59 comments

1. On the June 23, 2008 Another Level » Blog Archive » Staggering through Life: Rent scam on Gumtree said

   
   

   
   

   [...] Staggering through Life: Rent scam on Gumtree I’m on another level of stupid. Anyways, just to let you know, I am going to put your ad as well as this email conversation online as another… [...]

2. On the June 24, 2008 B R M C » Blog Archive » Staggering through Life: Rent scam on Gumtree said

   
   

   
   

   [...] Staggering through Life: Rent scam on Gumtree Dr Emma Anderson. M.B., B.A.O., B.Ch., D.O.R.C.P.I., M.R.C.G.P., MTTS. —————————————… [...]

3. On the June 24, 2008 Christine said

   
   

   
   

   Hi, Just wanted to say thanks so much for posting this on the web! My boyfriend also got sucked in on how amazing the deal seemed- it wasn’t a different flat and different named doctor but exact same first two emails. We thought that it was probably a scam- seeing as the writing was so grammatically incorrect, especially for a so-called brain surgeon!! However, it did look awesome- but yes things that sound to good to be true normally are! ha. Glad we didn’t fall for it eh. Well, I think we’d have to be as stupid as this scammer to do so!! Thanks again, Christine

4. On the June 24, 2008 Whistleblower said

   
   

   
   

   Unbelievable! Thanks for posting this Tolumi, I had a very similar experience with this illiterate brain surgeon. In fact, every email ‘Dr Emma’ sent to me was a copy of those you have posted. Likewise, I thought this little gem was way too good to be true, but decided to follow it until I felt I was being shafted (financially speaking of course!). After all, a doctor who can’t write neatly is one thing, but to be completely illiterate is quite another!

   He/she has just sent me the £1400 spiel (again, identical to yours), although I took it to mean he wanted the tenant to transfer that amount to a family member/ close friend as proof that you have the cash upfront. If this is the case, I may go ahead with that, safe in the knowledge that this guy can’t do squat without the right details.

   Did you get as far as viewing the property? I went there today. It’s a fantastic location, but no sign of Oakhill Park curiously. It’s on the map, but I couldn’t find the road. Unless it’s some hidden road only accessible to those in the know, it simply isn’t there.

   You may be interested to know that I am a journalist specialising in property so maybe our favourite brain surgeon could be getting what’s coming to him/her.

   I have not long moved back to the UK from Dubai, where I worked on a daily paper. Before I left I investigated a story very similar to this which resulted in the fraudster getting banged up. For fuck’s sake, I even told Emma I was a journalist but the idiot didn’t even flinch!

   These things make me so angry, and the worst thing is, someone who is about to move to London is going to find their bank account £1400 lighter very soon.

   I’m tempted to go back to the area and ask residents nearby if they know anything. Any ideas on how to smoke this rat out would be greatly received…

5. On the July 7, 2008 A House or Flat? | Staggering through Life said

   
   

   
   

   [...] north-west, south-east, south-west) to what zones, and also trying to stay away from the rent scams that are currently rampant on [...]

6. On the July 9, 2008 Matthew Gordon said

   
   

   
   

   Thank you so much for this. I got exactly the same email, except this time the woman’s name was Michael Silloway (really) and she is based in Cork. £150 for a one bedroom flat in Marylebone seemed far too good to be true and now I know that it is.
   Thanks again.

7. On the July 9, 2008 Matthew Gordon said

   
   

   
   

   Also, notice how their first email ends with “…[email with] what you and your partner are into.”.

   What my partner and I are into is none of your freaken business!!

8. On the July 9, 2008 Tolumi said

   
   

   
   

   @ Christine
   No problem, I am happy this post allowed you to move on with your search and not waste time with this scammer. Hope your boyfriend gets a good flat.

   @ Whistleblower

   Unfortunately, I doubt the people in the area will know anything about the scam or the house. In fact i sincerely doubt that the so called Dr Emma even exists. The guy probably just got some pictures of a house that looked good, googled some area in London and put the ad up on gumtree to lure people in. Everything is probably done via internet… maybe not even in this country. One of the downsides of living in the technological age.

   @ Matthew Gordon

   True, True I guess the reason is that they feel it might build rapport or sound like they are interested in the welfare of the flat. Instead it just across as sneaky and seems like an invasion of privacy.

9. On the July 10, 2008 Dees003 said

   
   

   
   

   Thanks for the tip, same here execpt an engineer and this time in Holborn. my girlfriend was hooked from the beginning, but I didnt like the cheapness, the bad english or the Moneygram and lawyer stuff. So I did a search of gumtree scams and found your post. Thankyou very much. Plus side is my girlfriend was getting dirty at me for not being excited about snapping up a good flat so quickly………….I get to be Mr Right and play I told you so’s for at least a few weeks now!!!!!

10. On the July 10, 2008 Tolumi said

    
    

    
    

    Same here, my girlfriend thought I was being too sceptical. It is nice to be Mr Right for a while… enjoy it while it lasts

11. On the July 10, 2008 Isobel said

    
    

    
    

    Hmmmm.. Dr Michael Silloway appears to be the same person as Dr Emma. I did think it was too good to be true…! might just waste his time a little more before I back out!
    Many thanks, I.

12. On the July 10, 2008 silvio said

    
    

    
    

    Hello,I’m italian.I’m looking for a flat in London,so I reply to a lot of ads in Gumtree and I had a very similar experience with this surgeon.I receveid mail from Dr Michael Silloway from Cork and Dr John Maxwell from Scotland!I’m sure that they are the same person because they send me the same mail!
    silvio

13. On the July 12, 2008 Nick said

    
    

    
    

    Hi, thank you so much for posting this, I have been in correspondance with a Dr. Richard Reagan about a property at ELIZABETH MEWS, BELSIZE PARK, LONDON NW3. It is the exact transcript. EVERYONE BE AWARE OF THIS SCAM’S NEW AD!

14. On the July 12, 2008 Nabeel said

    
    

    
    

    We seem to have found the same situtation with a person who calls himself Kay (but eventually signed an email as Joel, go figure). Offering a one bedroom flat in South Kensington for 900 a month and it’s extremely beautiful.

    Many back and forths with the exact sort of wording as “contact my lawyer,” “had many disappointments due to time wasters,” “prove to me you have the cash for bith rent and refundable deposit on you prior to moving in.”

    Finally, I responded with some accusations and just dropped it.

15. On the July 13, 2008 Dee A said

    
    

    
    

    Thank you for highlighting this, I googled the qualifications and this article immediately caught my attention. Like you I was shocked at the level of grammatical errors this so called “surgical doctor” had made. I did question the integrity of the advert quite early on, however in my haste to arrange a viewing to what seemed like an ideal flat, I sent out my mobile numbers ( i have two contract phones - one for personal and one for work reasons). This doctor now has my full name and main business email address and phone numbers - which concerns me a lot. I am worried that this is enough information for this fraudster to scam me now?? Please help, your views are greatly appreciated!!

    Just so other people are npt falling for this scam going forward, the doctor in my case calls himself Dr. Mark Mannarico. So be aware!

    P.S I too intend to waste this idiots time some more… it is a cruel world!

16. On the July 16, 2008 Your Name said

    
    

    
    

    Arghh!! I’m so gutted I’m not gonna live in my dream flat in Canary Wharf….because it doesn’t exist!! Lol and I’ve only just realised. I’ve been emailing “Val Feems” all day and was suspicious when they basically asked for payment before a viewing… also the living room just looks too good to be true (and it is). I also had the grammatical errors and the mention of Western Union Transfer!!

17. On the July 21, 2008 Blanche said

    
    

    
    

    Michael Silloway is still cheating with this fake penthouses! I was looking for an appartment and I satrted emailing him, THANK YOU SO MUCH for saving me!

18. On the July 21, 2008 blanche said

    
    

    
    

    Also be careful with HERBERT LILES, he is also a fraudster

19. On the July 23, 2008 chris rhodes said

    
    

    
    

    another one

    larra_steve@yahoo.co.uk

    nice day dream whilst it lasted, 1 bed in kensington.

20. On the July 24, 2008 Rich Ward said

    
    

    
    

    hey, i came across the same rental scam, he/she is dr faye rudman now. read on…

    ho-ho, good one. if you want to make further progress with scams like this you may want to considerably improve your english language skills. i had serious doubts (obviously) about this from the moment i saw the ad and i’m not quite sure how you believe that anyone could be taken in by this. i’m certain there was going to be a request (had i continued to email) for some kind of payment up-front, possibly 6 months, which would have to be wired to you with only your word that you would refund if i didn’t take the flat, before you would be prepared to travel over from Cork - or is it Dublin? you appear to have moved cities overnight. rather expensive that, setting up hospitals in both Cork and Dublin. I’m surprised with expenditure on such a grand scale you can afford to let out your property so cheaply. hahaha…

    anyway, so much for all that, time’s-a-wasting, your a time-waster and i’m a busy chap with work to do and legitimate properties to view. rest assured ‘Dr.’ Faye, that i shall be posting this online somewhere, possibly on Gumtree itself, so you may want to change your schtick. oh yes, anyone worth his salt would check the GMC (that’s General Medical Council, as i’m sure you didn’t know that) list of registered medical practitioners - as i did - and discover that you aren’t.

    anyway, thanks for your time, but upon reflection i have decided that i am not interested in renting your property, because Highgate is simply too far a commute to my place of employment. ho-ho-ho…

    Selah…

    Faye Rudman
    17/07/2008 00:17 Please respond to
    rudman.faye@yahoo.com

    To
    cc
    Subject Re: Information needed

    Hello ,
    Thanks so much for the reply and interest in my House. However,i will be willing to meet you,get to know you and show you round the flat so that you can see what you are renting.The house is situated on PRIORY GARDENS, N6,HIGHGATE,But the issue is that i have been having problems with time wasters with regards to making the payment for the Flat and this was really a wasted time since you know i am presently in dublin on a seminar as well as attending to some surgical patients,but have my Laptop here to reply to emails.However,how am i going to be sure that i will not be disappointed when i come around to show you the flat?Please understand that i am NOT asking you to pay for what you have not seen.People have told me that they will pay upon us meeting if they are satisfied but they all don’t have the money to pay,everyone of them is looking for a free or cheaper Flat to rent despite the fact that i have made the rent Cheap.Pls,i need your suggestion here because you can’t pay for what you have not seen,it is not advisable.However,i am also discussing with my Colleague here as regards idea on what i can do.I will get back to you or you suggest on what to do so that we can arrange a meeting and the viewing of the flat.Thanks while i will be waiting read from you.
    Do not hesitate to ask any question. feel free to ask me any question.
    waiting to read from you. Regards
    Dr. Faye Rudman
    M.B., B.A.O., B.Ch., D.O.R.C.P.I.,
    M.R.C.G.P., MTTS
    N.B:
    Do you have the money to pay me if you like the Flat after viewing?
    How many are you to occupy the Flat?. What is your full name? Name of your employer?

    — On Wed, 7/16/08, wrote:
    From:
    Subject: Re: flat still available
    To: rudman.faye@yahoo.com
    Date: Wednesday, July 16, 2008, 10:29 AM

    Hi Faye - the property sounds excellent and my partner and i would definitely be interested in a viewing if you find us suitable. I work in the financial services industry as does my partner.
    Unfortunately it will only be myself that you would be able to meet during the viewing, as she is currently out of the country and will not return until mid-August.

    Aside from that we are both very keen on cooking so a quality oven / hob (preferably gas burners) is a must for us. not sure what else to add at this moment, if we appear suitable then you can obviously ask more pertinent questions during the viewing

    Lastly, rest assured that we would look after your home as if it were our own, i have been renting in London for the past 10 years - usually through private landlords - and have always parted with them on exceptionally good terms.

    Looking forward to hearing from you, kind regards - Richard

    Faye Rudman
    16/07/2008 08:32
    Please respond to
    rudman.faye@yahoo.com

    To
    cc
    Subject Re: flat still available

    Hello,
    Thanks for your response. I am a very comfortable surgical doctor,45 who works in almost in every part of the united kingdom and also own my hospital in Cork .I would like to rent out one double bedroom Garden house with Broad Band Internet to a very easy going person at 150 per week including all bills..available now for you to occupy for a long time,My House is very comfortable fully furnished House on ground floor of brand duplex house.
    Located in quiet residential area is fully furnished with large fitted wardrobes, offering heaps of storage space. Large fully equipped kitchen,toilets and unlimited wireless internet and very close to the Highgate underground station I dont want any problem for myself.., i need to know the person that will occupy my house that is, the person that will take care of my house like theirs because am letting the flat out because am presently
    in Ireland,Cork attending to patients and as well as going through a forum. 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 and come over for the viewings as soon as possible so i need to know them better i.e what you and your partner are into.
    Waiting to read from you.
    Regards
    Dr. Faye Rudman,
    M.B., B.A.O., B.Ch., D.O.R.C.P.I.,
    M.R.C.G.P., MTTS

    — On Tue, 7/15/08, wrote:
    From:
    Subject: A Stunning One Double Bedroom Flat Located On A Quiet No T
    To: rudman.faye@yahoo.com
    Date: Tuesday, July 15, 2008, 5:45 PM

    Hi Faye - pls can you let me know whether this flat is still available for viewing? i am due to move 16/8 but am flexible and am willing to have a crossover period if the property merits it

    you can reach me via email or on either of the following mobile numbers:

    thanks - Richard

21. On the July 25, 2008 Your Name said

    
    

    
    

    Hi guys,

    This is really common place. We’ve come across two in two days while looking for a flat. if the offer is unbelievable good, it is unbelievable! Look out for bad grammar in the email, complete lack of particular about the address and immediate insistence on money being paid to them up front, report it.

    here’s an example of what we got:

    Greetings,

    My name is Joshny White and I have the flat for rent. The rent is 680£ per month (for the whole flat) including all bills and the council tax. I’ve moved to Berlin, Germany because I’m working in petrol research industry. You can rent the flat as long as you need to stay, even for 2 or 3 years. The first payment will be ensured for 2 months (1360£). If you still want it, let me know so we can arrange the transaction.

    That is why I need to be 100 % sure that you want to rent it and I will not take a day off from my work for nothing. I know that buying or selling on the Internet can be rather difficult, and it is always hard to trust your companion, because you have never heard him or saw him. For this reason I want to complete this deal in the safest way possible, for both.

    As it can be seen from the pictures everything it’s new. The flat is fully furnished, newly refurbished and also benefits from wood flooring. You have internet connection, phone, washing machine with dryer, cable TV and most important thing, parking place.

    Please let me know about your intentions… when you intend to move in? How long you want the contract to last for? How many people would be living in it and some other things you feel I should know.

    I look forward to hearing from you!

22. On the July 30, 2008 Becky Musgrove said

    
    

    
    

    This is far too widespread. I had three so far, and one guy who even contacted me twice about different properties, not realising that I was the same person. What can we do about it? It’s really slowing down my house hunt and making me mistrust all the potential landlords out there.

23. On the August 4, 2008 steve said

    
    

    
    

    Hi guys.
    I have just come across two of these jokers in the last week, and was nearly taken in.
    There was one person who was renting a 1 bed flat in Knightsbridge (I know, too good to be true) for 400 a month. They were asking for me to do a £900 moneygram transfer to a friend of mine, to prove I am ‘financially bouyant’, before getting a viewing.
    The other was a 1 bed flat in Russel Sq for the same money. A guy calling himself Revered Mark Morris, said he had to go to Africa for work and wanted someone to look after the flat while he was away.
    He then had his ‘wife’ email me about it and ultimately asked me to pay some rent/deposit in advance before getting the keys sent to me for viewing.
    What a load of crap. I didn’t go any further with these people because they blatently scamming. Both ads were on Gumtree.

24. On the August 5, 2008 Laurie said

    
    

    
    

    Hi guys,

    I’ve come across two such ads as well, one from a Tom Stephen?? who’s moved “in Italy because (he) got ‘a’ work in a hospital” and more recently from a Carlos Bummer, whose email is identical, word for word to Joshny White’s above (apart from the name that is). Dont be fooled, everyone be careful.

    In the meantime, here is our friend Carlos’ email below:

    Greetings,
    My name is Carlos Bummer and I have the flat for rent. The rent is £640 per month (for the whole flat) including all bills and the council tax. I’ve moved to Berlin, Germany because I’m working in petrol research industry. You can rent the flat as long as you need to stay, even for 2 or 3 years. The first payment will be ensured for 2 months (£1280). If you still want it, let me know so we can arrange the transaction.

    That is why I need to be 100 % sure that you want to rent it and I will not take a day off from my work for nothing. I know that buying or selling on the Internet can be rather difficult, and it is always hard to trust your companion, because you have never heard him or saw him. For this reason I want to complete this deal in the safest way possible, for both.

    As it can be seen from the pictures everything it’s new. The flat is fully furnished, newly refurbished and also benefits from wood flooring. You have internet connection, phone, washing machine with dryer, cable TV and most important thing, parking place.

    Please let me know about your intentions…what else do you need to know, when you intend to move in? How long you want the contract to last for? How many people would be living in it and some other things you feel I should know.
    I look forward to hearing from you!

25. On the August 5, 2008 Justine said

    
    

    
    

    Thank you so much for posting all your comments, saved us alot of drama. Watch out for DAVID ASWLY, currently working at a ‘hospital in Milan, Itlay’. He claims to be renting a 1 bedroom in Bromyard Ave, Acton for 400 pounds pcm. The emails I received were identical to what you have all posted! Word for word. What a loser!

26. On the August 5, 2008 Justine said

    
    

    
    

    Date: Mon, 4 Aug 2008 00:35:56 +0000
    From:
    Subject: Re: Your Gumtree.com ad #26904954: 1 bedroom flat to rent in Bromyard House, Acton

    Hi,
    My name is David and I have the flat for rent. The rent is 400£ per month including all bills
    and the concil tax.. I moved in Milan,Italy because I got a new job. I work in a hospital. You
    can rent the flat as long as you need to stay even for 2 or 3 years. The first payment will be
    for 2 months(800£).In case you want it, let me know so we can arrange the transaction. For me is very hard to come in UK and if I will come i must be 100% sure that I will not come for nothing. As you can see in the photos everything it’s new in the flat and the flat is fully furnished and also benefits from wood flooring. You have internet connection, phone, washing machine with dryer, cable TV and most important parking place.
    I wait your response

    Date: Mon, 4 Aug 2008 14:59:12 +0000
    From: aswly@yahoo.co.uk
    Subject: RE: Your Gumtree.com ad #26904954: 1 bedroom flat to rent in Bromyard House, Acton

    Hi,
    I work in a hospital and is very hard for me to come in UK. I can’t take the risk to leave my
    new job for days and when I arrive in UK to see that I come for nothing. I want to be 100% sure that when I will meet you, we do the rent papers then i can come back in Italy.
    So i can be sure of that look how we can do:
    You make the payment from your name and address to your best friend name and address in UK using MoneyGram for 2 months rent that means 800 GBP and send me the scanned receipt… As soon as I see the scanned receipt that you have made the payment, I will come in UK and you will see the flat and maybe rent it. After that, we will go together at the MoneyGram office and you will take the money back and pay me.So all you have to do is to find a MoneyGram office and wire 800 GBP from your name to your friend name and send the scanned receipt.I am asking you this to be sure that I do not come in UK for nothing. I hope you understand.
    P.S : As I told you,I have a lot of customers interested to rent the apartment. I will reserve the apartment to the first one that provides me the scanned paper from MoneyGram. As soon as I have the confirmation from MoneyGram that the money are available on his name I stop the transactions with all the other customers !

27. On the August 5, 2008 Natasha said

    
    

    
    

    I have been house hunting for a few weeks and nearly fell victim to Tom Stephens! He was offering a flat in Great Portland St for just over GBP600!

    Thought it was too good to be true but then I was really impressed by the pics.

    Here is the email thread though it is in reverse order…

    From: Tom Stephen M [mailto: tom.stephenm@yahoo.co.uk ]
    To: natasha
    Subject: Re: Your Gumtree.com ad #25810320: 2 bedroom flat to rent in Great Portland Street , Marylebone

    Hi,
    Great Portland Street is within 0.1 miles (160 metres) , i assure you that all is ok with it and like you can see on the pictures is very good the flat.

    Please send me your decision soon, and by the way you have all that you need in the flat.

    Thank !

    — On Sun, 6/7/08, Natasha Fernz wrote:
    To: tom.stephenm@yahoo.co.uk
    Date: Sunday, 6 July, 2008, 3:17 PM

    Hi again

    Sorry for bombarding your Inbox… really am…

    What’s the nearest tube station to the flat? Great Portland St ? Marylebone? How many minutes walk is it to the station?

    If you don’t mind could you give me the address of the flat? Or at least the building’s address and post code so that I can just check on google maps. Cause there have been some people that try and pretend that their flats are really close to the station when it really isn’t… And if your flat is on Great Portland Street itself, that would be quite ideal, cause my sister’s flat is just a few roads away on Crawford Street … J This is also why I am very interested in your flat…

    Thanks a million.

    Regards,

    Natasha Fernz

    From: Tom Stephen M [mailto: tom.stephenm@yahoo.co.uk ]
    Sent: 06 July 2008 20:30
    To: Natasha Fernz
    Hi,

    Yes it is a 2 bed room 2 bathroom flat, and have central heating alson fridge , have double glazing and in both room are double beds.

    Thanks !

    — On Sun, 6/7/08, Natasha Fernz wrote:
    To: tom.stephenm@yahoo.co.uk
    Date: Sunday, 6 July, 2008, 10:38 AM

    Hi again,

    I understand your situation perfectly. I don’t expect you to come back to London for no reason. As I am in the middle of house hunting right now I also need to be sure that the flat you are offering is suitable for me before deciding.

    The moneygram idea is unconventional but would appreciate it if you can confirm the following details regarding the house:

    It is a 2 bed room 2 bathroom flat right? Are both rooms double rooms and can both rooms fit double beds?
    Is there double glazing?
    Is there central heating? Gas / Electric?
    Is there a fridge/freezer?

    This would greatly help me in making my decision. Once again thanks for your prompt replies. It is greatly appreciated. Thank you.

    Regards,

    Natasha Fernz
    ~~~~~~~~~

    From: Tom Stephen M [mailto: tom.stephenm@yahoo.co.uk ]
    Sent: 06 July 2008 18:22
    To: Natasha Fernz
    Hi,
    I work in a hospital and is very hard for me to come in UK . I can’t take the risk to leave my new job for days and when I arrive in UK to see that I come for nothing. I want to be 100% sure that when I will meet you, we do the rent papers then i can come back in Italy .
    So i can be sure of that look how we can do:
    You make the payment from your name and address to your best friend name and address in UK using MoneyGram for 2 months rent that means 1200 GBP and send me the scanned receipt… As soon as I see the scanned receipt that you have made the payment, I will come in UK and you will see the flat and maybe rent it. After that, we will go together at the MoneyGram office and you will take the money back and pay me.So all you have to do is to find a MoneyGram office and wire 1200 GBP from your name to your friend name and send the scanned receipt.I am asking you this to be sure that I do not come in UK for nothing. I hope you understand.
    P.S : As I told you,I have a lot of customers interested to rent the apartment. I will reserve the apartment to the first one that provides
    me the scanned paper from MoneyGram. As soon as I have the confirmation from MoneyGram that the money are available on his name I stop the
    transactions with all the other customers !

    — On Sun, 6/7/08, Natasha Fernz wrote:

    To: tom.stephenm@yahoo.co.uk
    Date: Sunday, 6 July, 2008, 9:35 AM

    Dear Tom,

    THANK YOU very much for your email. I am very interested in your flat… but I need to confirm a few things before I decide. I hope you understand.

    Can I know how big the flat is? My work requires that I work at home some times so if it’s too small I may find it a bit cramped.

    And it is a 2 bed room 2 bathroom flat right? Are both rooms double rooms?

    Is there double glazing?

    Is there central heating? Gas / Electric?

    I understand that it will be difficult to view the flat since you’re not in London , but if the pictures are accurate then I am very happy with it as it looks very clean and new. I am very particular about cleanliness and some of the flats that I have looked at recently are in terrible conditions.

    Also it would be great if you could give me the address of your flat so that I know roughly where it is.

    Once again thank you for your quick response and I look forward to hearing from you soon… Hope your weekend is a good one.

    Regards,

    Natasha Fernz

    From: Tom Stephen M [mailto: tom.stephenm@yahoo.co.uk ]
    Sent: 05 July 2008 17:35
    To: natasha

    Hi,
    My name is Stephen and I have the flat for rent. The rent is 600£ per month including all bills and the concil tax. I moved in Milan , Italy because I got a new job. I work in a hospital. You can rent the flat as long as you need to stay even for 2 or 3 years. The first payment will be for 2 months(1200£).In case you want it, let me know so we can arrange the transaction. For me is very hard to come in UK and if I will come i must be 100% sure that I will not come for nothing.. As you can see in the photos everything it’s new in the flat and the flat is fully furnished and also benefits from wood flooring. You have internet connection, phone, washing machine with dryer, cable TV and most important parking place.
    I wait your response.

28. On the August 5, 2008 Natasha said

    
    

    
    

    I also received this from an Andy Salibian for a flat in Hammersmith - identical to the Carlos guy some of you have mentioned.

    This is really pissing me off as I am really trying to secure a flat asap! Argh!

    Does anyone know what these people aim to achieve anyway? I mean if the money gram or western union transfer is made out to a fried or family member, how are they going to get it from us anyway?

    Whatever… here’s the email from this Andy / Carlos fella.

    From: andy.salibian55443@googlemail.com

    Greetings,
    My name is Andy Salibian and I have the flat for rent. The rent is £640 per month (for the whole flat) including all bills and the council tax. I’ve moved to Berlin, Germany because I’m working in petrol research industry. You can rent the flat as long as you need to stay, even for 2 or 3 years. The first payment will be ensured for 2 months (£1280). If you still want it, let me know so we can arrange the transaction.

    That is why I need to be 100 % sure that you want to rent it and I will not take a day off from my work for nothing. I know that buying or selling on the Internet can be rather difficult, and it is always hard to trust your companion, because you have never heard him or saw him. For this reason I want to complete this deal in the safest way possible, for both.

    As it can be seen from the pictures everything it’s new. The flat is fully furnished, newly refurbished and also benefits from wood flooring. You have internet connection, phone, washing machine with dryer, cable TV and most important thing, parking place.

    Please let me know about your intentions…what else do you need to know, when you intend to move in? How long you want the contract to last for? How many people would be living in it and some other things you feel I should know.
    I look forward to hearing from you!

29. On the August 6, 2008 Your Name said

    
    

    
    

    Do these words and the name sound familiar?

    Greetings,
    My name is Andy Salibian and I have the flat for rent. The rent is £640 per month (for the whole flat) including all bills and the council tax. I’ve moved to Berlin, Germany because I’m working in petrol research industry. You can rent the flat as long as you need to stay, even for 2 or 3 years. The first payment will be ensured for 2 months (£1280). If you still want it, let me know so we can arrange the transaction.

    That is why I need to be 100 % sure that you want to rent it and I will not take a day off from my work for nothing. I know that buying or selling on the Internet can be rather difficult, and it is always hard to trust your companion, because you have never heard him or saw him. For this reason I want to complete this deal in the safest way possible, for both.

    As it can be seen from the pictures everything it’s new. The flat is fully furnished, newly refurbished and also benefits from wood flooring. You have internet connection, phone, washing machine with dryer, cable TV and most important thing, parking place.

    Please let me know about your intentions…what else do you need to know, when you intend to move in? How long you want the contract to last for? How many people would be living in it and some other things you feel I should know.
    I look forward to hearing from you!

    Hello,

    The 1280 GBP is not a deposit, it’s the payment for the first two months. I only need your ID or a passport.As I’ve told you in my previous email, I have a busy schedule and it’s very hard for me to come in UK. I can’t take the risk to leave my new job for couple of days and when I arrive in UK to find out that I came for nothing. I want to be 100% sure that when we’ll meet, we’ll do the rent papers and return to Germany.
    For this reason I want to complete this deal in the safest way possible, for both.
    You’ll have to arrange the payment from your best friend’s name and address to your name and address in UK, using WesterUnion Service, for 2 months rent, that means 1,280 GBP and send me the scanned receipt. As soon as I see the scanned receipt as a proof that you’ve made the payment, I will fly to UK and you will see the flat and maybe rent it if you like. After that, we will go together at the WesterUnion office and you will take the money back and pay me.

    All you have to do is to find a WesterUnion office, take a friend of yours, wire 1,280 GBP from your friend’s name to your name and send me the scanned receipt. I am asking you this to be sure that I do not come in UK for nothing. Hope you can understand my situation.

    P.S : I have plenty customers interested to rent the apartment. I will reserve the apartment to the first one that provides me the scanned paper from WesternUnion. As soon as I have the confirmation from WesterUnion that the money are available on your name, I’ll cancel the transaction with the others.
    I look forward to hearing from you!

    Hello,
    Before you do that I must advise you about it. I’ve talked with my colleagues here and they told me more about this service. First of all, there will be some fees when you’ll ensure the transfer, but I will support them - in fact I will deduct it from the price of the rent - I think is fair from my side because I have chosen this method. Second - the person who’s beneficiary ( you ) can’t be the sender because you can’t pick up the money when we’ll meet. And third - your friend or relative ( the person who’s sending the money to your name ) must tell them that the amount sent is used for personal use, not for renting a flat.
    I’ve provided this information because I don’t know if you are familiar with this service and it is better to know about it.
    I am waiting for your quick reply with the meeting date.

30. On the August 6, 2008 Oberkom said

    
    

    
    

    Hi!

    I am from Barcelona (Spain).

    I recommend you read this web: http://netcred.co.uk/security/western-union-fraud.html

31. On the August 12, 2008 ER said

    
    

    
    

    Andy Salibian is at it again guys!

    I responded to a ‘too good to be true’ advert, asking whether the the rent advertised was correct. He responded (or should i say, copy and pasted!) with the following:

    On Mon, 11/8/08,
    Subject: Your Gumtree.com ad #27286632: 2 bedrooms flat for rent in Hertford Street, Mayfair, W1J, London

    From: andy.salibian43nb@googlemail.com
    Date: Monday, 11 August, 2008, 1:11 PM

    Greetings,
    My name is Andy Salibian and I have the flat for rent. The rent is £640 per month (for the whole flat) including all bills and the council tax. I’ve moved to Berlin, Germany because I’m working in petrol research industry. You can rent the flat as long as you need to stay, even for 2 or 3 years. The first payment will be ensured for 2 months (£1280). If you still want it, let me know so we can arrange the transaction.

    That is why I need to be 100 % sure that you want to rent it and I will not take a day off from my work for nothing. I know that buying or selling on the Internet can be rather difficult, and it is always hard to trust your companion, because you have never heard him or saw him. For this reason I want to complete this deal in the safest way possible, for both.

    As it can be seen from the pictures everything it’s new. The flat is fully furnished, newly refurbished and also benefits from wood flooring. You have internet connection, phone, washing machine with dryer, cable TV and most important thing, parking place.

    Please let me know about your intentions…what else do you need to know, when you intend to move in? How long you want the contract to last for? How many people would be living in it and some other things you feel I should know.
    I look forward to hearing from you!

32. On the August 13, 2008 Zoe said

    
    

    
    

    OMG had the same communication with that Andy Salibian guy re a flat in Mayfair … what makes people think they can do this. So frigging annoying!

33. On the August 16, 2008 Your Name said

    
    

    
    

    We were amazed at loads of the cheap flats coming up, we thought it was just so they’d let quickly and get the morgage paid. So we emailed loads of them and thought it was mental that the owners were telling us their life stories and job descriptions! We didn’t get to the money transfer bit for ages, but obviously realised it was a scam then. What I don’t get is how they would get the money after you transferred it to yourself?

34. On the August 19, 2008 jem said

    
    

    
    

    Also Andy Salibian has been trying to flog a flat in Knightsbridge with a too good to be true offer and an identical email to above.

35. On the August 19, 2008 Caroline said

    
    

    
    

    Hi my name is Caroline and I have had the same experience on gumtree with 3 different names and flats; Peter Douglas, David and Jenny. Always that story of the hospital.

36. On the August 20, 2008 Christine said

    
    

    
    

    Greetings all! I just came off night shift and this page caught my attention when I sat down in front of the laptop as my usual routine before going to sleep. I can’t help but to join in the rest in condemning these scams! My boyfriend and I had recently tried to look for a flat in and around Chelsea area and guess what? We stumbled upon 2 very posh-looking and tempting 2 bedrooms flat for the price of less than a studio in the area. Both offers from Gumtree.com.
    It was too good to be true, but we decided to inquire anyway. I have attached the emails, check the similarities.

    SCAM 1

    Date: Sat, 16 Aug 2008 16:47:53 +0000
    From: mkrystiana@yahoo.co.uk
    Subject: Re: Your Gumtree.com ad #27505340: 2 bedroom flat to rent in Falcon Wharf, Battersea
    To: chris_eech@hotmail.com

    Hi,
    My name is Krystiana and I have the flat for rent.. The rent is 580£ per month including all bills and the concil tax. I moved in Milan,Italy because I got a new job. I work in a hospital. You can rent the flat as long as you need to stay even for 2 or 3 years. The first payment will be for 2 months(1160£).In case you want it, let me know so we can arrange the transaction. For me is very hard to come in UK and if I will come i must be 100% sure that I will not come for nothing. As you can see in the photos everything it’s new in the flat and the flat is fully furnished and also benefits from wood flooring. You have internet connection, phone, washing machine with dryer, cable TV and most important parking place.
    Thanks and i wait your response.

    On Sat, 16/8/08, Ching Ee wrote:

    From: Ching Ee
    Subject: RE: Your Gumtree.com ad #27505340: 2 bedroom flat to rent in Falcon Wharf, Battersea
    To: mkrystiana@yahoo.co.uk
    Date: Saturday, 16 August, 2008, 9:52 PM

    Halo Krystiana! What a pleasant surprise, I work in the hospital too, but in Chelsea. I am a nurse. To be honest, my boyfriend and I are very interested in renting the flat. The offer is more than satisfactory and we would be delighted to finalise the deal. The only concern is that we are going for a week holiday at the end of august and will be back on the 2nd of September. I must say it would be really beneficial if we could see the apartment first. Of course once we see it we can sign the contract. Because of the holiday we will have the money (£1160) by the first week of September. If you are willing to wait this two and a half weeks and everything looks as on the pictures there should be no problem with signing. If you have any other propositions please do tell and I am sure we can find a consensus. Most of all please let me know when is it possible for you to come to London and we will try to find a day good for all of us. Do keep in touch via email. Cheers.

    Christine

    Date: Sun, 17 Aug 2008 11:00:07 +0000
    From: mkrystiana@yahoo.co.uk
    Subject: RE: Your Gumtree.com ad #27505340: 2 bedroom flat to rent in Falcon Wharf, Battersea
    To: chris_eech@hotmail.com

    Hi,
    I work in a hospital and is very hard for me to come in UK. I can’t take the risk to leave my new job for days and when I arrive in UK to see that I come for nothing. I want to be 100% sure that when I will meet you, we do the rent papers then i can come back in Italy.
    So i can be sure of that look how we can do:
    You make the payment from your name and address to your best friend name and address in UK using Western Union or MoneyGram for 2 months rent that means 1280 GBP and send me the scanned receipt. As soon as I see the scanned receipt that you have made the payment, I will come in UK and you will see the flat and maybe rent it. After that, we will go together at the Western Union or MoneyGram office and you will take the money back and pay me…So all you have to do is to find a Western Union or MoneyGram office and wire 1280 GBP from your name to your friend name and send the scanned receipt.I am asking you this to be sure that I do not come in UK for nothing. I hope you understand.
    P.S : As I told you,I have a lot of customers interested to rent the apartment. I will reserve the apartment to the first one that provides me the scanned paper from Western Union or MoneyGram. As soon as I have the confirmation from Western Union or MoneyGram that the money are available on his name I stop the transactions with all the other customers !

    — On Sun, 17/8/08, Ching Ee wrote:

    From: Ching Ee
    Subject: RE: Your Gumtree.com ad #27505340: 2 bedroom flat to rent in Falcon Wharf, Battersea
    To: mkrystiana@yahoo.co.uk
    Date: Sunday, 17 August, 2008, 12:14 PM

    Dear Krystiana,

    I agree with your idea. Il speak with my boyfriend tonight and Il put the money through as soon as I can. Of course if someone else takes over, I fully understand. Do let me know if someone else has your flat confirmed so that I an continue to look and not hoping too much. Thank you,
    ps: Why is the price increased to GBP 1280 from GBP 1160?

    Christine

    sorry the price is 1160 gbp.

    thanks and let me know when can you make it ?
    When you will make the transfer you will have to pay a small fee at Western Union or Money Gram which is around 50 GBP that I will deduct it from the total rent.The money will stay in the Western Union or Money Gram system till we will sign the rent papers and both we will go to a Western Union or Money Gram office and you will pick up the money and pay me.
    Thanks !

    SCAM 2

    From: robrt67yom@live.com
    To: chris_eech@hotmail.com
    Subject: RE: Your Gumtree.com ad #27530600: Rent 2 bedroom apartment
    Date: Mon, 18 Aug 2008 11:48:41 +0300

    Hi,

    Thanks for your response and Enquiry, the apartment is still vacant. I have just moved to Leicester to work with a Media outfit as a Radio Presenter.

    The Apartment Located in 36 Penywern Road, South Kensington, London, SW5 9ST, is a fully furnished
    - Toilet and Bathroom with Shower
    - Kitchen with modern fittings
    - Dish washer/Dryer
    - Washing Machine
    - Cable TV
    - Wired Internet connection
    - Garden and off street Parking space available
    - Bus station five minutes
    - Refundable deposit 500 £.
    The price it’s £162 pw /all flat and £650 per month if you want lease minimum 5 month. All Bills inclusive.
    Meanwhile, Below are the lease terms:
    * An advance payment of the first month and the Refundable security deposit shall be paid.
    * The Rent shall be paid on Monthly basis thereafter.
    * You shall only be allowed to default in payment of rent for not more than 3 months after
    which the eviction process shall be initiated.
    * The minimum lease term is (5) months, violation of this shall lead to the forfeiture of the security deposits.
    * If you will need to vacate the house, notice shall be given a month prior to intended day of moving.
    * The security deposit shall be refunded on or before the 15th day of vacating the apartment.

    Viewing is not a problem. Tell me a bit about yourself and where you are located now. pls i
    have just 2 questions. They are:
    Will you be able to take good care of my Flat like your own?
    Are you capable of funding the rent and refundable deposit before moving in?

    If you are realy interested I give you some images of some parts of the Apartment.

    Sorry for my English is not too accurate because I am of Bulgarian origin.
    Hope to get your response soon.

    Best Regards
    Robert

    Hi again ,
    Yes we can meet anytime suits you this week and show you the flat ..
    You can do anytime the Moneygram to your friend’s, partner’s name , that way you can be sure we can meet anytime and you have nothing to lose that way (you can find a MoneyGram office near to your location using this link: http://www.moneygram.com/eFindUs/findUs.do?countryCode=US&languageCode=en and after that you put your post code of your adress and you will find your nearest MoneyGram Office. )
    After that you go to the MoneyGram office and send the money for the first rent month 650 pounds + refundable deposit 500 pounds to your friend, partner’s name and after you have sent it they will give you the paper receipt of MoneyGram and you can scan it and send it by e-mail so i can see it and that way i can be sure you really want the flat and then.i will reserve the flat for you and we gonna meet anytime suits you , anytime you are available to come and see the flat.
    That way after we meet and show you the flat , if you like it and i`m sure you wont be dissapointed ,then we sign the Contract Agreement of Rent for as much time you need to stay in and i give you the keys of the flat so you can move anytime in.
    Of course that afterw e signed the Contract we go together back to the MoneyGram office near to my flat and you collect the money back from the MoneyGram and pay me in cash for the first rent and refundable deposit.
    That wa we can be sure we have an Agreement and i will reserve the flat for you.
    To do the MoneyGram to your friend’s, partner’s name will cost 40 or 50 pounds and that fee i will pay you back when we meet to show you the flat i Hope you understand now how it`s works and that way we are both happy and we can remain in a friendly relation as i `m a serious person and don`t want to dissapoint you.Of ocurse i will hold it for you no doubt about that.
    P.S When you will go to the Money Gram office to wire the money sometimes they ask you why are you doing that and if you tell them you want make the payment for rent a flat when pick up the money you must pay another fees and for don’t pay another money you must tell to Money Gram you will send the money to a friend how need the money or you make it a gift (i think you don`t want pay more money for this).I hope you will understand why I am doing that and I also hope you will end this deal sooner.
    Waiting your e-mail to make sure if you are ready to do the MoneyGram and show me the receipt to make sure and come to meet you anytime you are ready to see the flat.
    Thank you for your time
    Robert

37. On the August 23, 2008 Renars said

    
    

    
    

    here’s a similar one, also on gumtree

    email used:
    “Ashley Adkins”

    Hi,
    My name is Ashley and I have the flat for rent.. The rent is 640£ per month including all bills and the concil tax. I moved in Milan,Italy because I got a new job. I work in a hospital. You can rent the flat as long as you need to stay even for 2 or 3 years. The first payment will be for 2 months(1280£).In case you want it, let me know so we can arrange the transaction. For me is very hard to come in UK and if I will come i must be 100% sure that I will not come for nothing.. As you can see in the photos everything it’s new in the flat and the flat
    is fully furnished and also benefits from wood flooring. You have internet connection, phone, washing machine with dryer, cable TV and most important parking place.
    Thanks and i wait your response.

38. On the August 25, 2008 J.J. said

    
    

    
    

    God bless Google! This thread has confirmed my suspicions. We’ve come across about 5 or 6 of these ‘too good to be trues’ in the last couple of weeks. All in London and all with the mentioned terrible grammar/syntax/spelling, great-almost staged looking photos, sob stories about previous possible tenants having no funds, the hassle of travelling to London to show it, and of course the Wester Union ‘proof of funds’ angle (which I sheepishly admit I’m not exactly sure how this could work-isn’t ID required or something? but it must). With us I guess they pounced on our perceived desperation (inferred) because we’re having trouble finding a pet friendly let, as well as our being in Canada (out of country seems to send them into a frenzy). I think I’m just going to wait ’till my feet are on the ground and find a place with the help of an agent. Thanks to everyone that’s posted, and good luck with your own searches. I will post a list of all the ‘Western Unioners’ I’ve dealt with in a couple of days.

39. On the August 26, 2008 felix said

    
    

    
    

    From: Edward Owen [mailto:edd.owen@gmail.com]
    Sent: 26 August 2008 22:19
    To: ‘k k’
    Subject: RE: Flat details:

    I feel deeply sorry for the people that you have fooled with this.

    From: k k [mailto:clargyapartment@gmail.com]
    Sent: 26 August 2008 21:51
    To: Edward Owen
    Subject: Re: Flat details:

    Thanks for wanting to view my flat.I Need to know some few questions about you.How many of you are coming to live in my flat?Can you take care of my flat as it is?Can i have a look at of your identity?How many months do you intend to rent and pay for?Do you have references in London?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.I have traveled all the way from cardiff to London to take some interested candidates round my flat. 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 as it may beused illegally sometimes by some hoodlums,but if you are able to transfer money to your friend or partner’s custody,which my lawyer would make confirmation if truly you have transfered the money to your friend or partner’s custody,then we can arrange viewing and we can proceed.After confirmation has been made,you can tell your friend or partner to pick up the money.I will be responsible for the cost of
    transfer,as soon as you arrive to my flat.At least a month rent is 600pounds and security deposit which is 850pounds since you are renting a room,
    would be required from you to transfer to your friend’s custody,that shows how reliable your finance is to rent a flat.You can make the
    transfer to your close friend,thru money gram post office or money shop around you,that is if you will be willing to do this.Once you
    have done this,you can scan the receipt to me or send the details of the receipt if you have no scanner,as i send it to my lawyer to
    verify,after verification,then you can pick up your money back as we proceed to view and also refund back to you the cost of transfer.And i
    will also appreciate a clean and tidy fellow in my flat as it has just undergone renovation in and out.Also you will be responsible for any
    form of damages in the building.you can call me on 07024097532 bye for now
    On 8/26/08, Edward Owen wrote:
    That all sounds very agreeable. I would be interested in viewing this property at your convenience.

    Kind Regards,

    Edward
    From: k k [mailto:clargyapartment@gmail.com]
    Sent: 26 August 2008 17:06
    To: Edward Owen
    Subject: Flat details:

    I really appreciate you effort in taking time to view my apartment,,my home features are as follows.A fabulous ground and lower ground maisonette with its own entrance in this beautiful garden square in South Kensington. The property benefits from a large reception room, a kitchen, 1 bedroom, a study and 1 bathrooms. The property is well placed for the local amenities.Refrigerator. And the Bathroom has a Shower Cubicle and WC. Below is the area/environmental description and some other things you need to know which i think is necessary and I also attached some pictures to this
    message which I felt you will need in order for you to have more clue of what I’m talking ofand Recently refurbished and fully furnished including towels and sheets upon request as well as cushions. Solid oak floor in all rooms, including the kitchen. New appliances. TV Set (Flat), DVD Player/Recorder, VCR. Washing Machine/Dryer, Dishwasher, Oven, Hobs, Big Fridge/Freezer. Brand New Boiler. Most of the rugs and the curtains are Laura
    Ashley. Small Afghan corridor in the bedroom. Antique pictures and gravures. Beautiful mirrors. The furniture also includes a unique Laura Ashley distressed leather sofa….. DRAYCOTT PLACE is in South Kensington neighbourhood famous for its Victorian
    stucco buildings and its village like feel. , a few cosy restaurants, and a
    French style boulangerie. Also two minutes walk from the public park of my home
    Features are;
    Internet connection
    Laundry inside the apartment
    DVD;Decorative Fireplace
    sofa;Wc,window,vcr;shower;sheets
    dining table
    Term: Furnished
    Rent per week: £150
    Rent per calender month :£600
    Security deposit;£850
    Type: Flat
    Beds: 1
    the address is Street: DRAYCOTT PLACE South kensington Post code;SW3 2SH
    Street: DRAYCOTT PLACE
    Baths: 1
    Floor Level: Ground
    Status: Available
    sq;4000
    Floor: 1
    Nº bedrooms;1
    Balcony: Yes
    Heating: Yes
    Stoves/radiators:Yes Elevator: Yes
    Nº bathrooms and toilet: 1
    Terrace: –
    Air conditioner:Yes
    Surface: 80 m2
    Amenities
    CAR TRAVEL
    South kensington m25 Gatwick Airport Heathrow Airport DRAYCOTT
    PLACE
    2.1 miles 16.8 miles 33.6 miles 16.9
    miles
    8 mins 31 mins 52 mins 32
    mins
    DRAYCOTT PLACE
    TUBE TRAVEL
    Nearest Station Zone Tube Line No. Stops to
    Main Station
    South Kensington
    DRAYCOTT PLACE
    COUNCIL TAX 2008-2009
    Valuation Band Band A Band B Band C Band D Band E Band
    F Band G Band H
    Council Tax Rate £403 £470 £537 £605 £739 £874
    £1,008 £1,210

    Regards
    On 8/25/08, Edward Owen wrote:
    Hi I am interested in your south Kensington apartment, please send details. Thankyou

40. On the August 27, 2008 Omar said

    
    

    
    

    I’m so glad I found this page I was looking at places on gumtree and found a 2 bed flat in fulham @ £400 PCM. I thought it was too good to be true but then got the same emails this time from dr George Anderson who got a new job in Greece and wanted me to send £800 via moneygram to a friend and email
    Him the receipt!!!! Yeah like that is going to happen

41. On the August 29, 2008 Stef said

    
    

    
    

    we just had something very similar happen in cambridge. a guy was renting out a flat in the city centre, by the river for £400pcm including bills. Again he asked for money to be sent via Western Union before he would come down from dundee for a viewing. We thought this sounded strange so google gumtree scams and found this. so thanks for your stories, you saved us money!!!

42. On the September 1, 2008 Not so stupid said

    
    

    
    

    Emma may be called John Welsh now. A surgeon from Ireland. Who also owns a hospital? Illiterate? You betcha!!!

    This is an e-mail I received today from a landlord of a flat that was too good to be true.

    Hello,
    Thanks for the enquiry .Its is total rent for the whole flat,I will send u more pictures in my next soon ok,well I am a very comfortable surgical doctor, who works in almost in every part of the united kingdom and also own a hospital in Cork (IRELAND) .I would like to rent out one double bedroom flat with Broad Band Internet to a very easy going person at 150 per week including all charges available now for you to occupy for a long time,Spacious modern ground floor studio flat. Lovely split level one bedroom flat. Wooden flooring, neutral décor throughout. Kitchen with washing machine,dish washer,Amerian stainless steel freezer,The living room comprises of a flat screen tv set,dvd player with central heating…..Fully furnished. 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 house like theirs because am letting the flat out because am presently in Ireland attending to patient and as well as going through a forum. I am looking for a reliable and tidy person that will take care of my flat for me i can let it out and come over for the viewings as soon as possible so i need to know them better and see the kind of person they are…get back to me so we can arrange viewing and sort things out
    Regards

    Hello ,
    Thanks so much for the reply and interest in my House.and it is on Khama Road, Tooting, London, SW17 0AN,its a one bedroom flat is available for long and shot term so its depends on how long contract you are willing to sign with me However,i will be willing to meet you,get to know you and show you round the flat so that you can see what you are renting. But the issue is that i have been having problems with time wasters with regards to making the payment for the Flat and this was really a wasted time since you know i am presently in Cork on a seminar as well as attending to some surgical patient,but have my Laptop here to reply to emails.However,how am i going to be sure that i will not be disappointed when i come around to show you the flat?Please understand that i am NOT asking you to pay for what you have not seen.People have told me that they will pay upon us meeting if they are satisfied but they all don’t have the money to pay,everyone of them
    is looking for a free or cheaper Flat to rent despite the fact that i have made the rent Cheap.Pls,i need your suggestion here because you can’t pay for what you have not seen,it is not advisable.However,i am also discussing with my Colleague here as regards idea on what i can do.I will get back to you or you suggest on what to do so that we can arrange a meeting and the viewing of the flat.Thanks while i will be waiting read from you.Do not hesitate to ask any question. feel free to ask me any question.
    waiting to read from you.you
    Regards
    N.B:
    Do you have the money to pay me if you like the Flat after viewing?
    How many are you to occupy the Flat?.

    And yet another E-mail from a supposed landlord. Who didn’t even mess around. He wanted the “moneygram” straight away. Can these people be brought to Justice???

    Hi

    I wont be able to come to London until i see proof that you can afford the rent of my property.I don’t accept bank statement/payslip/scan page of bank
    statement of our tenant because i have experienced lot of problems in confirming if they actually have the money to rent the flat.The new policy which was
    decided is by confirming the capability of our tenants income of renting the room via MONEY GRAM TRANSFER to confirm the capability of our tenants
    income of renting the flat and also excellent references from your previous landlord .

    Make a refundable deposit of £500 .Get either your friend to make the transfer to your name or transfer the deposit to to your friends name.

    After you have done the deposit, Do send the Reference Number ,Senders Name,Receivers Name,Actual amount transfered to me as a proof that you have the
    deposit fee to pay .I will verify through Money Gram to confirm if you actually made the transaction.Then i will acknowledge the transaction and advise
    accordingly on how we proceed with regards to viewing the said property.Then i will make it down to London the next day afternoon.On my arrival to
    London ,we shall both go to the nearest Money gram outlet to pick up your money.

    If after the viewing, you love the flat, ,then we definitely sign the rental & agreement form in the presence of my lawyer and if you are not interested in the
    flat, I would refund the Money gram charges cost to you.I will be waiting for your response ASAP because i have other interested people.

    Note:You are not to transfer the money to me.Transfer the money to your next of kin or your friend or get your friend to transfer it to you.If you need more
    details i will explain better to you.

    Douglas Carter

43. On the September 3, 2008 Dan said

    
    

    
    

    Hiya,
    Really useful site.
    Found a beautiful 1 bed apartment in Bayswater yesterday for £500/month…

    Sounded great, but I think it is!

    Well you’ll love to know that the scammer couldn’t even match pictures…
    The picture in the gumtree advert was different to the 1 they sent me as attachment in email!
    Hilarious!

    Will post full email con. when done.

    Cheers,
    Dan.

44. On the September 3, 2008 Martin said

    
    

    
    

    I was recently attempted to be scammed. I own a 2 bedroom flat and was looking for a flatmate (and unfortunately still am). I posted my ad on Gumtree and had a few replies but only one was really interested. I followed this up and it turned out to be a freelance journalist who was moving from Paris to my location. I was pleased and had been looking forward to having a flatmate. Emails were sent and although the grammer was odd like the previous emails in the original post i kept on going but all the time it never felt right. I discussed the issue of rent and who she would pay. This was the really really strange bit. she was going to send me £3000 from her company and I would have to take the deposit and rent off and send her the rest of the money so she could arrange her flights and stuff. When I cashed the cheque I felt like a criminal but the bank took it but I deliberately waited until the cheque was meant to clear in my account until I sent money away. Oddly enough she also suggested I waited to the cheque cleared as well. when it came to sending her the money back she wanted it sent via Western Union but I went to the bank to see if the money had cleared and not surprisingly I was told it had been returned to sender.
    Although this whole event has not left me out of pocket it has stopped other potential buyers and wasted a lot of my time and hope.
    I can only hope that no one falls for the scam and my story could hopefully warn people of the problems of internet renting. Its a horrible world and no wonder there is no faith in people any more.

45. On the September 4, 2008 Jon said

    
    

    
    

    Another one of these, this time for a 3-bed flat in Holborn. Woman calling herself Shiraz El Saket.

46. On the September 7, 2008 Andrea said

    
    

    
    

    yeah, thanks so much so posting this. ridiculous that people really think this will work!!! then again, i had to google it. basically, i just got myself in the same situation and don’t know where to put my anger. arrrg. anyways, thanks so much for putting up the post. well done.

47. On the September 8, 2008 Clarkee said

    
    

    
    

    Same shiz. “i live in Poland and my aunt died. I find it hard to come to englane”. DO ONE DICK ED!!!

48. On the September 11, 2008 Matthew said

    
    

    
    

    Another Gumtree Rent Scam.

    One for a 1 bedroom flat in Fulham, from one “Paul Cloke”. Ad:

    ——————————
    This lovely one bedroomed house offers a wealth of well presented living and entertaining space, featuring a reception room and a fantastic kitchen/diner which opens on to a delightful rear garden, all within a great location within close proximity to Fulham Broadway.

    The nearby Dawes Road provides a selection of local shops, and a comprehensive range of recreational and retail amenities can be found moments away at Fulham Broadway.

    For the motorist a convenient route into and out of London is provided by the A4/M4 and Fulham Broadway Underground Station (District Line) is also in close proximity.
    —————————–

    Mail from Paul:

    Hi,

    Good to read again from you and for expressing your genuine interest in renting my flat. You seem to be a good personality and I am sure you’ll be a great tenant.

    I’d have actually loved to keep it vacant but a friend advised i get some one who can take good care of it. I hope i can take your word to take good care of my apartment like your own.

    However as i said before viewing will not be a problem, Anytime during the week in the evening would be a good date for our meeting. But i need a proof you have the funds on you before i can commit to viewing as i have been disappointed several times after scheduling viewings in the past few days. My job had suffered and i have also wasted my funds coming over to london before that’s why I’m a little sceptical.

    As it is not a wise decision to send your bank statements via the internet that would have been a better option. So may be you want to suggest how else you can prove to me you have the funds on you right now so we can go on to meet for viewing if that is okay by you.

    ——————————

    The format fits these examples exactly, including dream photos, low prices, not being able to come to London, poor previous tenants, etc. I can almost guarantee the next mail will ask for a transfer. Any suggestions on how to sting these bastards?

    Matthew.

49. On the September 11, 2008 kiera said

    
    

    
    

    Hiya

    I put an ad looking for a house in widnes, and exactly as above, very english names, with very poor english asking to send money via western union, what is the world coming too, just hope people get this

50. On the September 15, 2008 tramy said

    
    

    
    

    I wonder if anyone would come across my comment, oh well, I am hunting for flat and come across let see so far 3 lovely and caring landlords who had bad experiences ( one even got robbed when showing around her flat) and asking for Western Union receipt.
    I sent out emails to them with headline: Assholes with nothing written down and one moron called me for my POINT OF VIEW (yes I gave out my mobile number T,T). He was MRS WARREN in the emails I received and MR AWKWARD INDIAN on the phone, cute eh.
    I had to sent 3 insulting emails afterward and probably he GOT MY POINT OF VIEW now bless him.

51. On the September 16, 2008 shit kicker said

    
    

    
    

    thanks for this post the little bitch was trying it on me 2, iv been emailing 2 ppl but i think its the same scammer, just emailed them:

    hey Judith, donna, paul, what ever the fuck u call ur self, iv got a question for you, why the fuck do u do this? do ppl really fall for it? iv been reading about people like u, trying to scam the people who r looking for the cheapest accommodation u r literally a queef, an a big one at that! u cant spell for shit 2,try spell checker dick!. an ill be adding my emails to the VAST list of others who have been in contact with fuckin dirrty scammers like yourself, try getting a real job arsehole!

52. On the September 18, 2008 Shekar said

    
    

    
    

    Heres from my side and even the phone number of the person asking for mone transfer.

    Dear Shekar.

    Thanks for the email and your interest in the flat. the flat is a whole flat share, but I need to know some few questions about you. How many of you are coming to live in my flat? Can you take care of my flat as it is? Can you bring your identity passport when coming for viewing? How many months do you intend to rent and pay for? Do you have references in London? 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. I have lost my job some months ago because of taking people who cant even afford the rent. 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 as am presently in Pimlico right now, but i will like to come immediately u are able to follow my procedure, I would not ask you to send your bank statement as it may be used illegally sometimes, while some produce fake bank statements and pay slip, but if you are able to transfer money to your friend or partner’s custody via money gram post office, which my lawyer would make confirmation if truly you’ve transfered the money to your friend or partner’s custody, then we can arrange viewing and we can proceed. After confirmation has been made, you can tell your friend or partner to pick up the money. I will be responsible for the cost of transfer, as soon as you arrive to my flat. At least a month rent £600 and security deposit £500 total of (£1100) would be required from you to transfer to your friend’s custody, which will shows how reliable your finance is to rent a flat. You can make the transfer to your close friend. Your security deposit of 500£ will be return back to u after a week that u have been staying in my flat, u have to do the transfer through money gram post office, that is if you will be willing to do this. Once you have done this, you can scan the receipt to me or send the details of the receipt if you have no scanner, as I send it to my lawyer to verify, and after verification, then you can pick up your money back as we proceed to view and also refund back to you the cost of transfer. And I will also appreciate a clean and tidy fellow in my flat as it has just undergone renovation in and out.. Also you will be responsible for any form of damages in the building, if you eventually rent my flat. Also please do note that i do not accept any viewing after 8pm….here is me and my fiance cell # 07035934278

    Best Regards
    Mr & Mrs Jones.

    — On Thu, 18/9/08, Shekar wrote:

    From: Shekar
    Subject: Re: FLAT DETAILS AND PICTURES
    To: earlscourt08@yahoo.co.uk
    Date: Thursday, 18 September, 2008, 3:01 PM

    Hello Jones,

    Thanks for your response to my EMail.

    I am actually looking for a house to rent for my entire family, we want to relocate to London area due my job requirement. From your advert, I got this feeling that you are moving out and might want to rent your home.
    But after reading through your response, It seems like you are looking for a some one to house share with you.

    I was not really looking for a house share.

    Please accept my apologies for any inconvenience caused.

    Kind Regards
    Shekar

    —– Original Message —-
    From: mr and mrs jones
    To: shekar_chand@yahoo.com
    Sent: Thursday, September 18, 2008 3:07:19 PM
    Subject: FLAT DETAILS AND PICTURES

    Hello there,

    Thanks alot for showing interest to my advert, the flat is 66Sq.m available, the flat is well-arranged and furnished living room with incredible sectional sofa, huge flat screen T.V it has a good-sized, high-ceilinged bed/sitting room with a large window.You won,t be sharing the falt with anyone. There is a kitchen with machine wash and dryer and door to the communal garden. The bathroom is newly-fitted and tiled in limestone, with shower attachment to the bath. The apartment has good storage space, its extremely neat and clean includes water, garbage, and internet. The flat has a private Parking in an indoor garage, extremely neat and clean, the flat is only 1 year old, both Short and Long term lease options available for 150 pw including all bills.

    The flat is located in:
    Kempsford Gardens Earls Court London SW5 9LA

    CAR TRAVEL:
    Central London M25 Gatwick Airport Heathrow Airport
    0..7 miles 17 miles 34.8 miles 17.1 miles
    3 mins 32 mins 58 mins 33 mins

    We are couple and open to both a male or female tenant. If interested please get back to me in my mail.

    Regards
    Jones.

53. On the September 19, 2008 Cristina said

    
    

    
    

    I just lost 1000 euros in sending money to an account of this Shiraz El Saket.
    I know how stuoid I have ben. As I didnt know how these things work I believed her id and passport copy and paid her money,
    Now I am miserable and dont know what to do.But deserved it.I should have been smarter…

54. On the September 21, 2008 Nikki said

    
    

    
    

    I think I have experienced something similar. The house is huge and posh and the fella wants only £400pcm for it! The photos are similar to yours and his English is bad.

    GGrrrrr. Thanks for posting this. Makes my decision to ignore him easier!

55. On the September 21, 2008 Nikki said

    
    

    
    

    Here are the emails I receieved….

    1: Hello,

    i have property is vacant. i want to rent it out to a good and clean
    tenant, it does not matter if you have pet, i have pet too, good
    recommendation from previous accommodation will be required. get back to
    me if you will be interested in my property while i send you the pictures
    and other details.

    Thanks

    Craig.

    2: Hello,

    Thanks for your reply, i have 3 bedroom House with receptions in Retford, well furnished and decorated (NOTE: it can be rented out unfurnished), broadband internet access, garden and parking available, kitchen utilities like gas, cooker, fridge etc. washing machine and toilet with shower available.

    it is located on Grove Street, Retford, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire DN22 6JR

    Monthly rent fee is 400pounds bill inclusive

    Refundable deposit fee 700pounds

    Thanks

    And the photos:

    http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i236/nixxie1981/BEDDD.jpg

    http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i236/nixxie1981/BEDR.jpg

    http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i236/nixxie1981/BESD.jpg

56. On the September 24, 2008 Elaine said

    
    

    
    

    Glad I did a search on rent deposit scams and found this page. Its not Dr Emma but John Wilson who also has terrible grammar. He wants me to wire
    £1500 to just to view his flat in Aberdeen. After repeated requests to tell me the street, he fell flat on his arse as he gave me the name of a street which has no flats on it whatsoever.
    Arsehole!

57. On the October 1, 2008 Megan said

    
    

    
    

    Hello,

    I have had the same experience. See my email from this fraudulent offer.

    Hi,
    Thanks for your details and I think you’re perfect for rent my flat and we can meet anytime and show
    you the flat and after that you can move in….
    As you already know, I live in Leicester and I have nobody in London that could show you the
    appartment.I need to come personal to meet you and present it.
    Three days ago I was in London to meet with a client but when I arrived in London he never respond
    to my e`mails or calls.I don`t want to happend me again.
    I work in a hospital and is very hard for me to come in London. I can’t take the risk to leave my
    new job for days and when I arrive in London to see that I come for nothing. I want to be sure that
    when I will come in London you will wait me and we will meet to show you the flat and MAYBE you will
    rent the flat and we do the rent papers then i can come back in Leicester.
    So i can be sure of that look how we can do:
    You make the payment from your name and address to your best friend,partner name and address in UK
    using MoneyGram for 1 month rent + security deposit and send me the scanned receipt.The money is
    still within you. As soon as I see the scanned receipt that you have made the payment, I will come
    in London and you will see the flat and maybe rent it. After that, we will go together at the
    MoneyGram office and you will take the money back and pay me.So all you have to do is to find a
    MoneyGram office and wire GBP 1280 from your name to your best friend ,partner name and send the
    scanned receipt.I am asking you this to be sure that I do not come in London for nothing. Hope you
    can understand my situations. You can find a MoneyGram office near to your location using this link:
    http://www.moneygram.com/eFindUs/findUs.do?countryCode=US&languageCode=en and after that you put
    your post code of your adress and you will find your nearest MoneyGram Office. ).When you will go to
    the Money Gram office to wire the money sometimes they ask you why are you doing that and if you
    tell them you want make the payment for rent a flat when pick up the money you must pay another fees
    and for don’t pay another money you must tell to Money Gram you will send the money to a person how
    need the money or you make it a gift (i think you don`t want pay more money for this).
    P.S : As I told you,I have a lot of customers interested to rent the apartment. I will reserve the
    apartment to the first one that provides me have money available in moneygram account.
    The Money Gram transfer fee i will pay you back cash when we meet to show you the flat.As soon as I
    have the confirmation from MoneyGram that the money are available on his name I stop the
    transactions with all the other customers.
    I COME IN LONDON OLY YOU HAVE THE MONEY AVAILABE IN MONEY GRAM ACCOUNT UNTIL AFTER SEE THE FLAT AND
    DECIDE IF YOU RENT THIS.
    I expect your decision about this if you want rent my flat because i have more people interested in
    rented apartment.
    I am sure that my flat is good hands if you want to rent.
    Thank you for your time.