by Con Warner
Tue Feb 04, 2014 11:34 am
Olivier Perraudin <[email protected]> wrote:
Hello,
Thanks for your interest. Before we go any further I would like to know something about this rental, like how many persons you intend to live in the apartment, what is your job, how old are you and for how long you plan to stay. The flat is exactly like in the photos, fully furnished equipped and renovated. Also, very important, the utilities bills, like water, electricity, heating, gas, Internet, cable, dishwasher, garbage disposal, are included in the price of 600 EUR per month and I believe it is convenient for both of us. All the bills will be paid by me and you have to pay only the money for the rent every month. The security deposit is also 700 EUR, and you get it back, when you decide to leave the apartment ( you will have to give me at least 1 month notice ). You can use my furniture, or you can also use your own if you prefer. I look forward to hear from you soon.
Best Regards,
This person asks for a deposit payment via Western Union, MoneyGram, pre-paid credit card or bank transfer with a promise that you can have the keys to a property that does not belong to him.
Sounds safe. It's not!
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.
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.
