Date: Mon, 12 Apr 2010 19:29:07 +0000
From: [email protected]
Subject: RE: Flat Details...Address: Davidson Close Hythe Southampton SO45 6JD
To: Michelle
Hello Michelle,
it is good to read from you and i want you to know that you can send me the proof deom france,i want you to know that all i wil want you to do is to wire the funds via western union to your name and the house address in the uk and then scan the receipt to me and then upon confirmation,i will reserve the apartment for you and then when you get to the uk and you are OK with the apartment,we will both go to the western union and then withdraw the funds then conclude...
Thanks and get back to me if this is clear..
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.
