I let out accommodation. I emailed a prospective tenant overseas, who says he likes how my offered room sounds/looks. However, he wants to send me money in advance and things sound a bit fishy. Please read this through and tell me what he could do, in a worst case scenario.
"Seen all about this apartment and i love it, my agent is in the uk now for a project and i think he will send you a cheque for the apartment..how much exactly do i need to pay now so i get it down for myself..i will be there by next week prior to when I'm starting my Studies....
You will have to receive payment on my behalf and also help me deposit until i come over..this i think will speed up the process
Get back to me with
FIRST NAME......... SURNAME..........ADDRESS........CITY............ STATE.......
ZIP CODE......... COUNTRY.....PHONE NUMBER (S)...GENDER... MARITAL STATUS.......i would settle the first month rent before my coming over "
2007-02-06 13:28:39 · 14 answers · asked by rage997_666 2 in Business & Finance ➔ Renting & Real Estate
If I were you, I would not even respond. However, keep a copy of the email. How did this person come in contact with you. It's only for your protect in case some sort of fraud comes up down the road. If you choose to communicate with them, just tell this person the apt. is no longer available and move on. If you are already questioning it and have wierd feelings about it, better to be safe then sorry. Usually your gut instinct is right. You never know what act of fraud you could be opening yourself up to. However, coming from an industry that specializes in credit...believe me, that is the last thing you want to take a chance with, I have heard horror story after horror story. It's not worth the risk.
2007-02-06 13:42:35 · answer #1 · answered by babeebluez73 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Looks like a con to me. Do not accept a check, only accept certified funds that clear prior to granting him access - this should include your deposit plus first month's rent. Check with your bank for the "full" clearing time required to be assured that funds are available. Most banks only hold for a week, when it could take two weeks or better to get funds cleared through international locations - leaving you holding the bag.
Also, why does he need gender and marital status to rent from you? He could be trying to steal identity or to get access to your bank account.
He should supply certified funds to you, along with a photo passport, completed application, and time to have his funds fully clear through a foreign bank. Then, you should not clear any funds for him - if he is moving here, he needs to have an account set up here when he arrives. He can bring cash with him for what he needs until his bank will release all of his funds - probably three weeks or so, depending on the country of origin.
He can exchange money to US currency before arriving, so that should never be an issue
2007-02-13 06:49:25 · answer #2 · answered by walkinandrockin 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Worst case scenario - identity theft.
Why accept this person as your tenant when there are loads already in the country who can most likely provide you with references that you can check out, plus their employer confirmation etc.
Accept a cheque from a stranger when you can check them out not the other way around. You don't need nor is it wise to provide a stranger with any personal details.
If you really want to accept money from an unknown to rent your property just sign up with Paypal and send them a money request, if they not prepared to pay you this way then they don't get access to any of your personal details.
I think the landlord 1st answer to your question is good guidance.
My advice - rent to local resident that you can check out.
2007-02-06 13:59:29 · answer #3 · answered by Jewel 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
This is a classic example of "advanced fee" fraud, coupled with identity theft. Do not go there, dont send them any money, you are the one doing the letting and being paid, not the other way round. These schemes usually originate from nigeria, using any severs they can get away with for as long as they can, most likely you will find the e-mail has been sent to you from one address and they want you to reply to another, it is the usual hole in the scam. To wind them up, demand advanced payment from them, including a copy of thier passport.
2007-02-10 23:38:45 · answer #4 · answered by Pope my ride! 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Don't know what type of fraud it is, but it sounds like a scam.. don't accept checks, don't put cash into an account he wants you to make deposits into, and don't send your personal information. If this person is serious abot renting your place, let them kno wwhen they come to the States next week and if it is available at that time. they can meet with you, give you cash.
2007-02-12 14:27:37 · answer #5 · answered by talktome 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hi I also rent out property in Liverpool and although prospective tenant may be genuine you shouldn't take the chance, opt for a more straightforward tenant. why does he have an agent? also to receive deposits/advance rent you obviously have to send bank info??? be careful.
2007-02-06 23:28:08 · answer #6 · answered by skens girl 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
FRAUD! He doesn't need any of that info to come and live in your flat! And NEVER deposit money for someone you don't know. He is laundering money through your account: He probably can't deposit the money as questions will be asked but you will say it's a deposit for a flat, then when he asks for it back it will look legit for him.
Ignore further correspondance and find another tenent.
2007-02-06 20:59:56 · answer #7 · answered by Katkin 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Has he filled out an application? Has he signed a contract?
Doesn't sound like fraud as much as he is trying to get into a property without qualifying for it.
If you take any money without qualifying him, you have essentially said he can rent the property.
If he has qualified and signed the contract, then renting shouldn't be a problem. Get the cleaning deposit and rent in advance and set a specific date for the contract to start, whether he has seen the property or not.
If he just wants you to hold it, charge him one week’s equivalent rent to hold it for 5 days, but specify he still has to qualify and sign a contract.
Good Luck
2007-02-06 13:40:40 · answer #8 · answered by A_Kansan 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I agree with the others - this is a scam. Why would a prospective tenant need to know your gender and maritial status?? This is another version of a Nigerian scam - they are trying to steal your identity.
2007-02-06 19:00:56 · answer #9 · answered by fengirl2 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Avoid.
Why would a prospective tenant want YOUR details. The information requested would allow him to pose as you, to open a credit card account (he has your name, address etc) or get other credit deals which would end up in your post box.
2007-02-07 00:39:54 · answer #10 · answered by BRIAN S 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋