by Con Warner
Sat Nov 30, 2013 7:53 am
From: Josie Williams <[email protected]>
Date: Mon, Nov 25, 2013 at 11:11
Subject: RE: rental inquiry
To: Con Warner
Hello,
How's your day going? The good news is that the apartment is still available! We thought we had the place rented to a couple we showed it to today, but now it seems that they changed their mind, so we need to lease it as soon as possible. You were the second one to show interest about it.
I am sure you will want to do a personal showing of the place, but my husband doesn't want me to advertise the address as a measure of safety. Last time we did that without verifying people, the empty property was broken into and vandalized. As you can imagine, we want to avoid that! You will be responsible for cable, internet, and phone, if you decide to have these services. Just to confirm, we DO allow pets at this property. The rental term is 12 month lease, but can be switched into a half year lease if preferred. We just ask that you give us fair notice if you are moving out.
If you would like to set up an appointment, go to the link below and request a copy of your free credit score. We recommend this site because all of our tenants used it and never had any problems. Just fill out the form and indicate that you want the score. What is in the report isn't important to us, it's more of a formality to have it on file, to make sure there are no previous property related issues. You can get your free credit score at CLICK HERE
Keep in mind that we are only interested in the page about the rental history. That's all we need to see at the showing. We'll also waive your security deposit if we see that your rating is above 550+.
Once you let me know that you have your credit history ready, then I'll personally schedule a walk through of the place. I look forward to showing you the place!
Thanks again,
Josie Williams
The link that you are asked to click is possibly a phishing site in which your personal details are harvested for identity theft.
Sometimes these links go to an actual credit report company that pays the scammer a small amount for your custom.
After visiting the site and replying to this person, the scam begins.
This person then asks 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 either to him, your friend or a family member.
Sounds safe. It's not!
At other times, this person asks for a deposit payment via Western Union or Moneygram with the promise that they will send the keys through a courier company.
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.
All the details such as names, addresses, pictures etc. that the scammer uses in order to back up his story, are stolen from elsewhere.
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.
