by Michelle
Date: Mon, 6 Sep 2010 06:55:34 -0700The 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".
From: [email protected]
Subject: Get back to me asap
To: Michelle
Hi Mohamed,
Thanks for the great Interest you are having In my flat I am very delighted,the flat is available for both long term and short term rent so it depend on how long you are willing to stay in my flat,well I can help you in securing my flat until your arrival date as there are a lot of people who are also interested in renting the flat,but an arrangement can be made to restrict others people from viewing the flat if only you can make a month rent and security deposit and I will Issue you a receipt and also I will need your full name,full address and your phone no,so I can forward It to my lawyer to prepared you a tenancy agreement contract form to sign and send it back to me.so get back to me asap If you are still Interested as I am not sure If the flat will still available until your arrival date.but i will like to ask you some few questions:
1. How many of you are coming to live in my flat?
2. Can you take care of my flat as it is?
3. Can you bring your identity passport when coming for viewing?
4. How many months do you intend to rent and pay for?
5. Do you have references in London?
6. What Is your contact phone number ?
7. I hope you are not among the time waister's?
looking forward to hearing from you asap.
Many Regards
Mr Walcott Alexander
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.

