by Con Warner
Tue Mar 06, 2012 8:11 am
From: Bernard Smith ([email protected])
To: Con Warner
Hello friend,
My name is Bernard Smith and I am the owner of the apartment situated in Germany.
The apartment is still available.The rent for 1 month is 400 EUR and includes all your utilities (water, electricity, Internet, cable,parking, air conditioning, fireplace, dishwasher, garbage disposal,microwave, refrigerator).You can enter the apartment on the same day when receiving the keys.I wish to rent my apartment to some nice and responsible people and in order to do that I have to know a some details about you, like how many persons are you planning to live in the apartment, for how long, if you have a steady income, etc. I must tell you from the beginning that I do not have a problem if you are a student and I am very fond of pets and willing to accept them in the apartment.
You should also know that I appreciate sincerity very much.I am half british and i am surgeon doctor working for a private clinic, but currently living in London.Of course I would need a deposit as well of 800 Euro, which you would get back when you move it or whenever I feel like I can completely trust you.
Because i'm in London now we will have to use ImmobilienScout24 Agency to complete this deal, an agency which will look for our best interest.If you are interested in renting my apartment please REPLY BACK and i will send you all the details about how ImmobilienScout24 works, step by step.
Best regards,
Bernard
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.
