Rental Scam - [email protected]

From: mella larry < [email protected] >
Subject: my apartment
Reply-To: mella larry <[email protected]>

Thanks for your email and interest in renting my apartment..my name is anourath viluethpad am the owner of the apartment you are making inquiry of .Actually I resided in the house with my family, my husband and my only daughter before and presently we have moved out due to my transfer from my work now. Presently my apartment is still available for rent (rent already includes utilities). More so Now, I'm currently in United States.

Please i want you to note that i spent a lot on my property that i want to give to you for rent,so i will solicit for your absolute maintenance of this apartment and want you to treat it as your own, It is not the money that is the main problem but i want you to keep it tidy all the time so that i will be glad to see it neat when i come for a check up.I also want you to let me have trust in you as i always stand on my word.

Security Deposit: $400 (which is Refundable)
Pets Allowed:Dogs and Cats.
Available :Available Now for move in.
If you are still interested you can reply so i can send you the rental form.

Thanks
anourath viluethpad

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.