SCAM Alert: Tenants Beware of these Scams

Tell Tail Signs of a SCAM: – These signs should start the alarm bells ringing

Request for any money upfront e.g. Via Western Union -
- They may say send the money to your friend, family and send them a receipt to show you have the money for the rent and deposit.
- Or send money to their soliciter as they do not want to be messed about
Relectant to give a telephone number
Very cheap price for the area
AGENT Charges: Find out about:
- Minimum Contract Length
- Contract Charges
- Charges for checking references
- Any other charges

Examples SCAM emails:

Example 1:

Hi …,

Thanks for your prompt response. You can have the flat as long as you want it but preferably I want a tenant who can secure it for long term, how long are you planning to stay in my apartment, all that matter is you being a clean and reliable tenant.

I mentioned it in my previous mail that I’m currently in Dublin working on a project and with the situation of things right here my family and I would have to end up living here permanently. We presently operate a Vacationer self catering apartment which is more profitable here than running it in England.

Viewing my property is not a problem at all, it’s just that I have been deceived and fooled in the past weeks where I had to waste valuable time and taking a risk flying from Dublin down there to show tenants the flat and all they tell me is different from what we discussed via emails or they are not able to make the appointment or cash not ready, which is not fair to me. In other to avoid time wasters I have suggested that I have to be sure that whosoever is renting the flat should be capable of paying the cost of the rent & have good references, so I hope you will see things in my perspective.

However, I will like you to show me the proof of your financial references so that I can be rest assured of you taking the place because I have another person that’s also interested in taking the place but his offer is too low for my acceptance and moreover you showed interested before her.

So, how do I know you are ready and capable of paying the rent of my apartment? I required that you send me a proof of money transfer either by western union money transfer or Money gram transfer (preferably a scanned slip) or details of transfer e.g. Mtcn/ref number, sender’s name and receiver’s name sent by your name to any of the following; maybe the name of your friend, partner or family member, the sum of THE COST OF RENTING MY APARTMENT (rent + security deposit = £900). Note that I’m not requiring you to send me any money but to the name of anyone closer to you, with this method you know that your money is still within you and after I confirm the transfer I will inform you to go back to the location where you sent the money from and collect your money back. Only by the method above I accepted as a proof of your financial references, please take note.

It has to be valid and current for me to see and believe that you are capable of paying the rent and you are really sincere. I don’t want to collect any money from you until you have viewed the flat and ready to move in, all I need is proof that you are serious and capable and not wasting my valuable time, then we can fix a day for an appointment to meet and view the flat at your chosen and convenient time.

When we arrive to the property we can reach an agreement on how you will move into the flat. I promise to incur back to you the charges of sending the money at western union or money gram. I’ll also like you to know that a copy of Tenancy Agreement form will be signed by both parties and to be kept for record purpose and if at any point in time you break the rules listed in the agreement form, I’ll return your money and serve you a quit notice.

Below is what you need to send me for the confirmation of your financial reference after sending the money at the western union or money gram, so that I will be able to call western union or money gram to confirm and after I confirm the transfer I will inform you immediately so that you can go back and collect your money at the sending location.

SENDERS NAME………………..YOUR NAME
RECEIVER’ NAME………………THE RECEIVERS NAME THAT YOU USED.
AMOUNT SENT………………….900POUNDS.

I hope that we can reach an agreement soon. If you have any questions don’t hesitate to email me and I’ll be glad to provide answers.

Best Regards
Donald

Example 2:
Part 1:

Hello,
Thanks for your mail. I am a very young comfortable professional Lady, 27 who works has an hair stylist in my own hair dressing shop and being the Manager. I would like to rent out this Studio bedroom flat with a Garden including Broad Band Internet to a very easy going person at 700 per month including all bills.available now for you to occupy not shared apartment..My apartment is very comfortable fully furnished flat .Located in quiet residential area is fully furnished with digital home cinema, hi-fi system, VCR, DVD player, phone, fax, computer, cable satellite, internet access, wardrobe, cupboard, Hanging wardrobe, safe deposit box, radio alarm clock, hair dryer, fully air-conditioned, central heating, intruder alarm, fire alarm and more.Large fully equipped kitchen, toilet and unlimited wireless internet. I don’t want any problem for myself.., i need to know the person that will occupy my apartment that is, the person that will take care of my apartment like theirs because am letting the flat out because am presently working in Newcastle. It is not compulsory that i rent out the flat but if i can get a reliable and tidy person that will take care of my flat for me i can let it out.so i need to know them better i.e what you and your partner do for a living.
Waiting to read from you.
Part 2:

Hello…,

Thanks for the reply.I would love to meet you, get to know you and show you round the flat so that you can see what you are renting but I have been having problems with time wasters who could not keep to there end of deal.Its really time wasting because i am a very busy person and do not really have much time to waste. To me, every seconds count.you ‘re generally interested out of my naturally tight daily schedule as am always attending to customers there by restricting me to the internet as my only medium of communication. viewing will not be a problem, Anytime during the week in the evening would be a good date for our meeting.The rent is still very Low considering the current economic climate in London..

Can you please answer the following questions?

-Are you really serious about the renting the flat?
-How many are you to occupy the Flat?.
-If you love the flat when you see it, will you make the payment to hold it against your move in?
why I am asking these questions is basically because of my experience with my last tenant.Frank moved into my flat in JUNE:2010,on commencing the tenancy, he paid a total sum of £537.50 in rent hoping that he would pay up the balance unknowingly he provided a fraudulent employers reference to convince me of having a stable job! Although i served him with Section 8 and Section 21 Notices and obtained a Court Order for possession of the property, he was reluctant to move out or pay any of the rent arrears.County Court bailiffs got him evicted and his total debt to date is £1,263 (Quite much). I will prepare all the necessary documentations i:e Contract Form:which we will both sign after being satisfied with the flat.Payment will be made after signing the contracts and keys will be handed over to you once contract is made.Please,understand that i am NOT asking you to pay me BEFORE you view the flat.The neighborhood is safe and i guess you have heard much about this area?it is a safe, clean area.

-Your rent begins on your move in date..
-Viewing is never a problem.
-Proof of ownership and Documentation will be shown upon viewings.
-There is no minimum or maximum stay.
- Rent include Council Tax,electricity,gas,internet, e.t.c
-Its 700pcm and 700 refundable deposit.
-Where are coming from ? are you a foreigner?

Stations:
Camden Town Underground station is just steps from the apartment offering services on the Northern Line. Camden Road station is just a short walk away with London Overground and main line services. Euston Station and St Pancras Station are both within easy reach with services to a range of destinations.

Kindly get back to me about an idea on what we can do so that we can arrange a meeting for viewing.

Thanks while hoping to read from you.
Regard.

Example 3:

Hello …,

Thanks for your reply and interested.
The price per month is £400 and a security deposit £300,which is refundable,At the end of your stay in the room ,£300. Will be refund to you , is for a security deposit, and it has to be refund,the purpose of this money,is in case of damages and if you did not damage any thing in the room,you money will be refund in full to you at the end of your stay in the room.

Local Area Information:
Address: Plough Lane, Wimbledon SW19 8AR,
United Kingdom.

Nearest station:
Wimbledon Park tube (0.3 miles)
Haydons Road Railway Station (0.2 miles)

Descriptions:
Plough Lane is located in Wimbledon Area, one of London’s most exclusive districts.. Amazing opportunity to live in this luxury studio flat in Wimbledon.Brand new development with underground allocated parking, communal gardens and intercom system.

The apartment has a large living space with brand new appliances and brand new high standard furniture, separate bathroom and kitchen.Well located at Plough Lane, very close to Wimbledon Station and Wimbledon Park. Available now.

Looking forward to hear back from you.

Regards,
Ashley Duncan.

[pictures sent]

Part 2:

Are you still interested in renting my room?

Part 3:

Dear…

So you’re not received my last mail.i said the bathroom is private used and the kitchen is sharing. Do get back to me if you’re really serious in renting my room ,so that i can proceed with the procedure.Thanks

Ashley.

Part 4: (When asked for a telephone number)

you can only contact me for now via my private email.Thanks