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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.
From: [email protected]
To: Michelle
Subject: RE: Reply to your ad: Well Maintained One Bedroom Flat For Rent In Sheffield
Date: Sat, 5 Jun 2010 07:10:33 -0700
Thanks for your email and it is my gladness to hear from you.I am
Alan Johnson,the owner of the Flat you are making inquiry of.Actually
I resided in the Flat with my family,presently we moved away due to mytransfer from my working place,my Flat is Located at 39, Haugh Lane, Ecclesall, Sheffield, S.Yorkshire, S11 and presently my Flat is still available for rent for 360 GBP per month including the utilities like hydro, washer,gas,internet, council tax and one secured parking Space,it is fully furnished but we can get it unfurnished for you if you prefer that..Now, I went for a Crusade in the West Africa and i will like you to get in touch with my wife in the United states for more details & pictures of our flat as She is with the keys and the documents to the Flat.Please, i want you to note that i am a kind and honest person, also i spent a lot of money on my property that i want to give you for rent,so i will solicit for your absolute maintenance of this Flat and want you to treat it as your own,I hope you understand that.I want you to keep it tidy all the time so that i will be glad to see it neat when i eventually come to country to see our clean it is and will try to do that some day...Where are you located? let us know how soon you are willing to move in as we are deciding very soon on who to take our flat.
Email my wife Jessica,on ( [email protected] ) she will attend to you
better. Thanks for your interest.
Best Regards,
Alan 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 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.
