Rental Scammer - [email protected]

From: Pauline Ann Read <[email protected]>
To: Michelle Banks


Dear Michelle

I'm glad that you speak English so we can understand in a proper manner. Well, I have to inform you that the apartment is currently free and you can rent it for a short or long term. I also have to mention that it is fully furnished, fitted with very high quality equipment including TV, washing machine, dry machine, fridge+freezer, dishwasher etc. and has been completely renovated so you'll have fresh air. More than that the area is very nice and quiet, with numerous shops and public transport in the near vicinity. It's located on Baarova street.
Just to make it clear, the rent price is 200 eur per month including all bills (electricity, gas, water, internet, cable tv) and the guarantee deposit is 400 eur (that you'll get back when you move out). Basically you only need to receive the keys and the contract but the only problem is that I'm living in UK right now, so I can not make this deal in person. However, I'm willing to send you the keys so you can visit the apartment and see if you like it. You will have 2 days available to inspect the the apartment before rent it. The delivery of the keys and the inspection permit (signed by me) will be made through Airbnb.com. They will manage rental process in my behalf because it's a very protected way and I will pay their commission. I've used their services before and I'm telling that it was a great opportunity for me to work with them. The price was fair and they kept me informed of the progress and contacted me on the exact delivery times and dates.
If you want to know more about the rental process e-mail me and I will inform you the step by step how this service works.

Best wishes,
Pauline

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.

I got the same email, and after I check up this person on web, I found same thing on your web page.

She send me this:

I'm glad that you speak English so we can understand in a proper manner. Well, I have to inform you that the apartment is currently free and you can rent it for a short or long term. I also have to mention that it is fully furnished, fitted with very high quality equipment including TV, washing machine, dry machine, fridge+freezer, dishwasher etc. and has been completely renovated so you'll have fresh air. More than that the area is very nice and quiet, with numerous shops and public transport in the near vicinity. It's located on Baarova street.
Just to make it clear, the rent price is 200 eur per month including all bills (electricity, gas, water, internet, cable tv) and the guarantee deposit is 400 eur (that you'll get back when you move out). Basically you only need to receive the keys and the contract but the only problem is that I'm living in UK right now, so I can not make this deal in person. However, I'm willing to send you the keys so you can visit the apartment and see if you like it. You will have 2 days available to inspect the the apartment before rent it. The delivery of the keys and the inspection permit (signed by me) will be made through Airbnb.com. They will manage rental process in my behalf because it's a very protected way and I will pay their commission. I've used their services before and I'm telling that it was a great opportunity for me to work with them. The price was fair and they kept me informed of the progress and contacted me on the exact delivery times and dates.
If you want to know more about the rental process e-mail me and I will inform you the step by step how this service works.

I asked for Skype meeting:

Hello

I see. OK, if you want we can talk on Skype. At weekend we are available any time, so whenever you have time is OK for us, just please inform us on email before, in a case if you want talk.
We have more questions, and feel that is, in this case, much better to talk over Skype than email.

She totally ignored my request, and send this.

Hi again,

Just to make it clear I will now explain the official steps of transaction if you want to rent my apartment:
Once we come to a agreement I will need your full name, delivery address and personal phone number. After this I will forward your details to Airbnb and they will send you all the information about this process and the bank account details for you to make the deposit of 600 EUR. As soon as you will make the payment of 200 EUR/month + 400 EUR guarantee deposit, airbnb will send you the keys so you can visit the apartment and 2 days later if you decide to stay all you have to do is to sign the lease agreement so that the agency will be able to pay me. If you don't like the apartment, Airbnb will send your entire sum of money back within the same day you make your decision. Anyway I'm confident that you will be more than happy with your stay, but it's good to know that you have this second option available.
Now if you are ready to start the deal please send me the details (full name, address, phone number) that I need to start the transaction.A quick response would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you!