Rental Scam - Christopher Simpson [email protected]

Hello,
I just wanted to share a scam I just experienced. I've been searching for an apartment in Guelph, Ontario and found one that was all too good to be true.

Here is one of the emails I was sent -

Dear <snipped - Tim>,

Pleased to meet you.

I am writing to introduce myself and to send you a current resume which I hope and trust you will take the opportunity to read.

As you will note from my resume I am a mature individual, work hard for my family, very sincere and respectable... I am currently 55 years old, married, doctor specialist in orthopedic and trauma surgery. I graduate King's College London, University of London and here I met my beautiful wife. Her name is Julie, together we have an adult son and 1-year-old twin beautiful granddaughters.
It had been my father’s dream to become a doctor. My father deserve all my thanks and gratitude for bestowing in me ethics which uphold a strong sense of service to others and a love of God and family. He was my hero and my best friend. I inherited this beautiful apartment from him when he passed away, after that it has been totally updated and renovated, it looks exactly like in the pictures.
I'm originally from Canada, we thought about moving there, we tried several times to transfer our jobs, but unfortunately the things didn't work the way we've expected. I like it there, but our life is here now, in London, (UK), so we decided to rent it and keep the apartment for our granddaughters.


This is the second time I tried to rent the apartment, I had a deal with somebody before who said he will rent it if I come there.. So I got a plane ticket, and guess what!?
When I arrived there, he didn't show up and after 2 days he give me a call and said that he is sorry but he can't rent it anymore, because he has no money... It was unfortunate that my past bitter experience of inviting people to come and view my apartment without any form of confirmation of their financial ability and not keeping up to time as at when scheduled, has brought about great loss to me.
Don't get me wrong and don't take it personally, but now I don't want to buy another plane ticket to come and fall for it once more... maybe you won't show up. I'm sick of tire-kickers, people who are just looking around and not serious about renting, so please, don't waste my time.. No offence!


We think you're the right person we're looking for, so if you are really interested in moving forward, I have the best solution to complete this rental very fast for both of us and you'll have the keys in less than 48 hours.

P.S.

I couldn't respond earlier due to work.... I don't want you to think I was ignoring you, but the time difference doesn't help either... That said, (sometimes) please kindly expect a delay of a few hours in my response.

Here is a picture of us.

Sincerely and best regards.

Christopher & family

22222.jpg

It's actually because of this forum that I determined this was a scam. A quick google of the jabber about being from Canada came up as a post in this forum from 2016.

Got in the same situation for today. Be alerted everyone. It is too good to be true

[AlanJones]

Here is the follow up email from scammer, FYI

Here are three steps to make the rental process go as smoothly as possible:

The all utility bills will be redirected to me in London.
The apartment is as described, but if something will broke down after you moved, you are responsible and the cost of repairs will be deducted from your rent.
I would like to receive the money monthly into my bank account and I hope there will be no problem for you to wire the money to it.

As I said before, the apartment is fully equipped, ready for immediate occupancy and I'll give you the opportunity for a personal inspection prior to rent it... Do you think a 2 days inspection period will suffice?


The rental process will be managed quickly and safely by Laser Transport International Ltd. | one of the oldest privately owned Freight Forwarding and Logistics companies in the UK ( 45 years experience ), a reputable worldwide delivery company, a full service international freight forwarder, specializing in shipping commercial cargo from and to UK by air and by ocean, ( door-to-door service ).
I used this company many times and find they are helpful, polite, efficient and on time. I never had a problem!
Have a look at their website; http://www.laserint.co.uk


STEP # 1

In order to proceed, I need your shipping information:

Full name:
Address:
City:
Postal code:

STEP # 2

With your details I'll go at company's office and I'll put the package in their possession to start the process.

Here are the contents that will be delivered to you:

Keys to the room(s) and entrance
The residential lease agreement

Using the company, we'll involve three parties: I as owner, you as a potential tenant and LASER as a responsible third party authorized to handle this transaction. They will acts as a middle man between us.


STEP # 3

The final step to complete the transaction requires to make a $859.00 deposit into Laser company's account within 24 hours for their immediate action... This deposit often called an “earnest money”, to show your offer is a serious one, but I'll consider this deposit as part of the first month's rent and the rest of $200.00 will be paid when you are physically moved in to the apartment.
NOTE!

They do NOT release the funds without your approval, so I'll get this deposit only if you decide to keep the apartment.

Automatically, the keys and rental contract are shipped to your address.... Everything will be done through Laser Transport | International Air Freight in 48 hours | Door-to-Door;
Once you've received the package, you'll have access to inspect the property, ( 2 days );
After inspection period is done, you'll have to submit your response... If you decide to stay, you must supply them a copy of the contract signed by you and automatically the deposit will be going to my account;
NOTE!

The contract will be signed and filled in after you'll check everything.

If you don't find the apartment exactly as described, you must contact the company... Their courier will come back at your door, you must return the package and you'll get the full amount back.

The company will provide assistance in handling the payment and delivery of the keys. I'll pay for the services performed by the company, so there is no additional cost for you.

PS.

If you have the deposit available, please e-mail me your shipping information that I've requested and I'll complete the transaction asap.

As soon as everything is completed from my part, you'll be contacted by their team at your email address with all the information.

I'm looking forward to hearing back soon and doing business with you.


Much appreciated,

Christopher