by Michelle
Mon Apr 12, 2010 2:54 pm
> From: William Southerly < [email protected] >
> Date: 12 April 2010 16:03:00 GMT+01:00
> To: Michelle
> Subject: RE: Reply to your ad: Fantastic One Bed Room Apartment in Birmingham.
>
> Hello,
>
> The place is available , the rent includes all utilities. The property belongs to me and my Wonderful family. I own a transportation company here in West Africa. Two of the trailers got involved in an accident and I don't really have much money right now. That's why I decided to rent out the property due to our transfer to West Africa. I'm here with my wife and kids. I want you to fill the rent application form below, then we are going to proceed with the viewing and other arrangement
>
> Rent Application Form.
>
> Tenant's Name(s):
> Current Address(s):
> Ph#: Cell & Home :
> Married?:
> Spouse's Name:
> Children:
> Where you work ? :Employer:
> Employer's Address:
> Supervisor:
> Bus. Phone:
> REFERENCES
> Personal Reference:Ph#:
>
> The keys and documents will be ship to you via courier service next day air once we both agreed with the term & condition. I will make arrangement for viewing of the property and area.
>
> Terms & Condition:Security / Damage Deposit
>
> A landlord can request a security deposit as a condition of renting,as long as the deposit does not exceed more than one month's rent. Always be sure to get a receipt and document !
>
> You will get your security deposit back at the end of your tenancy, as long as you meet the requirements that you and your landlord agree to in your lease. Your landlord must refund your security deposit not more than 10 days after the end of your tenancy.
>
> Thanks
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.
