[msadventure]

>A brand new flat is going for an excellent price of only £30 PW. covering gas and electricity. its large and luxurious in zone one and two. call for further details. Maz.

>what kind of idiot do you think I am? get lost.

>if its the wrong number then i am sori, however if u placed an ad on gumtree wanting flatchare, i suggest you dont waist time. bye
(07846274206)

>Hey there. I hope i can help u. please give me call when you can. ican give you place to live ok bye

>and who exactly might you be? And where is this place? And how much?

>I am 25 year old male and the room in fulham and the rent is up to you come see and how much you like to pay. It is nice flat and 2min to parson green station

>and how come the rent 'is up to me?' That is most certainly not usual.

>OK is £50 per week included bills

[no time to reply before...]
>when is good let talk on phone

>Oh f*koff. You think I don't have enough to worry about without freaks, perverts or con artists? And you are almost certainly one or more of the above. Call someone else. Or drown yourself.

>ok if you thinking like that, Then I don't have room and iam not that person u are thinking of please try dont say to people. Bad word. Even u dont know person. thak u
(07797278283)

What is all this nonsense about? What are the how much you want pay darlin crew up to?

[MrWindUpBird]

Another one today from e-mail address smthjo@yahoo.co.uk advertising a flat in Islington N7. The ad has gone from site already, so maybe the Gumtree admins are ahead of me!

[crosby.stills.nash.other]

What I love most about these ads and emails is the neverending hell that landlords face with people who want to view a flat but do not bring £500 cash on them. as if they hadnt "elucidated" the financial requirements enough.

quote
"i need to see that the money are available on the day i show you the flat, you must understand that i made 6 or 7 trips and every single one had a problem either they did not have them available then or they did not even showed up for the viewing"

[beinghelpful]

Hi! Here's a new scam that I just encountered, advertising in Camden. The address was marclee33@yahoo.co.uk

Hi,
I am giving this flat away just because no one is making use of the house at the moment. and i hate to see it dirty and untidy every time. It's better for me to let it out to someone who will make it clean and tidy,I hope you understand this.
As I told you I work in a hospital and is very hard for me to come in UK. I can't take the risk to leave my new job for days and when I arrive in UK to see that I come for nothing. I want to be 100% sure that when I will meet you, we do the rent papers then i can come back in Italy. So i can be sure of that look how we can do:
You make the payment from your name and address to your best friend name and address in UK using MoneyGram for 2 months rent that means 1120 GBP and send me the scanned receipt. As soon as I see the scanned receipt that you have made the payment, I will come in UK and you will see the flat and maybe rent it. After that, we will go together at the MoneyGram office and you will take the money back and pay me.So all you have to do is to find a MoneyGram office and wire 1120 GBP from your name to your friend name and send the scanned receipt.I am asking you this to be sure that I do not come in UK for nothing. I hope you understand.
P.S : As I told you,I have a lot of customers interested to rent the apartment. I will reserve the apartment to the first one that provides
me the scanned paper from MoneyGram. As soon as I have the confirmation from MoneyGram that the money are available on his name I stop the
transactions with all the other customers !



Previous message:

Hi,
Thank's so much for the email signifying your interest in my property. My
name is Seaney and I have the flat for rent. The rent is 560£ per month
including all bills (electricity, gas, water, internet) and the council tax.. I
moved in Milan,Italy where I got a new job working in a hospital. You can rent
the flat as long as you need to stay even for 2 or 3 years. The first payment
will be for 2 months(1120£).In case you want it, let me know so we can arrange
the transaction. For me it is very hard to come in UK. If I will come in UK to
show you the flat anytime you want I have to be sure you are genuinely looking
for a flat.As you can see in the photos everything was newly decorated and it
is a fully furnished flat
and also benefits from wood flooring. You have internet connection, phone,
washing machine with dryer, cable TV and most important parking place. I wait
your response.
Thanks and email me!

[cozzie]

This is what i recieved
Thanx to your bloggs i found out quickyl about this scam

THANKYOU!!

From bottom up


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

Hello,

All bills are included with house rent so you don't need to pay any bills again,It will be possible for you to come for viewing,but presently am working with Rogerstan Finance Ltd in Cardiff for a 6 months contract which will expire in OCTOBER.I intend to rent out my flat to a responsible and God fearing person who will be willing to take care of my flat .I will be willing to come in from Cardiff on account of a genuine reason,as soon as you have a proof to set you aside from all the time wasters who book an appointment and do not meet up and some come up but with a story of not having money at hand and begging me to wait till the end of the month for salary.I will like to know if you are coming with your friend to live in my flat?How many months do you intend to stay in my flat?Would you be able to take care of my flat?Then if you will be coming for viewing,i will like you to differentiate yourself from the time wasters and weak financial status..I have had several cases of people we had a deal for viewing and fail to turn up and making me look like a fool at the tube station and also some getting to viewing and messing up by telling me they have no money yet to pay for the rent.I have consulted my lawyer and we have resolved that any interested candidate should be able to prove in the following way in order to determine who is financially buoyant and that he or she can stick to appointment when scheduled.You will have to send money to your friend or your partner who is close to you thru western union money shop close to you,the total sum of one month rent and security and damages which at least stands for your financial affordabilty of the rent in other to know your financial strenght of renting a flat,after this the details on the receipt will be sent to me as my lawyer makes verification of your affordabilty of the rent,then you can tell your friend to pick it up after viewing my flat,have also decided to refund back to you the transfer charges when you come for viewing.Bring along the receipt of the payment so i can return to you back the transfer charges when coming for viewing...Please note that i have not instructed you to send money to me but instead a trustworthy friend who can later pick up for you after the arrangement for viewing has been secured.

Thanks for your understanding and hope to read from you soon as we proceed.Please dont forget that i will be refunding back to you the transfer charges with the proof of the payment receipt.Once it is confirmed valid by my lawyer,i will meet up with you soon for a proper viewing and we can conclude every other necessary documentations before i take my leave back to Cardiff.You can reach me on my phone number for more information or explanation. 07031916409

This are the information required from the receipt for verification should in case you cant get a scanner.

Name of Sender:Your Friend Name
Name of Receive:You own Name
Sender Address:You Address
Mtcn 10 Digits Number:Will be given to you at western union money shop office
Amount Sent:1000 Pounds

Thanks


--- On Sat, 6/28/08, Corinne Burns <corinne.burns@yahoo.com> wrote:


From: Corinne Burns <corinne.burns@yahoo.com>
Subject: Re: Your Gumtree.com ad #25372886: 28 year old female seeks Studio or 1 bedroom flat..700 per month ALL inclusive MAXIMUM
To: "Lyn John" <lynjohn@ymail.com>
Date: Saturday, June 28, 2008, 3:03 PM

1)How many of you intend to live in the flat?

jUST MYSELF


2)How long do you intend to rent my flat?

AS LONG AS I CAN


3)Can you take good care of my flat properly as it were?

YES I HAVE LUIVED AWAY FROM HOME SINCE I WAS 17 YEARS OLD


4)Can you provide two references in or outside the country?

YES, WORK AND CURRENT RECIDENCE


5)Can you afford the rent monthly without any delay of any reason?

YES I HAVE DONE SO SINCE I WAS 17 AND LIVED WHERE I AM NOW FOR 4 YEARS


7)Canyou transfer the worth of one month rent and security deposit to yourfriend or partner to show the proof that you are

really capable to paythe rent?if you do, you can send me you full name with home address tomake a contract form send to

you after signing you make the depositwith one month rent

i CAN SHOW YOU MY PAYSILPS AND BANK ACCOUNT THAT YOU CAN SEE I PAY MY LANDORD THROUGH INTERNET BANKING EVERY MONTH


6)In case you have a pet can you cope in keeping the surounding clean?
nO PETS





May need to give 1 months notice, will this be a problem??

I can give 1,000 no problem

--- On Sat, 6/28/08, Lyn John <lynjohn@ymail.com> wrote:


From: Lyn John <lynjohn@ymail.com>
Subject: Re: Your Gumtree.com ad #25372886: 28 year old female seeks Studio or 1 bedroom flat..700 per month ALL inclusive MAXIMUM
To: "Corinne Burns" <corinne.burns@yahoo.com>
Date: Saturday, June 28, 2008, 2:26 PM

Hello,
Below is the attachment of the photo of my flat with details .
General information
Address: Regents Park Road,,
Neighborhood: LONDON NW1 7AY
City: Central London
Rent: £600 per Month(s)
Deposit::£400....
Available: FROM NOW
Minimum Stay: 1 Month(s)

Flatmate description
Gender: Female Orientation: Straight
Smoker: Non Smoker Occupation: Professional
Pet: No

Preferred flatmate description
Gender: Doesn't Matter Orientation: Doesn't Matter
Smoker: Doesn't Matter Occupation: Doesn't Matter
Age Range: from 16 to 99 yrs. old Couple: Doesn't Matter

Room and flat description
Dwelling type: Flat Floor #:
No# of bedrooms: 2 # of BR available: 2
No# of bathrooms: 2 Parking: Yes
Pet: Not Disclosed Flat Sq ft.: 0 Sq. Ft.

Room amenities: Furnished, Private bath, Hardwood floor, TV, Air conditioning, Closet, Private entrance
Home amenities: Washer/Dryer, Internet, Dishwasher, Yard, Pool
Comments:
AccesstoHealth Club at no cost superbly located in the heart of theinterestingand vibrant area of CENTRAL LONDON, yet

with easy andconvenient accessinto the City Center.

1)How many of you intend to live in the flat?
2)How long do you intend to rent my flat?
3)Can you take good care of my flat properly as it were?
4)Can you provide two references in or outside the country?
5)Can you afford the rent monthly without any delay of any reason?
7)Canyou transfer the worth of one month rent and security deposit to yourfriend or partner to show the proof that you are

really capable to paythe rent?if you do, you can send me you full name with home address tomake a contract form send to

you after signing you make the depositwith one month rent
6)In case you have a pet can you cope in keeping the surounding clean?

Get back to me with reply to the following question.

Thanks


--- On Sat, 6/28/08, Corinne Burns <corinne.burns@yahoo.com> wrote:


From: Corinne Burns <corinne.burns@yahoo.com>
Subject: Re: Your Gumtree.com ad #25372886: 28 year old female seeks Studio or 1 bedroom flat..700 per month ALL inclusive MAXIMUM
To: "lynjohn@ymail.com" <lynjohn@ymail.com>
Date: Saturday, June 28, 2008, 9:00 AM


Can you send me some information about the flat and photos please

Sent from my iPod
King regards

Corinne burns

On 27 Jun 2008, at 22:35, lynjohn@ymail.com wrote:

This email has been sent to you through the Gumtree system because you have
selected to
hide your email address in your ad:

http://www.gumtree.com/london/86/25372886.html

Is this email spam? Let us know here:
http://www.gumtree.com/cgi-bin/help.pl?f=1&s=19
Is this email dodgy? Let us know here:
http://www.gumtree.com/cgi-bin/help.pl?f=1&s=2

Contact: lynjohn@ymail.com

______________________________________________________________________

I saw your ads on gumtree that you are looking to rent a flat,i have empty flat
available at Regents Park Road,Westminster, LONDON NW1 7AY if you are interested
you can e-mail me.. lynjohn@ymail.com .. the cost of the whole flat is 600
pounds including all bills.

Regards

[Nicoutofoz]

Hi,

I've another name to add to the list, Jordan Frank. I received an email almost identical to the one beinghelpful received regarding a flat in Lancaster Gate.

Thanks to this thread he didn't scam me though!

I think the most obvious alarm bell that was going right from the start was that this sounds too good to be true, the flat was cheaper than any other in the area, so I thought it's either a dive or a typo. THen the email said all bill included etc, I'm in Italy and that was enough for me to realise.

Just a pity we can't do more about these sharks but I am grateful that I read this thread before I got the email!

Nic

[rob85]

He is calling himself Trudy, emailing from trudyme88lance@gmail.com


Hi,
I went through the web Gumtree and i found your Advert that you need a place to rent,i think i have almost what you're looking for i think a trial might convince you.Get back asap Trudy

______________________________________________________________________

Hello,
Good to hear from you and thanks for your quick response the
location of the apartment goes thus:Orchard St, Bristol, Avon, BS1 5EH the amount per month for the double room is just 500 pounds and the refundable security deposit is 400 pounds all bills included ,it comprises of room,living room,terrace,central heating,bedroom,dinning room with settee,table,chairs,fully equipped kitchen,galley kitchen with microwave, oven cooker,freezer and fridge,private toilet and bath
with electric shower,parking space,washing and drying machine,TV-space but not supplied,wireless phone,high speed internet facilities NTL connection at your own expense,availability of garage and fully constructed garden.

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

Too expensive,

Cheers anyway.

Rob

---------------------------------------------------
How much can you afford? may i can bit down the price a little.Get back asap

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

Okay I've spoken with my lawyer about this and he said is okay so let's proceed further.What of the deposit? Get back asap.
Trudy
--------------------------------------------------------

I really appreciate your quick response and finding out time
to reach me.Of course you will view what you are paying for but i DO NOT want what happened to me some few hours ago to repeat itself again.because i've just been disappointed today and the other one was last week in the cause of viewing my apartment with 2 professionals,because I'm presently in Liverpool and i happened to scheduled a meeting with 2 professionals in Bristol and i came all the way from Liverpool to Bristol for the viewing of the apartment after i had left my sick mother in hospital in Bristol, at the spot of viewing after conclusion of renting my apartment being with cheque i mean the professionals they told me to hold on for a while that they wanted to cash the amount requested by me at the cashing point, i waited for 3 meaningless hour i couldn't see them they were no where to be found on getting back to Liverpool my mother's illness got worsen now,i wasted my precious time that had to be spent with her and my valued money that also had to be spent on her .last week was a different thing about Dss you can imagine how unfair and bad that was.
So i need to see how serious and committed you are, i mean a sign or proof that will convince me that you're really capable of occupying my apartment before we can arrange any viewing.But definitely you will view my apartment.
Trudy
----------------------------------------------------------------
Hello Trudy,

To be honest I am not in a rush to find a room, I would not ask you to hold it for me if I am not interested.
I can view anytime, preferably around the end of this month (then I can pay full deposit and rent at the viewing)
If I am interested after I have seen the room, of course I will pay, BUT
regarding so many scams nowadays, I will ask you to prove your identity and to do a small tenancy agreement signed by both of us.

Hope your mother will get better and I am sorry to hear about what happened,

Kind Regards,

Rob

--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hello Rob, I understand your position but you see there are lots of time wasters here and people tend to make you feel disappointed when they suppose to be in need of you or there about.I can ask my lawyer to prepare the tenancy agreement and forward it to your mail box You can give me your details such as FULL NAME,CURRENT ADDRESS AND DATE OF BIRTH.After which you will read and understand carefully and sign it,then you make a copy for yourself by printing or whtsoever means you want to make us of then you send back the copy through email to me.I think this will show that I'm committed as well as you too.As you can see I'm not in Bristol right now i left there disappointed all the way from Liverpool,try and understand me too.I don't want any reference from anybody all i want is this:

The only way for me to confirm that you are capable is for you to send the money via money gram to your friend or anybody that you trust in uk and scan the receipt for me to see to and confirm from money gram and after i confirm it,i will email you to tell the receiver to pick it up and i will be on my way to Bristol,then i will be sure that you have the money to get the apartment.Its for the safety of both parties but am very sure that you will like the apartment. I am NOT asking you to send money to me but to anybody that you trust .ONCE BITTEN TWICE SHY ,I think you understand my position.
The charges that you make at money gram will be refunded back to you if you don't like the apartment and if you like the apartment the money will be deducted from the balance you will pay me,i think you understand.
If you can do this tomorrow and i see the receipt tomorrow,that means you will view the apartment tomorrow even you can move in tomorrow.
Trudy
-------------------------------------------------------

WHAT??????
-----------------------

Sorry Trudy, you became too dodgy for me.

Moneygram is the last thing I would use to transfer money.

I am not interested to do any business with you at all from this point.

In fact, you are a bloody scammer!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
----------------------------------------------------
AND HE CAME BACK, WHAT A F-ing W-nker:

YOUR FATHER,MOTHER,SISTER,UNCLE,AUNT,NIECE,FRIENDS AND YOUR GREAT GRAND FATHERS AND MOTHERS ARE SCAMMERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! OKAY.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Trudy
---------------------------------------------------------
BURN IN HELL
Rob

--------------------------------------------------------
SCUMBAG YOU WILL ROT ON EARTH AND DIE IN JAIL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1
Trudy
----------------------------------------------------
I have already contacted to the right institutes and they will chase you down by login date, GMAIL username and by IP and proper internet provider ID not just IP, you cannot hide anymore.
Rob
-----------------------------------------------------
LOL FUCK YOU FOR THAT STAMTEMENT YOU MADE JUST NOW.YOU CAN ONLY CHASE THE AIR AND MOREOVER DID I COLLECT ANY MONEY FROM YOU WHY THIS BLOODY CHASE FROM YOU.

Trudy
------------------------------------------------------
What gives you the impression or why did you say infact I'm a SCAMMER!!!!!!!!!!!!! did I collect any money from you ?Is an insult on my personality do you think you can just come here and talk to people any how without knowing whom they're.Do you know who I am? stop this embarrassment okay!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Trudy

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

PLEASE EVERYONE BE CAREFUL IN LIFE AND DONT TRUST IN STRANGERS


i have an other one contacted me, but think he is the same: andrea.montero0@googlemail.com

[jez]

below the chat log of the scammer mia_homes@live.com - it is funny to see how she goes offline when I mention the word "scammer", enjoy:

[dianagall]

http://www.gumtree.com/london/33/25704633.html

These are the responses I have received from this link today:

1.

Hi,
My name is Fayola and I have the flat for rent. The rent is 480£ per month including all bills and the concil tax.. I moved in Milan,Italy because I got a new job. I work in a hospital. You can rent the flat as long as you need to stay even for 2 or 3 years. The first payment will be for 2 months(960£).In case you want it, let me know so we can arrange the transaction. For me is very hard to come in UK and if I will come i must be 100% sure that I will not come for nothing. As you can see in the photos everything it's new in the flat and the flat is fully furnished and also benefits from wood flooring. You have internet connection, phone, washing machine with dryer, cable TV and most important parking place.
I wait your response

2.

Hi,
I work in a hospital and is very hard for me to come in UK. I can't take the risk to leave my new job for days and when I arrive in UK to see that I come for nothing. I want to be 100% sure that when I will meet you, we do the rent papers then i can come back in Italy.
So i can be sure of that look how we can do:
You make the payment from your name and address to your best friend name and address in UK using Western Union for 2 months rent that means 960 GBP and send me the scanned receipt. As soon as I see the scanned receipt that you have made the payment, I will come in UK and you will see the flat and maybe rent it. After that, we will go together at the Western Union office and you will take the money back and pay me.So all you have to do is to find a Western Union office and wire 960 GBP from your name to your friend name and send the scanned receipt.I am asking you this to be sure that I do not come in UK for nothing. I hope you understand.
P.S : As I told you,I have a lot of customers interested to rent the apartment. I will reserve the apartment to the first one that provides me the scanned paper from Western Union. As soon as I have the confirmation from Western Union that the money are available on his name I stop the transactions with all the other customers !

THIS HAS TO BE PART OF THAT SAME SCAM.....

[dianagall]

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Herbert Will Glick <herbertwillglick@yahoo.com>
Date: Thu, Jul 3, 2008 at 9:53 AM
Subject: Re: Your Gumtree.com ad #25701789: 1 bedroom flat to rent in Juniper Drive
To: Diana


Hi again ,

So all you have to do is find your nearest Western Union office location .

You can find that using the ling bellow:

http://www.westernunion.co.uk/WUCOMWEB/staticMid.do?method=load&pagename=agentLocator

After that you must go to the office in person and send the 980 pounds to your brother name or if your brother is not in London then you can send to your best friend.
After you have finished the transfer with Western Union they will give you the receipt of the payment and that receipt you must send me by e-mail so i can be sure you have done that and after that i talk to my wife to take the kids from the school tomorrow because i come to you to meet with you and make the papers and Contract and rent you the flat.Anyway i had left few things and stuff in the flat and would be necesarry to take it back with me.
If you have any other questions you may ask please advise as soon as posible

Thank you

--- On Thu, 7/3/08, Diana wrote:

From: Diana
Subject: Re: Your Gumtree.com ad #25701789: 1 bedroom flat to rent in Juniper Drive
To: "Herbert Will Glick" <herbertwillglick@yahoo.com>
Date: Thursday, July 3, 2008, 4:48 AM



Hi,

please give me your bank details and contact number so that I can transfer the funds.

regards
Diana


On Wed, Jul 2, 2008 at 7:14 PM, Herbert Will Glick <herbertwillglick@yahoo.com> wrote:

Hi ,

Yes the flat is still avaible for rent.The rent is £490 per month including all bills and the concil tax.The flat is connected to electric,gus,phone,internet connection all facilities,most important parking place.The nearest stations are Wandsworth Town (British Rail) and Clapham Junction (British Rail).Due to my new job in Lyon, France, i need to rent the flat,as i need to stay here with my projects as an engineer constructions.It is fully-fitted eat-in kitchen,fully furnished,with allarm security digital code,the parking space is included as you live there.Of course there will be a Clause on the Contract that will confirm i`m gonna pay all the bills.The minimum time for rent would be 2 months up to 3 years , so i`m able to rent the flat for 3 years maximum and no more.In case you are ready to rent the flat ,let me know so we can arrange the transaction and meet with you as soon as posible.For me is very hard to come in London just like that as i have 2 kids here and if I will come i must be 100% sure that I will not come for nothing and we can have an agreement.As you can see in the photos everything it's new in the flat and the flat is fully furnished and also benefits from wood flooring.
Just to make sure we can meet and do the agreement we can do that way:
You can go and make the payment to your brother or sister or your friend name and address in UK using Western Union Post Office for 2 months rent that means 980 GBP and show me the scanned receipt.As soon as I see the scanned receipt the money are in your brother name, I will come in London the next day and you will see the flat and maybe rent it.After that, we will go together to the Western Union Post Office and you will take the money back and pay me.So all you have to do is to find a Western Union Post Office and wire 980 GBP from your name to your brother name and send the scanned receipt.I am asking you to do this to be sure that I do not come in UK for nothing. I hope you understand my situation and just want to make it happen as best as we can.
P.S : As I told you,I have a lot of customers interested to rent the apartment.I will reserve the apartment with the legal Contracts and Papers to the first one that provides me the scanned paper from Western Union.Waiting your e-mail to know what to do.
By the way the flat is ready to rent it anytime as is already free,avaible!!
Cheers!!



Engineer Will Herbert

International Structural Engineering and Construction

1063-1074, Lyon, France
fax: (33)472-11-7287

--- On Wed, 7/2/08, Diana wrote:

From: Diana
Subject: Your Gumtree.com ad #25701789: 1 bedroom flat to rent in Juniper Drive
To: herbertwillglick@yahoo.com
Date: Wednesday, July 2, 2008, 9:25 AM

This email has been sent to you through the Gumtree system because you have
selected to
hide your email address in your ad:

http://www.gumtree.com/london/89/25701789.html

Is this email spam? Let us know here:
http://www.gumtree.com/cgi-bin/help.pl?f=1&s=19
Is this email dodgy? Let us know here:
http://www.gumtree.com/cgi-bin/help.pl?f=1&s=2

Contact: Diana

______________________________________________________________________

hi there,

Please can you let me know if this flat is still available, does it come
furnished, expected occupancy date and what deposit are you looking for?

kind regards
Diana

[whatever1]

ie, forcing the cops to get involved, tracing these skanks and stinging them up their scammer ass?

It's left up to us to be careful but it should also include them being traced and arrested via the ISP, phone numbers, get CCTV from the Western union when they collect the money etc..

[Lilli Pushian]

Hi,

I nearly got scammed a few months ago. Since then I have a new hobby: Scambaiting. I get in contact with those accomodation scammers using some fictional characters (mostly with silly names) and pretend to be interested in their great offer. I then try to keep the conversation going for as long as I can and make them waste as much time and ressources as possible (make them answer a lot of personal questions; send me all kinds of documents; send them large crap files instead of the expected documents; make them fill out all kinds of ridiculous forms, misinterpretate all their instructions and make them say and send everything at least twice; give them fake transfer numbers to make them go to the western union/money gram outlet a few times).

I do this, because every second they are occupied with me, they can't spend on contacting real victims.

And of course it is very satisfying to annoy those bastards.

Here are some of my favourite scammers, I've been in contact with:


Dr.Fedric Cole: doctor_fedric@yahoo.com
(sent me a “Commonwealth of Virginia Taxpayer Protection Pledge” signed by him and “Tony Blair” to verify his identity)

Sara Tezman: saratezman@yahoo.co.uk
(wanted me to send a huge deposit to her “stepdad” with the cheerful name “Osa Martins Ohihie” in Nigeria)

Stella G: gstella65@yahoo.com
(ends every sentence with “okay”)

Lena Rusch: lena_rusch@yahoo.de
(claimed to be German and got a problem when she realized, that my German is even better then hers)

Lester Jacobs: lester1jacobs@googlemail.com
(called himself „Sue + Dan” in his first mails, then changed to “Lester”)

Sandra Aflorei / Sandra Afloarei: san.flot@yahoo.co.uk
(changed her mind on the spelling of her name)

Tamara Kaphan: tamara_kap01@yahoo.com
(a Brazilian girl with a German passport that neither speaks Portuguese nor German)

Bailey Louise Heather: bailey4real@live.com
(sent me a stolen passport of a young girl (Louise is the forename) while claiming he was a 31 years old male)

Ran Liang: jessica_liang1980@yahoo.co.uk
("Jessica" is maybe not the most common name for a girl form China.)

Mia Lavsen: mia_homes@live.com
(doesn’t know the difference between a mobile and a landline phone)

[itsmeme]

love the above post!!! I am actually emailing Mia lavsen i don't actually want a property but love winding them up! She wants me to send her my full name and address at the mo.She's getting annoyed because i'm not sending her what she wants.I've told her that i'm out of the country at the mo.lol I'll keep it going for a bit longer and see just how angry she gets then i'll redirect her to this site so she can see that her names popped up twice!

[missmontana]

From: steven nixon (stevennixon1773@gmail.com)
Sent: 04 July 2008 01:14:03


Hello,Thanks for getting back to me.It is just 3 bedroom flat Apartment andpretty sure you will like it. My children just moved out of there tocollege in united state.Am letting it out for someone who is Clean,Nice and Humble Smokers are allowed.i can send you the picture of thehouse to you as each room is made up of En-suite,Plus Pet Allowed,Allfacilities included in house the house is located in very nice area,don't worry about the area it is in cool area and i bet you will likeit.i will like to give you the house. The rent is 1250 poundsincluding refundable deposit of 400 pounds,bills and tax with.WellEquipped with a broadband internet, BT Telephone service,Fireplace,Gas Heating System, Shower, DVD and CD Player, TV E.t.c and WellFurnished with w/machine the deposit is 400 pounds and refundable.Amnot getting any money from you for now so if you are interested ingetting my property,pleaseget back to me asap.Kind Regards,Mr Steven .7024069971

On 7/3/08, Montana wrote:>> Hi I'm replying to your response about the ad I placed in Gumtree, I'd be> grateful if you could send me the address and some pics.>> Thanks Kirsty.>

The guy then goes on to reduce rent and ask for transfers... just aswell i'm a redhead and not a blonde ha ha!!!

[KatzeCashmere]

And a nother one:


By: Esther knights esthering247@yahoo.com

Hello ,
Am a professional model and right now am a multimillion project which is taken lots mof my time...OK i will like you to do this for me because of the experience oi have had with my last roommate......For me to know you are capable of paying for the rent and for you to be on safer side i will implore you to send a month rent to YOUR NAME, NAME OF YOUR RELATIVE OR FRIENDS NAME in the united kingdom through western union and after sending it, you would show me the scanned receipt you were given or you send me the information you were given so i can confirm its availiabilty online ,then you can go and collect your money back at the western union office you sent it, we schedule a viewing immediately the fund is comfirmed available. With this i will be rest assured that the fund is available at your disposal to pay.
Then you'll bring the money to me in cash as i'm 100 percent sure you'll like the house because it looks exactly the way it is in the picture. I promise to refund to you any transfer charges incurred when i meet you .

NOTE:i have made enquries in westernunion,you can collect your money back after sending(the amount to YOUR NAME, NAME OF YOUR RELATIVE OR ANY NAME in the united kingdom) and the westernunion charges will be giving back to you.Nobody will have access to your money because it is sent to YOUR NAME OR NAME OF YOUR RELATIVE OR FRIENDS NAME in the united kingdom.
Sorry for the inconviniences,is for the best of both of us.
Esther knights.[/b]

[lira]

Hi Jack,

Thanks for your post and the warning! I had received the exact same email although "Stacey" had changed his/her name to "Fread Browny". It was fortunate that I had read this forum and was able to stop the transaction from going any further. Below is the extract from his/her email.

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. its not a shared flat its a full onebedroom flat and all bills are included in the rent

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
fread. fread_brown@fsmail.net

Cheers,
Lira



[quote="jack 100"]A one bed flat for £800pcm with bills all in on Cursitor Street in Holborn? I don't think so!

Hi Jack,

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.

[b]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.[/b]

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
Stacey[/quote]

[lira]

Hi,

I just wanted to notify anyone has responded to this ad - yet another moneygram scam. It seems that these people are just duplicating their responses to all who enquire about the property since her/his response doesn't even make any sense to my current situation. This property is still advertised on gumtree so please be careful - http://www.gumtree.com/london/32/26165932.html. I've also tried calling the number that was advertised and of course, it is a fake. Below is the response from the poster "Lydia Gareth".

Hi again,
As i mentioned before the price is £ 750 per month including bills & council tax,i`m the owner of the apartment and it`s already available to move in anytime you are ready.I would be more than happy to come and meet you as soon as posible and show you the flat.I work as an Police Officer assigned in Sunderland for the next 2 years and it`s not so easy for me to come in London,the kids are with me and i want to be sure i will not come back for nothing and need to rent the flat to someone who is serious.Two days ago,my experience in trying to rent the flat to a particular lady had got me to predicate on these,she made me believe she was willing and ready to get the apartment she even went to the extend of showing me her statement of account,which made me took her for the viewing but after taking her for the viewing,sher saw the apartment and got to love it and never wanted to loose it,so she kept pleading i retain it for her because she is not financially composed at the moment,which i did but end up disastrously.In that case i would need to see a proof,something that shows me confidence.My sister,she`s studying in Oxford and always i sent her money using MoneyGram service and i thought would be more easy if you send £ 1500 to your FIANCE name using MoneyGram Post Office(you can go to any MoneyGram Office near your location) and after the MoneyGram it`s done you scann the receipt and send it by e-mail so i can be sure 100% you are serious.Please do not forget that the only person who can collect the money back from the MoneyGram is your FIANCE,in that case you must take with you when we meet to show you the flat.After i see the receipt we arrange the appointment in the next day and i come to meet you and show you the flat.I`m sure you won`t be dissapointed,as you can see in the photos everything it's refurbished in the flat and is fully furnished,clean and tidy.As soon as you decide to rent the flat we sign the Rental Agreement Contract and from the moment we signed the Contract,we go together to the closest MoneyGram Office you take the money back from the MoneyGram and pay me in cash for the first 2 months of rent.Hope you understand my situation and want to have someone serious taking care of my flat all this time.
P.S Waiting your e-mail to make sure if we can meet to show you the flat and sign the Contract if you`d like to move in as soon as posible.
Thank you

[bollox]

I was contacted by one of these people as well. I don't know if this one was already mentioned, but I was emailed by a Martin whose email address was martinmarxime@googlemail.com.

He claimed to have a place for to rent in Bath. He even sent pictures, which I showed to a friend of mine and in one of the pictures there was a piece of paper on the table, which my friend said looked like a trifold you'd find in a hotel room. So I became suspicious. But we were very close to sending the money.

His email:

Hello,

I have an apartment on 32 Argyle Street, Bath, BA2 4BQ, United Kingdom,Its an apartment with 2 Bed Room and a Living Room, Kitchen and Bathrooms Included.
I am presently in Dublin taking care of somethings here and I am willing to rent out my Property.
The cost of my Property is
Security Deposit which would be refunded to you if nothing is damaged in my Property until you would be leaving which is 600 Pounds and the House Rent is 500 pounds/Month and all bills is included Like the Utilities bills,water Bills,electricity Bills council tax bills E.t.c.
I have attached pictures of the Room and Living room for you.
I hope you would get back to be asap so that we can finalize this.

Best Regards,

Martin.

Another email:

Hello,



I am giving this flat away and i hate to see it dirty every time. 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 house is not a problem. But i will like you to do a thing. 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.I have been fooled several times and I had to travel a long journey with my Lawyer to meet people who wants to view my property and at the end of the day they tell me they want to stay in the apartment for a month before they would pay me. I don't want this to happen to me again so My Lawyer has advised me that I have to be sure that who so ever is renting my property should be capable of paying the cost of the rent.

You will go to the nearest WESTERN UNION MONEY TRANSFER around you,Send to your Friend send the sum 1100pounds in western union. 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 western union money transfer copy of receipt giving to you. Scan the western union 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 Flat. after viewing the house, and you really like it, You can go together to the western union location agent or bank around here to get the 1100 pounds back and we can reach an agreement on how you will move into the Flat. I will pay back to you the charges you will be using in sending the money in western union. If you don't understand, Here is an examples of how to do it....



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

RECEIVER' NAME...................YOUR FRIEND NAME.

AMOUNT SENT.....................1100POUNDS.



and scan the copy of receipt to me in an email just for me to view it.
and then i can pick you up and show you the Flat.

Best Regards.
Martin.


I then asked him if I could get in touch with his lawyer to validate what he said, and he wrote back:

Hello,

I understand your situations but My lawyer is a very Busy man and you can only deal directly with me ,and if you send the Money to a friend of yours In UK the Money will still be within you and your friend ,after the confirmation of the transaction we can arrange viewing ,After viewing you can ask yoou friend to pick the Money Up and I will be responsible for the western union charges,i will be Looking forward to hearing from you soon.

Martin.

So we told him to go fuck himself.

[missmontana]

Hello , Thank you for getting back to me and i have been getting ready
for work before i decide to check if you have send any email regarding
the property. well, I have the property there since there is no one in
it and i want it out for rent out to someone who is clean and nice.
someone who will make is Tidy like i have ever dream of. It cost just
£650 per month including the bills such as ....

Council Tax ,

Internet bill ,

Electricity bill,

Water bill....... And some many more bills. The internet is just a
broad band wireless which has just been installed recently. Every room
is made up of en-Suit and it cost £500 for the deposit which is
refundable. The property is located on Cartwright Drive, Fareham, Portsmouth PO15 5RJ .
How many of you are going to live in the
property and do you have a pet? Do you smoke as well? All of this is
allowed though if you are one. But you will have to make a one month
rent and the deposit available together. I am not going to get any
fund from you as of yet. But let me know if you like the property as i
have the pictures attached for you already. Get back to me as soon as
you get this.
Regards..
Natt.
07024069971





On 7/12/08, Montana wrote:

yes I am still looking, can you send me some details of what you have to offer, thanks.


> Date: Sat, 12 Jul 2008 16:37:32 +0000
> From: Naattee@gmail.com
> Subject: Your Gumtree Portsmouth ad #25682029: 2 Bed flat/house with garden wanted
>
> This email has been sent to you through the Gumtree system because you have selected to
> hide your email address in your ad:
>
> http://portsmouth.gumtree.com/portsmouth/29/25682029.html
>
> Is this email spam? Let us know here: http://www.gumtree.com/cgi-bin/help.pl?f=1&s=19
> Is this email dodgy? Let us know here: http://www.gumtree.com/cgi-bin/help.pl?f=1&s=2
>
> Contact: Naattee@gmail.com
>
> ______________________________________________________________________
>
> Hello, My name is Nathan, and i came across your Ad on gumtree looking for a 2 bedroom house/flat in Fareham .Are you still interested? If yes, you can send me an email to ..... Naattee@gmail.com
>



how to spot a scammer, their Engwish is terrible!!! lol.... like £650 would cover all that.. i think not.

[alanr]

Did you know that there are only 4 or 5 Scammers working the Western Union Advance Deposit Scam?

They are highly organised, and can rake in £10,000 on a good day.

They are almost untraceable, because they use anonymous free email accounts, and spoof IP Addresses, mostly working from public Internet Cafes.

This applies not just to flats and bedsits, but also cars, boats, holidays and just about anything that can be advertised and sold.

If is wasn't for them, Western Union would probably go bust, so don't expect any help from them!

Don't expect any help from the Police or HMRC either - they don't have the technology to trace the scammers.

Use a decent email program like Mozilla Thunderbird, which can identify the source of an email by the sender's IP Address, and will indicate a spoof IP Address.

If you get a reply from an ad that mentions Western Union, and is from a fake IP Address, you have a scam - don't part with your money!

[gums]

alanr i agree wih you 100 per cent been reading some of these scams and it beggers believe the lenghts and meausres scammers will go to..to scam people on this site they are ruining this site for the good honest hardworking people of this site i just hope people dont fall for this they are all over this site everywhere which makes it alot harder when on this site to come on this site without comeing into contact with scammers as it is a real pain etc the scams are very obvious and easy but first timers are the ones that need to be aware and cautious as they are the ones likely to get caught out by this a good place to start on a site like this is the forum as it can give you information etc and experiences of others etc and can give you a eye opener on the site and western union and money gram a from of payment like that should never be used and never be trusted and are the worst form of payment transaction ever i cant say enough about this apart from stay away..

[MsUn1que]

I too put up a wanted post about 2 weeks ago, looking for a 3 bedroom property in Harrow, using a council deposit scheme.
I have been inundated with replies from people claiming to have properties to rent all around London. (surprisingly none are actually in Harrow!)
They all send pictures of immaculately decorated properties with rents well below average and all mod cons and bills included.
All have given me a sob story(in very bad broken English) as to why they are renting so cheap or are out of London for the time being.
I am a pregnant mother with 2 young children trying to find a decent sized property for my family's needs and these cold hearted people have repeatedly attempted to scam me for up to £2000 via MoneyGram, even after reading my add stating that a rent deposit would be paid by the council!!!!

Is there no limit to the lengths these people will go?
It has me seriously doubting the morality of people on this site!!!

steven nixon (stevennixon1773@gmail.com)

stevenjoe8@gmail.com

tony.bill111@gmail.com
These are just a few of the scammers that have contacted me, unfortunately I deleted all the others so cannot post them up.
I sincerely urge potential property seekers to beware as these people have absolutely no morals and will not hesitate to take your money.

[avesuran]

Please, be aware of another SCAM. The e-mail is: tara.spiffs@googlemail.com

I have had a few e-mails with her, and everything was OK, until she asked for the proof of funds - a Money Gram transfer to my friend.

It all sounded very odd, so i decided to google the names. They all came up immediatly as scammers.
Luckily, i didnt fall for it.

Please, beware! Good luck.

[yamaha43]

guys there are a few sites to get a picture on the legalities:
www.takelegaladvice.com is best
or www.lawsociety.co.uk
or the CAB

hope it helps

[andybrown115]

Be extremely aware as everyone's said... i've has the following email conversations with 'Brenda'.. she seemed so nice haha.

'Brenda' - I hope you rot in hell.

See below my conversations - the next one was a request for a Western Union money transfer.


Perhaps we could arrange next week to view? I’m booked with viewings this week and have a packed out weekend. Can we say Tuesday at 7pm?



Please confirm that the rent is seven hundred and fifty pounds (£750) inclusive of all bills.



On the subject of proving my funding, I am very uncomfortable doing that without having met you. I will gladly provide proof of earnings a) after viewing the property, and b) if we decide to make an offer. I understand your concern, but for the time being you will just have to take my word. If you are not willing to change your stance on this, then I will regrettably have to search elsewhere.



If we can agree Tuesday 22nd July at 7pm, I’ll book it out in my diary. As I mentioned before, please call me on my mobile rather than sending emails. It is much more personal and perhaps we can talk about your concerns. I am available at any time.



Best regards

Andrew








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

From: Brenda Brooks [mailto:brenda.1brookz@googlemail.com]
Sent: 15 July 2008 19:51
To: Andrew
Subject: Re: Your Gumtree.com ad #26139259: Rarely available pretty one bedroom apartment



Hi Andrew,

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, anyday 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 7th day of vacating the apartment.

Feel free to ask any questions.

Thanks and Best Regards

Brenda



On 7/15/08, Andrew <andrew.@*********.com> wrote:

Thanks very much Brenda



We are a professional couple – I'm an Accountant, and my partner is a Revenue Manager. 27 and 29 respectively. Currently in Oval around a 5 min walk from your property! We are both extremely clean and tidy people, and have been working professionals for quite some years between us! Both fairly quiet, we both work long-ish hours and enjoy lots of time outside and travelling.



Of course, any place would be treated as our own – that goes without saying. I've tried to have a look for the deposit holding company you mentioned but can't seem to find them? And yes; we both have funds readily available as any person (presumably) would do.



In any case; viewing is the most important – when would we be able to pop over and view the property? Evenings are good for me after 7, though I can get there earlier if need-be. Weekends are no problem at all.



As I said; my mobile number is 07********. Please call me on that to arrange things if you can – much easier and nicer than replying to emails! J



Best regards

Andrew






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

From: Brenda Brooks [mailto:brenda.1brookz@googlemail.com]
Sent: 14 July 2008 22:38
To: Andrew
Subject: Re: Your Gumtree.com ad #26139259: Rarely available pretty one bedroom apartment



Hi

Thanks for your response and Enquiry. The apartment is still vacant.
A bit about me: I am 26years old, Female professional. I have just
moved to Leicester to work with a Media outfit as a Radio Presenter. I
have 24 months renewable contract so i'd be away for close 3 years.

The Flat is Located on KENNINGTON Rd. London, SE11 4PP, and it is fully furnished with follwoing facilities:
- One Huge Bedroom for double Bed
- Huge living room,
- One Toilet and Bathroom with Shower
- Kitchen with modern fittings
- Dish washer/Dryer
- Washing Machine
- Cable TV
- Wired Internet connection
- Garden and off street Parking space available
- Few minutes to OVAL Station.

The Monthly rent is £750per month and it includes All Bills. Bills
like Council Electricity, Cable T.V, Water,T.V License and Gas all
Covered.
A Refundable deposit of £750 which will deposited with Tenant Security
Deposit Ltd {TSDL},will received along with the Rent before Moving in.
Could you tell me a bit about yourself and where you are presently located now?

Please i have just 2 questions. They are:
Will you be able to take good care of my Flat like your own?
Are you capable of funding the rent and refundable deposit before moving in?

I have attached some images of some parts of the Apartment.


Hope to get your response soon.



Warmest Regards

Brenda



On 7/14/08, <andrew@*****.com> wrote:

This email has been sent to you through the Gumtree system because you have selected to
hide your email address in your ad:

http://www.gumtree.com/london/59/26139259.html

Is this email spam? Let us know here: http://www.gumtree