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Safely putting a deposit on an apartment abroad

  • 10-05-2007 10:02am
    #1
    Mutant_Fruit
    Closed Accounts Posts: 4,943 ✭✭✭


    I'm going to Cambridge, MA for the summer and i've been looking up accommodation over there using craigslist.com.

    Now, i've found something that i like (it's a little expensive, but it's well situated). The thing is the guy wants a months rent up front as a deposit. I don't particularly want to pay that amount of money up front without even entering the country, i don't want to lose $1000 to a scammer, although it doesn't look at all like a scam.

    So, what are my options.

    Are there any safe methods for putting a deposit that means if one of us backs out, the other isn't screwed over? Last thing i want is for me to pay my deposit, him to go off on a nice holiday and i never see the keys to the place :rolleyes:


Comments

  • #2
    BuffyBot
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 24,924 ✭✭✭✭BuffyBot


    A toss up between where to do this, but Abroad is probably best seem as it's about moving abroad..Abroad wins it.


  • #3
    BuffyBot
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 24,924 ✭✭✭✭BuffyBot


    A toss up between where to do this, but Abroad is probably best seem as it's about moving abroad..Abroad wins it.


  • #4
    Faith
    Moderators, Society & Culture Moderators Posts: 30,661 Mod ✭✭✭✭Faith


    I'm in a similar situation myself. I can't really see any way of having much of a guarantee. Maybe attempt to get some form of receipt? How does he want the payment? It might be safe enough to do it through paypal.


  • #5
    Mutant_Fruit
    Closed Accounts Posts: 4,943 ✭✭✭Mutant_Fruit


    I've asked him if i could pay via paypal, but i don't see how it'd offer any protection/safety over a straight bank transfer. Sure i'll see how it goes anyway, we're trying to settle on a reasonable deposit ;)


  • #6
    Faith
    Moderators, Society & Culture Moderators Posts: 30,661 Mod ✭✭✭✭Faith


    We've been asked to pay be western union! That set off alarm bells for me. My friends agreed we're not paying by WU, but I doubt this guys authenticity now. We'll see how it goes too!


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  • #7
    BrokenArrows
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,501 ✭✭✭BrokenArrows


    Use an international banktransfer and make sure you put a comment on the transfer stating "deposit on apartment"

    This will keep a permanent record of the transaction and if there is any problems you can go to your bank and get proof of the transaction.

    Also make sure you get a reciept from him within a short period of the transfer.


  • #8
    cousin_borat
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 995 ✭✭✭cousin_borat


    I live in Cambridge beside Davis Square. I could maybe check it out for you when I get back later this week.


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