by Michelle
Sat Jun 05, 2010 6:16 am
From: Franz Waldemar Piotr <[email protected]>
Date: Fri, Jun 4, 2010 at 8:44 AM
Subject: R: Reply to your ad: Flat to rent in Birmingham City Centre
To: Michelle
Hello,
Thanks for your email. I hope you understand my English . Excuse me if I make mistakes but my English not so good. First I want to provide some information.
I live with my family in Italy . I work here in Italy, I have a 5 year contract with a big company . I work as engineer in construction . The flat was at my uncle who unfortunately which is no longer among us because he had a serious accident . I am the only relative survivors and this flat is now mine. My wife does not want to sell the flat and I decided together to rent this flat . Is a beautiful apartment situated in Holliday Street, Birmingham , in excellent condition, fully furnished and equipped . There is internet connection, phone, washing machine with dryer, cable TV and most important parking place. The rent is £480 per month including all bills and council tax . You can rent the flat as long as you need to stay but minimum 6 months . The first payment will be for 2 months £960 (one month is in advance £480 and the rest £480 is a guarantee for my flat ) . This money £480 you will get back when we finish the contract if the flat is in good condition . In case you want it, let me know so we can arrange the transaction. Accept families with children I also accept animals (dogs, cats). I do not want people just referenced. I want to rent this flat a family that is really needed which do not damage and for that i don't ask for a big rental amount .
I will wait your email so i know if you are interested to rent this flat .
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 money (again via Western Union) 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.
