Rental Scam

taytobreath · 11-10-2019 11:22am #1

Hi Folks

I advertised a property to rent via daft. Since last night I have been exchanging emails with this person, but I very highly suspect a scam.
Can I ask your opinions on it.

Thank you in advance.

Hi,

My name is xxxx xxxxx, I'm 30 years old female from München, Germany. I don't smoke, I drink wine but occasionally. I'm a tidy and quiet person. My colleague and I will establish a film production company in Ireland and which is the reason I need the room.

I will be coming to Ireland to do some research on how to establish the company before my colleague arrives.

Please get back to me with the rent duration, price and how many people will share the property?

Looking forward to read from you

That was the first email, the next email is

Thanks for providing more information about the place, I've also seen more information on the website and I'm satisfied.

I'm hoping to rent it for 12 or 24 months from 26/10/2019 and I'm willing to pay from the availability date to secure the room, also please be informed that payment will be made by bank draft payable in Ireland.

Please get back to me with the information as requested below so that I can forward it to my colleague for payment approval.

Name: Address: City: Eircode: Tel:

What are the documents you require to complete the rent?

Hoping to read from you soon.

Kind regards,

Chiorino · 11-10-2019 11:27am

It's a definate possiblility. I'd reply that bank draft is not accepted and payment must be made by EFT in advance and see what sort of response you get.

aristotle25 · 11-10-2019 11:28am

You need to meet them in person to start with. If that doesn't suit them then let them find somewhere else.

11-10-2019 11:28am

Well if they pay the money and it doesn't bounce then how is it a scam?

She asks for what documents are required. Ask for a copy of photo ID and a proof of address in Germany. Offer to meet her and show her the property when she is over.

Part of my job is analyzing possible scam and spam emails. I'm not seeing anything obvious in the language. I'd be happy to analyze the email headers for you if you like?

punisher5112 · 11-10-2019 11:31am

Advise them Airbnb may suit better....

You will have people tripping over themselves to give you 2 or 3 months up front as places are so scarce....

I wouldn't even entertain them types of emails....

I drink wine occasionally, what has that got to do with renting.....

ldy4mxonucwsq6 · 11-10-2019 11:34am

[Deleted User] wrote: »

Well if they pay the money and it doesn't bounce then how is it a scam?

Not saying this lS a scam but if you are familiar with scams then you should know about scam bank drafts etc.

She pays by bank draft for an amount we'll over what's required for rental eg rent is 1k deposit so she sends a draft 'accidentally' for 3k.

OP then needs to send her a refund of 2k, turns out the original draft of 3k was fake. OP is down 2k now and she's 2k richer. Very common scam for car sellers to come across.

taytobreath · 11-10-2019 11:36am

Paulina Odd Typesetter wrote: »

Not saying this lS a scam but if you are familiar with scams then you should know about scam bank drafts etc.

She pays by bank draft for an amount we'll over what's required for rental eg rent is 1k deposit so she sends a draft 'accidentally' for 3k.

OP then needs to send her a refund of 2k, turns out the original draft of 3k was fake. OP is down 2k now and she's 2k richer. Very common scam for car sellers to come across.

Yea thats what I was thinking too.

ldy4mxonucwsq6 · 11-10-2019 11:39am

''please be informed that payment will be made by bank draft payable in Ireland.''

This line is a dead give away, they ask you nicely about what docs, price, room etc but they are telling you right now up front how the payment will be made. Who pays by draft from abroad when eft is much cheaper, easier and faster?

Wesser · 11-10-2019 11:48am

it sounds to me as though her employer or work colleague is paying for her?
Would this be a reason why?

i would not rent out a room or property to anyone without meeting them and getting a feel for them.

BrokenArrows · 11-10-2019 11:49am

Paulina Odd Typesetter wrote: »

Not saying this lS a scam but if you are familiar with scams then you should know about scam bank drafts etc.

She pays by bank draft for an amount we'll over what's required for rental eg rent is 1k deposit so she sends a draft 'accidentally' for 3k.

OP then needs to send her a refund of 2k, turns out the original draft of 3k was fake. OP is down 2k now and she's 2k richer. Very common scam for car sellers to come across.

Only idiots fall for that.

Clearly you would wait for the 3k deposit to clear before returning 2k.

punisher5112 · 11-10-2019 11:53am

Definitely move on op. Plenty more genuine renters....

BrokenArrows · 11-10-2019 11:56am

punisher5112 wrote: »

Definitely move on op. Plenty more genuine renters....

I'd agree with this OP.
Not because it's a scam, but because someone who is coming here to start a new business doesn't sound like they will have a reliable source of income yet.

Better to go with someone working a solid 9-5 with a reliable income.

KungPao · 11-10-2019 11:59am

I’d be on orange alert for a scam. Not worth the risk.

Brego888 · 11-10-2019 12:00pm

Unless you are advertising for accommodation in the back arse of nowhere with no one else interested why would you bother to entertain this, legitimate or not?

ldy4mxonucwsq6 · 11-10-2019 12:02pm

BrokenArrows wrote: »

Only idiots fall for that.

Clearly you would wait for the 3k deposit to clear before returning 2k.

If they target 100 people and just one falls for it then it's well worth their while. You'd be surprised how convincing professional scam artists can be.

TheBoyConor · 11-10-2019 12:08pm

Anyone who gives a "story" about why they are renting is more than likely a scam.

And as for bank drafts? Lol !! I haven't seen a bank draft in about 10 years I'd say. Obvious scam.

Even if they could prove it was all geniune why would you bother renting to young, inexperienced film makers with no reliable income from Germany? In saying that they will come here to set up a film company they have basically said they are unemployed at present.

Working professionals here in ireland would take the hand off you here for a property and offer you wads of cash. None of this back story and bank draft rubbish.

11-10-2019 12:10pm

Paulina Odd Typesetter wrote: »

Not saying this lS a scam but if you are familiar with scams then you should know about scam bank drafts etc.

She pays by bank draft for an amount we'll over what's required for rental eg rent is 1k deposit so she sends a draft 'accidentally' for 3k.

OP then needs to send her a refund of 2k, turns out the original draft of 3k was fake. OP is down 2k now and she's 2k richer. Very common scam for car sellers to come across.

All of which is why I said "and if it doesn't bounce".

If they target 100 people and just one falls for it then it's well worth their while. You'd be surprised how convincing professional scam artists can be.

I see this daily so I wouldnt be surprised. I could tell you some great stories if it werent for my many NDAs. I would love to see the email headers. If it turns out the email originated in Melbourne or Magaluf and not Munchen that right there is a red flag.

Atlantic Dawn · 11-10-2019 12:13pm

100% scam, writing in the email is all over the place with confidence content.

Edgware · 11-10-2019 5:24pm

Could you not check this out with their Lagos office? I'm sure the manager there will reassure you that all is fine

12-10-2019 8:52pm

Paulina Odd Typesetter wrote: »

Not saying this lS a scam but if you are familiar with scams then you should know about scam bank drafts etc.

She pays by bank draft for an amount we'll over what's required for rental eg rent is 1k deposit so she sends a draft 'accidentally' for 3k.

OP then needs to send her a refund of 2k, turns out the original draft of 3k was fake. OP is down 2k now and she's 2k richer. Very common scam for car sellers to come across.

BrokenArrows wrote: »

Only idiots fall for that.

Clearly you would wait for the 3k deposit to clear before returning 2k.

I dont want to to tempt fate myself with anything at all, but why would anyone send money back to anyone unless whatever was sent had cleared?? even then I think Idhold onto it for their own stupidity in case it turned out to be a scam or fraud of some kind where you end up laundering money for them, maybe Im paranoid and cynical.

punisher5112 · 12-10-2019 8:56pm

1874 wrote: »

I dont want to to tempt fate myself with anything at all, but why would anyone send money back to anyone unless whatever was sent had cleared?? even then I think Idhold onto it for their own stupidity in case it turned out to be a scam or fraud of some kind where you end up laundering money for them, maybe Im paranoid and cynical.

People are stupid....

rivegauche · 12-10-2019 9:16pm

If they were German they'd be asking about square meterage, kaution/deposit and they don't use drafts, they transfer to IBAN/BIC codes.

meijin · 13-10-2019 12:20am

got very similar email in January 2018 and December 2018... different names used; "to establish film production company"

see more at https://forum.ybig.ie/scam-baiting_topic56620_page1.html - did she send you same photos? :rolleyes:

hurikane · 13-10-2019 12:36am

Deleted User wrote: »

All of which is why I said "and if it doesn't bounce".

I see this daily so I wouldnt be surprised. I could tell you some great stories if it werent for my many NDAs. I would love to see the email headers. If it turns out the email originated in Melbourne or Magaluf and not Munchen that right there is a red flag.

100% clear this is a scam.

Why would you love to see the emails headers? What sort of analysis would you do? All you can do is read them, and see what server sent it and the route it took. And guess what? It's going to have come from a Gmail server or an Outlook.com server, what does that tell you? Nothing. The scammer isn't going to be sending email from their ip. Amateur stuff.

punisher5112 · 13-10-2019 12:49am

Hello I am prince punisher and I need somewhere to live...

I will pay your asking price and give you enough for 3 months, if you need more just ask....

Also I have billions and need an account to put this money through so can you put this through I just need your personal details and bank account details sir....

I work hard for the money so hard for it honey....

juice1304 · 13-10-2019 12:51am

That is how they pay in germany

L1011 · 13-10-2019 12:52am

juice1304 wrote: »

That is how they pay in germany

Germans EFT everything. Not bank drafts.

Its a scam.

worded · 13-10-2019 12:53am

Hi

Bank drafts are as good as cash

That’s if they are not stolen or forged of course

As for waiting for it to clear LOL
That can take over a month + with a foreign bank to fully clear.

Your bank may clear it earlier than this on face value but guess who will be out of pocket when your bank realise it’s a dud .... you will

Likely you will be over paid and they req a 50% refund as they have a sob story that they can’t make it to Iteland after all

It’s an old con trick

I rented a place a year ago and this email seems incredibly familiar, I believe I was sent a close variant of this then

Anyway run a mile from it OP

taytobreath · 13-10-2019 1:16am

meijin wrote: »

got very similar email in January 2018 and December 2018... different names used; "to establish film production company"

see more at https://forum.ybig.ie/scam-baiting_topic56620_page1.html - did she send you same photos? :rolleyes:

looks the same to me

edit: hows about you don't post people passport scans, real or not, thanks

Atlantic Dawn · 13-10-2019 1:24am

juice1304 wrote: »

That is how they pay in germany

Mod note
Keep it civil and refrain from abusive language.

holliehobbie · 13-10-2019 2:17am

Are there not tons of people living and working in Ireland looking to rent your place?

Mic 1972 · 13-10-2019 6:43pm

taytobreath wrote: »

Hi Folks

I advertised a property to rent via daft. Since last night I have been exchanging emails with this person, but I very highly suspect a scam.
Can I ask your opinions on it.

Thank you in advance.

Hi,

My name is xxxx xxxxx, I'm 30 years old female from München, Germany. I don't smoke, I drink wine but occasionally. I'm a tidy and quiet person. My colleague and I will establish a film production company in Ireland and which is the reason I need the room.

I will be coming to Ireland to do some research on how to establish the company before my colleague arrives.

Please get back to me with the rent duration, price and how many people will share the property?

Looking forward to read from you

That was the first email, the next email is

Thanks for providing more information about the place, I've also seen more information on the website and I'm satisfied.

I'm hoping to rent it for 12 or 24 months from 26/10/2019 and I'm willing to pay from the availability date to secure the room, also please be informed that payment will be made by bank draft payable in Ireland.

Please get back to me with the information as requested below so that I can forward it to my colleague for payment approval.

Name: Address: City: Eircode: Tel:

What are the documents you require to complete the rent?

Hoping to read from you soon.

Kind regards,

Hey mate, this is a scam
I went through this a few month ago, same email, same German mysterious person - in my case her name was Darlene
If you say yes this is what is gong to happen

1. bank draft will be posted over to your home address
2. you will deposit the bank draft on your bank account and money will be added
3. you will be advised by your bank that it takes about 5 days for the check to be clear, however the money will show on your account already
4. the German will then ask you if she can have a portion of the money sent back to her because she accidentally sent you too much
5. you agree to do a bank transfer for a few thousands euro
6. After 5 days the check is bounced back and you lose the money

I realized this was a scam when i got to point 4 but I'm sure a lot of people have lost money to this scam otherwise they wouldn't keep going, you need to report this to the Garda immediately

TheBoyConor · 14-10-2019 9:45am

the German will then ask you if she can have a portion of the money sent back to her because she accidentally sent you too much

All the rest of it aside, even this is just ridiculous. How on earth do you "accidentally" send someone €1000 too much?. Even this is just unbelievable in the extreme. Totally implausible.

worded · 14-10-2019 9:53am

TheBoyConor wrote: »

All the rest of it aside, even this is just ridiculous. How on earth do you "accidentally" send someone €1000 too much?. Even this is just unbelievable in the extreme. Totally implausible.

This scam is used over and over again .... so it works for a % of people.

ldy4mxonucwsq6 · 14-10-2019 12:19pm

worded wrote: »

This scam is used over and over again .... so it works for a % of people.

Yes it has to be worth their while and people are still falling for it. I had three different ones contact me when I was selling a car, that they were buying for their 'partner/friend/relative'.

Luckily I knew it was a scam right off, the story had variations (I'm abroad, I'm working on an oil rig, I'm in hospital etc) but the scam is more or less the same and results in them needing to pay for something by bank draft without ever meeting you or viewing your car/property.

worded · 14-10-2019 1:19pm

Domestic bank checks typically take up to three business days to clear, while international bank drafts often take between four and six weeks

So once you lodge it the excuses and pleading and threats start

I heard one on the radio where someone pre booked for 6 mth violin lessons from abroad, but over paid.
The daughter had to cancel her planned visit to Ireland following a fall in Vienna ....

Person was told to keep the booking and return the few K over Payment

Bank had cleared the funds after a few days to the violin teacher so she happily returned the over payment. The person at bank told her verbally it was cleared funds (bank later denied this was a misunderstanding)

4 or 5 weeks later the bank realised it was a forged draft and took the money out of her account

Violin teacher was down a few K

the_syco · 14-10-2019 8:08pm

taytobreath wrote: »

My name is xxxx xxxxx, I'm 30 years old female from München, Germany
...
My colleague and I
...
I'm hoping to rent it for 12 or 24 months from 26/10/2019 and I'm willing to pay from the availability date to secure the room, also please be informed that payment will be made by bank draft payable in Ireland.

It's either a scam or brothel.

paulieeye · 15-10-2019 12:36pm

Deleted User wrote: »

Part of my job is analyzing possible scam and spam emails. I'm not seeing anything obvious in the language.

This is so obviously a scam. This is a classic. If your saying this is your job, I find it hard to believe that you wouldnt spot this.

The only thing that makes sense is that you are the culprit!! Nice try denartha..

riclad · 15-10-2019 2:56pm

If you have an apartment for rent in an urban area, or city ,you will have dozen,s of prospective tenants ,
So why take on a tenant who is from another country and can only pay
by a bank draft .
If theres, only a small risk of getting scammed why risk it .
unless she can send you the draft 6 weeks before she moves, in .
So it is cleared and in your account before she moves in .
scammers will send an email to a 1000 people ,if 1 per cent of users fall for it they are making easy money.
from what i hear on the radio ,escorts seem to all operate from apartments ,most of which are rented from landlords .
They landlord may not know the tenant is a escort.
She is not sure about it, she is thinking about setting up a company ,it sounds suspicious.

lunamoon · 15-10-2019 3:55pm

Deleted User wrote: »

Part of my job is analyzing possible scam and spam emails. I'm not seeing anything obvious in the language. I'd be happy to analyze the email headers for you if you like?

You might want to think of a career change.

OP this is very obviously a scam. I had something similar myself. If you've got the time and are bored play along, if not concentrate on getting real tenants.

Sharp MZ700 · 15-10-2019 3:58pm

the_syco wrote: »

It's either a scam or brothel.

My first thoughts too.

worded · 15-10-2019 4:09pm

As I said earlier Bank drafts are as good as cash (If not stolen or forged)

The only Draft I will accept is one where I see it written in front of me by a bank teller.

An example would be selling a car and you req that the purchaser gets one from their bank with you standing beside them and in front of the bank teller.

That also stops a lot of car scammers, if buying or selling a car, do the paper work and final deal in a bank.
Takes the danger of walking around with a wad of cash as well.

Thanks

IITYWYBMAD · 15-10-2019 4:16pm

worded wrote: »

As I said earlier Bank drafts are as good as cash (If not stolen or forged)

The only Draft I will accept is one where I see it written in front of me by a bank teller.

An example would be selling a car and you req that the purchaser gets one from their bank with you standing beside them and in front of the bank teller.

That also stops a lot of car scammers, if buying or selling a car, do the paper work and final deal in a bank.
Takes the danger of walking around with a wad of cash as well.

Thanks

What year is this? Standing beside somebody in a Bank where they get a teller to fill out a draft? Seriously? What's wrong with standing beside them as the teller does an EFT to your account? Or they do it themselves?

worded · 15-10-2019 4:37pm

IITYWYBMAD wrote: »

What year is this? Standing beside somebody in a Bank where they get a teller to fill out a draft? Seriously? What's wrong with standing beside them as the teller does an EFT to your account? Or they do it themselves?

This thread is about Drafts so I was staying with that.
ETF while beside teller OK.

ETF by themselves? Its not instant, where as a draft you saw a teller write is good as cash and you can get the signed log book etc there and then and all car business concluded ...

The idea of doing car payment deals in a bank though is a good one (Im not a car dealer)
Scammers are usually camera shy ;-)

punisher5112 · 15-10-2019 4:43pm

IITYWYBMAD wrote: »

What year is this? Standing beside somebody in a Bank where they get a teller to fill out a draft? Seriously? What's wrong with standing beside them as the teller does an EFT to your account? Or they do it themselves?

I've done this and it's the best way..,..

Plenty of ways to scam other ways.

IITYWYBMAD · 15-10-2019 5:04pm

worded wrote: »

This thread is about Drafts so I was staying with that.
ETF while beside teller OK.

ETF by themselves? Its not instant, where as a draft you saw a teller write is good as cash and you can get the signed log book etc there and then and all car business concluded ...

The idea of doing car payment deals in a bank though is a good one (Im not a car dealer)
Scammers are usually camera shy ;-)

EFT, 2 - 3 days max. Would not be bothered going to a bank with anybody. Deposit/Money for a car or a rental, just doesn't make sense to be standing beside somebody in a bank. Cash deposit, send the rest by EFT. If it doesn't arrive in 3 days, deal off.

Tiddlypeeps · 15-10-2019 5:13pm

1874 wrote: »

I dont want to to tempt fate myself with anything at all, but why would anyone send money back to anyone unless whatever was sent had cleared?? even then I think Idhold onto it for their own stupidity in case it turned out to be a scam or fraud of some kind where you end up laundering money for them, maybe Im paranoid and cynical.

A lot of people believe that once you see the money in your account everything has been cleared but this is obviously not the case and scammers take advantage of this ignorance.

worded · 15-10-2019 6:12pm

IITYWYBMAD wrote: »

EFT, 2 - 3 days max. Would not be bothered going to a bank with anybody. Deposit/Money for a car or a rental, just doesn't make sense to be standing beside somebody in a bank. Cash deposit, send the rest by EFT. If it doesn't arrive in 3 days, deal off.

But in the case of a car they have your log book signed over to them....

IITYWYBMAD > respect your way of doing things, pls respect mine.

Dont want to argue with you anymore

m5ex9oqjawdg2i · 15-10-2019 7:23pm

punisher5112 wrote: »

Advise them Airbnb may suit better....

Airbnb for 2 years? Fantastic advice :rolleyes:

TheBoyConor wrote: »

Anyone who gives a "story" about why they are renting is more than likely a scam.

Absolutely incorrect. It's exactly how you rent in Germany.

Atlantic Dawn wrote: »

100% scam, writing in the email is all over the place with confidence content.

How can you be certain?

All the scam experts on here. Just because they cannot think outside the box.

It may be a scam, or it may not be. Insist on a bank transfer if you are interested in taking her on. I wouldn't go to the trouble of it myself.

punisher5112 · 15-10-2019 7:40pm

Uriel Orange Perfumery wrote: »

Airbnb for 2 years? Fantastic advice :rolleyes:

Absolutely incorrect. It's exactly how you rent in Germany.

How can you be certain?

All the scam experts on here. Just because they cannot think outside the box.

It may be a scam, or it may not be. Insist on a bank transfer if you are interested in taking her on. I wouldn't go to the trouble of it myself.

Eh it was a joke.... It's a scam.

Are you actually serious.....

m5ex9oqjawdg2i · 15-10-2019 7:42pm

punisher5112 wrote: »

Eh it was a joke.... It's a scam.

Are you actually serious.....

How can you say for certain? A broken clock is right twice a day :rolleyes:

Rental Scam

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