by Michelle
Fri Jun 18, 2010 5:44 am
From: sophia caroline < [email protected] >
Subject: Re: Hello there
To: Michelle
Date: Thursday, 17 June, 2010, 21:28
Thanks for your message. I'm Sophia Johnson.The flat will be available for as long as you are willing to rent .My husband and I own the flat, we both had an accident few months ago, I'm currently disabled and I'm currently on a wheel chair.I had to relocate back to our other house in Texas,USA,that's why the flat is vacant.Moreover,are you very clean,kind and easygoing?because my husband and I spent a lot on our property,so we want someone who can take care of the flat.Kindly let me know as soon as possible because we need someone who is reliable to occupy it. • The flat has the following features below:
• Central heating
• Large living room with wooden floor and dining room table
• Fireplace
• bedroom with full size bed and TV
• Kitchen with dishwasher
• Bathroom with bath, new washer and dryer
• Separate toilet
• Private entrance and hall
• Desktop PC, Internet connection are included,
• Utilities & Parking included.
Pets acceptable (deposit required) . References needed if possible.So, Hope you are okay with the rent per month get back to me asap because we need a tenant urgently.If you are interested.I want you to remember that I'm in Texas,USA and the keys and documents are here with me, so you will not be able to see inside the flat, you can only view from the outside. I will send the keys and documents to you via UPS and you will receive it within 48hrs.I will send keys and documents to your present home address you will provide in the application form.Let me know if you are willing to proceed.View the pictures of the flat in the attached file..Write back so I can send you the rent application.
Hope to read from you soon.
Sophia Johnson.
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.
