Rental Scammer - [email protected]

From: Klapalova Andrea <[email protected]>
To: Michelle Banks
Sent: Monday, July 20, 2015 11:09 PM
Subject: Re: Attractive studio - The Zenith - Block 2

Hello,

My name is Klapalova Andrea and I just got an e-mail regarding your interest in my apartment located in 258 Queen's Road East ( The Zenith - Block 2 ) , Wan Chai, Hong Kong
I'm looking for someone to live in my apartment, because my company has won an auction for a big construction project in Liverpool, United Kingdom. I'm a project manager in civil engineering, so my accommodation period there will be very large (more than 4 years). I bought this flat when I worked in HONG KONG as part of a 4 year contract, thinking it would be a better investment than taking in rent. I am the single owner, the apartment is fully paid and there is no legal problem. The apartment is unoccupied since I no longer live there.
I want to rent my apartment to some nice and responsible persons, so I would like to know more details about yourself : How old are you, if you are married, if you have a pet, if you have a car, occupation etc.. I must say that I have nothing against the fact that you're a student and I love pets and they are welcome in the apartment. You should also know that I appreciate the sincerity.
In addition to the rest, here is some information about myself and about the apartment, so we get to know a little more.
The apartment is exactly like in the pictures, fully furnished, fully equipped, so you won't need anything to move in (you can also bring your own things furniture if you have).
The monthly rent is 6300 HKD including utilities (water, electricity, internet, cable, one parking space). You can rent the apartment for an indefinite period, but for a minimum period of three months.
About myself, I am 53 years old, single woman, and as mentioned above I am a project manager in civil engineering, currently living in Liverpool, United Kingdom. You can move into the apartment the same day you receive the keys. I'm in Liverpool, but I already though at a solution so you can get the keys and visit the apartment to make an impression.

I appreciate your interest in my apartment and I'm looking forward to our future collaboration and friendship.

Sincerely,
Andrea

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.

From: Klapalova Andrea <[email protected]>
Date: July 2015
To: Michelle Banks
Subject: Re:

Hi there,

Thank you for your prompt response and for your kind email. If you are still interested I agree to rent it to you. I promise you that you will love the place. You seem to be a nice person and I can assure you we will not have any problems. I prefer to rent my flat cheaper but to a nice and responsible person.
Obviously you will have to see the apartment before discussing further details because you cannot rent an apartment that you haven't seen. I am willing to send you the keys so you can visit it and see it suits your needs.
The delivery for the keys (apartment keys, interphone, alarm) and viewing permit (signed by me), will be made through an authorized courier and using a Cosmo Escrow Account to make sure that we can trust each other.
Using Cosmo escrow account involves three parties: me as owner, you as a potential tenant and Cosmo as a responsible third party authorized to proper conduct of the transaction. Please click on the link to the Cosmo website where you can find the procedure explained : http://www.cosmo-ltd.com/howitworks.html

Here is the procedure explained :

The Escrow Account Cosmo works the same way as the escrow account on which you place the deposit when you rent an apartment, except that instead of a bank, we use Cosmo. Of course, nobody can touch that money until you have not returned the keys.
The escrow deposit, the first month rent + rental guarantee ( 6.300 + 6.300 = 12.600 HKD ), must be filed by bank transfer to activate the escrow account.
The delivery will be by a licensed company such as DHL, Federal Express or UPS and it will be sent by Cosmo at your home.
To initiate the process, I need the following information about you:
-Shipping Address (address where you want the package to be delivered) and name of recipient;
-Delivery Schedule (local time you'll be at home to receive the package and sign the receipt);
-Phone number;
You don't need to open an account with Cosmo because this transaction is a rental and the Landlord must open the transaction, just send me your personal details and i will open a case with them immediately.
Then Cosmo sends you the keys and the contract already filled with your details; You will have 14 days to inspect apartment since the arrival date; If you want to keep the apartment, they give me the money, and we go on from there; If you do not keep the apartment, you send the keys/contract back to Cosmo and you get your money back.
This will be in writing in the Cosmo contract I will sign.
The Cosmo fees will be paid by me when I will initiate the procedure, you will have to pay for the money transfer fees when you pay the deposit.
If you agree to move forward I can send you a copy of the rental contract in blank.
I'll wait your quick reply and if you agree, I will need your full name, shipping address and your phone number (mobile if possible) so I can initiate the Cosmo rental transaction.
Thanks again for your time and look forward to hear from you soon.

Sincerely,
Andrea

Klapalova Andrea <[email protected]>:

Hello,

Please email me only in English because I has born and raise in UK, I DON'T speak Czech.

My name is Klapalova Andrea and I just got an e-mail regarding your interest in my apartment located in Valtická 1540/5, Plzen - Severní Predmestí.

I am looking for someone to rent my flat inherited from my grand-mother. I am the single owner, the apartment is fully paid and there is no legal problem. The apartment is unoccupied since I no longer live there.
I want to rent my apartment to some nice and responsible persons, so I would like to know more details about yourself : How old are you, if you are married, if you have a pet, if you have a car, occupation, for how long you want to rent my apartment etc..

In addition to the rest, here is some information about myself and about the apartment, so we get to know a little more:

The apartment is exactly like in the pictures, very clean and equipped with everything you need, has been recently renovated.
The rent per month is 4600 CZK with All Utilities Included (water, electricity, internet, cable ).

About me, I am 48 years old and I am a researcher in pharmaceutical products, currently living in London, my home town. I'm in London, United Kingdom but I already though at a solution so you can get the keys and visit the apartment to make an impression.

Here are more pictures : http:// share. pho.to/A Ih35

Thank you,

Klapalova Andrea

Hi there,

Thank you for your prompt response and for your kind email. If you are still interested I agree to rent it to you. I promise you that you will love the place. You seem to be a nice person and I can assure you we will not have any problems. I prefer to rent my flat cheaper but to a nice and responsible person.
Obviously you will have to see the apartment before discussing further details because you cannot rent an apartment that you haven't seen. I am willing to send you the keys so you can visit it and see it suits your needs.
The delivery for the keys (apartment keys, interphone, alarm) and viewing permit (signed by me), will be made through an authorized courier and using a Airbnb Escrow Account ( http://www.airbnb.com/trust ) to make sure that we can trust each other.
Using Airbnb escrow account involves three parties: me as owner, you as a potential tenant and Airbnb as a responsible third party authorized to proper conduct of the transaction.

Here is the procedure explained :

The Escrow Account Airbnb works the same way as the escrow account on which you place the deposit when you rent an apartment, except that instead of a bank, we use Airbnb. Of course, nobody can touch that money until you have not returned the keys.
The escrow deposit, the first month rent + rental guarantee ( 4.600 + 4.600 = 9.200 CZK), must be filed by bank transfer to activate the escrow account.
The delivery will be by a licensed company such as DHL, Federal Express or UPS and it will be sent by Airbnb at your home.
To initiate the process, I need the following information about you:
-Shipping Address (address where you want the package to be delivered) and name of recipient;
-Delivery Schedule (local time you'll be at home to receive the package and sign the receipt);
-Phone number;
You don't need to open an account with Airbnb because this transaction is a rental and the Landlord must open the transaction, just send me your personal details and i will open a case with them immediately.
Then Airbnb sends you the keys and the contract already filled with your details; You will have 14 days to inspect apartment since the arrival date; If you want to keep the apartment, they give me the money, and we go on from there; If you do not keep the apartment, you send the keys/contract back to Airbnb and you get your money back.
This will be in writing in the Airbnb contract I will sign.
The Airbnb fees will be paid by me when I will initiate the procedure, you will have to pay for the money transfer fees when you pay the deposit.
If you agree to move forward I can send you a copy of the rental contract in blank.
I'll wait your quick reply and if you agree, I will need your full name, shipping address and your phone number (mobile if possible) so I can initiate the Airbnb rental transaction.
Thanks again for your time and look forward to hear from you soon.

Sincerely,
Klapalova Andrea

I have sent your information to Airbnb Properties Limited and I just received the confirmation from them that you already received the payment invoice. You should receive an email from them with the instructions of what you have to do and how. Also the deposit must be confirmed in maximum 24 hours because other way I have to open another case with Airbnb and I must pay for every case.
The courier will be DHL and the package will be delivered at the address provided. Of course, you will receive a call 2 hours ahead before the package arrives.
One more thing: In the package there are 2 keys : a large keys with plastic cover for the door and a remote for the alarm.
The remote has 2 buttons (on/off) so before you insert the keys please press off to de-activate the alarm because if you insert the key before you will activate the alarm.
And please make sure that you don't leave anything on like electricity, water, etc.. I want you to treat the flat like your own home.
I will not bother you with anything for the entire duration of your stay as long as you pay the rent in time.
All this of course if you like the apartment
Just check your e-mail. After the deposit is made and verified by Airbnb you will receive the keys in 4-6 working days.

All that you have to do is follow the instructions from the payment invoice and we will not have any problems. It is very simple don't worry.
I will wait the deposit confirmation from Airbnb in the next 24 hours so I can prepare the shipping.

Regards,
Andrea

P.S: Check your Junk/Spam folder too because one of the emails I received from Airbnb arrived there. Also they had some problems with some emails addresses, so please contact me and tell me if you received the invoice or not.

From: Airbnb, Inc. < [email protected] >
Subject: Re: Congratulations, rental procedure initiated!


Dear Customer,

Our financial department will check the availability of the deposit and the shipping will start after the deposit will be confirmed. Because is late today, the shipping will start tomorrow.

Trust and Safety Department
Airbnb Properties Limited Customer Support​

"Airbnb, Inc." < [email protected] >
Subject: Re: Congratulations, rental procedure initiated!

ID Transaction Western Union: 2871513
Sender:



Airbnb agent:
Agent Name: Ionel Stanciu
Agent Address: 21 Pentonville Road
City: London
Zip Code: N1 9LP
Country: United Kingdom





Escrow Transaction - PENDING



Pending Delivery Shipment

(Keep this for your records)

Transaction: #AB093205568
Transaction Date:

Home Owner's Details:

First Name: Klapalova
Last Name: Andrea
Address: 101 Carter Lane
City: London
Zip Code: EC4V 5EP
Country: United Kingdom


Prospective Tenant's Details:

First Name:xxxx


Shipment Information:


Service:
Handled by: Airbnb Properties Department - Online
DHL Shipping
Guaranteed delivery:
4-6 Days after Payment Confirmation
Declared Value:
Commercial Value:
Days for Inspection: CZK 9,200.00
No Commercial Value
14 days


Description of Goods: Apartment and Interphone/Digiphone Keys, Viewing Permit, Rental Contract
Additional Services: None
Inspection: Guaranteed by Airbnb Properties Department

Shipping: CZK 0.00

*Note: Shipping expenses are covered by the home owner.




Shipment Information:

Tracking Number:
Package Type: Pending*
Airbnb Properties Department Insured

Total amount:
Downpayment: CZK 9,200.00
CZK 9,200.00
Remaining Balance:
CZK 0.00



The escrow process for the completion of a transaction can be done in five simple steps:

1. Prospective Tenant and landlord agree to use Airbnb Properties Department. Landlord starts the process.
2. The prospective Tenant pays Airbnb Properties Department a security deposit. Airbnb Properties Department holds this money until the keys and contract are received by the prospective Tenant.
3. We ship the keys and signed contract using an approved courier and we will also provide a tracking number so you can track the package.
4. The prospective Tenant receives, signs for the package and inspects the property in question.
5. Airbnb Properties Department pays the landlord - rental process completed/refunds the money to the prospective tenant


How to complete the payment?
Our department require the payment to be done through Western Union money transfer service:
We have assigned an international agent to your transaction. We have escrow agents in the following countries: United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Germany, Greece, Spain, Austria, France, Australia, Japan. The first available agent will handle the deposit for this transaction.
The payment will be made by Western Union money transfer service directly to our agent.

1. Please locate the nearest Western Union Office and make the deposit using cash money.
2. Make the payment to our Airbnb Verified Agent Details (name and address) as receiver.

Airbnb Properties Department Verified Agent Details:

Agent Name: Ionel Stanciu
Agent Address: 21 Pentonville Road
City: London
Zip Code: N1 9LP
Country: United Kingdom

3. E-mail us the transfer details for the verification with the following information from the Western Union receipt by replying to this message

- MTCN - 10 Money Transfer Control Number
- Sender's full name and address
- Receiver's full name (Airbnb Properties Limited Agent)
- Total amount sent

4. Please reply to this email with the scanned copy of the receipt you receive it from Western Union office .


Please do not make any marks on the transfer copy. The following information must be readable
Once the payment is done and the verification is complete, we will proceed with the shipping of the package. We will inform the Home Owner that the payment was sent and that the package was shipped as soon as we get the payment confirmation. Just follow the instructions above.

Step Trust Process for Airbnb Properties Department.

1. Prospective tenant sends the payments to us.
The tenant submits the payment selecting Western Union money transfer service to Airbnb Properties Department verified agent. Airbnb Properties Department verifies the payment. The home owner does not get paid until the tenant has viewed the apartment or the inspection period expires.
2.Delivery is started.
The company will ship the merchandise, you will receive the tracking number, bill of sale and bill of lading, all that are copy, the original will come along with the merchandise and all the documents.

3. The Inspections of the merchandise.
The prospective tenant (you) has a set number of days (14 days) to inspect the apartment, to accept it, reject it and to settle a starting date for the rental contract, in case you didn't do it already. In case that the apartment is not as described by the home owner, the tenant will get a full refund. Funds will not be released to the Home Owner until the rental contract has begun. This eliminates the concern for non-shipment of goods.

4. Home owner is paid transaction ends.

The payment is released to the home owner once the rental contract is effective. The transaction is complete.

Please respond to this email with information regarding your case, complaints or payment details.

Trust and Safety Department
Airbnb Properties Department Customer Support.


All contents 2008-2016 by © Airbnb, Inc.

All Rights Reserved.

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.