by Michelle
Mon Jul 09, 2012 6:27 am
From: Mack Family <[email protected]>
Date: Fri, Jul 6, 2012 at 3:21 PM
Subject: Re: Craigslist ad
To: Michelle Bamks
Hello
the home is located at 137 Erich-Weinert-Straße 137, 10409 Berlin, Germany ,
so let me know if that okay with you ,you cant go inside because the gate and doors are locked and you need to get the keys and documents from my wife,
when is the best time for me to call you,
i am currently in West Africa, Ghana , give me a number i can reach you,
so email me back so we can get started and i can send you the rent application form and have the house secure down for you till we arrive okay
Regards
Pastor Mack
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.
