Rental Scammer - [email protected]

From: Tamara Rodriguez <[email protected]>
Date: Mon, May 11, 2015 at 6:18 PM
Subject: RE: Reply to: CHF700 Clean Tidy room for rent. (Genève)
To: Michelle Banks


ABOUT THE ROOM:
* The bedroom has a private bathroom. Newly renovated.
* Size 4.19 * 2.82 m
* Private bathroom (separate WC/bathroom with tub and private toilet)

PRICE:
700 CHF per month(including utilities) and refundable deposit of 800 CHF

ABOUT THE LOCATION:
The apartment is exceptionally situated at Rue de la Coulouvrenière 19, 1204 Genève, Switzerland,. The house is located In The Central of Geneva, very safe area of Milam. Close Metro stations . It’s a wealthy neighborhood., a wonderful boulangerie on the corner, a tabac, pharmacies,cafes, restaurants, banks, and all the other shops you’ll need nearby on a daily basis.
If this sounds like a good fit and you actually read everything then please send me a detailed email telling me about yourself, what you do, how long you'will be staying in the flat and why you think this might be a good fit. Also i want you to write me your personal email because am getting an email from craigslist only.

Regards,
Tamara.

This person asks for a deposit payment via Western Union, MoneyGram, pre-paid credit card or bank transfer with a promise that you can have the keys to a property that does not belong to him.

Sounds safe. It's not!

At other times, he will ask for proof that you are able to pay the deposit and rent due to a string of time wasters.
This proof is in the form of a Western Union or MoneyGram payment to a lawyer,a friend or family member.

In either case, if payment is made and you give this person the details, they will collect the money.
You will not hear from them again.

All the details such as names, addresses, pictures etc. that the scammer uses in order to back up his story, are stolen from elsewhere.

If you are reading this because you are looking for property to rent, and you are in contact with this thief you are probably searching Craigslist, Gumtree or similar listing sites. If you receive any requests from 'Landlords' asking for some kind of payment before viewing, then it will also be a scam. Please forward the mail to me at the address in my signature line and I will investigate and list them if necessary.

We have received the same details this week but the email has been updated slightly to appear more authentic. I'm glad I checkered the site now as my daughter was in contact with the supposed vendor and was wondering whether it was too good to be true.

Other key points that concerned us were that the girl advertising was not in the country to arrange a viewing; wanted cash paying into her mother's account before accessing the property; did not have a Facebook account (how many 23 year ago old girls are in that position?); and did not have a Linkedin account.

Email received:

ABOUT ME:

My name is Louise I'm 23 year old female professional who keeps "normal" hours. I generally work between 9:5 during the week, i am also attending evening lecture for my professional course and am sometimes up early a few days of the week/weekend to work out/ go running. I've very laid back.English is my mother tongue but i wouldn't mind learning any other foreign language from my flatmate.after all i am here to learn different culture.



WHAT I AM LOOKING FOR IN MY FLATMATE:

Responsible, cool male or female flatmate. Honestly, I don't care if you're out late as long as you're not noisy when you get in.Someone who keeps common areas clean, purchase supplies when needed and will help out with occasional kitchen+ bathroom cleaning. Doesn't smoke in the living room. Doesn't have pets or live in friends. Occasional friends, guests staying over is ok. Someone who is considerate and will communicate when they are going to be away for some time or if they are going to have someone staying over,Surprise guests, not so cool. The most important thing I'm looking for is to find a flatmate to share daily life and common values. I do not like drama.


ABOUT THE APARTMENT:

* Large, well lit living room area with hardwood floors
* Washer and dryer in the unit (brand new)
* Kitchen has lots of cabinets, cooker, refrigerator, and dishwasher (all stainless)
* Central heat throughout the apartment
* 2 bathrooms(separate WC/bathroom with tub and private toilet)
* coffee maker, blender, toaster, microwave, washing machine.utensils, deep freezer
* Internet Wi-Fi is available .
* Telephone with free, unlimited international calls to land phones including Europe and some North America countries

PRICE
The rent is 900 CHF per month and refundable deposit of 900 CHF ,including the electricity and gas.

ABOUT THE ROOM:

* The bedroom has a private bathroom. Newly renovated.
* Size -- 18 m²' (853 sq ft)
* Private bathroom (separate WC/bathroom with tub and private toilet)


ABOUT THE LOCATION:

The apartment is situated at Rue de la Coulouvrenière, 1204 - Geneva,On the left bank of the Rhône, facing the lake and the English Garden, the Old Town with its museums and galleries is only a short walk away. right in the centre of Geneva’s business quarter, 5 minutes from the Cornavin main railway station and 10 minutes from Cointrin airport,you will find at walking distance well-known luxury shops. Easily accessible by public transport. … Everything to enjoy a nice stay in Geneva.


If this sounds like a good fit and you actually read everything then please send me a detailed email telling me about yourself, what you do, how long you'll be staying in the flat and why you think this might be a good fit. If you have a Skype ID or Whats app pls, send it for a quick chat.I'll send all the pictures of the flat and your room in my next email.A picture would be nice too.

Regards
Louise