Funnily enough this morning I got 2 more replies to apartment inquiries I had sent out last week - all having some link to Nigeria and all eventually asking for a transfer to be made via Western Union.
All of them were replies to ads on Craig's List which on a first glance seem to look like all other rental listing ads.....they even go as far as to give you an exact address (which turns out to be fake). For your reading pleasure.....
It's disappointing that neither Craig's List nor Western Union are doing anything to stop this and save their reputations....
SCAM MAIL #2:
From: alegrÃa Señor <babe.angel2001@gmail.com>
Date: Friday, October 26, 2007 10:38 am
Subject: Re: Your ad on Craig's List (3brm, St Sebastien)
> Hello,
> Is nice hearing from you, am Señor alegrÃa from Spain but am in
> the UK for > my studies . Regarding the apartment is avalible, though
> am not the owner > of the apartment am a student, i came to paris, to work on
> my school > project, i really take good care of the apartment and when
> leaving the owner > handed it over to me, though his a Rev and his in West Africa (
> Nigeria) .
> Well you can keep intouch with me and am assuring you he will
> give it out > the way he gave it to me by taking it as your own and taking
> good care of > the place. The apartment is a very lovely and in a quite area
> you will like > it, below is the address, coming to the price is 1200Eur monthly
> and all > charges are included in the price given... to be honest after i
> have paid > for 1month deposit he never ask for any money from me after my
> stay for > 7months. So the most important thing is taking a very good care
> of his > apartment and it has a speed internet.
>
> location :
> City Paris
> Area Marais
> Address 16,Rue Thorigny - Paris FRANCE .
>
> Well I have to stop here, take care.
> Regards,
> AlegrÃa
>
SCAM MAIL #3:
Hello,
It has been a hard time trying to get a nice person for my apartment. It has not been occupied for 2 month since I left for my new contract with Global Communications in Nigeria. I have flashy thing in there and I was afraid the new tenant will destroy the place. I rented the apartment since last year June and I still have 3 years to keep it.
Apartment location: Rue Quincampoix 10 --Paris.
I have the keys to the apartment with me and I will send them to you via 24 hours DHL so that you can check into the apartment ONLY after the following steps 1 bellow have been completed.
(Note: if you are not in agreement with these terms then no need to reply to this message)
1. If you agree to first make an advance payment of 200 Euros via Western Union for the processing and posting of the apartment keys and agreement papers both from me to landlord and from landlord to me, and posting of the keys and agreements papers from me to you.
The forms that will be sent to you for completion and your requirements:
A. Sub-lease apartment form.
B. Cosigner agreement form.
C. Guarantee of payment of rent form.
D. Rental agreement form
E. A scanned copy of your drivers license or international passport as proof of identity (This is also a part of the rental agreement).
400 Euro is the rent that I pay per month and it already include the utility expenses Electricity, Water, Internet, Microwave, Crokery/Cutlery, Satellite TV, Air conditioning, Clothes Dryer, Washing Machine, Telephone, Hydro, Washer, Security and heating. And the price is not negotiable at all so this is what you will pay per month also.
If you are ok and accept the procedures above then provide answers to questions I have bellow since they will be used to complete the package that will be sent to you via DHL.
FILL OUT THE FORM BELLOW
1) Your Full Name?
2) Your Full Address:
3) Phone Number?
4) How old are you?
5) Are you married?
6) How many people will be living in the house?
7) Do you have a pet?
Do you have a car?
9) Occupation?
10) How long do you intend to rent this apartment?
11) When exactly do you intend to move into the apartment?
11) When are you going to stop staying in the apartment?
Answers would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks
Bill Gatlin
+ 234 806-297-6750
# 4, Secretariats Lane,
Victoria Garden City,
Lagos State, 23401 Nigeria
E-Mail: Billgatlin.com
Web site:
http://www.gatlin.homestead.com
Land Lord:
Phone: + 44 702-406-4033
04 Church Lane,
Ladybank, Fife, KY15 7JY,
Scotland.