HELP! Want to know if this is a SCAM?

I have been hunting for apartments in Geneva. Recently I have received an email from the owner of the apartment. The email address being Rene Poche <[email protected]> having phone number +447031746655.

I'm about to finalise the deal as I have recently also got a copy of the title deed which states that the property belongs to that person.

I just want to know if this is a genuine person ASAP as I'm in a confusion and cannot loose the deal if it is genuine.

Thanks

Regards

We would need more information to give a definite answer, but the phone number is a really big red flag.

44-70 numbers are redirect numbers that are generally used by scammers who are pretending to be in UK. In reality, calls to those numbers are forwarded to phones in other countries. Scammers in Africa in Malaysia use these numbers and have calls forwarded to their cellphones in their countries.

A name and deed sent by email really don't give you any assurance, as the deed can be fake, or a scammer can simply be posing as the owner.

Hi kool68!
Welcome to scamwarners!
The phone number given +447031746655 is a redirect number. That is a phone number that is favoured by scammers. It appears to be a UK number but actually redirects to elsewhere in the world. I would be suspicious just based on that alone.
If you could post an email or two, with the headers, that would give us a few more clues to work with.

ninja'd by Dotti!

Hi kool68! I also got an email from this Rene person today as I am also looking for an apartment in Geneva...

I got replies from:

Rene Poche - [email protected] - +447031746655
Thmas Prat (signed Patrick) - [email protected] - +447024095064
Vasile Iordache - [email protected] - +447045741111
Mark Mart - [email protected] - +447045718330

All say they have the keys in the UK... So clearly scams

Will add:

Paul Grinder - [email protected] - +447011173785
Florence John - [email protected]

Okay.. The Title deed is in English. Does Swiss Govt. provide deeds in English? it has her name on it and states that the property is situated at Rue du Nant 1, 1207 Genève. The same address which she gave me in the email.The title deed also has the certification of Zurich Canton.? this is the subject headline:

To: Rene Poche <[email protected]>
Sent: Thu, April 21, 2011 6:52:51 PM
Subject: Re: CHF600 / 1br - Marvelously furnished Studio Apartment To Let By Owner (GenËve)

Thanks for your interest so far. Its quite unfortunate that you can not view the property at the moment, I am confident that you are someone i can trust with my property.

The reason why i mentioned "TRUST" is that i am currently serving a 5 years contract with my new job here in the United Kingdom and i have the keys here with me.

To reserve my property, kindly send me the below details to enable me prepare a lease agreement for you to sign and return back to me.

Full Name;
Address;
City;
State;
Zip Code;
Move in Date;
Move out Date;
Direct Phone number;
A scanned copy of any form of identification ie International Passport or Drivers License etc.

As soon as i have this details i will prepare a lease agreement for you to sign and send back to me, Then i will ship the keys to you at no additional cost.

You can also call me if you have any other details you will like to know.

Thanks
Rene
+447031746655

Thanks for your interest so far. I have tried my possible best to get at least a weekend off from work so i can travel back home to show you around because my children are also schooling abroad.

I have attached a scanned copy of the Title Deed that indicate the right owner's name which is me direct from the Swiss Government. I think that will help and make us proceed.

Thanks for your interest once again and i hope to receive the required details of you to enable me prepare the lease agreement and get it signed ASAP.

Best regards,
Rene

I would also like to add few more email addresses:

Washington Dudley <[email protected]>

A well amazing apartment flat Characterized - sfr 500 (Monthly)
Posted: 26/04/11 in For Rent: Apartments in Geneva
A well amazing apartment flat Characterized by charming on-sight beams and finely selected furnishings, this apartment offers a refined ambience with true Geneva charms. The front door opens up directly into the day area, welcoming guests into a spacious living room with large windows and furnished with double sofa bed, a chest of secretarial, a flat screen TV, and a rectangular glass-top dining table which extends into a round table to comfortable sit up to 6 dinner guests. A leather screen… more
Price: sfr 500 (Monthly)
Telephone: 364534987
Bedrooms: 1
Address: Chemin des Crêts-de-Champel , 1206, Geneva, 1206
Size: 55 m² / 592 ft²

Kellami Kellakm <[email protected]>

wonderfull 1br for rent in GENEVA - sfr 600 (Monthly)
Posted: 24/04/11 in For Rent: Apartments in Geneva
It is an apartment of comfort with all well furnished and very neat. Located in the city and easy access to transportation and other necessary things.Necessary charges are all included to the monthly rent
Price: sfr 600 (Monthly)
Bedrooms: 1
Address: 25 Rue de Lausanne , Rue De Lausanne, Geneva, 1202
Click here to view the ad

Peter Simon <[email protected]>

My Terms and Condition are :

1:I want some one that will take good care of my property like its his/her own..
2:I will only allow pets that are registered and that has references
3:I will not allow late night and every time partying in my apartment
4:I dont allow paints or any much extra decoration in my apartment as its well painted and decorated
5:Little decoration or tools fixing can be allowed based on agreement..

Im sorry if the terms and condition above is any how complicated,just that i need someone to take good care of my property at my absence ..

Chew John <[email protected]>

From: Chew John <[email protected]>
Subject: Re: CHF410 / 1br - well furnished 1br apartment located at the city center of Geneva ( Geneva)
Date: 17 May 2011 7:49:03 AM GMT+05:30

Cherel Ann <[email protected]>

From: Cherel Ann <[email protected]>
Subject: Re: CHF540 / 1br - Furnished Suitable 1BR Apartment For Rent (Rue Marignac 6,1206 GenËve,)
Date: 26 April 2011 8:35:31 PM GMT+05:30

Jose Dan <[email protected]>

From: Jose Dan <[email protected]>
Subject: RE: CHF600 / 2br - Beautifully and Fully furnished apartment Available from today (Geneva)
Date: 25 April 2011 9:00:33 PM GMT+05:30

james kelly <[email protected]>

From: james kelly <[email protected]>
Subject: Re: CHF600 / 1br - fully funished bedroom apartment is available for rent (Geneva Central)
Date: 26 April 2011 4:54:44 AM GMT+05:30

Hyt Svf <[email protected]>

Subject: Re: Regarding the accommodation ad posted on EasyWG.
To: "Hyt Svf" <[email protected]>
Date: Tuesday, June 7, 2011, 6:31 AM

The above are few more emails that would be the scammers.

Regards

Hi kool68! I also got an email from this Rene person today as I am also looking for an apartment in Geneva...

I got replies from:

Rene Poche - [email protected] - +447031746655
Thmas Prat (signed Patrick) - [email protected] - +447024095064
Vasile Iordache - [email protected] - +447045741111
Mark Mart - [email protected] - +447045718330

All say they have the keys in the UK... So clearly scams

Is she offering a Re: CHF600 / 1br - Marvelously furnished Studio Apartment To Let By Owner (GenËve)????

Thanks

She is offering:

CHF600 Excellently Furnished Studio apartment to let by Owner. (Geneva)

Dear Sandra,

Thanks for your interest in my property. Yes it is available Located at Rue du Nant 1, 1207 Genève.

The price is CHF600/month plus another CHF600 as the security bond deposit which will be refunded back to you at the end of your stay subject to no damages. Rent include water, light, High speed WiFi internet.

I have few questions for you.

Where are you from?
When do you wish to start the rent?
How long do you want to rent?
How many people will be staying in my apartment?
Are you someone i can trust with my property?

Please find an attached details and note regarding the apartment.

Thanks,
Rene.

Next reply from her:

Thanks for your interest so far. I am confident that you are someone i can trust with my property.

The reason why i mentioned "TRUST" is that i am currently serving a 5 years contract with my new job here in the United Kingdom and i have the keys here with me.

The total cost for the 3weeks stay will be CHF450 plus the refundable security bond deposit of CHF600. Making CHF1050.

To reserve my property, kindly send me the below details to enable me prepare a lease agreement for you to sign and return back to me.

Full Name;
Address;
City;
State;
Country;
Zip Code;
Move in Date;
Move out Date;
Direct Phone number;
A scanned copy of any form of identification ie International Passport or Drivers License etc.

As soon as i have this details i will prepare a lease agreement for you to sign and send back to me, Then i will ship the keys to you at no additional cost.

You can also call me if you have any other details you will like to know.

Thanks
Rene
+447031746655

kool,

Just to make sure, you do know that the first one you posted is definitely a scam, right?

The letter puts it solidly in the category of African scam. The writing is African, and the whole storyline is textbook African scam.

Only in the world of scammers do people travel across the world with keys to their apartments, and then ship them to potential tenants. In the real world, people who own houses or apartments would have a local friend or agent (remember, they are claiming that they lived there so they would definitely have local friends) who can check on and show the place for them. Even if they left without knowing they would be gone (which doesn't make sense if you think about it--they would have to go back to get all their clothes, etc. at some point) if they sent keys to anyone it would be a friend or an agent, not a perfect stranger!

Incidentally, from the photos on Google maps, it actually looks like that address is in a business district, not residential.

Yes I'm aware that people who carry their keys with them are scammers. But I received a title deed, that left me a little confused. But I could make out that it was a fake one because it mentioned only the address and no other details which not the way a title deed is anywhere in the world. In addition it was in English which also surprised me because I usually thought it should be in french or other local language..

Sandra's mail and mails are identical.

Thanks a lot guys!!

Cheers!!

Remain Scam free through Scamwarners.com!

well...for i am seeking a room in Amsterdam..guess who responded to my profile..?!!?

yep... De volgende persoon heeft gereageerd via Kamertje.nl op je oproep:
Naam: Aiken Kelly
Geslacht: Man
Leeftijd: 58
E-mailadres: [email protected]
----------------------------------------------------------------
Het bericht:

I seek a tenant for my one bedroom apartment. It is located very close to the city center in Amsterdam and it has a good atmosphere. It is equipped with furniture, cable tv, internet access washer, dryer, microwave and lot more. It has a main living room, bedroom and also a private bathroom and toilet. Kitchen is well equipped. interested tenant should get back to me for more details.

----------------------------------------------------------------

and so the communication starts...
..............................
I am so happy to read back from you. Firstly i want you to know that
the apartment is still available for rent. Below are some vital
information you need to know about my apartment. It cost 400euro
monthly together with all bills such as water, electricity, gas e.t.c
and also a 500euro security deposit payment which is refundable while
packing out of my apartment if there is no damage or loss of my
properties.

The apartment is situated at Westerstraat 55, 1015 Amsterdam,
Netherlands and it is close to its metro station,my apartment is
spacious, it is about 30sqm in size. there are restaurant and public
transport all around and it's a walking distance to the supermarket,
so it's located in a very nice and safe area in Amsterdam.

I attached some pics of my apartment so that you can see how the place
looks like. I will wait to read back from you if you are interested in
renting my apartment so that we can proceed. You can simply reach me
on +447045765886 for further discussion on the apartment.

Best regards,
Kelly.

..............
however..like you...i thought lets get this gid..its simply to good to be treu..

after some corresponding ...exactly the same story and text..

................
Thanks for the mail. Yes you are correct about the procedures. Below
are the needed info from you so that the contract can be prepared:

Your full name:
Your full address:
Nationality:
Passport id:
Date of birth:
Phone number:
Move in date and out:

I will wait for the above information soonest. Pls make sure you send
me your correct current address because i would use that in posting
down the keys and the payment receipt to you after we must have
concluded the contract. My lawyer is Barrister Louise Peter and here
is my bank account information needed for the payment:

Account Name: Kelly Aiken
Bank name: Halifax bank of Scotland
Sort code: 111152
Account no: 00250727
I ban: GB28HLFX11115200250727
BIC: HLFXGB21P99

Hope to read back from you soonest.

Best regards,
Kelly.


i asked him about his bank account details and the name of his lawer...and this is how i found out about this site!!!!!
So thats a little funny ...

Hello I received this 2 emails, and it seems so odd that he owns an apartment in Geneva too ... Do you think it is a scam?
>>>second message
Hello,

Thanks for the response with the interest shown in renting my flat, am really happy have you as my tenant.

Enclosed you will find the Residential Tenancy Agreement Lease of Document you will go through it carefully, read, sign it and get it scan back to me for the proper endorsement and I like to tell you that the money involve is not my problem, but the absolute maintenance of the apartment and I want you to promise that you will take good care of the apartment like your own private flat.

In case if there is any problem concerning the Residential contract Amendment do not hesitate to let me know,Here is my mobile phone number
#+447024078206, you can call me.

once again i want you to promise that you will take proper care of the apartment.

Hope to read back from you with the signed contract.

Thanks to Anticipation and understanding

Best regards

Dudley

>> first message
Hello,

Thanks for your response of willing to rent the apartment, A well equipped perfect flat for rent, furnished also with internet wireless and communications access,the equipment such as electronics, cooker, drier, refrigerator, chairs, gas cooker, internet wifi, washing machine, dryer central heater. located at well Known Area It is a magical area made by its golden stone mansions, buzzing bars and quirky shops .656 m W from Fred Academy and Koninklijke Militaire School. Ideally located in well known area called Saint-Josse-ten-Noode this furnished single bedroom apartment will make your stay unforgettable and also sweetable on the 3rd floor of the building, this apartment is very quiet and very bright and was just fully renovated. The living-room is very large with a convertible sofa, wireless internet access, cable TV,kitchen area with all the appliances. The bathroom has a beautiful bathtub and is very convenient. in the bedroom there is a large closet, a dresser and a beautiful view a the rooftops.

About me:
My name is Washington Dudley, I am a professional. Am a Double National British /Belgium citizen who has been working with Bracegradelyn Civil engineer company in Brussels,Belgium since 2007. We are embarking on a trip to North London to execute a Queen Estate contract which could last us up to a year or more. I just need someone (Students or Anybody working in a reputable organisation to rent the apartment) with an open heart,love and clean to occupy it and put all my worries off concerning the maintenance of the house, Since i am not residing there for now. I left behind some Facilities and electronics and a Sony DVD player, air conditioning,alarm system. The kitchen is fully equipped with all necessary cooking utensils, a refrigerator-freezer, four-hob and oven, microwave, dishwasher and washing machine, My Computer Connected with Internet Access Also the keys to the Apt are right here with me, and the lease document. Which i can send to you after all necessary agreement has be accepted. Also i will like you to know that the rent charges is not really the issue, but your absolute maintenance of my apartment, because that is the only valuable property I have, and it also took me so much time and money to put all those facilities in place.


All services near by: metro, highway, banks, restaurants…
Property type : Bedroom
Asking Price : 400 EUR, utilities included.
Security Deposit: 600 (Fully refund at the end of your stay if there is no damage from the end)
Total: 1000 EUR
Available Now for short and long term.



So if you are interested in renting the flat, kindly get back to me by filling me with below details.


*Your Full Name:
*Your Full Address
*Phone Number:
*How old are you?:
*Are you married?:
*Do you have a pet?:
*Do you have a car?:
*Occupation?:
*The picture of the Tenant Renting the house? (If available):
*How many months contract will you Deposit?
*********** When will you Move in?
************ When will you Move Out?


HERE IS THE HOUSE ADDRESS.
LOCATION & AREA

Rue Willems 14,
1210 Saint-Josse-ten-Noode,
Brussels,
Belgium.


Looking forward to hear from you with all this details so that I can have it in my file incase of issuing the receipt for you and contacting you. Await your urgent reply so that we can discuss on how to get the document and the key to you, please am giving you all this base on trust, you know that, we do not see yet and only putting everything into Gods hand, so please do not let me down on this property and God bless you more as you do this.


Best Regards.

Yours Faithfully

D Washington

Hello raluca, welcome to scamwarners.

Yes, there is no doubt that this is a scam. Apart from the common spelling and grammatical errors which are typical for African scammers there is the big red flag of the phone number. The +44(0)70 telephone numbers are redirect telephone numbers, basically they transfer calls to anywhere in the world while appearing to be in the United Kingdom. I can honestly say that I haven't encountered a single occasion where these numbers are used by honest people. Whenever anyone claims to be located in the United Kingdom and provides such a phone number, you can safely assume they are hiding their location and lying to you.

More information about these phone numbers can be found in this thread: [Click here]

It is best to stop communicating with them completely. Some people feel safer when they send a last email like "Sorry, but I have found another place", but it's not necessary. Could you please post the email address this scammer is using?

Hi Scamwarners and thanks for existing!

I just avoided a scam thanks to this thread. I too am currently looking for an apartment in Geneva and have been getting replies from a "Paul Grinder" (same name and number appear in martiniq's post earlier in this thread) who claims to be living in UK and is renting his Geneva based flat. As he said that there was no way of showing the apartment and that I was going to receive the keys in the mail, I was naturally suspicious, but I figured I could go along with it as long as no money or private information would be involved before getting the keys.

Thankfully googling "Paul Grinder" lead me to this thread and now I have confirmation that this indeed is a scam. Won't be dealing with him anymore. So thanks!

The information the scammer was using:
Name: Paul Grinder
E-mail: [email protected] (apparently changed from previous encounters with martiniq)
Phone: +447011173785
Ad posted at World Radio Switzerland's Classified section: http://www.worldradio.ch/wrsclassifieds/ under title "Fully Furnished Apartment for rent". Rent was to be 570CHF / month and the address was Avenue Blanc 12,1202 Genève, Switzerland

Hopefully this helps someone else to avoid being scammed too!