by Michelle
Thu Nov 29, 2012 12:29 pm
[email protected]
**************************************
Hello,
Thanks for your interest in my flat I'm sorry I've been so busy with work ..However, there won't be any problem inviting you for the viewing, i currently work and live in Glasgow so I will need to take a day off from work in order to come down and arrange the viewing with you. It is unfortunate that my past bitter experience of inviting people to come and view my flat without any form of confirmation of their financial ability and not keeping up to time as at when scheduled, has brought about great loss to me, is either they cannot afford the rent or the security deposit required but want me to come up with the aim of renegotiating.
I have consulted my solicitor and we have resolved that any potential tenants should be able to prove in the following way in order to determine who is financially buoyant and that he or she can stick to appointment when scheduled and able to pay his/her rent as at when due. In this case, a bank-statement or guarantee from your organization wont be accepted as we have had wayward tenants tendering fake documents.
PROCEDURE:
1) Transfer the amount £940 (1 month rent and security deposit) to any of your family members or your close friend via Western Union outlet/shop close to you.
Your Name (as Sender) to any of your family members or your close friend (as Receiver) in UK.
2) Scan & Send a copy of the Western Union transaction receipt as a proof of the transaction or mail me the transaction details should in case you don't have access to a scanner (The money is safe since you're the only one that can withdraw/cancel since you only need an ID card or International passport)
3) Then, we will meet for viewing
4) If you decided to take the apartment, we'll both go to any local Western Union outlet close to the flat for you to pick up the money and pay me. (You don't need to come with cash for viewing but we can both go after viewing to cancel the transfer and withdraw the money to pay me).
I look forward to hearing from you.
Regards,
Theresa
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.
