by Con Warner
Sat Aug 11, 2012 10:18 am
From: Cynthia Nixon <[email protected]>
Date: August 11, 2012 11:11
To: Con Warner
Subject: Re: $200 / 4br - Magnificent Mile luxury Chicago vacation apartment rental (Chicago,IL)
Hello,
Thank you for your response to my ad. The accommodation is available for the dates chosen and I can assure you that this is the cheapest rate you can get at this time. I however cannot ascertain the hold of the accommodation until you book for it.
To hold your dates, 50% of the total rental fee and a refundable security and damages fee of $300 is to be paid . Rate per night is $200. Please find below the below quotes for the cost of nights you intend to stay in the accommodation.
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3 NIGHTS = $600
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50% DEPOSIT = $300
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SECURITY FEE = $300
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Please note that your refundable security and damages fee of $300 will be refunded on your check out date in cash as long as there is no damage(s) made to the property. Also, immediately payment is confirmed along with the signed booking and agreement form which will be sent to you immediately I get a confirmation of your readiness to book the accommodation, a receipt will be issued to enable you confirm your reservation.
Also note that there are no hidden charges, cleaning fee, taxes and parking fee.
Regards,
Cynthia.
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.
