by Michelle
Tue May 24, 2016 4:55 am
From: Mitchell C Washington <[email protected]>
Subject: Re: $850 / 877ft2 - Immaculate, spacious 2 bedroom apartment (sunnyvale)
I read your mail regard my unit for rent. I work as (Principal Truck Builder Eng) I got a great Contract with another building company few months back in Cotonou, Benin Republic. And i was eager to move, due to the new project.
I have stayed in the apartment with my family here. Its my beautiful home which am really missing now. Everything in the apartment is in perfect order. Now i need an honest and responsible tenant who can promise to take good care of the apartment in my absence, someone that will maintain it as his or her own.
Monthly rent is $850
Damage deposit is $850.
Unit location: 555 E El Camino Real, Sunnyvale, CA 94087. I will like you to drive by and check out the exterior where the unit is located and the area. Once you check it out, Give me a reply if you are pleased and willing to proceed
Awaiting you response ASAP
Thanks
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.
