by Michelle
Sun Oct 17, 2010 5:27 pm
From: stephen webster <[email protected]>
Date: 16 October 2010 16:28
Subject: Re: Reply to your ad: A Stunning and well equipped Apartment to rent in Cambridge
To: Michelle Banks
Thanks for the interest in my flat, my flat is fully furnished and finished to a high standard.Below are the things you should know about my flat.You can stay in my flat as long as you can pay your rent as at when due.
Rent
The rent is 100 pounds per week and all bills are inclusive in the rent,such as Electricity, water,TV license broadband wireless internet and gas.
Security deposit
The security deposit is 500 pounds
At this point that you want to rent my flat, i have a few questions for you: West Hill Road BN1 3RT
1. Can you take good care of my flat?
2. How long do you intend to rent my flat for?
3. Can you provide a reference in Cambridge?
4. Where are you coming from to rent my flat?
I require answers to my questions before we can proceed with the reservation processes.
Hope to reading from you soon
Best regards
Mr/Mrs Webster
The thief will tell you that you can rent his accommodation only if you can prove that you have genuine interest. He will ask you send money by wire transfer (normally Western Union) to yourself or a member of the family to show that you have sufficient finances and that you are not a "time waster".
Another variation of this scam is that you need to send (by Western Union) money in order that the keys and other documents can be couriered to you
He will ask you to send him the transfer details.
Make no mistake ! 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. You will never get to see the accommodation or your money again.
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 Gumtree or similar listing sites. If you receive any requests from 'Landlords' asking for some kind of payment by Western Union 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.
