The Gumtree Western Union Scam
75
Not so long ago my girlfriend and I were looking for a place together. One of the places we looked was Gumtree, the free ads site, having both had good experiences with flat shares off here before.
I’m not sure how popular Gumtree is worldwide. I get the impression that Craigslist is more popular stateside so if that is the case as you’re reading this you can pretty much just mentally replace one with the other as it applies to both.
Anyway, we straight away found a couple of places that looked good, were in decent areas and (most importantly) weren’t going to require selling spare kidneys to pay for. When we started contacting them we began noticing some similar stories. All the landlords we were getting replies from were ‘out of the country’, usually on business, though one did amusingly claim that her husband was ‘on a crusade in West Africa’ and that she was going to join him.
Most importantly of all, all of them asked for Western Union deposits to prove that we could pay the rent and weren’t messing them around. The way they explained this was:
- We would pay the cost of a deposit and a month’s rent to a friend (or each other) via Western Union
- We would then send a scanned copy of the Western Union receipt to the landlord
- The landlord would then meet us with the keys and we could pay them the money
Pretty suspicious, and luckily I was born paranoid! A quick google revealed that this was indeed a scam. What really happens is that the recipient of your scanned Western Union receipt just walks into the nearest Western Union shop (usually a long, long way away from wherever you are), hands over the scanned receipt and makes off with your money with no chance of you ever getting it back.
While I didn’t fall for it, I think this is an easier scam to fall for than some others because, as suspicious as the whole setup is, you assume that Western Union would have better controls in place. I think it’s also an easy one to fall for if you’re renting for the first time.
It’s worth noting that this applies to any kind of forum/free ads site (I’ve already mentioned Craigslist. A landlord using Moneygram should be just as much of a red flag as one using Western Union. A good way to save yourself some time is to include the words ‘no Western Union transfers’ in any email you send out as this should weed out the brighter scammers at least.
Lastly, don’t accept any excuses from anyone for not seeing a property in advance of you laying down the money to live there. Also make sure you see some proof of ownership before you hand over your money.
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This is very commom indeed. I have received 2 e-mails just like that! They offer you amazing places with impossible prices (very low) and ask you a guarantee... Carefull everyone!
I just got one right now. Thanks for writing an article about the scam. The old adage is very true 'If its too good to be true it probably is'.
Got 2 of these in one week...
Looks like its getting popular in Gumtree.
Luckily, I didn't fall for any of them as they were obviously a scam. Furthermore, I obtained some more info on the so called "landlords" (whether true or false) and I just send it to the authorities (internet crime offices.) Don't have much hopes on getting much results, but better than nothing don't you think?
I was very nearly caught out.... I'm so angry that people get away with this and abuse peoples good nature!
Yep, just happened to me. I suspected something straight away but this article confirmed it, thanks.
I just want to find a flat and got all excited. Waste of time... Ah, well, plough on!
thanks for this, i was a day away from transfering the money over.. thing that gets you is when they say transfer it to a friend. bastards..
THANK YOU SOOOOO MUCH!! I was so close to doing this as I am desperate for a place to live. You have saved me so much money thank you.
Thank you so much, you have confirmed exactly what I thought -gutted that the flat I was enquiring about turned out to be a scam! Here is the one that tried to get me: http://www.gumtree.com/london/33/63900033.html
He said he is in Manchester, has wasted a lot of money in travelling back and forth only to be let down by people, so wanted proof etc....
Thanks again!
I just got the same man on a "crusade"; I didn't the offer any further because the location was no good. I assumed they were Christain missionaries with English as a second language.
There was someone else with a brilliant flat at a very low price but it just seemed a little off. The biggest telling point is that they did not give an exact address or arrange a viewing but still want a western union transfer receipt.
Unless its through amazon or paypal I never give any money to anyone on the internet.
just the same story. he wanted to let me pay 400 (deposit) + 240 (rent) before i could view the appartment as a proof for my financial situation:
here is the mail, as an example:
Thanks for the reply and the sincere interest you have in my flat. I spoke with my lawyer on phone just now concerning your stay in my flat and we both agreed to have you in my flat as long as you'll take good care of my flat as how it is. However, it is unfortunate that my past bitter experience of inviting people to come and view or reserve my flat without any form of confirmation of their financial ability and not keeping up to time as at when scheduled, has brought about great loss to me. I have traveled all the way from Ireland to take some interested candidates round my flat because that's where i work with M. Gould (Scunthorpe) Ltd.
Some outside tenants do not have the money to pay the rent and yet they disturb the the landlord to arrange a viewing with their friend or relative who are in Bath, also some do not meet up with the appointments which has led to the dismissal of some landlords in office by their employers.
Henceforth, my lawyer and i have decided to carry out a simple test on financial ability to pay for my rent before coming for viewing. I would not ask you to send your bank statement. At least 1 month rent which is £240 and security deposit which is £400 which is refundable after your 1 month stay in my flat, would be required from you to transfer through Western union money transfer agent. You can make the transfer with your name as a sender name and your partner or friend in UK premises as a receiver.
Once you have done this, scan the receipt to me and if you do not have scanner, you may write out the details on the receipt as i will send it to my lawyer to verify if it's truly genuine and available in your friend's custody, after verification, then we can proceed for the viewing and you can as well tell your friend or partner to pick up the money and also, i will refund back to you the cost of transfer when we meet.
I look forward to\ reading from you soon.+447045733196
Regards
Mr/Mrs Wilson
The same thing happened to me today. Any elaborate story is clearly a scam. Well done for uploading the article to raise awareness!
To good to be true ,this happend today ,do be carefull
The same thing happened to me today. Heres the story- in polish and english
Same thing happned to me on Gumtree ad . Two different emails pointing the same thing.
----
Thanks for the reply and the sincere interest you have in my flat. I
am willing to rent out my flat to you but it is unfortunate that my
past bitter experience of inviting people to come and view or reserve
my flat without any form of confirmation of their financial ability
and not keeping up to time as at when scheduled, has brought about
great loss to me. I have traveled all the way from Ireland to take
some interested candidates round my flat because that's where i work
with M. Gould (Scunthorpe) Ltd.
Some outside tenants do not have the money to pay the rent and yet
they disturb the the landlord to arrange a viewing with their friend
or relative who are in UK, also some do not meet up with the
appointments which has led to the dismissal of some landlords in
office by their employers.
Henceforth, my lawyer and i have decided to carry out a simple test on
financial ability to pay for my rent before coming for viewing. I
would not ask you to send your bank statement. At least 1 month rent
and security deposit which is £ 400 which is refundable after your 1
month stay in my flat, would be required from you to transfer through
Western union money transfer. You can make the transfer with your name
as a sender name and your partner or friend in UK as the receiver.
Once you have done this, scan the receipt to me so that i can forward
it to my lawyer to verify if it's truly genuine and available in your
friend's custody, after verification, then we can proceed for the
viewing. Note that my lawyer must confirm the transfer valid before
the receiver picks up the money. Nevertheless, i will refund to you
the cost of transfer when we meet.
Pls let me get this answer.
I look forward to reading from you soon.
Regards
Mr/Mrs Debra Willis
+447024069345
-----------------
What you have to provide is very simple,I am just in need of a confirmation proof,And these is due to some previous predicament that i have gone through in the past,Trying to rent the property to some student,I have got to realize so many people are not really in need of a property at the moment,All they do is secure a place in advance,My last experience in trying to rent the property to a particular lady,Got me to predicate on these,She made me believe she was willing and ready to get the property,She even went to the extend of showing me her statement of account,Which made me took her for the viewing,But after taking her for the viewing,She saw the property and got to love it and never wanted to loose it,So she kept pleading i retain it for her because she wasn't financially composed at the moment,Which i did because i did pity are situation,But it all ended up disastrously.
So basically for me to be sure of you been willing and ready to get the property i will implore you walk into any Western Union or Money Gram outlet and send the total bill to any of your friend or your partner via Western Union or Money Gram,Or your partner should send it to you,All i need is for you to get back to me with a scan copy of the receipt issued to you after making the transaction so i can confirm it,And as soon as i can confirm these i will get back to you immediately,And then your partner can go and withdraw the money back for you,But i have to confirm it first,After this we can have a rendezvous to meet right immediately and view the property,I hope you understand,Well you can call me if you need me to explain better,07024029908,Thanks.
Regards
Wayne
Thankyou so much for posting this. I was going to go through with it, and would have lost £500. The real turning point was when I received another email from a so called landlord, saying almost exactly the same thing. I thought it was strange, so I googled it and this came up. I also found it strange that the landlord (calling himself James Osborne) replied around the clock, and was apparently away on business, which I found odd.
Yes this is gutting,
I too would have wasted £500, and I even went to Western Union, filled out a money transfer form, and was only stopped when the guy at the desk asked "this isn't by any chance a deposit on a property you haven't seen?" I said, embarrassed, yes it is.
He replied, "Don't do it, it is a scam and happens a lot, and even with cars and animals too, I've had people in here trying to buy monkeys from Africa." I was so shocked and gutted, because the pictures this guy had sent were of a stunning apartment, all TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE. He even provided a Nigerian telephone number which I called and spoke to someone over the phone confirming that it was all going to be fine for me to live in his apartment at a very low price, because the main thing he wanted was a TRUSTWORTHY person who would take absolute care of his apartment.
I am just so glad that the banks in our country and hot on fraud. They are really aware of all these schemes and to be honest I am proud to have such high quality banks with great security.
Please make this warning more circulated, as its clearly going on a lot. I might contact Gumtree, and just tell them they should have a rule on no Western Union Transfers.
Happy house hunting,
Regards
well this was the 2nd email from this guy, its quite truly amazing that we get straight on the subject of money after 2 emails its a fucking joke these guys need to be stopped at all costs, what we work our lifes off to earn a decent crust, to get twats like these taking the lot ...... well im just not stupid enough ........ YOU DONT BE EITHER !!
You can stay in my property for as Long as you wish,This is my contact number 07024034964 and Viewing my property is not a problem but you have to prove that you can afford the rent before you can view my property.I was discussing with my Solicitor about the idea on how i will be so sure that i will not just waste my time to arrange a viewing for you and He advised that we can work out something via Western Union Money Transfer.He said that Western Union Money Transfer can actually hold the money as an evidence, He gave me an option on what we can do since you have the funds at hand which will be explained below:
PROCEDURE:
1) Transfer the the amount £850 (1 month rent and security deposit) to your friend in United Kingdom.
Your Name (as Sender) to your Friend (as Receiver) in United Kingdom .
2) Scan & Send a copy of the Western Union transaction receipt as a proof of the transaction or mail me the transaction details. (The money is safe as it is only your Friend that can pick the money Up .after My solicitor have confirm that the money is with the western union,I will arrange a Viewing for you
3) Then, we will meet for viewing.
4) If you decide to take the property, we will go to any local Western Union office close to my property and pick up the money and pay me. (You don't need to come with cash to view, after viewing we will go together, your friend will pick the money Up and then you can pay the rent to me.
5) Keys will be handed over to you after signing the contracts.
I am pretty sure that the transaction at Western Union office will require some charges, i will definitely refund the Western Union charges back to you upon viewing .
I only want to be sure that i am not going to waste my time this time around and i think with this condition, both of us can be sure we are not wasting our time.
Let me know if you are okay with this so that we can proceed. Thanks so much while i will be waiting to read from you and i am looking forward to meet you and be great friends eventually.
NB: PLS DO NOT MAKE PAYMENT TO ME OR IN MY NAME, WHAT I NEED IS JUST AN EVIDENCE THAT YOU HAVE THE CASH TO PAY ONCE YOU HAVE VIEWED.
Barry.
OMG! This nearly happened to me yesterday! I have been looking for an apartment in London for the last 3 days and from about 20 properties, I came across 5 "landlords" that wanted me to transfer money to "a friend" through Western Union services or moneygram before viewing the flats!! The last one even said that is the procedure recommended by the Landlord Association! hahaha I found that funny!
Thankfully I never trust anyone! (Thanks mum!) I also did look into google and found many articles in relation to this, even in gumtree they have a section warning about these scammers!
This is serious! the amount of people losing their money because of these individuals is unfair!
This issue should be notified in all the western union offices, moneygram services and others!
Thanks for the article! Hopefully it might help many others!
I have received only two answers in my gumtree-search last week and BOTH were of this type!
I am usually a suspicious person (scientist :-)), so I have found out myself that this must be some sort of scam, but it is good to see that people can find at least some warnings on the internet.
I just hope that everyone is smart enough to recognize that something is wrong with them...
And by the way, their "names" were "Teresa Bush"
and "Keating Dawn".
Thanks indeed for writing such a helpful report... these offers does sound so weird, I had 2 of that type through Gumtree..
Please circulate this to all the people you know... I am surprised Western-union didn't respnd professionally to cut down or alert for such cases..
Almost exactly the same story for me, again on Gumtree. I really could have done with the flat as well! Thought I'd just Google 'Western Union Scam' before going to bed, before going to Western Union tomorrow to make a transfer to my brother and scan the document as evidence to my potential 'landlady' and her 'lawyer' in Ireland. Looks like it's back to the flat-hunt for me instead.
Google is a wonderful thing isn't it?
Seems they are running this in Birmingham too, and even added a thoughtful 'Happy Christmas & New Year' message at the end of the email!
I was lucky, I’m a student looking for a flat and was about to send over £800 but I was lucky i spoke to my mum first who thought there was something wrong. The name I was given was Sharon Thomas. The news really should make people more aware of this!
someone just tried doing this with me for the sum of £1200.. name of JOHN BARRET johnbarret64@yahoo.com.. i dont understand how people can get away with doing this kind of thing! i knew it was fake when he said £600 a month everything included in an area where the average rent is £700.. and the photos he sent were clearly fake!
I JUST HAD THE EXACT SAME EMAIL NEAR ENOUGH! tHESE PEOPLE OBVIOUSLY THINK THEY CAN FOOL PEOPLE MORE EASILY BY SIGNING OFF AS MR AND MRS ...! THIS IS THE ONE I GOT
Thanks for getting back to me. I wouldn't want you to get me wrong, the idea of making a confirmation of your financial ability is not only my idea, my lawyer and i decided to use that process and i can't violate my lawyer procedure. I would have asked you to provide your bank statement or payslip but some prospective candidate has misused the opportunity in the past providing fake documents.
However, i didn't want to collect any money from you as long as you have not sign a contract neither have i taken you round my flat. All what i request of you is to transfer the deposit to someone close to you through Western union money transfer agent and not bank account, once you've done that, you get back to me with a scan copy of the transfer receipt so that i can forward it to my lawyer to confirm if the transfer is valid.
After the confirmation might have been made by my lawyer, i will ask you to tell you friend to pick up the money and schedule a convenient day for the viewing. If eventually you don't want to proceed with the rent, i promise to return the cost of the transfer without any deduction. Western union is a money transfer in a minute and the fastest way to send money. Here is the procedure stated below:
1.Locate the nearest Western union outlet around you.
2.Pick up the form of transfer and fill in the details which needs to be filled and return back to the post master.Details needed on the form are {sender name;your name and address.}{receiver name and address}
3. Return back to the post master with the cash you are transferring to your partner or friend and wait for the receipt to be returned back to you.
4. Scan the receipt to me so that i can forward it to my lawyer to check it if its truly genuine and available in your friend's custody.
5. After it has been confirmed valid, i will send you an email so that you can inform the receiver to go an pick up the money and thereafter, you'll schedule a convenient time for the viewing.
Kindly let me know if the procedure is well understood.
Regards
Mr/Mrs Greg
Hi there,
It nearly happened to us this week but, thank the Lord, we did a Google search and discovered the shocking stats about Western Union scams. Moving house and paying rent for many times for the past ten years, my wife and I have always looked at a property first, then decide afterwards. So, we don't believe in paying money to strangers we don't know. Thank the Lord for that. Now our eyes are more open to these scams than ever before.
We hope and pray that no one falls victom to these scams and loses a lot of monies.
Watch your backs....
This has just happened to me.... watch out for it....Some people clealy have too much time on there hands!! Surely there cannot be anyone out there that falls for this!
Everyone keep an eye out! You will spot them a mile off!
Great to see awareness of this spreading - obviously people are being caught out. Anyone who has been targeted, please post scammers details and email addresses here: http://carauctiontruth.blogspot.com/2011/06/paypal
Thanks so much for this just comfirms this man who is emailing me is a scammer on a 2 bed in stoney for £480 a month. Wanting proof of a reciet. Amazing how people get away with this.
Got as far as speaking to this woman. I wanted to see how far she was willing to put herself on the line. She also wanted to use Western Union and in fact used some of the exact language used in posts above in other emails. This was one of her first. WATCH OUT FOR THESE GUYS.
Hi ,
Good to read from you again.
A lil about me : Am a 35years old fashion designer, very friendly.
I live in Birmingham. Reasons why we want to rent this place out is so that there will be an occupant in the flat. We just need life in the flat.
About the flat : The flat was once a family flat till my old parents acquired a new property in Spain and moved, so i have been left in charge of this flat and nobody occupies the flat at the moment.
Concerning viewing: I can only travel from Birmingham to attend to serious tenants that are ready to move in and can prove that they can pay for the first months rent and one months deposit, i don't do general viewing. I need to know that you are serious and have the money to pay before i can come down to London.
I have a tight working schedule caused by my upcoming fashion show week, which preparations are on for at the moment with my coordinators from New York. You can search the map for that area and what you see in the pictures are what the interior of the flat looks like.
If you feel comfortable with that let me know, if not don't bother to reply so that we won't waste each others time.
Thanks and warm regards,
Dominique
To the last poster, thanks! I got the exactly same email from someone called Jenessa. Word for word the same! I was actually going to ask in WU about the transfer tomorrow, how could I be so stupid? too good to be true for the rent 'she' offered and those great pictures...
I will report to gumtree...
I was a victim of the scam. I lost £1133 just yesterday ;( So just want to share this to everyone. --------------------------------- Thanks for the mail and for your interest in my flat. There's no problem in inviting you for the viewing,I currently work and live in Liverpool so I will need to take a day off from work in order to come down to arrange the viewing with you.It is unfortunate that my past bitter experience of inviting people to come and view my flat without any form of confirmation of their financial ability and not keeping up to time as at when scheduled, has brought about great loss to me, is either they cannot afford the rent or the security deposit required but want me to come down with the aim of renegotiating.
I have consulted my lawyer and we have resolved that any potential tenants should be able to prove in the following way in order to determine who is financially buoyant and that he or she can stick to appointment when scheduled and able to pay his/her rent as at when due.In this case, a bank-statement or gurantee from your organization wont be accepted as we have had wayward tenants tendering fake documents.
PROCEDURE:
1) Transfer the amount £1100 (1 month rent and security deposit) to any of your family members or your friend via Western Union at the nearest Western Union outlet/shop close to you. You can ask any of them to make the transfer to you either.
Your Name (as Sender) to any of your family members or your friend (as Receiver) in London or any of them make you the receiver.
2) Scan & Send a copy of the Western Union transaction receipt as a proof of the transaction or mail me the transaction details. (The money is safe as it is only you that can withdraw since you need a ID card or International passport) and once I confirm from western union that the money is available to be pick up by the receiver, I will buy my train ticket to London immediately and email it to you so that you cam know the day and time I shall be arriving for the viewing.
3) I will come and pick you at the tube station, take you to the flat for the viewing and after the viewing.
4) If you decide to take the flat, we will go to any local Western Union outlet close to my flat you will collect the money from western union and pay me. (You don't need to come with cash to view, after viewing we will go together and you will collect your money and pay me).
5) Keys will be handed over to you after signing the contracts.
I do not want you to have the feeling that I am asking for money BEFORE you see what you are renting because I know that payment is meant to be done AFTER you have seen the Flat and okay with it that is why I said you should make the transfer to yourself so that you will be the one to receive the money and pay me in person after the viewing.If you are ready,you can go ahead and make the transfer and let me know immediately you do the transfer so that I can know how to squeeze out time to come and meet you.
You will need to scan the copy of the transfer receipt and email it to me to confirm it online in order to know you have made the transfer and to let you know that I will return back to you the full transfer charges whether you decide to rent the flat or not when we meet. Let me know if you are ok with this arrangement so that we can proceed.
Kind regards,
Stephanie
-------WATCH OUT FOR THIS!!!!!!!!!!!!-Thanks for the mail and for your interest in my flat. There's no problem in inviting you for the viewing,I currently work and live in Liverpool so I will need to take a day off from work in order to come down to arrange the viewing with you.It is unfortunate that my past bitter experience of inviting people to come and view my flat without any form of confirmation of their financial ability and not keeping up to time as at when scheduled, has brought about great loss to me, is either they cannot afford the rent or the security deposit required but want me to come down with the aim of renegotiating.
I have consulted my lawyer and we have resolved that any potential tenants should be able to prove in the following way in order to determine who is financially buoyant and that he or she can stick to appointment when scheduled and able to pay his/her rent as at when due.In this case, a bank-statement or gurantee from your organization wont be accepted as we have had wayward tenants tendering fake documents.
PROCEDURE:
1) Transfer the amount £1100 (1 month rent and security deposit) to any of your family members or your friend via Western Union at the nearest Western Union outlet/shop close to you. You can ask any of them to make the transfer to you either.
Your Name (as Sender) to any of your family members or your friend (as Receiver) in London or any of them make you the receiver.
2) Scan & Send a copy of the Western Union transaction receipt as a proof of the transaction or mail me the transaction details. (The money is safe as it is only you that can withdraw since you need a ID card or International passport) and once I confirm from western union that the money is available to be pick up by the receiver, I will buy my train ticket to London immediately and email it to you so that you cam know the day and time I shall be arriving for the viewing.
3) I will come and pick you at the tube station, take you to the flat for the viewing and after the viewing.
4) If you decide to take the flat, we will go to any local Western Union outlet close to my flat you will collect the money from western union and pay me. (You don't need to come with cash to view, after viewing we will go together and you will collect your money and pay me).
5) Keys will be handed over to you after signing the contracts.
I do not want you to have the feeling that I am asking for money BEFORE you see what you are renting because I know that payment is meant to be done AFTER you have seen the Flat and okay with it that is why I said you should make the transfer to yourself so that you will be the one to receive the money and pay me in person after the viewing.If you are ready,you can go ahead and make the transfer and let me know immediately you do the transfer so that I can know how to squeeze out time to come and meet you.
You will need to scan the copy of the transfer receipt and email it to me to confirm it online in order to know you have made the transfer and to let you know that I will return back to you the full transfer charges whether you decide to rent the flat or not when we meet. Let me know if you are ok with this arrangement so that we can proceed.
Kind regards,
Stephanie
I just got the same message from a women
Hi ,
Good to read from you again.
A lil about me : Am a 35years old fashion designer, very friendly.
I live in Birmingham. Reasons why we want to rent this place out is so that there will be an occupant in the flat. We just need life in the flat.
About the flat : The flat was once a family flat till my old parents acquired a new property in Spain and moved, so i have been left in charge of this flat and nobody occupies the flat at the moment.
Concerning viewing: I can only travel from Birmingham to attend to serious tenants that are ready to move in and can prove that they can pay for the first months rent and one months deposit, i don't do general viewing. I need to know that you are serious and have the money to pay before i can come down to London.
I have a tight working schedule caused by my upcoming fashion show week, which preparations are on for at the moment with my coordinators from New York. You can search the map for that area and what you see in the pictures are what the interior of the flat looks like.
If you feel comfortable with that let me know, if not don't bother to reply so that we won't waste each others time.
Thanks and warm regards,
Daphne
The said aspect is that I am Nigerian and this scam is trying to happen to me! I'm sure some myopic people will still claim its sent by a fellow citizen. All I care about is that these people should be caught and they should stop sending people U.K mobiles and claiming I should send a text rather than call to effect their low life cheating! Heaven please expose these enemies of hardwork!
thanks i just got this email so its a scam ? Hello,
Thanks for your email and interest in my house and it is furnished and also can be rented Unfurnished but it has a big storage to put away things okay?and its available to move in and i also accept dss,so fill out my form below and we can go from there, since i am not residing there for now,The house is fully Furnished and has a big storage.The kitchen is fully equipped with all necessary cooking utensils,refrigerator-freezer,four-hob and oven, microwave,dishwasher and washing machine, my computer connected with Internet access.I have the keys and document with me here in West Africa Nigeria to be precise,I and my wife had the intention of selling our property before leaving but after a while we decided to place it for rent and and had few tenants before now so the house is very available and ready for you to move in if you are really interested in my house.I am here on a missionary work with my family and will be here for 3yrs but on Due cases i will be visiting to check on you and my house cause absolute maintenance of my house is what i am after cause its newly renovated,Very spacious and Clean,So after Normal process is taking i shall be sending you the keys and document for you to move in, Also i will like you to know that the rent charges is not really the issue, hope you are okay with the price of 200Gbp for deposit ,400Gbp Per Month including all bills like heat laundry facilities,and so on but your absolute maintenance of my house is most important to me, if you are really interested renting this house fill the application below and get back to me with the answers,Moreover as a man of God i intend to do my things with soft kindred heart.
Bedrooms 2
Bathrooms 1 full, 0 partial
Sq Footage 900
Parking 1 dedicated
Pet Policy Pets Allowed
Location...... 23 Merton Rd Enfield, Greater London EN2 0, UK
********RENT APPLICATION FORM*******
********PRIVATE & \CONFIDENTIAL*********
Also,Please answer these questions below:
1)Your Full Name_____________________________________
2)Present Address(where you reside now) & Phone__________________
3)How old are you___________________________
4)Are you married_ __________________________________
5)How many people will be living in the House__________________
6)Do you have a pet____ ___________________________________
7)Do you have a car_______ __________________________________
8)Occupation____________ _________________
9)What is your religion__ _____________________________________
10)How long are you willing to stay___________________________-
11)When do you intend to move in ___
12)1 month Or 2 month deposit needed___________________________
13)Picture of you or Occupants......--------------------
I personally will come visiting you sometime during the year as our new tenant,Looking forward to hear from you with all this details so that i can have it in my file as my new tenant and we can go on with the process.Awaiting your reply so that we can discuss on how to get the document and the keys of the house to you.
Best Regards
Thanks and God bless
Pastor James Wilson
I had this situation before. I was onto the guy when every part of his story jsut didnt make sense. I then found an online western union receipt generator and faked it and then sent it to him. He was delighted but then asked he needed another part of the transfer paper scanned in. To which I found a picture online with a chap with his middle finger out and the words F*ck you written underneath and sent it as an attachment in an email. The cheeky bugger replied with a smiling face.
Nearly happened to my sister too with an add on gumtree for a studio flat.
The name of the guy is Chris Farraday and the email he uses is chrisfarraday@hotmail.com.
Thanks for publishing this article!
Katiebenson77@hotmail.co.uk was the one I had today, nearly
Believed what she/he had said, glad I wasn't fooled
I too had the one from katiebenson77@hotmail.co.uk today! Im not fooled easily :P
I also received the following scam email from Kaite in response to my ads on Gumtree:
Hi,
I was going through gumtree. com and saw your request ad , i would like to inform you that i have a property that suits your requested property and a prompt response from you would be appreciated so that i could give you the full details NOTE : reply me on this email address direct because most of time i am out of office katiebenson77 at hotmail.co.uk .thanks.
Regards.
From: katie
THIS JUST HAPPENED TO ME TODAY. LUCKILY I WOULD NEVER PAY ANY MONEY UP FRONT FOR ANYTHING. ITS CLEARLY A SCAM, DIDN'T NEED TO GOOGLE IT TO KNOW THAT. HOPE NO ONE FALLS FOR THIS GARBAGE.
THIS WAS THE EMAIL I GOT:
I have a tenant who presently occupies the house but moving out on the 13th of May which makes the house available from May 15th. We can make an appointment to meet up for the viewing of the house if you are serious about this. My family and i lives in Vaughan which is about 60km away from the property.I need to know and be sure you are serious about this so i can make out time to drive over. But you should be aware that I intend to give it out at the rate $1550 which includes Utility. You would be required to make the payment of the first and damage deposit of $1000 which amount to $2550.
The house is available for as long as you intend to stay either long/short duration. Its a very secured environment. we are giving it out for continuous maintenance. The house is a beautifully styled and spacious 3 bedroom. It has a very Magnificent interior Deco like, fully fitted kitchen, sleek and stylish fixtures and fittings throughout, newly renovated and modern bathrooms and a com-bi boiler gas Central heating. Attached some photos for you.It is a safe neighborhood with very responsible people and very clean.
I do not have any problem reserving my property for you as long as i see proof. I would have the paperwork's for you to be rest assured you have secured for the time you desire. The property was purchased a couple of years ago and we have worked hard to maintain it and that's why we would like to keep it that way and rent it out to a capable tenant.We are private landlords and we are looking for a good tenant who will take good care of our property, we are not so keen on the price of the rent as we have fully paid all mortgages on the property. We can discuss anything you wish at viewing date but we have to be convinced that making out time to drive over from Vaughan would not be in vain.
My wife and I have come to the conclusion that who so ever wanted to rent our property must provide proof that the money is available before taking a trip down to the house. This is time, effort and money wasting so i have to be really certain you are serious before i make any trip. It has always being the case of me driving over and get disappointed at some point either the client couldn't make it or they found another place. I just need a solid proof that you are serious to rent this property.latest being last week where i traveled down for viewing and the client ended up not showing and wouldn't pick up his phone, this has always been the case, Imagine if you have to leave your very busy schedule to make the trip and they never turn up.
My wife and i have concluded that anyone who is interested in our property is required to use a western union money transfer of the first month rent to either your spouse, friend or relative who can pick up the fund on the viewing date to make your payment if it suite your interest and have a scanned copy of the receipt sent to me for verification. then i would be convinced that my trip down there would not be in vain as i see that as a means of seriousness. and please DO NOT SEND MONEY TO ME.
Note: I would refund you the charges fee for sending the money either the property meet your interest or NOT. Also, We can have the landlord and tenancy agreement form signed on the viewing date if its ok by you.
You should be aware that the date you agreed to move into my property is when your rent begins.
Should you have any question don't hesitate to email me.
Looking forward to hearing from soon .
Kind Regards.
Dean.
absolute dodgers. I wasnt niave to fall for this but it seemed legit. how do you report them?
Erghhhhh that katie benson almost fooled me!!! thank you for the post!!!!!!
Hi Everyone,
Actually, we still have our money. I posted an ad on Gumtree, and Katie replied, that she s got a nice, 1 bedroom flat (luxury flat for 600 pounds all bills included...suspicious already...after that she emailed me a couple of times, and asking about this money transfering thing. Since I explained it to her, she kind of disappeared...and she tried to explain it..."my lawyer...other tenants did that "test" before...Actually, because of stupid and mean people like her, my boss lost 800 pounds 2 years ago, and she just told me about this story this morning...So, dear Katie...fuck yourself, and go to hell...I'm looking for a flat on behalf of my lovely friend, who s got an 11 year old girl, and I'm so happy that we didn't transfer anything between us, since you could have taken all her money!!! Fuck it. Hope, one day, you would loose all your bloody money, bitch. And thanks God, we didn't believe you...
Same here, seems like this will never get old:
Hello,
This is my contact number 07024030566 and Viewing my property is not a problem but you have to prove that you can afford the rent before you can view my property.I was discussing with my Solicitor about the idea on how i will be so sure that i will not just waste my time to arrange a viewing for you and He advised that we can work out something via Western Union Money Transfer.He said that Western Union Money Transfer can actually hold the money as an evidence, He gave me an option on what we can do since you have the funds at hand which will be explained below:
PROCEDURE:
1) Transfer the the amount £1,150 (1 month rent and security deposit) to your friend in United Kingdom.
Your Name (as Sender) to your Friend (as Receiver) in United Kingdom .
2) Scan & Send a copy of the Western Union transaction receipt as a proof of the transaction or mail me the transaction details. (The money is safe as it is only your Friend that can pick the money Up .after My solicitor have confirm that the money is with the western union,I will arrange a Viewing for you
3) Then, we will meet for viewing.
4) If you decide to take the property, we will go to any local Western Union office close to my property and pick up the money and pay me. (You don't need to come with cash to view, after viewing we will go together, your friend will pick the money Up and then you can pay the rent to me.
5) Keys will be handed over to you after signing the contracts.
I am pretty sure that the transaction at Western Union office will require some charges, i will definitely refund the Western Union charges back to you upon viewing .
I only want to be sure that i am not going to waste my time this time around and i think with this condition, both of us can be sure we are not wasting our time.
Let me know if you are okay with this so that we can proceed. Thanks so much while i will be waiting to read from you and i am looking forward to meet you and be great friends eventually.
NB: PLS DO NOT MAKE PAYMENT TO ME OR IN MY NAME, WHAT I NEED IS JUST AN EVIDENCE THAT YOU HAVE THE CASH TO PAY ONCE YOU HAVE VIEWED.
Mike.
Petra Juliane: due to my recent experience in the hand of an Finland girl who shows interested in my flat and ask me for a viewing which i gladly offer her an invitation to come to my flat.
Unknown to me... this girl came to rob me... she took away alot of valuable things in my flat and also my jewelry with all my savings and went away without any trace.
I informed the Authority but they couldn't do anything to get my things back till now.
Due to my previous bad experience about flat viewing so i decide that before i can show the flat to anyone then i will be sure that the person is capable to pay for the flat and that the person is buoyant and serious about the flat and not just some thief who needed money and wants to rob me You will need to ask your Parent or Friend in your country to help you secure the money for the Security deposit and 1month rent to your name and forward me the proof.
of my savings or my body.
below i explain for you how you will provide me the needed proof.
THIS IS HOW TO GET ME THE PROOF
below i explain for you how you will provide me the proof without any risk..
You will need to ask your Friend or Parent to go to the nearest post office close to them and when they gets there... they will ask of the western union agency and the agency will give them a slip to fill and inside the slip... this is what your Parent or Friend will write inside it:
SENDER'S NAME:YOUR PARENT OR FRIEND'S NAME
RECEIVER OF MONEY NAME: YOUR NAME
SENDER'S ADDRESS: YOUR PARENT OR FRIEND"S ADDRESS
RECEIVER'S ADDRESS: LONDON
AMOUNT: SECURITY DEPOSIT WITH 1 MONTH RENT
once this is done..the agency will give your friend or Parent a receipt and you will need to send it to me so i can verify it.
I shall contact the agency here to confirm if any money was secured to your name by your parent or friend that you were suppose to come and pick up and use to pay me on the day of viewing and once the agency confirmed it to me that the receipt is valid then i will be able to show you the flat Saturday or Sunday 5pm...
Since your name is the Receive's name then you are the one that will pick up the money once you have seen my flat and pay me in cash after you have viewed my flat and you decided to rent it
About the transfer charge...i shall refund the transfer charge back to you when you come for viewing or you can deduct it from the rent if you wish...ok
I waits for your containing the receipt tomorrow morning if you are truely serious about my flat and to assure me that you are capable to pay for the flat.
NB: I advise you to ask your parent to act fast about this cause without the proof then i will not be able show you the flat....
Nearly went through with this, for this flat: http://london.craigslist.co.uk/apa/2900171254.html
A Mr. 'Darran Edward McGee' who lives in Spain.
He even sent me a scan of 'his' passport.
Was very bizarre reading all the above emails as they're EXACTLY the same as what he sent to me.
Sam Hi, I stupidly fell for this scam and lost 1000 pounds :( does anyone know the legalitys on this as I never sent the guy a copy of the receipt. Please email me at spc1984@hotmail.co.uk
http://vancouver.en.craigslist.ca/van/apa/30089007
I have a tenant who will be moving out of the house on the 27th of this month which makes the house available from June 1st. We can make an appointment to meet up for the viewing of the house if you are serious about this. My family and i lives in Abbotsford, BC which is about 95km away from the property. I need to know and be sure you are serious about this so i can make out time to drive over. But you should be aware that I intend to give it out at the rate $1700 which includes Utility i.e the heat,water, and hydro. You would be required to make the payment of the first month rent and the damage deposit of $850 which amount to $2550.
The house is available for as long as you intend to stay either long/short duration. Its a very secured environment. we are giving it out for continuous maintenance. The house is a beautifully styled and spacious 3 bedrooms on the upper level, and 1 bedroom in the finished basement. It has a very Magnificent interior Deco like, fully fitted kitchen, sleek and stylish fixtures and fittings throughout, newly renovated and modern bathrooms and a com-bi boiler gas Central heating. Attached some photos for you.It is a safe neighborhood with very responsible people and very clean.
I do not have any problem reserving my property for you as long as i see proof. I would have the paperwork's for you to be rest assured you have secured for the time you desire. The property was purchased a couple of years ago and we have worked hard to maintain it and that's why we would like to keep it that way and rent it out to a capable tenant.We are private landlords and we are looking for a good tenant who will take good care of our property, we are not so keen on the price of the rent as we have fully paid all mortgages on the property. We can discuss anything you wish at viewing date but we have to be convinced that making out time to drive over from Abbotsford would not be in vain.
My wife and I have come to the conclusion that who so ever wanted to rent our property must provide proof that the money is available before taking a trip down to the house. This is time, effort and money wasting so i have to be really certain you are serious before i make any trip. It has always being the case of me driving over and get disappointed at some point either the client couldn't make it or they found another place. I just need a solid proof that you are serious to rent this property.latest being last week where i traveled down for viewing and the client ended up not showing and wouldn't pick up his phone, this has always been the case, Imagine if you have to leave your very busy schedule to make the trip and they never turn up.
My wife and i have concluded that anyone who is interested in our property is required to use a RIA money transfer of the rent to either your spouse,or friend whom you would be staying together who can pick up the fund on the viewing date to make your payment if it suite your interest and have a scanned copy of the receipt sent to me for verification that the money is available before meeting up for viewing of the property as i see that as a means of seriousness. and please DO NOT SEND MONEY TO ME.
You can find the nearest RIA location to you through the below link:
http://www.riafinancial.com/(tracking removed)
Or send me your present location so i can locate one for you.
Note: I would refund you the charges fee for sending the money either the property meet your interest or NOT. Also, We can have the landlord and tenancy agreement form signed on the viewing date if its ok by you.
You should be aware that the date you agreed to move into my property is when your rent begins.
Should you have any question don't hesitate to email me.
Looking forward to hearing from soon .
Kind Regards.
Dean.
I just received the same email from a guy called Peter Clarkwoode (peterclarkwoode65@gmail.com). His lawyer's someone named darran edward mcgee (he sent a photocopy of his passport to me). Look out people... And keep on googling!
I saw an amazing flat on gumtree for £125pw in Hampstead - Too good to be true - David Goulders emailed me and sent me a creepy pic of his so called lawyer Darran Edward Mgee LMAO!!!!! WTF
From: davidgoulders@gmail.com
To:
Hello,
I have attached a copy of the contract. It is not the final version and when we will meet we will discuss about possible corrections of the tenancy agreement. I have also attached some pictures of the flat, a map of the location, the floorplan and a copy of my lawyers passport. I work for Banco Santander Spain and because of my special situation (being abroad) I need to be sure that you are a genuine interested tenant. I am willing to have you in my flat as long as you pay your rent but it is unfortunate that my past bitter experience of inviting people to view my property without any form of confirmation of their financial ability has brought great loss to me. Some potential tenants do not have the money to pay their rent and yet they disturb the landlord to arrange a viewing. Also some people do not meet up with the appointments which has led to the dismissal of some landlords in their place of work by their employers and I can not afford to find myself in a similar position. Therefore, my lawyer and I have decided to carry out a simple test on financial ability before coming for the viewing. I am not asking you to send your bank statement and I definitely do not want to collect any money from you before the viewing.
This is what we can do:
You will make a money transfer to someone you know (it can be a family member) with name and address in UK using Western Union for 1 month rent and the deposit (that means 1100 pounds) and send me the scanned receipt. As soon as I receive the scanned receipt I will forward it to my lawyer to verify if it is truly genuine (note that my lawyer must confirm the transfer valid before the receiver picks up the money). After my lawyer verifies the authenticity of the transfer, I will book a flight for UK and I will meet with you. When we will meet I will bring all the documents and legal papers certifying my ownership of the flat and also the tenancy agreement which we will both sign after you will view the flat. You will pay me only after you will read and sign the contract.
So all you have to do is to find a Western Union office and wire 1100 pounds to a friend of yours and send me the scanned receipt. I am asking you this to be sure that I do not come in UK for nothing. I hope you can understand my situation.
Please understand that this money transfer by Western Union is not a payment for the flat, it will only prove to me that you are a serious and reliable person. I am waiting for your mail.
David Goulders
Calle de Hortaleza
46 Madrid
Spain
Subject: Re: 1 bed
Date: Mon, 21 May 2012 13:25:06 +0100
Hello,
The minimum let is for 1 month and the maximum let is for 10 years. The property is available for renting right away and no one is living there at the moment. The price for the rent is 500 pounds/month for the whole flat (the bills and taxes are included) and you will pay for the first month of rent in advance, plus the refundable deposit of 600 pounds.
The property is very clean and I want to leave it to a person who is a clean and responsible tenant. As you can see in the photos everything is new in the flat. I am working in Spain (Madrid) and I am here with my family. For me it is a bit hard to travel to London because 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 fix a date when I can come to UK for the viewing. The property has a fully furnished kitchen and it 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 and all utilities.
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.
David Goulders
Calle de Hortaleza
46 Madrid
Spain
Hi Anna,
Since you are ready to view,i will plan my time here and make sure am there before you arrive.
The only thing is that i need double assurance, because i want to avoid traveling from Birmingham to London in vain, i can afford my fare, but i can't afford to waste my time.
My Lawyer will get a contract ready for you to sign if you like to take the room after viewing and the keys will be handed over to you immediately after contract has been signed.
Also, receipt of payment will be issued to you after which you'll have to sign the lease agreement form.
I was discussing with my Lawyer about the idea on how i will be so sure that i will not just waste my time to London without achieving my the aim and she advised that we can work out something via Western Union Money Transfer.
She said that Western Union Money Transfer can actually hold the money as an evidence and surety that her tenant will pay her at least for the first month and deposit. She gave me an option on what we can do since you have the funds at hand which will be explained below:
PROCEDURE:
1) Transfer the amount £800 (1 month rent and security deposit) to any of your family members (wife, dad, mum, siblings) or your friend.
Your name (as sender) to any of your family members (wife, dad, mum, siblings) or your friend (as Receiver) in United Kingdom.
2) Scan & Send a copy of the Western Union Money Transfer transaction receipt as a proof of the transaction or mail me the transaction details. (The money is safe as it is only you that can withdraw since you need a national ID card or International passport)
3) Then, we will meet for viewing.
4) If you decide to take the room, we will go to any local Western Union Money Transfer office for you to pick up the money and pay me. (You don't need to come with cash to view, after viewing we will go together, you will cancel the transfer and withdraw the money to pay me).
5) Keys will be handed over to you after signing the contracts.
I am pretty sure that the transaction at Western Union Money Transfer office will require some charges, i will definitely refund the transaction charges back to you upon viewing and if you don't see what i sent as pictures of my flat to you, you are free to leave without paying me anything.
I only want to be sure that i am not going to waste my time this time around and i think with this condition, both of us can be sure we are not wasting our time.
I will only rely on your honesty that you have made the transaction so that i can reserve the flat for you.
Let me know if you are okay with this so that we can proceed. Thanks so much while i will be waiting to read from you and i am looking forward to meet you and be great friends eventually.
NB: PLS DO NOT MAKE PAYMENT TO ME OR IN MY NAME, WHAT I NEED IS JUST AN EVIDENCE THAT YOU HAVE THE CASH TO PAY ONCE YOU HAVE VIEWED.
My contact number is 07572313367 i do have network problems with my phone at the moment but can receive text messages and then i can call you back at my spare time.
I am sorry for the lengthy mail, i only want to explain myself better.
Warm regards and have a nice day.
Patrizia
07572313367
My Friend just got done on this scam. What a bunch of scumbags. JULIANE PETRA, dont anyone trust this person!!!
I almost got taken in by this too, went to western union today to transfer and they advised me not to. Very glad they did!
some of the emails I received were almost word-for-word the same as some above.
my email was from 'Swen Sorjen' (swensorjen@gmail.com), claiming to be Danish.
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Rhi 2 years ago
I just recieved an email that was obviously this kind of scam, thank you so much for having this advice online so that i didn't get fooled! You have just saved me a lot of money thanks!!