People known to be using the Money Gram / Western Union scam

deputy2404 · Joined: 19 Mar 2008 Posts: 7 Location: Watford

I have started this topic to list all the email addresses of people who are trying to dupe people into transfering money into a freinds account, sending the prospective landlord a copy of the receipt, only to find out that the money has already been withdrawn when they go to collect it.
They commonly follow a story of living far away from the property they are renting and require proof of your ability to pay the rent, so as not to waste their time arranging a viewing.

I have had several of these people contact me - I would urge anyone thinking of undergoing this type of transaction to check these addresses and read the warnings on the forum.

Please add any other addresses trying to pull off this scam. Hopefully we honest users can can compile a comprehensive list of people to avoid and save someone from losing, what is after all, a lot of their hard earned money, as well as having their hopes dashed.

Here are the addresses of people who have proposed this type of transaction:

stravolta122@gmail.com
dwilliams.flatmate@gmail.com
kskate2@googlemail.com
gardner.charles1@googlemail.com
danielgreen23@gmail.com

This is by no means an exhaustive list, please check the other postings if you are at all concerned about an offer that seems too good to be true - it probably is!

deputy2404 · Joined: 19 Mar 2008 Posts: 7 Location: Watford

Here's one more to add to the list

habana.greg@yahoo.co.uk

deputy2404 · Joined: 19 Mar 2008 Posts: 7 Location: Watford

And here's another one:

mr.martinchase@yahoo.com

montyzuma · Community Moderator Joined: 25 Jul 2007 Posts: 7536

deputy, its a nice idea

but i dont think it will run. these guys are crooks and you will notice they are all free email addresses, they simply use them till someone reports them and they get stopped then they take out another.

they change names, addresses and locations like you and i change socks.

basically if they want paid by w-u or moneygram , its scam city.

rqzinha · Joined: 21 Mar 2008 Posts: 2

i've recently put an add as wanted to a 2 bed house... received loads of these scammers... some of them have already been listed here. here are the ones i didn't see above:

"Linda Brown" lind.brown01@gmail.com
"Mark Willis" spacemanuk@live.com

i have another email address waiting for "confirmation" lol... (i.e a long reply explaining he/she is busy somewhere in the countryside)

i belived the only way they can work around by collecting money by only having a copy of the receipt is by scammers working inside (or with someone inside) the western union (and similar agencies) themselves.

cheers

rob444 · Joined: 27 Aug 2007 Posts: 78

I agree with Montezuma. Collecting email addresses is a waste of time.
The scammers can use a new one each time.

The message is that Western Union or Moneygram is a SCAM so just delete their email and keep searcing.

rqzinha · Joined: 21 Mar 2008 Posts: 2

hi rob444, i wasn't totally sure whether one of the scammers who contacted me was initially scam or true, before i wasted my time speaking with him too many emails before they asked for moneygram etc i checked this forum and found his email address also listed by deputy2404 so this saved me some time. i know they can change their email fast, but as they are communicating with many people at the same time, that small period of time might help to have somewhere where to list the emails. it would be nice if gumtree straight away forbid those email addresses to be used in the system.

here another one:
fabricsfirmcompany@gmail.com

all the best

deputy2404 · Joined: 19 Mar 2008 Posts: 7 Location: Watford

I fully appreciate that scammers can, and do change thier email addresses frequently, but I started this subject in order to trya and save people time in replying to emails which are going to end up in the same scam request. If everyone added the addresses as and when they come across them, then other people can check the list regularly and delete the emails in their inbox without even wasting their time reading them. I'm under no illusion that this will stop the scammers, but I hope that it might help someone being duped, as it really gets to me. These people are scum and are preying on people who are just looking to find somewhere nice to live. As my mother always taught me, treat others as you wish to be treated yourself. I would hope that someone would warn me about any other scam going on. As for me, I'm still trying to find a nice place for my son and I to live....

montyzuma · Community Moderator Joined: 25 Jul 2007 Posts: 7536

Hi Deputy,
I appreciate what you are saying but

first of all, people have to suspect they are may be dealing with scammers and if they already suspect that, they will know as soon as the crook wants paid by w-u.

people who dont know and are more trusting will respond to them anyway and not look at your list. which is never going to be complete cos new ones appear all the time, when folk are presented with what appears to be a bargain, common sense flys out the window.

ive seen it so many times

I feel ( and its only my opinion) that its better to raise the awareness that scams do exist, that everybody on the net is not as nice as you and I, that gumtree dont provide any checking, and that ANYONE using w-u is a scammer.

believe me i hate scammers too, ive been reporting, winding them up and shutting down their email addresses for years now.
its a thankless task, but one i feel strongly about and if you feel your way is better id be the last to stop you

cheers
monty

vanessa_cela · Joined: 12 Mar 2008 Posts: 3

boothadria@googlemail.com

Hi Vanessa,

Good to read again from you and for expressing your genuine interest in renting my flat. You seem to be a good personality and I am sure you'll be a great tenant.
I'd have actually loved to keep it vacant but a friend advised i get some one who can take good care of it.I hope i can take your word to take good care of my apartment like your own.

However as i said before viewing will not be a problem, Anytime during the week in the evening would be a good date for our meeting. but i need a proof you have the funds on you before i can commit to viewing as i have been dissapointed several times after scheduling viewings in the past few days. My job had suffered and i have also wasted my funds coming over to london before thats why im a little skeptical.
As it is not a wise decision to send your bank statements via the internet that would have been a better option. So may be you want to suggest how else you can prove to me you have the funds on you right now so we can go on to meet for viewing if that is okay by you.

Meanwhile, Below are the lease terms:
* An advance payment of the first month and the Refundable security deposit shall be paid.
* The Rent shall be paid on Monthly basis thereafter.
* You shall only be allowed to default in payment of rent for not more than 3 months after which the eviction process shall be initiated.
* The minimum lease term is six (6) months, violation of this shall lead to the forfeiture of the security deposits.
* If you will need to vacate the house, notice shall be given a month prior to intended day of moving.
* The security deposit shall be refunded on or before the 15th day of vacating the apartment.
Feel free to ask any questions.
Thanks and Best Regards

don2006 · Joined: 24 Mar 2008 Posts: 3

Want to report another fraudster. She says that she lives in Greece (Athens) and lets her beautiful 1-bedroom apartment on Cleveland Square (close to Paddington tube station) just for 500 pounds per week! Rolling Eyes

And of course, she asks for 3 months rent transfer via Western Union in advance! Very Happy

Her name is Yasmina. E-mail: yassmin2@gmail.com

Beware! "She" tells a sentimental story to veil her scam.

don2006 · Joined: 24 Mar 2008 Posts: 3

itsmeme · Joined: 18 Mar 2008 Posts: 50

a couple more scammers to look out for

mikereadheadflat@googlemail.com

tombelly49@gmail.com this person is also going by the name DON MARTINES

jomonks1 · Joined: 12 Apr 2009 Posts: 1 Location: United Kingdom

benschustern@yahoo.co.uk

DANINCAST · Joined: 13 Apr 2009 Posts: 1

I received this email as answer from tara.mattos@yahoo.co.uk
Feel so ashamed, almost gave the person money.

EMAIL:

Hi ,

Good to read from you again.

A lil about me : Am a 35years old fashion designer, very friendly.
I live in Birmingham and only come around once in a while so as to keep the flat and surroundings clean. Reasons why we want to rent this place out is so that there will be a permanent occupant that will take care of the flat furnitures and keep the surroundings clean in my absence. We just need life in the flat.

About the flat : The flat was once a family flat till my old parents acquired a new property in Spain and moved, so i have been left in charge of this flat and nobody occupies the flat at the moment.

Concerning viewing: I can only travel from Birmingham to attend to serious tenants that are ready to move in and can prove that they can pay for the first months rent and one months deposit, i don't do general viewing. I need to know that you are serious and have the money to pay before i can come down to London.

I have a tight working schedule caused by my upcoming fashion show week, which preparations are on for at the moment with my co-ordinators from New York. You can search the map for that area and what you see in the pictures are what the interior of the flat looks like.

If you feel comfortable with that let me know, if not don't bother to reply so that we won't waste eachothers time.

Thanks and warm regards,

Tara

AND

Hi Daniela,

Let me know when you want to come and view my flat, so that i will plan my time here and make sure am there before you arrive.

The only thing is that i need double assurance, because i want to avoid traveling from Birmingham to london without being sure of your immediate move-in, i can afford my fare, but i can't afford to waste my time.

My Lawyer will get a contract ready for you to sign if you like to take the flat after viewing and the keys will be handed over to you immediately after contract has been signed.

Also, receipt of payment will be issued to you after which you'l have to sign the lease agreement form.

I was discussing with my Lawyer about the idea on how i will be so sure that i will not just waste my time to london without acheiving my the aim and she advised that we can work out something via Western Union Money Transfer.

She said that Western Union Money Transfer can actually hold the money as an evidence and surety that her tenant will pay her at least for the first month and deposit. She gave me an option on what we can do since you have the funds at hand which will be explained below:

PROCEDURE:

1) Transfer the the amount £1600 ((1 month rent and security deposit) to your friend.

Your Name (as Sender) to your Friend (as Receiver) in London or other parts of UK.

2) Scan & Send a copy of the Western Union transaction receipt as a proof of the transaction or mail me the transaction details... (The money is safe as it is only you that can withdraw since you need a national ID card or International passport)

3) Then, we will meet for viewing.

4) If you decide to take the flat, we will go to any local Western Union office close to my flat pick up the money and pay me. (You don't need to come with cash to view, after viewing we will go together, you will withdraw and pay me)

5) Keys will be handed over to you after signing the contracts.

I am pretty sure that the transaction at Western Union office will require some charges, i will definitely refund the transaction charges back to you upon viewing and if you don't see what i sent as pictures of my flat to you, you are free to leave without paying me anything.

I only want to be sure that i am not going to waste my time this time around and i think with this condition, both of us can be sure we are not wasting our time.

I will only rely on your honesty that you have made the transaction so that i can reserve the flat for you.

Let me know if you are okay with this so that we can proceed. Thanks so much while i will be waiting to read from you and i am looking forward to meet you and be great friends eventually.

NB: PLS DO NOT MAKE PAYMENT TO ME OR IN MY NAME, WHAT I NEED IS JUST AN EVIDENCE THAT YOU HAVE THE CASH TO PAY ONCE YOU HAVE VIEWED.

I am sorry for the lengthy mail, i only want to explain myself better. You can also call or text me on 07588099395 for a chat but i dont receive calls when am at work.

Warm regards and have a nice day.

07588099395

Tara

feffie · Joined: 14 Apr 2009 Posts: 3

AND ANOTHER 2
greganderson506@gmail.com
paulvans38@yahoo.co.uk

adele.j · Joined: 16 Apr 2009 Posts: 2

milliehorgan@yahoo.co.uk

tried this scam on me but from there start there were too many things that didn't make sense and i didn't trust it from the start!

anyways this was her story ...

e-mail 1

Hi ,

Good to read from you again.

A lil about me : Am a 25years old fashion designer, very friendly and adventurous, I only Drink occasionaly but don't smoke, I am quiet, easy going, fun to be with and open minded.I like to keep the flat clean and tidy and would require the same too from any tenant.I am a christian by religion,my hobbies are Hiking, singing, watching soccer and going to the cinema's.

About the flat : The flat was once a family flat till my old parents acquired a new property in Spain and moved, so i have been left in charge of this flat. It is a 3 bedroom flat like i already told you, and nobody occupies the flat at the moment.

I live in Birmingham and only come around once in a while so as to keep the flat and surroundings clean. Reasons why we want to rent this place out is so that there will be a permanent occupant that will take care of the flat furnitures and keep the surroundings clean in my absence. We just need life in the flat.

At the moment we are looking to rent out just 2 of the rooms while the 3rd will be locked permanently, for my use whenever i come around.

Concerning viewing: I can only travel from Birmingham to attend to serious tenants that are ready to move in and can prove that they can pay for the first months rent and one months deposit, i don't do general viewing. I need to know that you are serious and have the money to pay before i can come down to London.

I have a tight working schedule caused by my upcoming fashion show week, which preparations are on for at the moment with my co-ordinators from New York. You can search the map for that area and what you see in the pictures are what the interior of the flat looks like.

If you feel comfortable with that let me know, if not don't bother to reply so that we won't waste eachothers time.

Thanks and warm regards,

e-mail 2

Hi,

Since you are ready to view and move in immediately,i will plan my time here and make sure am there before you arrive.

The only thing is that i need double assurance, because i want to avoid traveling from Birmingham to london without being sure of your immediate move-in, i can afford my fare, but i can't afford to waste my time.

My Lawyer will get a contract ready for you to sign if you like to take the room after viewing and the keys will be handed over to you immediately after contract has been signed.

Also, receipt of payment will be issued to you after which you'l have to sign the lease agreement form.

I was discussing with my Lawyer about the idea on how i will be so sure that i will not just waste my time to london without acheiving my the aim and she advised that we can work out something via Western Union Money Transfer.

She said that Western Union Money Transfer can actually hold the money as an evidence and surety that her tenant will pay her at least for the first month and deposit. She gave me an option on what we can do since you have the funds at hand which will be explained below:

PROCEDURE:

1) Transfer the the amount £1200 (2 months rent and security deposit) to your Husband

Your name (as sender) to your Husband (as Receiver) in London or other parts of UK.

2) Scan & Send a copy of the Western Union Money Transfer transaction receipt as a proof of the transaction or mail me the transaction details. (The money is safe as it is only you that can withdraw since you need a national ID card or International passport)

3) Then, we will meet for viewing.

4) If you decide to take the room, we will go to any local Western Union Money Transfer office pick up the money and pay me. (You don't need to come with cash to view, after viewing we will go together, you will cancel the transfer and withdraw the money to pay me)

5) Keys will be handed over to you after signing the contracts.

I am pretty sure that the transaction at Western Union Money Transfer office will require some charges, i will definitely refund the transaction charges back to you upon viewing and if you don't see what i sent as pictures of my flat to you, you are free to leave without paying me anything.

I only want to be sure that i am not going to waste my time this time around and i think with this condition, both of us can be sure we are not wasting our time.

I will only rely on your honesty that you have made the transaction so that i can reserve the flat for you.

Let me know if you are okay with this so that we can proceed. Thanks so much while i will be waiting to read from you and i am looking forward to meet you and be great friends eventually.

NB: PLS DO NOT MAKE PAYMENT TO ME OR IN MY NAME, WHAT I NEED IS JUST AN EVIDENCE THAT YOU HAVE THE CASH TO PAY ONCE YOU HAVE VIEWED.

I am sorry for the lengthy mail, i only want to explain myself better. I cant receive calls at work so its best you send me a text message.

Warm regards and have a nice day.

07588099395

Millie

kinder90 · Joined: 20 Apr 2009 Posts: 1

angelamilarova@yahoo.co.uk

Hi ,

A lil about me : Am a 35years old fashion designer, very friendly.
I live in Birmingham and only come around once in a while so as to keep the flat and surroundings clean. Reasons why we want to rent this place out is so that there will be a permanent occupant that will take care of the flat furnitures and keep the surroundings clean in my absence. We just need life in the flat.
About the flat : The flat was once a family flat till my old parents acquired a new property in Spain and moved, so i have been left in charge of this flat and nobody occupies the flat at the moment.
Concerning viewing: I can only travel from Birmingham to attend to serious tenants that are ready to move in and can prove that they can pay for the first months rent and one months deposit, i don't do general viewing. I need to know that you are serious and have the money to pay before i can come down to London.
I have a tight working schedule caused by my upcoming fashion show week, which preparations are on for at the moment with my co-ordinators from New York. You can search the map for that area and what you see in the pictures are what the interior of the flat looks like.
If you feel comfortable with that let me know, if not don't bother to reply so that we won't waste eachothers time.
Thanks and warm regards,
Angela

I was so frustrated about this.. but hey.. at least it proves, that: 'too good to be true.... '
Great the person that had the idea with this post. It proved me 100% that it is a scam. I was very suspicious about the Western union thing, and I started to google it. In fact I found this google-ing her tel nr. from:

Hi
Let me know when you want to come and view my flat, so that i will plan my time here and make sure am there before you arrive.
The only thing is that i need double assurance, because i want to avoid traveling from Birmingham to london without being sure of your immediate move-in, i can afford my fare, but i can't afford to waste my time.
My Lawyer will get a contract ready for you to sign if you like to take the flat after viewing and the keys will be handed over to you immediately after contract has been signed.
Also, receipt of payment will be issued to you after which you'l have to sign the lease agreement form.
I was discussing with my Lawyer about the idea on how i will be so sure that i will not just waste my time to london without acheiving my the aim and she advised that we can work out something via Western Union Money Transfer.
She said that Western Union Money Transfer can actually hold the money as an evidence and surety that her tenant will pay her at least for the first month and deposit. She gave me an option on what we can do since you have the funds at hand which will be explained below:
PROCEDURE:
1) Transfer the the amount £1200 ((1 month rent and security deposit) to your friend.
Your Name (as Sender) to your Friend (as Receiver) in London or other parts of UK.
2) Scan & Send a copy of the Western Union transaction receipt as a proof of the transaction or mail me the transaction details.. (The money is safe as it is only you that can withdraw since you need a national ID card or International passport)
3) Then, we will meet for viewing.
4) If you decide to take the flat, we will go to any local Western Union office close to my flat pick up the money and pay me. (You don't need to come with cash to view, after viewing we will go together, you will withdraw and pay me)
5) Keys will be handed over to you after signing the contracts.
I am pretty sure that the transaction at Western Union office will require some charges, i will definitely refund the transaction charges back to you upon viewing and if you don't see what i sent as pictures of my flat to you, you are free to leave without paying me anything.
I only want to be sure that i am not going to waste my time this time around and i think with this condition, both of us can be sure we are not wasting our time.
I will only rely on your honesty that you have made the transaction so that i can reserve the flat for you.
Let me know if you are okay with this so that we can proceed. Thanks so much while i will be waiting to read from you and i am looking forward to meet you and be great friends eventually.
NB: PLS DO NOT MAKE PAYMENT TO ME OR IN MY NAME, WHAT I NEED IS JUST AN EVIDENCE THAT YOU HAVE THE CASH TO PAY ONCE YOU HAVE VIEWED.
I am sorry for the lengthy mail, i only want to explain myself better. You can also call or text me on 07588099395 for a chat but i dont receive calls when am at work.
Warm regards and have a nice day.
07588099395

Angela

cat.aaron · Joined: 26 Apr 2009 Posts: 3

Mariam Doyle mariamdoyle@yahoo.co.uk
I so very nearly got scammed by this one!!

ruelamin · Joined: 06 May 2009 Posts: 3

1ST THIS........

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.

THEN THIS.........

Hello,

Thanks for your interest to secure my flat,The rent per month 220 pounds include bills and a refundable deposit of 100 pounds. And the flat is on the second floor.

Address: 55 Walter Road, Swansea, SA1 5NF, England.United Kingdom

I will like a contract of least 5months ....more so when will you be needing this flat? because Now that I am here in Lyon, France For missionary work... Meanwhile, the issue is that i have been having problems with time wasters in regards of keeping to time and appointment to sort out things...after all there promises to meet up for me to show them around and sort out things,they will not show up...and this is really time wasting because i am presently in Lyon, France on a missionary work,
However,i will discuss it with my Colleague here as regards idea on what i can do about coming down to sort things out with you and not get me disappointed or you suggest on what to do so that we can arrange a meeting and the viewing of the flat.Thanks while i will be waiting read from you.
The neighborhood is safe and i guess you have heard much about this area before,so its safe, clean area.

How many of you will be in the flat?hope to read back from you soon.
God Bless You..............
Regards,
Robert.

AND FINALLY THIS UNTIL I TOLD HIM TO F*** OFF

Greetings,

Really appreciate your words in assuring to pay me if you like the Flat,I understand you quite okay.However,i do not want to stand on people's promise of paying me cash or cheque when we meet again because i have met with time wasters. I was discussing with my colleague about the idea on how i will be so sure that i will not be coming down to England on a futile exercise and she advised that we can work out something via Money Gram Transfer.
She made me to understand that she has used it a couple of times for renting out her room if she is not around. She said that Money Gram can actually hold the money as an evidence and surely that her tenant will pay her at least for the first month and deposit,She explained that you can visit any Money Gram outlet and transfer the money IN YOUR FRIEND NAME or from your parent name as the SENDER and RECEIVER will be in YOUR NAME in England,.-You will use his/her name as the SENDER and AFTER viewing and you are okay with the flat,we both can go back to withdraw your money from Money Gram close to my flat as she said she has done transactions this way before.
I do not want you to have the feeling that i am asking for money BEFORE you see what you are renting because i know that payment is meant to be done AFTER you have seen the Flat and okay with it.-The reason why you have to be receiver is basically to give you the confidence that your money is still in your name and to make sure that your money is still safe since it is still in you name as the receiver as you are the only one who can collect it with a valid ID,maybe with a passport or drivers license.
So in order for me to also be on a good side,you can go ahead and make the transfer since you have the money ready,let me know immediately you do the transfer so that i can know how to squeeze out time to come and meet you,But i will have to reply on your honesty and trust that you have actually made the payment before i leave here to come down to England to see you.What evidence will you give me so that I can be sure that you have made the payment?I was made to understand that you can Send me the (Sender name, Receiver name and Money Grams Reference Number) to confirm here if the money is real there before making my way.
THIS WHAT TO DO BELOW...
Sender name: YOUR NAME
Senders address: Your complete address
Exact Amount deposited:?
Receiver's Name: Your family or Fiancy's name
Receiver's address:
I was also made to understand that Money Gram takes some charges for the transfer and i am telling you that i will return back to you the full transfer charges whether you decide to rent the flator not when we meet,ok?After doing the transfer,then i will have to leave here and be with you in England to meet you immediately.Please,understand that i am NOT asking you to pay me BEFORE you view the flat as payment is to be done AFTER viewing. I only want to be sure that i am not going to waste my time this time around and i think that with this condition, both of us can be sure we are not wasting our times.Let me know if you are okay with this so that we can proceed.Thanks so much while i will be waiting to read from you and i am looking forward to meet you and be great friends eventually.I will get the contract ready for you to sign if you like to take the Flat after viewing and the keys will be handed over to you immediately after contract.Receipt of payment will be issued to you after which you have sign the lease agreement form.
PS:I am sorry for the lengthy mail.I only want to explain myself better

Regards,
Richard.

Sharpie09 · Joined: 09 Jun 2009 Posts: 1

Claire Bowyer <bclaire@live.co.uk>

Hi,

Good to read from you again. There are some questions that i need anwsers to, but
didn't get in your email, however i am glad you like my house and i will be willing to rent
out for £400pcm month with all bills inclusive with a refundable security deposit of £400.

A lil about me : Am a 27years old fashion designer, very friendly and adventurous, I only
Drink occasionaly but don't smoke, I am quiet, easy going, fun to be with and open
minded.

I like to keep the house clean and tidy and would require the same too from any tenant.I
am a christian by religion,my hobbies are Hiking, singing, watching football and going to
the cinema's.

About the house : The house was once a family house till my old parents acquired a new
property in Spain and moved, so i have been left in charge of this house. It is a 3
bedroom flat like i already told you, and nobody occupies the flat at the moment.

I live in Lancashire and only come around once in a while so as to keep the house and
surroundings clean.

Reasons why we want to rent this place out is so that there will be a permanent occupant
that will take care of the house furnitures and keep the surroundings clean in my
absence. We just need life in the flat.

At the moment we are looking to rent out just 2 of the rooms while the 3rd will be locked
permanently, for my use whenever i come around.

Concerning viewing: I can only travel from Lancashire to attend to serious tenants that
are ready to move in and can prove that they can pay for the first rent and deposit, i don't do
general viewing. I need to know that you are serious and have the money to pay before i
can come down to London.

I have a tight working schedule caused by my upcoming fashion show week, which
preparations are on for at the moment with my co-ordinators from New York. You can
search the map for that area and if you are familiar with it you can take a walk down, but
what you see in the pictures are what the interior of the house looks like.

If you feel comfortable with that let me know, if not don't bother to reply so that we won't
waste eachothers time.

Thanks and warm regards,

and a little later:

Hi Trine,

I got your email. Since you are ready to view, i will plan my time here and make sure am
there before you arrive. Let's make it 5pm on wednesday evening.

The only thing is that i need double assurance, because i want to avoid traveling from
Lancashire to london without being sure of your immediate move-in, i can afford my fare,
but i can't afford to waste my time.

My Lawyer will get a contract ready for you to sign if you like to take the Flat after
viewing and the keys will be handed over to you immediately after contract has been
signed.

Also, receipt of payment will be issued to you after which you'l have to sign the lease
agreement form.

I was discussing with my Lawyer about the idea on how i will be so sure that i will not
just waste my time to london without acheiving my the aim and she advised that we can
work out something via Western Union Money Transfer.

She gave me an option on what we can do since you have the funds at hand which will
be explained below:

PROCEDURE:

1) Transfer the the amount £800 (1 month rent and security deposit) to any of your
family members (husband, friend, dad, mum, siblings)

Your name (as sender) and any of the as receiver (as Receiver) in London or vice versa.

2) Scan & Send a copy of the Western Union Money Transfer transaction receipt as a
proof of the transaction or mail me the transaction details. (The money is safe as it is
only you that can withdraw since you need a national ID card or International passport)

3) Then, we will meet for viewing.

4) If you decide to take the room, we will go to any local Western Union office pick up the
money and pay me. (You don't need to come with cash to view, after viewing we will go
together, you will withdraw and pay me)

5) Keys will be handed over to you after signing the contracts.

I am pretty sure that the transaction at Western Union office will require some charges, i
will definitely refund the transaction charges back to you upon viewing and if you don't
see what i sent as pictures of my house to you, you are free to leave without paying me
anything.

I only want to be sure that i am not going to waste my time this time around and i think
with this condition, both of us can be sure we are not wasting our time.

I will only rely on your honesty that you have made the transaction so that i can reserve
the Flat for you.

Let me know if you are okay with this so that we can proceed. Thanks so much while i
will be waiting to read from you and i am looking forward to meet you and be great
friends eventually.

NB: PLS DO NOT MAKE PAYMENT TO ME OR IN MY NAME, WHAT I NEED IS JUST AN EVIDENCE
THAT YOU HAVE THE CASH TO PAY ONCE YOU HAVE VIEWED.

I am sorry for the lengthy mail, i only want to explain myself better.
Warm regards and have a nice day.

07588099395

mariaswe · Joined: 23 Jun 2009 Posts: 2

Here is another e-mail address: babadarijimi@gmail.com

mariaswe · Joined: 23 Jun 2009 Posts: 2

here's another email address asking you to transfer money to Western Union before viewing can be arranged: jmshukas@googlemail.com

Brit Chick · Joined: 31 Aug 2009 Posts: 3

Almost got duped by this guy Evil or Very Mad

alexooney@gmail.com

LadyEowyn · Joined: 31 Aug 2009 Posts: 2

"Dawn McInnes" <mcinnes.dawn@yahoo.co.uk> = SCAMMER

This is just sample of what we got:
Station Ln Hornchurch, Essex RM12, UK
Hello ,
Good to read back from you.To be frank with you , i am not after the rent but need a responsible and loyal Tenant who will take good care of the flat, 50% of the rent goes to the Charities and the others go for tax and bills .I have the keys and documents for the contract with me here in Italy .if you really have interest, kindly get back to me and we will both arrange on time and date to view the flat before signing for a contract. I will be needing a proof to show me you have the rent fee before i could go get my flight ticket because i traveled three time last week to show the flat to some couples but they don't have the funds at hand to pay and turn out telling me stories that they will pay me when they got a good job.This is so stressful and frustrating.i don't like jobless and time wasters and I don't want to risk or waste my time coming down anymore if i don't have a proof from who ever is interested in my flat before getting my ticket to fly down..I am sorry for any inconveniences but you just have to reason with me.. Hope this is clear now?
Hope to read from you soon.
Thanks.

And then this repeated in several ways over and over:
Hello ,
If you have a month rent fee and the deposit,right there with you , well, you can use that as a proof to me by making a deposit to any of your family or partner and show me a receipt as proof and confirmation before i can go get my flight ticket . I traveled three time last week to show the flat to some couples but they don't have the funds at hand to pay and turn out telling me stories that they will pay me when they got a good job..I don't want to risk or waste my time coming down anymore if i don't have a proof from who ever is interested in my flat before getting my ticket to fly down..I am sorry for any inconveniences but you just have to reason with me. I just don't feel comfortable asking for payment upfront before viewing my flat because its is not normal and does sound illegal .So i prefer having a proof you have funds and will proceed from there. Go to any Post Office close to you and ask for money gram Units and do as instructed below to any of your family or partner and get back to me with a confirmation.
THIS WHAT TO DO BELOW....

Sender name: YOUR NAME
Senders address: Your complete address

Receiver's Name: Your family ,Fiancee name or partner
Receiver's address:

I was also made to understand that money gram takes some charges for the transfer and i am telling you that i will return back to you the full transfer charges whether you decide to rent the flat or not when we meet.
Hope to read back from you.

Thanks

We of course had filled in their form of details and sent a bank statement showing we had more than enough funds and a letter of acceptance for my job, so there was no risk to "Dawn"

SO BEWARE!! Several emails of the same thing (after suggesting different ways of proving things since apparently the stuff we had provided was not enough) then the final one which confirmed our fears:

Hello X,

Good to read from you and i really understand what you are trying to say here ...It will sound and look odd to make a transfer from an address to the same address ...Since the address don't really matter , i think if will be easy for you to complete the transfer this way i outlined below ....

Sender's name :- X

Sender's Address:- Your friend's address

Receiver's name:- Y

Receiver's Address:- 29 Gilcomston Park, Aberdeen. AB25 1PY

This will be easy for you to complete and as soon as you get this done and email me copy of the transfer receipt , I will call Money Gram customer service to confirm if truly a transfer was made and if truly the money is available with them ..Once i confiirmed this , i will email you so that you can go and have the money pick back and i will go and have my flight ticket to come down and meet you .Remember i stated to refund you any transfer charges so you have nothing to loose .i just need 100% assurance that you are responsible and capable .i am so sorry for the stress and hassle .Hope this is clear now?

PS Obviously my name is not X I just changed that part