Rental Scammer - [email protected]

On 10 March 2011 11:52, Steven Coalson <[email protected]> wrote:

Thanks for your reply.I would love to meet you, get to know you and show you round the flat so that you can see what you are renting but I have had problems with time wasters who could not keep to there end of deal despite the fact that i have made the rent so low considering the economic climate.Its really time wasting because i am a very busy person and do not really have much time to waste. Please understand that i am NOT asking you to pay for what you have not seen.People have told me that they will pay upon us meeting if they are satisfied but mostly they don't have the cash at hand to pay me,everyone of them is looking for a free or cheaper flat to rent despite the fact that i have made the rent Cheap.
Can you please answer the following questions?

-Are you really serious about the renting the Flat?

-If you love the flat when you see it and interested in renting, will you make the payment to hold it against your move in or would you like to move in the same day?
Kindly get back to me about an idea on what we can do so that we can arrange a meeting for viewing.

Regards,
Steven

From: Steven Coalson <[email protected]>
Date: 10 March 2011 13:24
Subject: Re: Reply to your ad: Charming Chelsea one bedroom patio flat
To: Michelle Banks



I understand every bit of what you have said and i am 100% willing to let the apartment to you.
I was discussing with my colleague about the idea on how i will be so sure that i will not be disappointed and to avoid time wasters.She advised that we can work out something via Western Union.
All i want to know is how sure are you to pay me the money if you intend to rent the Flat and just an evidence that you have the money because i need a surety that my tenant will pay me at least the first month rent and deposit.

She adviced that you can visit any Western Union outlet by sending the rent and deposit in your friend or partner's name to your name as the receiver in London Via Western Union which you would cash after viewing. The relevance of this transfer is to show that you have the agreed rent or deposit at your disposal to cash after viewing.
The transfer charges would be refunded to you when we meet at the point of viewing whether you decide to take the property or not.
After viewing, if satisfied with what you see, then we would both go to the nearest WU outlet, you will collect the money out and pay me in cash in exchange for the keys to the property and all other documents signed.

NOTE- No monies would be sent to me, it would be made between you and any of your friend.I just need the transfer as a proof that you have the money available.

I was made to understand that you can send me the WU transaction proof for confirmation on WU website so as for me to be rest assured that you have the money to pay me available at WU.
https://wumt.westernunion.com/asp/order ... try=global

PS:I am sorry for the lengthy mail.I only want to explain myself better.


Steven

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.

Received today in response to an email I sent regarding an ad on gumtree for a studio flat in Bayswater- pitch is "rent direct from the landlord." - could be explanation for lower cost. Note it is ostensibly from Steven Coalson. Price on lower side for area and pics of place seem very good. Unusual for a month's rent to be calculated as weekly amount x 4.

I replied on a "let's see what this is about" and half out of hope - reply email goes to an address [email protected] - which is purportedly Steven Coalson's. Alarm bells went, so I googled the name.

Will update if Western Union guff sent in response.

"In response to your inquiry with regards to your interest in my Studio flat.
It is a bright,Self contained 450sq ft studio apartment located on the first floor.
It is self contained, fitted kitchen with oven/cooker/fridge /microwave, en-suite tiled shower/wc with heated towel rail. fully furnished, tv, free broadband internet, free digital tv/selected sky channels, the rent includes electricity, water and heating, Studio is located 5 minutes walk to the Hyde Park and 5 minutes to Queensway and Bayswater tube stations.Minute walk to buses, shops, cafes and restaurants.
The rent includes Central Heating, Gas, Electricity, Water Rates, WIFI and a fast broadband internet connection, Council Tax - there are NO BILLS to pay.
Address: 22 Leinster Gardens,Bayswater London W2 3AN

The development is within easy reach of all local amenities such as shopping mall,parks,bars and restaurants.

Off street parking.
Studio flat is available for short or Long term contract.

Rent per month:£600
Refundable Deposit required:£600

Steven "

New style script:-

Date: Fri, 5 Aug 2011 00:45:05 -0700
From: [email protected]
Subject: Re: 2 bedroom 2 bathroom Apartment in St John's Wood - completely refurbished - RentHunt.co.uk - Listing #238
To: Michelle Banks

We are available for the time you request. The rate would be £560 for the 8 Nights plus refundable security deposit £200.The total for everything would be £760. Rent includes all charges and no other extra to pay.

This apartment includes master bedroom (king size bed and en-suite bathroom), second bedroom (2 Double beds) and shower room.
Lower floor comprises of lounge, open plan kitchen and separate toilet. Fully furnished with dishwasher, microwave, washer dryer,induction hob. Features digital TV, DVD player and free wifi. Pullout sofa provided on request.

In order to confirm this reservation,we require a (fully refundable)security deposit £200 plus 50% rent and a signed booking agreement (attached.) Then no one else can book over your dates.
Rent includes all charges and no other extra to pay. We had an electronic Pin code lock fitted door entry with no keys, so you can check in anytime of day or night and don't have to worry about losing a key.

Once payment has been received we shall confirm the dates are reserved for you, send you payment receipt plus you door pin code and get the place prepared for you.

Method of payment is Bank Transfer.

Naturally if you have any questions with regards to booking, please
don't hesitate to get in touch.

Sheila and Steven