by Con Warner
Tue Jan 21, 2014 2:35 pm
From: Amelia Barnett <[email protected]>
Subject: Re: Enormous studio flat to rent fully furnished, bills included ...
Hello,
The property is still available for rent. I am not planning to move back in the flat for the next 7-8 years therefore we can make a contract for any period you would like, but for 1 month at least. I am the owner of the flat and the property is not a flatshare. The rent is 400 pounds/month for the whole flat (the bills and taxes are included: electricity, gas, water, tv, internet, council tax) and after you will sign the contract you will pay for the first month of rent in advance, plus the refundable deposit of 400 pounds. The property is very clean and I want to leave it to a person who is a clean and a responsible tenant. As you can see in the photos everything is new. I am working in Denmark (Copenhagen) and I am here with my family. For me it is a bit hard to travel to London because of the location of my working place and I want to be sure that you are really interested in my offer. Regarding the meeting, I think we could plan an encounter when I can come to UK for the viewing. The property is fully furnished with all home utilities like: electric shower, vacuum cleaner, toaster, oven and microwave, dryer, iron, washing machine , refrigerator , dishwasher, heater, cable ready tv set and dvd player, internet connection, equipped kitchen.
I am waiting for your mail to know if you are satisfied with the details which I gave you, as well to make the necessary arrangements for the viewing. I am waiting for your response.
This person asks for proof that you are able to pay the deposit and rent (for a property that he does not own) due to a string of time wasters.
This proof is in the form of a cash or bank transfer either to him, his lawyer, 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.
