50 proposals and I want you to know that I only let the apartment if you pay in advance the rent for three months. The apartment on Montagu Court it is very close to Marble Arch and Edgware Road tube.
Thank you

There were lovely photos attached and I went to check if the place exists and it does, but obviously it is too good to be true as she only asks for £350 a MONTH. Also, after I replied, the 'woman' told me that she needs to see a transfer using WESTERN UNION to a friend of mine's account to proof that I have the money for three months' rent in advance. After some investigation, I found that gumtree warns against overseas landlords and transfers using Western Union. I am sure this is another scam, so please be on the lookout!! Also, I did not reply to a posting about this flat on gumtree. They must have received my email adress when I replied to another posting.

Their email address is:liebefrauuk@yahoo.com

SO LOOK OUT FOR IT!!

Bluey · Community Moderator Joined: 21 Mar 2006 Posts: 4739

Landlords who aren't available to show property and any mention of wiring funds, such as Western Union, the payment method of choice of scammers, has to be suspect

It's a persistent scam

http://forums.gumtree.com/viewtopic.php?t=91265

Please report the ad to Gumtree admin via the stay safe page

http://www.gumtree.com/cgi-bin/help.pl?f=1&s=1

the_tidy_kiwi · Gumtree Moderator Joined: 26 Feb 2007 Posts: 500

Thanks for reporting this to us. I will use the information that you have provided to stop this person using Gumtree.

And thanks Bluey, as always a pearl of wisdom!

Bluey · Community Moderator Joined: 21 Mar 2006 Posts: 4739

Hi Admin,

They've popped up again with a new ID.

I've just got me a bargain 2 bed flat in Marble Arch that's less than a quarter of the market rate for that area. I forgot to take a note of the advert ref but can you do the honours via the email address?

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

"yolanda" <yassugum@gmail.com>

"Hello,
My name is Yolanda and I am from Greece. I have the
apartment for rent, the rent is 350£ per month this
includes all bils. My husband was from UK and he
wanted the apartment in London. Last year we had an
accident and my husband lost his life. I also lost my
hearing in the car accident that we had. Now I live in
Athens, Greece. I have received another offers today
about 50 proposals and I want you to know that I only
let the apartment if you pay in advance the rent for
three months. The location is on Montagu Court.
Parking available on street. Close to Edgware Rd. Tube
and Marble Arch
Thank you again for your interest"
---------------------------------------------

My reply

"Great. When can I view it?"

Bluey · Community Moderator Joined: 21 Mar 2006 Posts: 4739

Perhaps it was this one?

http://www.gumtree.com/london/59/13488959.html

paulmarks · Joined: 26 Sep 2007 Posts: 1

I got one of those accommodation scams this morning with exactly the same story about dead husband........

IF IT SOUNDS TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE THEN IT IS!!!!!!!

the_tidy_kiwi · Gumtree Moderator Joined: 26 Feb 2007 Posts: 500

You are a star Bluey, I have removed this ad from the site. Cool

Bluey · Community Moderator Joined: 21 Mar 2006 Posts: 4739

Persistent, aren't they?

2 BR Flat - Montagu Court, W1H - Montagu Square
"Caitlinne" <aichuss@gmail.com>

Hello,
My name is Caitlinne and I am from Greece. I have the
apartment for rent, the rent is 350£ per month this
includes all bils. My husband was from UK and he
wanted the apartment in London. Last year we had an
accident and my husband lost his life. I also lost my
hearing in the car accident that we had. Now I live in
Athens, Greece. I have received another offers today
about 50 proposals and I want you to know that I only
let the apartment if you pay in advance the rent for
three months. The location is on Montagu Court.
Parking available on street.
Close to Edgware Rd. Tube and Marble Arch.
Thank you again for your interest.

http://www.gumtree.com/london/61/13828861.html

the_tidy_kiwi · Gumtree Moderator Joined: 26 Feb 2007 Posts: 500

Grrrrrrr

Thanx Bluey!

kittley21 · Joined: 06 Oct 2007 Posts: 1

I posted an advert here in gumtree in the FLATSHARE WANTED section since I am relocating to the UK very soon. I have then received this email:

Hello,
Thanks so much for the reply and once again for your much interest in my room,I so much appreciate it cos you really sound so nice and very interesting

The room is in an nupper flat in St Anthony's (about a mile from the Quayside). The bus stop is about one minute away for buses into town and to the Metro.

49 Chatsworth Gardens
St Anthonies
Newcastle
NE6 2TN

The bedroom is a good size with a new small double bed, IKEA wardrobe and chest. There is a living room, well equipped kitchen with new washing machine and fridge/freezer, bathroom with double ended bath, shower and contemporary glass basin. and easy on street parking.

Fully equipped new kitchen with dishwasher, double glazing, and combination gas hot water/central heating. Big open plan living/dining area, integral garage and off road parking. Easy access to taxi and stores . Reference and deposit required at rate of £400 to stand as reservation.
Available now to rent. Rent £400per month all bills are included with the rent.

I am single, professional Marketing and Public Relations, flexible, very quiet but friendly. I am very focused in my studies, so i need regular hours of sleep. I am a member of the nearby food coop and try to lead a healthy lifestyle

There is internet access,cable,electricity,kitchen utensil.it is also well furnished.i use too enjoy living alone but i need someone to stay with now.i am easygoing and fun to live with and i bet you will enjoy staying with me.....

Let me know when you want to arrive so that i can sure you want to rent the apartment also i will like if you can get back with your full name and address with a scanned copy of your passport and prefer moving in date cos the agreement so that you can go through the terms and condition.Hope you understand?

Thanks while waiting to read from you.

Cheers,
Louise[/b]After reading this email, I had 2nd thoughts of replying to the sender because of his last name and broken English. But I didn't listen to my gut feel and replied with this:

Hi Louise!

Thank you for all the information you have provided. You have a very nice flat and the amenities are amazing but I have to be honest with you. 400 Pounds a month is too expensive for me, especially because I will be looking for a job there once I arrive. My budget is less than 300Pounds a month, but then again thank you for your time.

Have a nice day!

When this scammer read that his asking price is beyond my budget he then replied with this. (this is when I have realized this is a scam trying to get money from me)

[b]Hello,
Thanks for your mail and interest on my advert for rent.
There is know problem if you want to pay 300pounds and there is going to be 2500pounds for the security deposit which is going to refund back when you arrive and also stand for the reservation of the vacant room.

If you are interested and want to proceed get back with your full name and address in other complete the contract of tenancy agreement form and i will send you my passport so that you can sure and have idea about me.

Hope you understand?get back so that we can proceed.

Cheers,
Louise-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I did not reply anymore to this email but after a week I have received an email from a 'Paula Coto Moreno' offering her room to let. The email from LOUSE MILER and PAULA COTO MORENO have the EXACT same font style and size but for some reason I did not realize that at the moment. This "PAULA COTO MORENO" has also sent me pictures of the 'room' and of her that are obviously stolen from other people's adverts because it is obvious the living room, kitchen are from diff. houses.

Hello,
I saw your profile on advert that you need a apartment and i will like to rent vacant rooms out for you if you're cool and clean flatmate.

Located at 55 Hunter Street , Newcastle NSW 2300
There is internet access,cable,electricity,kitchen utensil.it is also well furnished.i use too enjoy living alone but i need someone to stay with now.i am easygoing and fun to live with and i bet you will enjoy staying with me.....

I am single lady and i was born in Madrid on 13th January1983 and i was sturding in London and also working as part time job,a professional Marketing and Public Relations, flexible, very quiet but friendly. I am very focused in my studies, I am a member of the nearby food coop and try to lead a healthy lifestyle. I am kind and sensitive. I am well educated and have a creative mind. I am very interested in culture and world events. I like to always learn new things and I enjoy philosophical discussions. I love to talk and listen. I am verbally articulate. I am willing to discuss problems without getting tempermental. I am calm. I am financially responsible, hard worker and I love being in a career that helps others. I am a generous person and love to give. I enjoy the good things in life. I am honest and ethical.

I am sure we are the same maturity level and , stable occupation, responsible, reliable, respectful of keep a clean and peaceful atmosphere.

£90 a week inclusive all bills and £360per month including council tax and utility and there is going to be £400 refundable security deposit for reservation of my apartment.

Let me know when you want to arrive so that i can sure you want to rent the apartment and proceed in making the reservation so that i can reserve the room for you and if you need my pictures,or passport to sure of who you want to rent from..................please get back and i can provide everything for you in other to share the flat with me.

Cheers,
Paula
---------------------------------------------------------
I replied to "PAULA COTO MORENO" with this:
Hi Paula,

Thanks for your email and your interest in my ad. You have a nice apartment but I have to be honest, the price is way beyond my budget. My budget is less than 300 Pounds a month because I am relocating to Newcastle.

Cheers
----------

Now when I have read her reply to this message, this is when I have realized that PAULO COTO MORENO AND LOUISE MILER is the same person. And the not so bright person, wrote 'LOUISE" instead of Paula in this email. (He/She probably got confused because of the many names he/she made up)

Hello,
Thanks so much for the reply and once again for your much interest in my room,I so much appreciate it cos you really sound so nice and very interesting.

There is know problem at all,i will less the amount to 280pounds per month and i will collect 200pounds as the security deposit which you're going to make as the reservation before your arrival.

In other to make the rental agreement form you will have to provide to me your full name and address with a scanned copy of your passport and prefer moving in date cos the agreement so that you can go through the terms and condition.Hope you understand?

Let me know when you want to arrive so that i can sure you want to rent the apartment

You can call me on 07024069915
Cheers,
Louise.

[/b][i]

the_tidy_kiwi · Gumtree Moderator Joined: 26 Feb 2007 Posts: 500

Thanks for posting the warning.

Notice they are using a 070 premium rate number as well. Be wary of people using these as well.

I will email you to get further information.

ricky25 · Joined: 09 Oct 2007 Posts: 1

It is unbelievable ,i´m trying to move soon,left my e-mail address on gumtree on my post,and had 5 attemps from deceivers.Avoid pay only after you see it.

WATCH OUT

the_tidy_kiwi · Gumtree Moderator Joined: 26 Feb 2007 Posts: 500

Remember guys that you should choose to hide your contact details when posting an ad. Make sure you tick the box in the post an ad flow.

This means that people can still easily reply to you via the 'click here' option, which appears at the top of your ad. The reply passes through our automated filter system and will stop a lot of these dodgy replies and spammers.

bond_gal007 · Joined: 31 Oct 2007 Posts: 1

2 BR Flat - Montagu Court, W1H - Montagu Square

andme00@gmail.com

Hello,
My name is Hanna and I am from Greece. I have the
apartment for rent, the rent is 500£ per month this
includes all bils. My husband was from UK and he
wanted the apartment in London. Last year we had an
accident and my husband lost his life. I also lost my
hearing in the car accident that we had. Now I live in
Athens, Greece. I have received another offers today
about 50 proposals and I want you to know that I only
let the apartment if you pay in advance the rent for
two or three months. The location is on Montagu Court.
Parking available on street. Close to Edgware Rd. Tube
and Marble Arch.
Thank you again for your interest.

THIS IS A SCAM DO NOT DO IT!!!!

the_tidy_kiwi · Gumtree Moderator Joined: 26 Feb 2007 Posts: 500

Thanks for reporting this one bond_gal007. I will stop this person from posting on Gumtree.

paul_m · Posted: Fri Nov 09, 2007 8:45 am Post subject:

guess you don't like your scam being exposed, hmmm?

Povie · Joined: 15 Jan 2008 Posts: 1

Hi guys,

Looks like they struck again... Just got this in my emails.

Happy flat hunting!

_________________________________
from: xemana@gmail.com <xemana@gmail.com>
reply-to: xemana@gmail.com,

to: xemana@gmail.com,

date: Jan 15, 2008 9:26 PM
subject: Apartment 2 Bedrooms available Montagu Court

Hello,
My name is Annalis and I am from Greece. I have the
apartment for rent, the rent is 500£ per month this
includes all bils. My husband was from UK and he
wanted the apartment in London. Last year we had an
accident and my husband lost his life. I also lost my
hearing in the car accident that we had. Now I live in
Athens, Greece. I have received another offers today
about 50 proposals and I want you to know that I only
let the apartment if you pay in advance the rent for
two or three months. The location is on Montagu Court.
Parking available on street.
Close to Edgware Rd. Tube and Marble Arch.
Thank you again for your interest.

kafka · Joined: 21 Jan 2008 Posts: 12

Another scam artist to add to your list: KENNY KENNEDY (twinkennedy02@yahoo.com), trying the Western Union Scam!

Posting ref: 18774486

"RE: Reg. Gumtree ad‏
From: kenny kennedy (twinkennedy02@yahoo.com)
Sent: Tue 1/22/08 4:33 PM
To: xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Hello ,

Thanks for your response and sorry for getting back to you late,i wish you know the status of my work been a busy man.... I believe i must have make it know to you

then concerning the flat price and also the deposit fees which must have been stated then,so for now i have series of response on this flat aspect and i amn tired of

people not been serious of what they do say sometimes,i mean why people never been sincere with what they do say sometime,I believe with what i have been through

and many disapointment which i have encounter with and also from people here..I guess concerning the flat,i can't imagine why people not that satisfy even i try

making the flat so cheap among the flat around Upper street....Tho i ought to have giving you my number but with what i have been through while unseriouse people

calling and more so,i try been kind to people by giving them my information on here,i mean my driver's lincence then..But i realize they making it use for something

funny which i just solve with police of resent and this will never happen anymore..
Well with what and with your response which you have been making know to me then i guess you sounding serious,but i need a sure proof,not to waste my time

anymore or not even to loose some contact about my work anymore..I wish you understand what i mean,because of resent i have someone who has promise the heaven

to me then..But with what i realize from her she don't have that much money at hand then and even she plead of telling more of her story,while we conclude on how

much the flat is and with the deposit fees then...
So with what my cousin who just rent her 3 bedroom flat out to someone who is realible then,with what she share with me then..which i finally find a meaningful

reason with then...I wish you go through..Tho i believe you know i never ask for your money ok..I never ask you to send me money or even send money to someone you

have not see because its not meaningful or not sensitive you sending money to someone you have not see before ok..So never you send money to me...But what i could

ask for now and with what she share with me which i believe its very ok...For both us,i mean I as landlady and you been tenants..I suggest you go to any nearest

western union or money gram outlet...You send a month fee £450 plus deposit fees which is refundable £850=£1,300 or send a month fee alone which is £450 PCM,

To someone you can trust,someone you believe in very well,someone like your girl friend's name,boy friend's name or even your fiance name that live withing

london...Who you think will be around on the day of viewing so pick up the money while we are together in the flat premise....All i need from you is the Reciept from

any out this outlet...I believe you scan it to me or write out all the information to me.And i will surely call on a friend who works with western union once then to

make a confirmation about the money status..Mainly to be sure of the money is there....More so to make sure the money is in safe hand...I guess you know no one is

entiled to pick up the money aside from someone who you send the money to k....So why all this is for a proof and to know the money status k.
I will love to know what you think about this suggestion because i have thought over it and i believe since this works for my cousin,so i know its wouldn't be a

problem for us..Because i wish you are my tenants ok..
Mean while you need to get this in your mind..I never ASK FOR YOUR MONEY...I NEVER ASK YOU TO SEND ME MONEY OK OR I ASK YOU TO SEND MONEY TO

ME OK....Because its not polity for you sending money to someone you have never meet or someone you don't know at all...SO i believe you find a reason with my

request and get back to me with the response on this now ok...Just for a proof and confirmation now k

N.B
You need to get something now that i never ask you to send me money or either ask you to make an transaction on my name..Only need a sure and guarantee proof and

also needed to know the status prof the money which you have send to whomever information you have giving to me then now k...So for now i will love to inform you

that if this suggestion work..Fine i wouldn't mine be in Upper street around Thursday around 6.30pm or friday around 2pm and i will love to have your phone number which i am going to call you on

when i am there tomorow..Mainly to hook up with it and for you to view the flat then...

I will love to read more from you now..

Need to know this as soon as i have this request i made from you now..I wouldn't mind been in Upper street this weekend mainly to let you have the flat keys and

also handling over of necessary document that concerned the flat soon k...You need to find a reason with me.

Regards
Kenny "

Dirty Boy · Joined: 13 Jan 2008 Posts: 1500

montyzuma · Community Moderator Joined: 25 Jul 2007 Posts: 2202

nicely spotted

how come tigarisio has Posts: 16777215

but whe you view them there are 4 or 5 all the same?

where the other 16 million

Celiniforum · Joined: 10 Dec 2007 Posts: 2

Hi I've got another one.... a stunning one bedroom flat in Bishopgate EC2, first the photos were dodgy and when I contacted the landlord by email, he said he was a very busy man working in Newcastle...
The 3 emails I received from him:

Hi,

Unfortunately...am currently in Newcastle working and a very busy man....it would be hard for me to rush down to London so you can have a view but we could still fix a date later i come.
I would appreciate we discuss better on here for now...
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.

You see...about a week ago i once came to London to show a guy the flat all to find out he doesn't even have money to pay for the deposits.Am a very busy man here and wont like to waste my time coming the second time...
I would require the deposits and a months rent when i come to London...pls let me know if this is okay by you...I would also require some kind of proof that you can actually pay me this money so i can be sure am not wasting my time coming over.
Also i would require reference from previous landlord when i come to London.
Hope you can understand my situations.

I was speaking with a friend of mine and he told me if you could use Money Gram money transfer...since you would be viewing the flat and i need to confirm funds are available before i come...its best you put the money in your friends name or your name at their nearest location to your place so i can be sure you made the transaction.....and when i come and you've viewed the flat..you can pick the money up for me at a nearby office to the apartment in London....I have no doubts you would definitely want the flat...its just as you've seen in pictures. You can deduct the money for their charges from the total...i would
take that as my own expenses...i only need to confirm funds are available before i come...
Pls dont misunderstand my intentions...am not doubting your capabilities of being able to pay me this money...am only trying to be more sure am not coming to London for nothing as i have to fix somethings out of my busy schedule to come.....and also when we meet
in London...you would have to show me reference from your previous landlord to make me sure of subsequent payments since i would be away in France for sometime. I could also come along with the Tenancy Agreement which should be someday next week...you just let me know when would be convenient for you.
Hope this is okay by you and you can see reasons with me...

An obvious scam! Hope nobody got fooled!
This ad had been reported Wink

Celine

fsilve · Joined: 01 Mar 2008 Posts: 1

Hi!!

I have reported an experience with a scammer on easyroommate on the following blog. It can perhaps help:

http://londonflatshare.over-blog.com/

Be careful!!!

Florent

heidi_saunders · Joined: 04 Mar 2008 Posts: 5

hi there just recieved this yesterday:

Hello, My name is Andrena and I am from Greece. I have
the apartment for rent, the rent is 500£ per month
this includes all bils. My husband was from UK and he
wanted the apartment in London. Last year we had an
accident and my husband lost his life. I also lost my
hearing in the car accident that we had. Now I live in
Athens, Greece. I have received another offers today
about 50 proposals and I want you to know that I only
let the apartment if you pay in advance the rent for
two or three months. The location is on Montagu Court.
Parking available on street. Close to Edgware Rd. Tube
and Marble Arch. Thank you again for your interest.

The email some from: "Andrena" <loguecat@gmail.com>
What a BITCH!

Sanne · Joined: 09 Dec 2006 Posts: 154

And I bet if you ask for her phone number to call her, she'll tell you that she lost her hearing

heidi_saunders · Joined: 04 Mar 2008 Posts: 5

yep that about right Rolling Eyes