Brussels Apartment SCAM [email protected]

Dear All,
After reading all of your posts, I am amazed (and somewhat comforted) that I am not the only one who has been scammed. I replied to an ad for a room share in the centre of Brussels, the price was in keeping with other prices and the girl (if it is indeed a girl) was very convincing, passport scan, chats on MSN, regular emails at appropriate time for an accountant.
I blindly sent money via western union (first indicator) to her mother in London (second indicator). I was convinced even up until yesterday that I would be receiving the keys soon (as of course she was on business in London for 2 months). Everything seemed legit, though watch out for places offering a parking space (I didn't know this). Also don't be like me and be so eager to find a place to live that you believe anything!
I stupidly scanned my passport to her as well, so I imagine they will use my ID to con somebody else.
I copy the email below that I received:
Hello Mark,

I am extremely sorry for my late response to your mail. I have been very busy for a while now and never had time to check my mails.Thanks for your prompt response regarding my posted ad, let me take a little time to tell you something about myself, the room & its amenities, price and conditions to rent.

About myself
I am a young female in my mid 20's currently doing my masters in risk management after work and this makes me return home late but can't stop having fun when its necessary. I am an accountant and thus work for s brooking firm and also as a consultant,so this makes me travel often which is the mere reason why i need and search good people as flatmates so i will be rest assured that my flat is in safe hands in my absence.

I got my first degree in London School of Economics, i worked in Paris as a senior accountant in a brooking firm before i went to the Barcelona to take a 3 months course in public marketing and to learn the spanish cultures and languages,thus, Did my internship with JP Morgan in New York in 2007 which gave me an opportunity to visit the united states for the first time before returning back to Dublin to start my masters and work aswell then have been here ever since...what a traveller i am....lol

My house is located at Rue Du Midi, Bruxelles 1000, Belgium.

Flat Amenities
A small fridge in each room
A big freezer in the kitchen
Each room has a big wardrobe
TV connected to a cable
A surround sound system
A twin sleeper bed(double sleeper bed,capable of sleeping two people
conveniently)
Private toilet and bathroom for each room
Washer/dryer for laundry needs
Air-condition and fire place to keep the room warm
Gas cooker and micro wave oven available in the kitchen

Price:
I have two rooms for rent. Each room is for 350 euros and monthly utilities charges of 50 euros and a security deposit of 600 euros
Therefore:
Rent per month.........400 euros
per week.......................120 euros
Security deposit........600 euros

NB: The security deposit is refundable upon verification of the room which you rented to be in good order. Both payment is to be made once to my family lawyer or mother.

There is contract available for weekly, month to month and long term basis but if you want a long term rent, i will prefer an initial 3 months rent which is renewable 2weeks prior to the rent expiration.

Utilities included in the rent:
Water
Gas refill
Heater/warmer
Electricity bill
Laundry
Parking space
Internet via wireless lan
Trash pick up

Why i am renting:
I live in a 3 bedroom flat like i told you but the 2 rooms vacant which i am offering for rent is because my previous flatmates are through with there activities and work here and has gone back to there respective states.So, i need people who are fun to be with, people whom we could share times and moments together,not just minding your business or going into your room after the day....but you can always have your private time and affair if you so wish and desire.

Immediately i confirm your interest and knowing some things about you,I shall send to you the current pictures of your room and my flat in general with the kitchen and other pictures aswell before we proceed with the necessary details to prepare the tenement contract necessary for your move in.

Regards

PLEASE DO NOT SEND ANY MONEY TO THIS PERSON YOU ARE BEING SCAMMED!!!

Regards,
Mark

Forgot to ad the full names of the people involved in the scam...Emily Sarah Noel and Mrs. Ruth Noel ...
Just so that they will show up on a search
Stay Safe!
Mark

Also should ad my full name Removed - Ralph they have a scanned passport and for anybody who is being scammed I am NOT renting an apartment!

Hi and Welcome to Scamwarners

Including your real name here is never a good idea, scammers do visit this site from time to time and we prefer they do not know which victim has provided their details.

Scammers often make threats (threats they dont follow through with) and it is not a nice thing to receive when they do know where you live.

Thank you for posting this information

It is unfortunate that they have received your passport but too late now, they do receive a lot of similiar documents and they may or may not use your name as part of their scam

Please take a look around the site and ask if you have any questions

Welcome to Scamwarners mm. I am sorry you have lost money to this scammer.

Your information will alert and save others from being scammed. Well Done

Noticed this advertisement here http://brussels.en.craigslist.org/roo/1425217070.html

Hello,

I am a double nationality young professional female and currently living alone after my past flatmates have finished there internship here in the city and have since then have 2 rooms to rent in my flat.

My flat is located at Rue du midi, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgium.

I am requesting a 350 euro for rent monthly and utilities of 50 euros to be paid monthly.

Flat Amenities
* Large living room
* Brand new kitchen with kitchen utensils
* Free WIRELESS Internet Access
* TV, VHS and DVD player
* Two parking spaces
* Two mail boxes
* HiFi Wifi sound
* Two bathrooms and toilet
* Two furnished double sleeper bedrooms

Could you be interested, please contact me via email at once for more details and pictures.

Emily Sarah
[email protected]

Just wanted to let you know that this person (or group of people) is still scamming. I recently received an email from an ad on craigslist that sounded perfect for my needs (interning this fall). 250EUR per week, fully furnished, etc. The poster included pics on the craigslist ad and honestly everything sounded too good to be true. I emailed the poster and received a reply which gave a vague address and asked for money upfront, plus a 300EUR security deposit. Here is the email:

How are you doing today? Fine I think.

I am Elisa Sabrine Burgzorg from Bruxelles, i was just posted to
Leyton branch (UK). so that was why i want to rent out my apartment in
here is the address: Rue Emile Banning - 1050 BRUSSELS (IXELLES), Belgium.



The +/- 105 m2 completely furnished property has 3 bedrooms and features:
- Kitchen - Dishwasher, Fan Oven, 4 Gas ring Hobb, Fridge/Freezer.
Full set of dishes, cutlery, glass wear, Pots & Pans.
- Dining-room - Long Table & 6 Chairs, CD Stereo/Radio (2 speakers)
- Sitting Room - 3 Seated Sofa, 2 arm chairs, TV
- Main Bathroom - Bath, Power Shower, Washing Machine and Dryer
- Separate Guest Toilet
- Bedroom - King Size Bed, Large Wardrobe Storage
- Sheltered Balcony
- Off Street Bike Storage
- There is connection to internet via wireless and LAN and also
Broadband as well for your computing purpose, so you can come with
your laptop or desktop if you have one.

Price:
I have two rooms for rent. Each room is for EUR250, monthly utilities
charges of EUR50 and a security deposit of EUR300


Therefore:
Rent per month.........EUR300 incl.
per week................EUR75 incl.
Security deposit........EUR300
I will prefer 1 month rent (300 euros) + 300 euros deposit in order to
reserve the room for you which is renewable 2weeks prior to the rent expiration.


NB:
I wont be around for viewing and that is why i will send you pics to
enable you decide if you will be renting it or not. Here are some pics
and hope you will like them. Before you can be assured of getting the
room, you must make a month rent and deposit payment in advance so
that the rooms will be reserved for you.
However if you are satisfy with this conditions get back to me as soon
as possible.


Await your soonest response.


Regards,
Elisa Sabrine Burgzorg

------------------------------------------------------
Thankfully my parents caught wind and suggested it might be a scam, because as in your situation, I am pretty desperate for a place to stay in Brussels and hence a little gullible. Did a Google search and didn't find her name, and there weren't any pictures attached to the email. Thank GOD I found this post!!! CRAIGSLIST SHOPPERS BEWARE!!

Welcome wareagle10. I'm glad to hear that your parents tipped you off that it might be a scam and that you found us before losing any money. Thank you for taking the time to post the information here for others to find. If you have email addresses or other contact information for the scammer, please do add it here so that it will show up in searches as well. Let us know if you have questions about the scam and feel free to ask for advice if you get any other emails that seem suspicious while you're looking for a place to stay.

this scam artist is also using the name Elisa Sabrine Burgzorg and posting in the Amsterdam rooms for rent section. after responding to the original ad, i did some research and found this posting and immediately recognised some key words and exact phrasing for example;
I have two rooms for rent. Each room is for EUR250, monthly utilities
charges of EUR50 and a security deposit of EUR300
Therefore:
Rent per month.........EUR300 incl.
per week................EUR75 incl.
Security deposit........EUR300
I will prefer 1 month rent (300 euros) + 300 euros deposit in order to
reserve the room for you which is renewable 2weeks prior to the rent expiration.
NB:
i saw the exact same thing in your brussells ad.. she/he is still at it. She didn't get me, but mainly thanks to you..

here is the email i got from her:

How are you doing today? Fine I think.

I am Elisa Sabrine Burgzorg from Amsterdam, Netherlands, i was just posted to
Leyton branch (UK). so that was why i want to rent out my apartment in
here is the address: Egelantiersstraat 5, 1015 PV Amsterdam, Netherlands.
The +/- 105 m2 completely furnished property has 3 bedrooms and features:
- Kitchen - Dishwasher, Fan Oven, 4 Gas ring Hobb, Fridge/Freezer.
Full set of dishes, cutlery, glass wear, Pots & Pans.
- Dining-room - Long Table & 6 Chairs, CD Stereo/Radio (2 speakers)
- Sitting Room – 3 Seated Sofa, 2 arm chairs, TV
- Main Bathroom - Bath, Power Shower, Washing Machine and Dryer
- Separate Guest Toilet
- Bedroom - King Size Bed, Large Wardrobe Storage
- Sheltered Balcony
- Off Street Bike Storage
- There is connection to internet via wireless and LAN and also
Broadband as well for your computing purpose, so you can come with
your laptop or desktop if you have one.
Price:
I have two rooms for rent. Each room is for EUR250, monthly utilities
charges of EUR50 and a security deposit of EUR300
Therefore:
Rent per month.........EUR300 incl.
per week................EUR75 incl.
Security deposit........EUR300
I will prefer 1 month rent (300 euros) + 300 euros deposit in order to
reserve the room for you which is renewable 2weeks prior to the rent expiration.
NB:
I wont be around for viewing and that is why i will send you pics to
enable you decide if you will be renting it or not. Here are some pics
and hope you will like them. Before you can be assured of getting the
room, you must make a month rent and deposit payment in advance so
that the rooms will be reserved for you.
However if you are satisfy with this conditions get back to me as soon
as possible.
Await your soonest response.
Regards,
Elisa Sabrine Burgzorg.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
however, her email tag popped up as elisa shroder...
thanks for posting your message. i hope someone catches them

also, i think there is another ad on craigslist posting under Charlotte Church doing the same scam, but worded differently.. fyi

Rental Scammers constantly change their details to avoid detection.

When posting e-mails from scammers please be sure to include their e-mail address (but remove your own details before submitting)

This will greatly improve the chances for other people searching for their 'Landlord's' details.

Good morning everyone. Just to let you know that I just received an e-mail like the ones you been saying. This person is still on the loose and posting her flat thru eu-rentals.com

[email protected] is her e-mail.

The funny thing is, I've been trying to look for a flat in Brussels for a while now, and casually 3 persons have been with the same story, that they're in London, quite friendly giving out a reasonable description of their professional lives and the Western Union payment.

Thank you very much for letting us know about this. Beware! This is the ad this person has been posting: http://www.eu-rentals.com/ls/Brussels/A ... /1310.html

this scam artist is also using the name Elisa Sabrine Burgzorg and posting in the Amsterdam rooms for rent section. after responding to the original ad, i did some research and found this posting and immediately recognised some key words and exact phrasing for example;
I have two rooms for rent. Each room is for EUR250, monthly utilities
charges of EUR50 and a security deposit of EUR300
Therefore:
Rent per month.........EUR300 incl.
per week................EUR75 incl.
Security deposit........EUR300
I will prefer 1 month rent (300 euros) + 300 euros deposit in order to
reserve the room for you which is renewable 2weeks prior to the rent expiration.
NB:
i saw the exact same thing in your brussells ad.. she/he is still at it. She didn't get me, but mainly thanks to you..

here is the email i got from her:

How are you doing today? Fine I think.

I am Elisa Sabrine Burgzorg from Amsterdam, Netherlands, i was just posted to
Leyton branch (UK). so that was why i want to rent out my apartment in
here is the address: Egelantiersstraat 5, 1015 PV Amsterdam, Netherlands.
The +/- 105 m2 completely furnished property has 3 bedrooms and features:
- Kitchen - Dishwasher, Fan Oven, 4 Gas ring Hobb, Fridge/Freezer.
Full set of dishes, cutlery, glass wear, Pots & Pans.
- Dining-room - Long Table & 6 Chairs, CD Stereo/Radio (2 speakers)
- Sitting Room – 3 Seated Sofa, 2 arm chairs, TV
- Main Bathroom - Bath, Power Shower, Washing Machine and Dryer
- Separate Guest Toilet
- Bedroom - King Size Bed, Large Wardrobe Storage
- Sheltered Balcony
- Off Street Bike Storage
- There is connection to internet via wireless and LAN and also
Broadband as well for your computing purpose, so you can come with
your laptop or desktop if you have one.
Price:
I have two rooms for rent. Each room is for EUR250, monthly utilities
charges of EUR50 and a security deposit of EUR300
Therefore:
Rent per month.........EUR300 incl.
per week................EUR75 incl.
Security deposit........EUR300
I will prefer 1 month rent (300 euros) + 300 euros deposit in order to
reserve the room for you which is renewable 2weeks prior to the rent expiration.
NB:
I wont be around for viewing and that is why i will send you pics to
enable you decide if you will be renting it or not. Here are some pics
and hope you will like them. Before you can be assured of getting the
room, you must make a month rent and deposit payment in advance so
that the rooms will be reserved for you.
However if you are satisfy with this conditions get back to me as soon
as possible.
Await your soonest response.
Regards,
Elisa Sabrine Burgzorg.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
however, her email tag popped up as elisa shroder...
thanks for posting your message. i hope someone catches them

Hi all,
Watch out! Just got exactly the same email from this person with the same address and prices. Can't we do anything about it so that other people do not get trapped by this b****?

Welcome to Scamwarners Malicya27.

Apart from what we do already there isn't a lot that can be done apart from alerting people to the risks of picking up rentals from free ad sites. All the best deals are scams and they aren't limited to major cities any more.

It was amusing to see a discussion on a travel site about why scammers have such very low rates (they are mostly but, be careful, as not all scammers are so dumb) and the reason they decided was that scammers are mainly in competition with each other and, to them, they can pick any amount so they might as well undercut their scam competition.

Some major sites get 100 scams posted overnight for just one city. Of course most people look at the free ads for a bargain, and all the scams are bargains. Most people probably have no idea about the risk they're taking.

With a little luck they'll Google the details and will come here if we've got the details posted, but scammers continually re-work their material in an attempt to avoid detection.

Hi Everyone,
I actually live in Brussels (but run a UK ltd company in the UK) My friends who work in real estate in Oostende Belgium told me that there is a scam going around at the moment of scammers (well criminals really aren't they) renting out holiday apartments and properties, they even go as far as using agencies logos for the newspapers with a false number to call (their number not the agency) the transaction is made and they have your money then they move on, chaning the telephone number in the ad each time. Please be careful.If anyone is thinking to rent in Belgium, I am happy to do a little digging first to see if it is legitimate or not. For instance if you see the logo of a well known agency over here with the number, send me the number and I can go into the agency physically and confirm if it is a good number and a genuine rental.
Thank goodness for great forums like this, it at least keeps us aware and hopefully less vunerable.

Almost a year ago my wife and I nearly fell for a similar scam. An apartment in the center of Brussels (Rue de la Presse / Drukpersstraat) was offered for rent for two years on the popular Belgian site immoweb. The rent was very low for an apartment of that size, 350 euro plus utilities. The owner claimed to be called Thomas but did not give a surname. On his e-mail his name appeared as Ala Jul. He claimed to be working in the UK for an oil and natural gas company and provided a mobile phone number for contacting him.
At first we suspected a scam because of the possibility that if we did rent the apartment and found it in an unsatisfactory condition, he would claim that we had damaged it and would seek additional payments from us. On top of that, however, there was a more elementary scam: he expected us to pay him by Western Union or Money Gram and only after that would he send us the keys. Unless we did this, there was no way we could view the apartment, even through photos - we would rely only on his description of it in his advertisement and subsequent e-mail.
In any case we decided not to move to Brussels, but there are definitely scams of this type around.
Do not agree to rent an apartment if you cannot see it first, or at least insist on seeing photos before you make any payment.