RENTAL SCAM IN SINGAPORE!! PLS WARN OTHER PPL

Thanks for posting the info vilz! just as searching saved you from losing money, the info that you posted may save someone else from losing money as well.

Hi all,

I received three emails from three different undersign but I believe they are actually the same person coz they have very similar writing pattern (not going to disclose here in case this smart guy/gal read this forum so he/she know how to improve).

I am not cheated because the deal is too good to believe. Anyway, I want to pose the emails here just to share. Do let me know how can I help to catch this ass & help the tenants.

fanny julie <[email protected]>Date: 2010 Mar
??Shared-Accommodation

Hi Flatmate,
I noticed in your profile in Share Accommodation you were in search of a room lucky enough i have a Well furnished apartment suitable and decent for a Perfect roommate, the apartment is ready for immediate move in and it is located in 16, Mount Elizabeth Singapore 228513,but before i start telling you about it, it is only right that I let you know more about me being your potential flatmate so that you can know somethings about me.

My Name is Julie Passe fanny and I am a 22 year old easygoing female,My father is from France and my mother is from Singapore. My Hobbies are swimming, reading and traveling. In fact, I have being to
Germany,Wales,also recently Scotland,I also like hanging out with friends and associating with people but I have not had the opportunity to hang out with my friends as I have being busy with my studies and also as I am looking to have my masters very soon. My mother used to live here in this apartment with my Family. but my father live in the apartment also later moved to UK where he passed away and I am the only one in this apartment although my mother is still in UK overseeing my late father's business and am not around for now and would not be back for sometime. I am in UK now on an internship project attached to a firm of my Dad's Company and I have being sent to supervise and would be back by the end of June 2010. As soon as i have confirmed you as my flatmate for reservation, I will send you the Keys to the apartment by mail

About my apartment, It is a three bedroom apartment and as I live in one room of the apartment, I have two rooms ready for move in, the rooms are furnished with a sofa-bed, two armchairs, dining table with
expendable leaves with 4 matching chairs, television with digital receiver, telephone, parquet floors, and there is a window facing north. The apartment is wireless Internet enabled

You will have free and unlimited access to all part of the apartment, the Kitchen, the living room and of course except my room, and you can also have your own visitors.The rent for the room is $700 Per
Month and this includes the utility bills(all included) and you will be required to pay a security deposit of $500. This security deposit will be refunded to you at the end of your stay in my apartment.
I hope it suits you well and if you have any more questions you can surely ask me, I also attached the pictures of my flat and also the tenement agreement so that we can conclude and you can eventually move in.

you can also reach me at [email protected] Regards and waiting to read from you soon,

Julie

In fact those emails content are almost the same. Below is the second email.

Gonzola Sebastain [email protected] Date recieved Jan 2010

Thanks for your mail and for your response. The apartment is ready for immediate move in and like Singapore but before i start telling you about it, it is only right that I let you know more about me being your potential flatmate so that you can know somethings about me.My Name is Gonzola Sabastain and I am a easygoing male . My Hobbies are swimming,reading and traveling. In fact, I have being to the United Kingdom,USA and also recently in spain .I also like hanging out with friends and associating with people but I have not had the opportunity to hang out with my friends as I have being busy with my studies and also as I am looking to have my masters very soon.. My Dad used to live her in this apartment with my Family but we later moved to London where he passed away and I am the only one in this apartment although my mother is still in London over seeing my late father's business.About my apartment, It is a three bedroom apartment and as I live in one room of the apartment, I have two rooms ready for move in. The apartment is located in Singapore and the rooms have the following amenities:

Internet connectivity.... (Broadband)
Heating and cooling system.
Electricity
Gas
Phone connectivity
Car Space, et..c

You will have free and unlimited access to all part of the apartment, the Kitchen, the living room and course except my room ) and you can also have your own visitors. The rent for the room is 500 and this includes the utility bills(all included) and you will be required to pay a security deposit of 1500 . This security deposit will be refunded to you at the end of vour stay in my apartment Also its Negotiable .I hope it suits you well an d if you have anymore questions you can surely ask me, I would be glad to send you the pictures of my flat and also the tenement agreement so that we
can conclude and you can eventually move in.Regards

This fellow obviously did some research on the Singapore location coz what she described about the surronding facility is correct.
Hadrien [email protected]
Hello Potential Flatmate.

My name is Hadrien, an European ,Quantity surveyor, i have a double bedroom to let out from my apartment at the location specified below because i need some one who is responsible with sense of humour , who will take good care of the appartment and pay up the bills in time while iam away,i 've just gotten a new job offer in Birmingham UK, this would keep me out of Singapore for some time till the end of next
year , perhaps, therefore i would like to rent out a double room in my unit or the whole unit as a whole,

I have stated the necessary details about the apartment and the location in this email for your use, I have as well attach some photos of the flat here in. And if you need an additional information concerning this rent, do not hesitate to contact me through this email address.

Apartment Details:

This condominium is located just opposite IKEA which is along Alexandra Road. Queenstown Shopping Centre (great for sports equipment and sporting goods) is just across the traffic junction. BMW car show room is also just across the road. Harley Davidson, Jaguar, Toyota, Mercedes Benz, Honda showrooms are also in the same vicinity. Public transport is easily available along Alexandra Road with a bus stop located just outside the development and Queenstown MRT station is about 10 minutes walk from The Anchorage.

At the moment if you will like to view the unit, this could only be possible from out side through the porter as iam not arround to show you the place in person and the porter will not allow you in without providing him with
the signed copies of the rental agreement and the proof of payment,

. double bedrooms
. Kitchen/Dining room
. bathroom with bathtub and shower
. Living room
. Fully equipped Kitchen
. Wifi Internet access
. Telephone access
. Double bed
.
Location: Home Address:,
The Anchorage, 368, 370A – 370J Alexandra Road Alexandra, Queenstown, Tiong Bahru
Price:Rent/month ($ 1000.00)
Refundable Security Deposit ($ 1000.00)

Condition of Rent:
- The refundable security deposit will be required plus at least 2 months rent at the time of executing a contract.
Kindly get back to me if this term is okay by in order to proceed with other aspect of the rent ASAP.

Have a great and wonderful day.
Sincerely,
Hadrien
+447024044809

Welcome, chanesun77 & thanks for posting those emails.

You're right - there is a similarity in the (mis) use of English, the writing style & 'storyline'.Perhaps it is the same scammer.

The last one ("Apartment Details") is an obvious cut-&-paste from a promotional web-site & the phone number (+44 70xxx) is used a lot by scammers ......a 'redirect to anywhere'number that is used to fool people into believing they are in UK.

Hi All,

Just wanted to warn you about this guy/girl. I can't believe I actually exchanged a number of emails with them before it clicked that this was a scam. The magic moment was when they mentioned Western Union. The old saying is sooo true "if something seems to good to be true, it normally is! Such a pity the place looked so nice "

Peace

Redwien


fromSweetHoney <[email protected]>
[email protected]

date30 March 2010 11:03
subjectFlat Details( Singapore)
mailed-byyahoo.com
Signed byyahoo.com

hide details 30 Mar (2 days ago)








Hello,


I am pleased to offer the whole unit situated in a secure gated development area close to Farrer Park MRT. to a well well mannered, and responsible person with sense of humour who knows what to to in time without supervision who can also look after the unit and payup the rent and the bills in time, as i will not be living in the unit for the next 1 -2 years due to my contract oversea,

The property consists of two bedrooms with a gorgeous 5ft wide
double bed, fitted wardrobes, fully equipped kitchen with washing
machine, dishwasher, fridge/freezer, hob/oven, three bathroom ensuited
to each of the bedroom, with power shower cubicle, basin and W.C. A
reception room has modern decorations with two comfy leather sofas, coffee table, modern 42" lcd
TV.DVD. Hi Fi System and Sky Broadband and Wi Fi internet connection
with Built-in,

Location: CITY

SQUARE RESIDENCES Address, 10/12/14 KITCHENER LINK 207226 Singapore

City Square Residences stands tall to give you breathtaking views
with units facing the park, the city or the beautiful landscape
incorporating the pools and water features.
Most blocks are oriented
north-south, and with the soothing sight and sounds of water everywhere,
you’ll experience resort living right at home and right in the city.

City Square Residences stands as a soaring example of
well-integrated living, where everything you need is within your reach.
Shopping will no doubt become a way of life for the entire family at
City Square Residences, where over 700,000 sq ft of exciting shops,
restaurants and even a Cineplex beckon from right next door. A
hypermarket, specialty shops, boutiques, cafes, and shops dedicated to
beauty, health, travel and household needs are all easily within your
reach. Life will never be the same again with so many things to see and
do under one roof. With a location that puts everything you need within
easy reach, City Square Residences is the epitome of convenience and
city living.

City Square Residences is only a short 2-minute stroll away from
the Farrer Park MRT
Station and enables easy access to the city. City Square
Residences is accessible via the nearby Central Expressway (CTE) and East Coast Parkway (ECP). Commuting to the Central Business District
(CBD) and the Changi International Airport is convenient and easy.

About me:

I am a lively, fun, decent, tidy & clean,
lovable professional Civil Engineer working Construction company , I
like to be with fun loving people like myself and have some laugh with
friends, I sometimes share moment with glass of wine and talk about
happenings around the world. I am into music, movies and most especially
sport.

I consider myself as a social person as I love to go to cinema,
watch Tv sometimes and go partying with friends whenever am not working,
I also like to read novels, anything that has to do with the crime and
fiction types,


Facilities:

50M Lap Pool, Bubble Lounger, Jacuzzi, Pool Deck, Ring Fountain
Poll Playground, Kids waterway, Clubhouse, Gymnasium, Bowling Alley, Function
Room, GamesRoom, Karaoke Room, Steam Baths, Table Game Lounge, FItness
Stations, Teniss Court, BBQ Pits, Putting Green, Covered Car Park and ,
24-Hours Security Services

Price:Rent/month ($ 800.00) for the master room and ($1,500) for
the whole unit

Condition of Rent:

- The refundable

security deposit of $1000 will be required plus at least 2

months rent at the time of executing a contract.
.
Kindly get back to me if this term is okay by in order to proceed
with
other aspect of the rent ASAP.

Have a great and wonderful day.

Sincerely,

Rita Swee,




+447024022967

Welcome Redwien

The scammer will want you to send him money for a deposit or to prove that you have genuine interest in the property. He would have asked you send money by wire transfer (normally Western Union).

Western Union Transfers can be picked up virtually anywhere in the world and with the minimum of identification. They are almost impossible to trace once the money has been collected.

The scammer uses a telephone number that starts '+4470'. These number are 'Follow me anywhere' numbers that can be diverted to almost anywhere in the world.

You may find this BBC news report and video of interest.... it's shows how a similar Room for Rent scam works..

http://www.bbc.co.uk/london/content/art ... ture.shtml

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/7648771.stm

hai, i'm vania, i'm nearly scammed by the [email protected]

the person sent me email:


From: SweetHoney <[email protected]>
Subject: Flat Details( Singapore)
To: [email protected]
Date: Monday, April 5, 2010, 9:10 PM

Hello,


I am pleased to offer the whole unit situated in a secure gated development area close to Farrer Park MRT. to a well well mannered, and responsible person with sense of humour who knows what to to in time without supervision who can also look after the unit and payup the rent and the bills in time, as i will not be living in the unit for the next 1 -2 years due to my contract oversea,
ello
The property consists of two bedrooms with a gorgeous 5ft wide
double bed, fitted wardrobes, fully equipped kitchen with washing
machine, dishwasher, fridge/freezer, hob/oven, three bathroom ensuited
to each of the bedroom, with power shower cubicle, basin and W.C. A
reception room has modern decorations with two comfy leather sofas, coffee table, modern 42" lcd
TV.DVD. Hi Fi System and Sky Broadband and Wi Fi internet connection
with Built-in,

Location: CITY

SQUARE RESIDENCES Address, 10/12/14 KITCHENER LINK 207226 Singapore

City Square Residences stands tall to give you breathtaking views
with units facing the park, the city or the beautiful landscape
incorporating the pools and water features.
Most blocks are oriented
north-south, and with the soothing sight and sounds of water everywhere,
you’ll experience resort living right at home and right in the city.

City Square Residences stands as a soaring example of
well-integrated living, where everything you need is within your reach.
Shopping will no doubt become a way of life for the entire family at
City Square Residences, where over 700,000 sq ft of exciting shops,
restaurants and even a Cineplex beckon from right next door. A
hypermarket, specialty shops, boutiques, cafes, and shops dedicated to
beauty, health, travel and household needs are all easily within your
reach. Life will never be the same again with so many things to see and
do under one roof. With a location that puts everything you need within
easy reach, City Square Residences is the epitome of convenience and
city living.

City Square Residences is only a short 2-minute stroll away from
the Farrer Park MRT
Station and enables easy access to the city. City Square
Residences is accessible via the nearby Central Expressway (CTE) and East Coast Parkway (ECP). Commuting to the Central Business District
(CBD) and the Changi International Airport is convenient and easy.

About me:

I am a lively, fun, decent, tidy & clean,
lovable professional Civil Engineer working Construction company , I
like to be with fun loving people like myself and have some laugh with
friends, I sometimes share moment with glass of wine and talk about
happenings around the world. I am into music, movies and most especially
sport.

I consider myself as a social person as I love to go to cinema,
watch Tv sometimes and go partying with friends whenever am not working,
I also like to read novels, anything that has to do with the crime and
fiction types,


Facilities:

50M Lap Pool, Bubble Lounger, Jacuzzi, Pool Deck, Ring Fountain
Poll Playground, Kids waterway, Clubhouse, Gymnasium, Bowling Alley, Function
Room, GamesRoom, Karaoke Room, Steam Baths, Table Game Lounge, FItness
Stations, Teniss Court, BBQ Pits, Putting Green, Covered Car Park and ,
24-Hours Security Services

Price:Rent/month ($ 800.00) for the master room and ($1,500) for
the whole unit

Condition of Rent:

- The refundable

security deposit of $1000 will be required plus at least 2

months rent at the time of executing a contract.
.
Kindly get back to me if this term is okay by in order to proceed
with
other aspect of the rent ASAP.

Have a great and wonderful day.

Sincerely,

Rita Swee,


+447024022967


(it's the same email that laola get. but they put different name.)
she offers really2 cheap price, and i find it suspicious when i ask for discount if i'm away for 3 months, since i'm gg back to my country, and amazingly, she said we dont have to pay rent if we're not in singapore.

we cant do viewing, and also she said we have to pay first then she will sent the key.

Luckily i search for his email in facebook, and it directs me to this forum...!! i cant imagine if i lost 2500!!
bcause atually i've been almost 90% sure to rent the unit!

Hello, vania & welcome to scamwarners.

So glad you found us before sending money. One thing to remember in future is if any phone number is: +4470xxxxxx, then it is "redirect to anywhere" number (NOT a UK number) & is a sure sign that it's a scammer!

Thanks all - just got into a dialogue with [email protected] which just didn't feel right and all your info stopped me!
Why don't the moderators on the sites block him.

Ho hum - nice welcome to Sing!

Hi Sulli and Welcome to Scamwarners.

You asked why the moderators dont stop him, the simple answer is they cant, certainly not permanently anyway, if they were to block access from that email address, he will sign up with another email address, it is likely he already has, block an IP range and they will manipulate their IP address, as there is an endless supply of new email addresses and IPs for the scammers to use, there is no way to completely get rid of them.

The most effective way to rid a site of scammers is to educate the real people that use the site so they do not become victims, a scammer would soon move onto somewhere else if he wasn't getting results

just received mail from this email: tantong... something

from the persons name spelling it is hard to tell which gender he/she is. looks like hongkong/malaysia/singapore/taiwan chinese spelling, no redchina does not spell in that way.

i personally do not fell right to accuse people as scammer with limited evidence.

but i also hard to understand why this person is so eager to promote the flat - my intuition tells me that the flat with suhc conditions to let out at this level of rent is bit unusual.

besides as i myself ever have nightmare of singapore lease trap (hey they own me $$$ yet! not only deposit but rent of several months as well!) i have learnt to be cautious for any lease in singapore. in my own case (in 2002) there are more than 100+ foreign students were cheated by one local woman who appeared and acted as an estate agent... the case was reported by local media like tv and newspapers etc. , formal investigation by police was carried out so what? i left there quickly and sent email to the solicitors who took the assignment for query in late 2002. they replied that they need to enforce the court judgement and i never get any further reply from them since then.

i have heard a lot of stories about singapore lease, many lost deposits under an alibi as compensation for normal tear and wear... can not comment.

be careful when taking a lease there. maybe do that with a trustworthy estate agent (there is about 1/2 lease rent to pay) is wise.

regarding writing errors well i have too sometime 'coz english is not my 1st language though i received education in uk as well - not that a language demanding course or say we used to have assistance from university to correct our grammar/spelling errors. not saying that errors is reasonable disgraceful for educated right.

Welcome to Scamwarners, sporeacco.

Sorry you had a bad experience in renting in Singapore & that you lost money to the criminals.

not saying that errors is reasonable disgraceful for educated right.

No - but when part of the email is in correct English - copied & pasted from an advert - yet the 'personal' details are grammatically poor & written (more than likely) by a West African, it raises suspicions.

i personally do not fell right to accuse people as scammer with limited evidence.

Neither do we, and we don't ask you to. You can certainly quote emails though, and ask for our opinion as to whether they are genuine. Genuine businesses hate scammers just as much as we do, and won't mind if potential customers seek advice first.

i personally do not fell right to accuse people as scammer with limited evidence.

Neither do we, and we don't ask you to. You can certainly quote emails though, and ask for our opinion as to whether they are genuine. Genuine businesses hate scammers just as much as we do, and won't mind if potential customers seek advice first.

my bad a spelling error should be 'feel'