by Con Warner
Sat Nov 12, 2011 11:55 am
From: [email protected]
Subject: Re: Studio Ruoholahti
To: Con Warner
Hello,
My name is Doris Bacigalova and I got an e-mail regarding your interest in my apartment located in Itämerenkatu 16, 00180 Helsinki. I want to rent my apartment to some nice and responsible persons, so I would like to know more details about yourself: your age, if you are married, if you have a pet, if you have a car, your occupation, etc. The apartment is exactly like in the pictures, fully furnished, fully equipped, so you won't need anything to move in (you can also bring your own furniture, I have a private storage in the building where you can deposit a lot of stuff). The apartment has 33m2 and is situated on the 2nd floor. The monthly rent is 550 EUR, utilities included (water, electricity). You can rent the apartment for an indefinite period, but for a minimum period of two months. Also, you can move immediately, the apartment is unoccupied since I no longer live there.
About myself, I am 30 years old and I was born in Bratislava, Slovakia. I came to Finland 5 years ago to study at University Of Helsinki for my master degree. I have graduated MURE (Multidisciplinary Studies on Urban Environmental Issues). My parents bought me this flat, thinking it would be a better investment than renting it. Also, I am the single owner of the apartment. Now I am working as a project manager in civil engineering for a multinational company named Skanska.
I'm renting my apartment, because my company has won an auction for a big project in London, United Kingdom so my accommodation period here will be very large (more than 5 years). I'm already in London, but I have though at a solution so you can get the keys and visit the apartment to make an impression. I appreciate your interest in my apartment and I'm looking forward to our future collaboration and friendship.
Sincerely,
Doris
PS: Attached you will find the pictures of the apartment.
This person asks for a deposit payment via Western Union or MoneyGram to an escrow company with a promise that he will send the keys through a courier company.
Sounds safe. It's not!
These companies do not work this way.
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.
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.
