[thecracra]

same scam from simon.king53@yahoo.com. Luckily I had read this post!

[scammm]

[kjam]

Hi,

I've received the following e-mails. My correspondence is running from the most recent first downwards. I think it's the beginning of a scam but don't know. Can anyone help

From: Viktoria Saimen (viktoriasaimen@yahoo.com)
Sent:24 April 2008 15:43:49

Right now,i have a clothing mall and also a freelance reporter.

Thanks

Viktoria Saimen

I wrote:

Hi Viktoria,

I'm currently downloading new photographs and details of the house. I will send them to you as soon as it is done. What job are you currently doing in New York. Please send photograph.

James
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Date: Wed, 23 Apr 2008 05:59:08 -0700
From: viktoriasaimen@yahoo.com
Subject: Thanks for the Response...


Hello James,
Thanks so much for responding to my introductory mail. Please I'll like to have the breakdown details, the total move in cost of the room as well as the picture of the house as I'll not be able to check out the place until my arrival, so that i can make arrangement for payment prior to my arrival since I'll be coming from New York as soon as I'm able to secure a comfortable room. I'll also like to know a bit about yourself.I'm looking forward to hearing from you soon.
Regards.
Viktoria Saimen


I wrote:

Hi,

Thank you for your email. The house is in Coventry and still available. What will you be doing when you arrive here and when do you expect to be coming?

Look forward to hearing from you.
James
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Date: Mon, 21 Apr 2008 03:30:21 -0700
From: viktoriasamen@yahoo.com
Subject: I NEED A PLACE TO STAY
To: viktoriasamen@yahoo.com

Hello,
My name is Viktoria Saimen, a very simple and quiet person to live with. I love traveling, sporting and enjoy meeting people. I don't smoke but do not mind people who do being around me. I am cool, pretty laid back and easy going person and like to have a roommate who is very responsible and understanding roommate. I saw your advert on gumtree and i am sincerely interested in the place advertised as i will be moving to the United Kingdom as soon as i leave here (New York). Please mail me back if you are still looking for a roommate.
Thanks as i anxiously await your mail. I am looking forward to hearing from you soon.
Regards.
Viktoria Saimen

[Bijou]

Thank god me and my boyfriend got suspicious about this piece of poo right away....

It is from: Linda Michael (linmike11@gmail.com)

if you really wantme to come for the viewing,The only way for me to confirm that you arecapable of paying the rent and taking care of my apartment during yourstay there is for you to Send 1Month Rent and the Security Deposit toyour partner,friend or any of your family member within the UK and getback to me with the Western Union Receipt to confirm from westernunion if the money was truly transfered and after i confirm it and amable to see that the transfer was truly made,then i and my lawyer willbe on our way to London to finalize the rent,Its for the safety ofboth parties but am very sure that you will like the apartment. I amnot asking you to send money to me but to anybody that you know .ONCEBITTEN TWICE SHY ,I think you understand my position. And for me to get the payment,I will have to go to the western unionwith whosoever you might have sent the payment to so that she can getthe payment and pay me in cash while my lawyer issue a receipt foryou.

[zaavm]

Hello,

I read your advert on Gumtree that you are looking for a two bedroom house in ********.My name is Nicholas and i have a property in that location available so get back to me as soon as you can so that we can discuss further and i can provide more details,pictures of the property and any information you need to know about my furnished and well equiped property.

Thanks and i hope to read from you soon or Text me on 07511247169.

Nicholas

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

Hello

Good to read from you about your needs and thanks for reply.Like i said earlier in my first mail,my name is Nicholas and i am the Landlord of the property.My two bedroom property is located on ******* ***** ******** ********.The rent is £430 including all bills and the security deposit is £400 and as you know,it is refundable.The property is fully furnished with lots of home utilities like:washing machine,electric shower,Airconditioning unit,microwave,dryer,iron,gascooker,refridgerator,dishwasher,powershower,heater,cable ready,tv set and dvd player,easy access to internet,equiped kitchen with a parking space and a laundry room.
Lastly i will like to tell you that what i am looking for is a serious and neat tenant who will take good care of my property and if you are and you are satisfied with the details and pictures given to you,get back to me so that we can discuss better and meet.

Thanks for the prompt reply and hope to read from you soon.

Nicholas

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

Thanks for the mail.The rent is £430 pounds including all the bills like:gas,electricity and so on.I will be so glad if we can meet in person and you can view the property but presently i am in Barcelona.But i can come down anyday and anytime so that you can meet,i must tell you that there are lots of time wasters on here and this is due to the fact that i have been fooled before and you know once beaten twice shy so this is why i am saying i need to know if you are serious before i can come down,I was once there to meet a couple who told me they are interested in the property and i got there,i realized they are neither serious nor capable of paying the requested amount and they end up begging and pleading.This ends up to a waste of my time and money to come down and ever since then,i am carefull and already make up my mind that i will only come down from Barcelona if i can be convinced with proof that the person i am coming to meet is not a time waster.

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

The property has a parking space and the tenancy term depends on the tenants because i am now living in Barcelona.I can come down today or anyday you want me to but you have to proof to me that there is money available after viewing for i won't like to get there and regret coming.You know Once beaten twice shy.You can even move in today immediately after viewing but i just need to be assured that this is a serious deal before coming down.
Thanks and await your responce so that we can meet today or whenever you are ready.

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

I told you i am not around so i will be pleased to come down tommorrow for viewing so that we can meet and settle the deal.Most importantly,i will like you to prove to me that my coming down won't be a waste of time because i need to be sure this is a serious deal for once beaten twice shy.I only receive money after viewing and that is only when you have the keys and sign the agreement and i am ready to come down for i want you to see what you are paying for.I just need proof that the agreed rent and deposit is available and i will meet up with you today.I just discussed with my colleague about the idea on how i will be so sure that i will not be coming down to London on a futile exercise and she advised that we can work out something via Western Union Transfer.
She made me to understand that she has used it a couple of times for renting out her flat if she is not around .She said that western union can actually hold the money as an evidence and surely that her tenant will pay her at least for the first month and deposit.these is my suggestion for the safety and interest of the both of us because i don't want regret coming down and i can't tell you to pay for a property you've not viewed.You send the security deposit and a month rent to your friends,family,partner or anybody's details (NOT ME) in uk through any western union agent or money gram around you and scan the receipts for me on here to check it.Immediately i will happy come down and arrange for the view if possible tommorrow because with these,i am convinced that you are capable of meeting my demands for i know you will like the property....After the view the receiver or you will go and collect the money from the western union or money gram agent,sign the rental agreement form if possible or later and get the keys to the property before paying me in cash in the presence of my lawyer or pay me anytime since i am 100%assured that you are capable.
I believe you understand why it is done this way which is for the safety and security of the both of us..concerning the transfer charges,it will be refund back to you on the spot of view or deducted from the first month rent you are paying me in cash because i know and i can bet you will like the property.
Thanks and i hope to read from you soon.

PLS DO NOT MAKE PAYMENT TO ME FOR I ONLY NEED THE RECEIPTS AS
PROOF

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

The property is a house and there is no pet in there.The total rent and deposit you will have to send is 830pounds..Western union is easy to operate all you need to do is look for there nearest outlet to you,go there with 830pounds and you transfer the agreed rent and deposit between you and akybody's name as the sender and receiver.
You will be given a receipts after this transaction which is what i need to confirm your seriousness because i can easily check with the details on www.westernunion.com and with these,i can be 100%assured and i will come down to meet you.After the viewing,you will sign the rental agreement form,get the keys to the property then you or the receiver will go and collect the money from the nearest western union outlet and pay me in cash in return with a payment receipts.Like i also said,the sending charges will be deducted from the money back to you immediately after picking it up because it serves as committment so i will pay for that.
Thanks and i hope to read from you soon.

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

[mtritz]

I have been looking for a flat and I do believe that I have been targeted by a fraudster. If you read the email thread below you will notice that this person is requesting quite a bit of very private information before even offering to show the place. This person has also attached photos for 2 living rooms. I also googled the email address and I found the SAME flat in Columbia advertised on Craiglist. http://colombia.es.oops!/apa/655349597.html with the same photos this individual sent to me. This person has my e-mail address and our photograph. (I gave him my mobile number but realized I typed it in wrong, so that is a relief). Is there any cause for concern since this person has my hotmail address? I am quite active on Facebook and am concerned about what type of information they might be able to access about me. I haven't sent any money or provided this person with any more information than you see in this email thread. I have also done some reasearch on the photos they emailed me and the address provided and it looks as though they are cutting and pasting info from other property websites and using it to formulate their own "properties". They have emailed me photos from the following website. http://www.travel-library.com/villas/north_america/usa/florida/davenport/benoly_villa.html I found this out because they saved the photos as "benoly"; which I googled and found the same photographs.

Read this thread from the bottom up:

Hello Malanie.
Sorry for the error in conversation, is a mistake with address i gave to you it is my younger brother address that was schooling in Bournemouth i have his address on my system so i mistaking paste it the conversation, sorry once again.
But this is my house address in Oxford Uk.....
1 Folly Bridge Court, Shirelake Close, Oxford, OX1 1SW
So is you are still interested fill the application form so that i can send you the contract of sign (License Agreement Form). for yoy to sign, scan and send back.

Await you as soon as possible.





On Mon, Apr 28, 2008 at 8:47 AM, Melanie Tritz <melanietritz@hotmail.com> wrote:

Hi there,

This sounds quite nice but we need to be as close to Oxford city centre as possible. Thank you for your offer but we need to find something closer.


Have a great day!

*Melanie




--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Date: Mon, 28 Apr 2008 01:59:31 +0100

From: raymond.daddy@gmail.com
To: melanietritz@hotmail.com

Subject: GET BACK AS SOON AS POSSIBLE!!!!!!!


Hello Malanie.
Thanks for your interest in this property well the flat is not a share apartment.
i want you to realize that am renting the whole flat to you at the rate of 500 pounds and no share.
So this the address of the flat....
Bournemouth, Dorset BH5 1AS, Oxford England.
Head east on Boscombe Spa Rd toward St John's Rd
So get back to asap with your information so that i can forward it to my lawyer for the contract of sign (License Agreement Form).

Thanks and God bless.

Rev. Raymond Daddy.





On Sun, Apr 27, 2008 at 3:43 PM, Melanie Tritz <melanietritz@hotmail.com> wrote:

Hi there,

Is it a house or a flat? Also is it 500 for a room or 500 for the entire place? And what do you mean by times in and out? Where is it located? There are two of us and we would prefer not to share with anyone. Whard is muslim and I am not of any denomination.

Have a great day!

*Melanie





--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Date: Sat, 26 Apr 2008 03:11:41 +0100
From: raymond.daddy@gmail.com
To: melanietritz@hotmail.com
Subject: FLAT DETAILS AND RENTAL APPLICATION FORM


Hello
The Flat has 3 bedroom so i am willing to rent the rooms out. firstly i will like to know how long you want to stay in my apartment,because i'm not in Oxford now, as I'm in Manchester England in now on a missionary work here in England but i will be renting it out for a long time now as long as you want to stay,It cost 500 pounds pcm which include the utilities in the apartment The room is furnished with TV,CD,fridge,internet,chairs,wardrobe,reading table,AC,Heater,cooker and well and so on..The apartment is located in a very peaceful and cool environment, it is a 3 bedroom with a kitchen,toilet and bathroom and a living room,the whole flat cost 500 pounds with a security deposit of 500 pounds which is refundable at the end of your stay if nothing is damaged from my properties.


MY TERMS AND CONDITION ARE:
1.I DO ALLOW PETS IN MY APARTMENT.
2.I WILL NOT ALLOW ARROGANT
3)CLEANINGS AND TIDINESS IS IMPORTANT.



RENT APPLICATION FORM
Also,Pls let me get this answer.
1)Your Full Name
2)Your Full Address & Phone Number
4)Are you married?
5)How many people will be living in the house?
6)Do you have a pet?
7)Passport Number
8)Occupation?
9)What is your religion?
10.Age
11.Time in and Out

Looking forward to hear from you with all this details so that i can have it in my file in case of issuing the receipt for you and contacting you.

Await your urgent reply so that we can discuss on how to get the document and the key to you,please am giving you all this base on trust and again i will want you to stick to your words,you know that,we do not see yet and only putting everything into Gods hand,so please do not let us down in this our property and God bless you more as you.

so if you are still interested let me know asap to proceed on the next step......feel free to ask any question.
Regards

Note: The pictures to this flat are attached to this message

Rev. Raymond Daddy.






On Fri, Apr 25, 2008 at 9:56 AM, Melanie Tritz <melanietritz@hotmail.com> wrote:

Hi there,

I am writing to inquire about the flat for rent. Could you please give me some information about the location, cost of bills, price for deposit?

I am a professional working at Oxford University and my partner is a student at Oxford Brookes. We are currently living in shared student housing and feel it is the time to get our own flat together. He will be away for the months of June July August when it will be just myself but he will be returning in September. We are really looking forward to find a nice affordable place we can call home while I build my career and he completes the final two years of his studies. Please feel free to give me a call at 01526 931 827. I have attached our photo. Have you any more of the flat?

Kindest regards,

Melanie Tritz

[londonpanda]

I've received a number of initial emails that are obviously the beginning of one of these types of scam. The 'too god to be true' aspect made me suspicious, and then the fact that all of them, supossedly from different senders, all used a particular, slightly odd, turn of phrase. Plus one guy gave me a property postcode that belongs to a dental hospital. Is there anypoint in reporting this to the police?

[mtritz]

I reported it to the police, google (the email address), the letting company for the address they used and the FBI. I'm really mad that this jerk is wasting my time so I figure I'll invest a little more of it to make his scam really hard to pull off.

[Kimtst]

hello
Sadly I've got this one just this week from a stevens moonlight. I smelled the scam already from far away so I didn't reply anymore. Be careful,in his previous mails he sends gorgeous photos.

Hello ,

Yes the apartment is 500 pounds and I am giving this away to you
just because no one is making use of the apartment at the moment. and
i hate to see it dirty everytime. Its better for me to let it out to
someone who will make it clean and tidy. I hope you understand this.
Well, Viewing the apartment is not a problem. But i will like you to
do a thing. I guess you live together in Uk here, I guess you will
understand this. It's in the policy my Lawyer has told me and i wish
to abide by it. I won't get any money from you now. So you will do a
thing to make me believe you really need the Apartment.

You will go to the nearest MONEYGRAMM around
you, Send to someone you trust or someone you trust send to you the
sum of 1,100pounds at MONEYGRAMM(500 Pounds for house rent and 600
pounds for security deposit ). The money is still within you. I am not
ready to get money from you as i have said. All I need to see is the
MONEYGRAMM copy of receipt giving to you. Scan the
MONEYGRAMM receipt and send it as an attachment to my email just
for me to view it and be sure you are ready to get the Apartment.
after viewing the Apartment, and if you really like it, You can go
together to the MONEYGRAMM location agent or bank around You to
get the 1,100pounds back and we can reach an agreement on how you will
move into the Apartment. I will pay back to you the charges you will
be using in sending the money at MONEYGRAMM. If you dont
understand, Here is an examples of how to do it....



SENDERS NAME....................YOUR NAME

RECEIVER' NAME...................THE PERSON YOU SEND TO .

AMOUNT SENT.....................1,100 POUNDS.



and scan the copy of reciept to me in an email just for me to view it.
and then i can pick you up and show you the Apartment and you can pick
up your money after you have viewed the flat,Get back to me.

Stevens

[alanr]

Some adverts might seem too good to be true, but most of the scammers will advertise a property at normal rates, have an English-sounding name, and perhaps a .co.uk email address, but their less-than-basic ability to string a sentence together in English, should immediately arouse suspicion.

Asking for a security deposit and/or advance rental payment by Western Union or Moneygram seems to be a common factor, and to increase your confidence, the advertiser will tell you to make the payment out to yourself, so that nobody but you can access the money - they only want to know that you have the available funds because they have been messed about by timewasters in the past.

They will also say that they are not currently at the flat at the moment, and they need to make a special journey to show you the flat - they are either working away (Cardiff seems popular at the moment for some reason) or staying with a sick relative - so they will not arrange a viewing until you have deposited the money with Western Union.

They will also ask you to supply the 10 digit W.U. reference number (MTCN Number) as proof of your good intent but since they also have your name and address details, and a copy of your passport, they can just walk into a W.U. office anywhere in the world and grab the money.

Example instructions "After i must have confirm the payment, i will send you the pre-contract form after that,we could then arrange meeting for the viewing and thereafter go together to the western union office and get the money together since you are the Receiver of the money and the
money can only be taken with your ID" Note the appalling grammar - the scammers seem to be using the same template for replies, or it's the same person each time.

You wouldn't want to pass up a genuine offer if you are flat-hunting, so there are a few checks you can do yourself.

If your email client software (Outlook, Thunderbird, etc.) supports it, you should be able to view the message header. This contains information about where the email originated. Look for the 'Return-Path' part, which should contain the sender's email address - e.g. coolflat@live.com.

Do a 'Google' search for the email address, and see if it comes up anywhere else.

Next, look in the message header for the 'Originating IP Address' - e.g. 82.128.20.170 and use the whois.net website to check the country of origin - in this case Nigeria.

Next, do a 'Google' search for the postcode e.g. "W1B 6UW" and see what comes up. In this case, apart from about 30 adverts for flats at the same address, the postcode belongs to the University of Westminster.

Search for the postcode on maps.google.co.uk and check the details supplied in the advert. In this case, 'Free On Street Parking' is obviously not true for Regent Street, and 'Nearest Tube - Westminster' is also obviously not true.

Here are some of the recent scams:-

Sandra Ro - coolflat@live.com - W1B 6UW
Pearce Cole - pearcecole@hotmail.com - SW3 4UD
Lisa Jordan - surebosemate@yahoo.co.uk -
Sarah Fersborg - sarahfersborg20@hotmail.com - WC1 1ES
Sylvia Del Paggio - silvia_paggio@hotmail.com - W1T 4QG
Jeremiah Edwards - jeremiah.edward@yahoo.com - W1U 5JN

Sometimes, the sender's name doesn't exactly match the email address.

The following phone numbers have also been used:-
07031902535
07035904610
07031916409
07035904602

Numbers starting with 07031 or 07035 seem to be popular with scammers for some reason.

There are probably lots of other ways to spot a scam, but the general rules are:-

Never part with money before seeing the flat.
Never use Western Union or Moneygram to transfer money - not even to yourself, unless you keep the MTCN number secret.
Make sure the person renting you the flat is entitled to do so - check their utility bills and ID.

[MarioGargiulo]

right

[ikem007]

After getting my hopes up and ythinking I'd finally found a place...looks like I've got a scam merchant as well. This was for a 1 bed flat in Highbury (Leigh Road) from 'grahamjeffrey58@yahoo.co.uk':

Hi,

Thanks for your prompt reply. I Iike your suggestions and would have sticked to them but unfortunately they do not confirm to me there is the cash on you right now.

Mind you, I am not asking you to bring money to viewing neither am i asking you to pay for the Flat you have not viewed. the flat is estate type block .

I am only asking to you show me you are really willing to rent my flat as i cant just come over for you not to want the falt.

This is why im asking for you to prove to me you have the cash for bith rent and refundable deposit on you prior to moving in, before i can commit to viewing. As said earlier, I have schedule viewings for quite a number of persons in the last few days and all they want is cheap rents despite the fact that i have reduced the rent to the minimum. They ended up wasting my time.

So if you understand my point,Meanwhile i called to my lawyer for advise as i have done things on my own in the past few days .He gave an advise and i think that is the best option for us,so what i will like you to do is that you should go to any western union money transfer outlet close to you to send the first month rent and the refundable deposit, in your name to your partner's name in your present address or your partner to send the money to you in your present address.

Scan and send the transfer receipt via email for confirmation if the money is available for any of you to pick up. then when i come over we will both go and pick up the money together then you pay me up after signing the lease anc contract. Whatever cost you incurred would be returned back to you at the meeting even if you dont like the flat which i'm sure you would. You will not be loosing anything after all.

If you can get the western union done tomorrow then we can meet for viewing on friday in the evening from 4pm.


Regards

Graham.

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

The guy said he's in Hull now, I'm tempted to reply saying I'm visiting Hull on the weekend.......

Mike

[charlierogers]

We (my partner and I) just had someone try to scam us, too. I posted an ad on here a few weeks ago, and he got back to me with a too good to be true response.

*******

> Hello Rogers,
> Thank you for the reply, My Property is Located on:
> Burton St, Sheffield, South Yorkshire, S6 2HH
> It is a 1 bedroom house, quite Spacious. It is well furnished and
> nicely ventilated.
> It is well Furnished and Equipped with: Broadband Internet Central Gas
> heating System, TV & DVD, Microwave, Gas Cooker, Dryer, Washing
> Machines, Refrigerator, e.t.c everything is my property is working
> perfectly.
> I really spent enough money to make sure my property is in its best state
> and to make sure my tenants always want to come back to live there.
> It is 400Pounds Per Month and the Security Deposit is 500Pounds. The
> Security Deposit is 100% Refundable on expiration of the tenancy. The
> Utility Bill like Water Bill, Gas Bill, Electricity Bill, TV License,
> e.t.c have been included in the cost of per month.
> Regards,
> Johnson


********

Charlie,
I permanently Live and Work in South York, If I have to arrange a
viewing for you, I would have to travel all the way from South York
for the viewing, I am sure you realize that this is quite a distance
for me. I have been deeply disappointed in the past.

I have traveled all the way from South York, (had to leave my Job, and
take my time to come over) Only to be told by the person I am coming
to meet that he can not afford the Security Deposit and 1st Month Rent
and he wants me to let Him stay at my property for 1Month before he
would be able to pay, some of them do not even have the Security
Deposit. Some of them would not even turn out for the viewing, Most of
them sent me Fake Bank Statements and Landlord Reference Letters even
Fake Bank Reference Letters just to deceive me to come down from York.
You can only imagine how irritating and annoying this can be.I would
be need to verify that you are capable of renting my Property before
coming over for the viewing,

I would NOT need to see the following for now, but I would need it
later when we proceed with the renting process.

BANK REFERENCE, STATEMENT OF BANK ACCOUNT, REFERENCE LETTER FROM
PREVIOUS LANDLORD OR PAYSLIP.

For now, You would need to Locate a Money Gramm Outlet, make a
transfer of the Security Deposit and 1 Month Rent to your friend,
family member or partner then get back to me with the Money Gramm
receipt that you would be issued. I would run the Receipt for a Proper
verification that the Transfer (Transaction) Occurred and if I have
been able to confirm that the transaction occurred, I would give you a
call to arrange the a Day and Time for the viewing.

I just have to be sure that you are capable of renting my property and
that you are a responsible Tenant and that you are serious about
renting my Property. The Money Gramm Charges would be refunded to you
in cash or deducted from the Monthly rent (If you are renting my
property).
Regards.
Johnson
07031871923

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

Very sus. My partner called him and asked if there's any way we could arrange a viewing without doing a Money Gramm. He said no, and my partner explained our concerns, and read an extract from the Money Gramm website detailing that people who do this are usually scammers. He still said no, and that he had lots of other people who were interested, so we said we could report him to the police, and he hung up.

[carolinem809]

I just had the exact same email about half an hour ago, only with a few slight alterations (location, rent, scammer's name etc). The phone number is exactly the same, only this time he opted for Western Union instead of Moneygramm.

I haven't read all the replies to this thread, but it looks like quite a few people have reported these scams to various authorities- has anything been done about it? It just so happens that I looked at this forum a day or so ago, but for those who don't, or aren't likely to question this process could easily fall for it.

I'm now concerned that the other (too good to be true) flat I'm considering is another scam, but won't know until I get an email back from the supposed landlord. It's so frustrating cos I need to move out asap and think private landlords are generally better than going through agencies, but don't know who to trust now!

Here's the email incase anyone hasn't read the similar posts:

Hello Caroline,
I permanently Live and Work in South York, If I have to arrange a
viewing for you, I would have to travel all the way from South York
for the viewing, I am sure you realize that this is quite a distance
for me. I have been deeply disappointed in the past. I have traveled
all the way from South York, (had to leave my Job, and take my time to
come over) Only to be told by the person I am coming to meet that he
can not afford the Security Deposit and 1st Month Rent and he wants me
to let Him stay at my property for

1Month before he would be able to pay, some of them do not even have
the Security Deposit. Some of them would not even turn out for the
viewing, Most of them sent me Fake Bank Statements and Landlord
Reference Letters even Fake Bank Reference Letters just to deceive me
to come down from York. You can only imagine how irritating and
annoying this can be.I would be need to verify that you are capable of
renting my Property before coming over for the viewing, I would NOT
need to see the following:

BANK REFERENCE, STATEMENT OF BANK ACCOUNT, REFERENCE LETTER FROM
PREVIOUS LANDLORD OR PAYSLIP.

You would need to Locate a Western Union Outlet, make a transfer of
the Security Deposit and 1 Month Rent to your friend, family member or
partner then get back to me with the Western Union receipt that you
would be issued. I would run the Receipt for a Proper verification
that the Transfer (Transaction) Occurred and if I have been able to
confirm that the transaction occurred, I would give you a call to
arrange the a Day and Time for the viewing.

I just have to be sure that you are capable of renting my property and
that you are a responsible Tenant.
The Western Union Charges would be refunded to you in cash or deducted
from the Monthly rent (If you are renting my property).
Regards.
Ruben
07031871923

[gideonvanlill@gmail.com]

Hi Guys!

~~~~BEWARE!!!!~~~~~

FOWLER JOHNSON is acting under a new/double name:

David Carlos
email: davidmansionman@hotmail.com
phone no: 07031814446

He is advertising a flat to rent in St. John's Wood on oops.com

here is the link:
http://www.oops.co.uk/info.php?id=2536

He almost caught me, but luckily he started to use fowler johnson email adress, and i found out about him!

Look Alive, don't let this man catch you!!!

[alanr]

There are many people involved in this type of scam, but they all seem to be using the same basic template to place adverts and reply to emails.

There are some common clues that should help:-

1. Accommodation is in a popular area, but the rent is below average and includes all bills.
2. Unexpected features are included in the description - such as Free Parking, Gymnasium, Porterage, etc.
3. The Advertiser is currently out-of-town for some reason, and can't meet you for a viewing.
4. Advertiser has a hotmail, yahoo or live anonymous email account.
5. Western Union or Moneygram are mentioned. If you didn't know it was a scam before, you should now.

If you pay cash into Western Union, and give someone the MCTN 10 digit number, the cash becomes theirs at that point - the transaction is complete, and there is no way you can ever get the money back. The scammer will have used this number, together with the copy of the ID you already sent them.

Western Union cannot and will not help you after you have lost money this way, because it is against their policy to give the MCTN number to anyone other than the intended recipient.

Don't expect W.U. to shut-down this scam either - where do you think most of their revenue comes from?

[alanr]

[alanr]

How difficult would it be for Gumtree to add a couple of lines to each advert, warning people:-

1. Never send money via Western Union or MoneyGram.
2. Never enter into a Rental Agreement befor viewing a property.
3. Never ring Premium Rate 070 numbers.

I'm sure Gumtree would like to distance themselves from these scammers.

[Talula]

Someone called John Benedeth johnbenedeth@googlemail.com

Beware.

[carolinem809]

[quote="alanr"]How difficult would it be for Gumtree to add a couple of lines to each advert, warning people:-

I completely agree. I have suggested this to Gumtree in the feedback forum, so hopefully all regions will have a notice at the top of all rental sections.

I haven't fallen for any of these scams but have read a number of posts from others who have. It makes me so mad to think that they're actually making a living out of this! And for those who are aware of the scam, it's such a waste of time going through them to ascertain real from fake.

I've now had John Benedeth, Alvin George, Ruben Douglas, Charles Goodluck, Nelly Smith, Wade Kent and Kami Benjamin. Not all of them have got to the sob story stage about needing money upfront, but you can tell from the language/grammar (or lack of) and too good to be true rent with all inclusive bills.

I'm so angry that these people are still contacting me. To date, I think I've had just ONE genuine response to my flat wanted ad, compared to the 7 fakers.

[desperateflatseeker]

Beware Rebecca Maxwell! Same Western Union stuff. I sussed it was a scam almost immediately because it is impossible to get a 1 bedroom flat in central Cambridge for a £400 deposit and £600 per month rent plus all the added extras - parking for example!!! The only parking in Regent Street is in John Lewis public carpark. As for the seminar in Manchester and the bad English...!! I am enjoying stringing her/him along however. I sense they feel they've got me hooked! We are discussing how much I should send via Western Union.

Is it worth going to the police about this?

[itsmeme]

The bad english is always the first give away and they repeat theirselves often too! As for reporting it unfortunately there's nothing they'll do because this sort of thing happens all the time and mostly it's from countries like Nigeria making impossible for the police to trace them.It doesn't just happen on this site it's happening all over the net.

[the_tidy_kiwi]

[BlueAngel2008]

Better luck next time eh matey!
Thank GOD!

[BlueAngel2008]

FRAUDSTER!
STUDIO IN BAYSWATER IS NON EXISTENT! LOL