by Paulo Oliveira
Mon Apr 03, 2017 3:31 pm
Hello there,
This week I've been searching for places to rent in Vancouver (BC, Canada). I've been using mainly Padmapper.com, and there were a few listings that got my interest.
In one specific listing, no photos of the condo were included, so I sent a message (using the webform inside the site, which prevent users from sending their real email addresses) asking for more information and any photos showing the place. The very same day I got a new email from the renter (via Padmapper), just asking: "The apartment is still available,if you like more details and photo please provide your email.".
After providing my email, the next day I received a message from someone called "Robert Safdar" telling a very suspicious story:
So, I immediately realized: that guy would try to do something. I just answered the message saying something like "Wow.. Your place is quite nice. How can we set up a visit to it?". The next day, "Robert" replies:
I'm an Airbnb user for years, and I know that Airbnb doesn't arrange this kind of rental. Nevertheless, I just continued on this demonstrating my interest, replying his message with a fake full name and a fake address.
Today I received the following "Airbnb Booking" message:
In the next few messages I'm going to paste all email headers from messages that I received from the scammer!
Cheers,
This week I've been searching for places to rent in Vancouver (BC, Canada). I've been using mainly Padmapper.com, and there were a few listings that got my interest.
In one specific listing, no photos of the condo were included, so I sent a message (using the webform inside the site, which prevent users from sending their real email addresses) asking for more information and any photos showing the place. The very same day I got a new email from the renter (via Padmapper), just asking: "The apartment is still available,if you like more details and photo please provide your email.".
After providing my email, the next day I received a message from someone called "Robert Safdar" telling a very suspicious story:
Hello,
Thank you for your interest.
My name is Robert Safdar and I see that you are looking for an apartment to rent.
I own an apartment located in:1188 Howe Street: 1 Bed 1 Bath that I think it would suit you perfectly.
I received this apartment long time ago from my grandmother after she passed away and I'm renting it since then because I don't have any business there.
Before we go any further I would like to know a little something about you, like how many persons you intend to live in the apartment, and for how long.
The flat is exactly like in the pictures, furnished and renovated. The utilities are included in the price of rent , you will have one parking spot , the rent ( with all utilities ) is 950 CAD / month . The guarantee deposit is 950 CAD, and you get it back, when you decide to leave the apartment (you will have to give me at least 20 days notice).
I am renting the apartment for unlimited time. Now, a little bit about myself so we can get to know each other better.
I'm a 56 years old, company manager of Recalcati Multimedia from Rome/Italy.
The only inconvenience is that my job doesn't allow me to leave Rome even for one single day. We just hired some new staff and I'm in charge of their training. But this won't affect you at all. I can make all arrangements to rent the apartment from Rome (on my expense of course) as I found a company which is specialized in these kind of deals.
Kind Regards
So, I immediately realized: that guy would try to do something. I just answered the message saying something like "Wow.. Your place is quite nice. How can we set up a visit to it?". The next day, "Robert" replies:
Hello
As I told you in my first e-mail, I am in Italy.
Before leaving we had prearranged the deal with Airbnb Company so my presence isn’t necessary.
The keys and all needed papers are ready for delivery.
You will have 3 days to inspect the the apartment before rent it.
Airbnb will start the delivery for the keys and the contract to you , but you must deposit the value of one rental months CAD 950 and the security deposit CAD 950 in Airbnb account.
If you decide not to rent the apartment, airbnb will refund your money back in the same day. If you like the apartment Airbnb will send me the money only after you check in.
Obviously we need to complete this deal in a safe and fast way for both and this is the only safe way with Airbnb. So if you want to make this deal please send me the following details:
Full name and address
Shipping address
After I’ll receive your details I will forward them to Airbnb and I will proceed the order.
Airbnb will contact you with all the details that you need, to complete this deal. Waiting your email with the requested details.
Best regards,
I'm an Airbnb user for years, and I know that Airbnb doesn't arrange this kind of rental. Nevertheless, I just continued on this demonstrating my interest, replying his message with a fake full name and a fake address.
Today I received the following "Airbnb Booking" message:
[AIRBNB LOGO]
Hello xxxxx,
You are going to 1188 Howe Street, V6Z 2S8,Vancouver,Canada
during Flexible date. Please review your booking details below and contact us immediately to confirm the payment.
In order to validate your booking the payment must be done to us within 24 hours.
Thanks for using Airbnb
[AIRTEAM LOGO]
Itinerary
CONFIRMATION CODE: YHBY3A
Flexible date
Flexible check in time
Check In:15.04.2017
Flexible date
Flexible check out time
Check Out: 15.04.2018
One Year
2 Guest
1188 Howe Street, V6Z 2S8,Vancouver,Canada
Name:xxxxxxxxx
Email:[email protected]
Payment to Airbnb via Bank Wire Transfer:
Payment instructions:
Next step to be taken: The tenant must send the payment to AirBnb Payment must be sent by Bank Account Transfer or through Online Banking.
PAYMENT INSTRUCTIONS: Here are our verified payment details that you will use for this transaction:
Follow these simple steps in order to send money via Bank Transfer
Deposit Payment must be made to our Bank Account
( CAD $1.900,00 must be sent ):
1)Go to your local bank or log in on your online banking.
2)Make payment using the international bank account provided.
3)After you complete the transfer, email us,and confirm the following:
- Wire Transfer Receipt
NOTE:
SO OUR COMPANY CAN RECEIVE YOUR PAYMENT IN 1-2 DAYS PLEASE ASK YOUR BANK TO MAKE EXPRESS PRIORITY BANK TRANSFER.
OUR COMPANY WILL START THE TRANSPORT ON THE SAME DAY WHEN THE PAYMENT IS AVAILABLE.
Message to beneficiary Account: Transaction #RDRS1-2368G
Payment Information
Airbnb Account Name:
Address:
ALEXANDRU CORNECI
VIA TRENTO, 18, MARTANO CAP 73025, LECCE
IBAN:
IT07Z0760105138207455807456
Swift/Bic: POSOIT22XXX
Bank Name: BANCA POPOLARE DI SONDRIO
Bank Address:
PIAZZA GARIBALDI 16 23100 SONDRIO ITALY
Payment Reference: RDRS1-2368G
Once the payment was done, email us with the transfer receipt to validate your booking.
NOTE:
Once we receive the payment receipt, we will start the shipping process. We will secure the funds for you until you receive the package with keys and contracts and if everything is OK we will release the funds only with your approval. If the apartment will not be as described, you will have to send it back on the owner's expense and we will give you a full refund.
Cancellation Policy
Flexible: Full refund 2 days prior to arrival, except fees.
Important Notice
For security reasons please DO NOT release the payment details to any other unauthorized person.
All the transaction, payment and personal information is considered confidential and will not be released under any circumstances.
Purchase Protection program security measures are constantly reviewed and modified given evolving circumstances globally.
Our main and constant priority is the safety of our customers.
RENTAL AMOUNT
CAD: 950.00
DAMAGE DEPOSIT
CAD: 950.00
CLEANING FEE CAD: 0.00
AIRBNB FEE CAD: 0.00
TOTAL PAYOUT
PAYMENT DUE DATE
CAD: 1.900,00
April 4, 2017
THANKS FOR RENTING ON AIRBNB
In the next few messages I'm going to paste all email headers from messages that I received from the scammer!
Cheers,
Last edited by Paulo Oliveira on Mon Apr 03, 2017 3:38 pm, edited 1 time in total.