The Travelers Cheque and Western Union Scam

Scams from China, Nigeria, UK, and more - read examples

Please don't ever send any money to people overseas!

Some of our users have received email requests to cash travellers cheques or send money with western union to China, Nigeria and other countries.

These requests are currently coming from hotmail.com, gmail.com, yahoo.co.uk and yahoo.com email accounts.

If you receive an e-mail message asking you to bank or cash travellers cheques, watch out!

The e-mail could be an attempt to scam you out of your hard earned dollars.

If you receive this type of e-mail, do not respond or get involved until you are able to check things out more thoroughly with consumer organisations and authorities. If you receive these cheques in the mail, don't cash them until you check to be sure that they are legitimate. Have your bank and the issuer of these types of cheques verify their authenticity.

Never do business with someone from outside of the country who you do not know. If you find out later that you've been duped, it is virtually impossible to track down these criminals and to take legal action against them.

If someone wishes to pay you a deposit, we suggest that you insist on using Western Union. Click-on or visit NZ post for more information on receiving cash with Western Union.

Please read some examples of this scam below so that you can recognise it in action

Please don't ever send any money to people overseas!

- flatfinder admin

Here is the latest scammer "Andrews" from China.

A. Andrews <aa4487@gmail.com>

"Andrews" even provides example photos and a form for you to fill before trying to take your money.

Thanks to one of our users (Mark) for forwarding an example of (Scammer) "Andrews" correspondence.

Note. The scammer will continue to change names and email addresses. There are also variations of the scam in other examples further down.

6 / 7 / 2009

--- (Scammer replies to Mark's enquiry)

Hello Mark,

The apartment is available now,Located 72 Tory Street, Wellington Central .Wellington.
Presently I moved to China with my wife on a family business and I didnt want the apartment to be vacant, That was the reason I want to
rent it out. And I want a caring, reliable, honest tenant with probably mentainance. Its very clean and beautiful. If you got all
these then you are qualified,l will foward the application form to you to fill it out, both short-term and long-term contarct are welcome.

Regards
Andrews

--- (Scammer provides more info and an "appliction form" to try and build credibility)

Hi Mark,

It is 2 bedrooms, you can drive by for viewing. I have attached some pictures for your viewing. The rent is $280 per week inclusive utilities bills. Upon approval of your rental application the keys with the lease of agreeement will be send to you present address.

Rental application form is also attached.

Warmly regards,
Andrews

--- (Mark fills in the scammer's form and returns it by email)

Name: Mark Gregs

Birth Date: 23th September 1975

Present Address: 4 Example Street, North Shore

City: Auckland

Dates Rented:

Present Phone: 021 123xxxxxx

Number of Persons to occupy requested Residence: 2

Names of Adults to occupy Rental Head of Household: 2

Spouse: None

Nearest RELATIVE to notify in an Emergency: Bob smith

Relationship: Brother

Address City State Zip Phone: 4 Example place, North Shore Phone 021 1234******

DEPOSIT AND RENT DUE UPON APPROVAL OF APPLICATION NO OTHER PERSONS TO RESIDE AT ANY TIME WITHOUT WRITTEN CONSENT OF PROPERTY OWNER. APPLICANT INITIAL

M.Gregs

I (WE) HEREBY AGREE THAT ALL ADULTS RESIDING IN THE APARTMENT ARE JOINTLY LIABLE FOR ALL RENT AND DAMAGES INCURRED DURING THE TERM OF OCCUPANCY.

Applicant Vehicle Make: Honda Prelude

Year: 1989

Vehicle Color: Red

Do you have any PETS?: No

If yes give description: N/A

ARE YOU A CONVICTED FELON? No

IT IS ILLEGAL TO DISCRIMINATE AGAINST ANY PERSON BECAUSE OF RACE,COLOR, RELIGION, SEX, HANDICAP, FAMILY NATIONAL ORIGIN.

Signed: Mark Gregs

---- (Scammer replies and talks about bond)

Hi Mark,

I got your rental application, I will get back to you after it have been review by my property Lawyer. There is a question you did not answer , how long do you intend to lease?
You can rent out the second room for responsible and tidy person.
The bond is 4 weeks rent, and the rent included all utilities bills.

Warmly regards,
Andrews

-- (Scammer follows up with more replies)

Hi Mark,

Yes, there is carpark space, I would be expecting the rental application form of the second tenant. My lawyer will give you a call if there is any additional questions.

Warmly regards,
Andrews.

--(Scammer tries to con Mark out of his money via Western Union.)

Hi Mark,

I have plan to send the keys tomorrow to your present address (via DHL courier service)as soon as your bond is confirm. Make the bond via Western Union service to below account details.

Western Union account details:
Receiver's name: ANDREWS AGYEN.
City:Guangzhou.
Country:China.

When you through in western union office you should send the mtcn and the sender's name,.
The keys with the lease of agreement will get to you within 2-3 working days probably July 9th.

Warmly regards,
Andrews.

--(Mark busts the scammer)

Mark wrote:

I have reported you to the authorities in China, New Zealand and Interpol.

Your busted.

goodbye.

--(Scammer pretends he doesn't know what's going on)

Hi Mark,

What do you mean? I just got your email that you wanted to view the place and you need a lease of agreement before the payment. So what do you mean by reporting me? for what
Please let me know what you think.

Regards,
Andrews.

Good on you Mark for spotting the scam, and thanks for sending through the emails.

We hope this will help others spot this kind of scam.

26 /5 / 2009

Hi there,

Someone emailed me responding to my ad on your site offering a 1 bedroom flat in Wellington. I wasn't interested so forwarded it to a friend. It turned out to be a scam, and my friend lost $800. The email address the guy used was smgrg102@gmail.com and he said he was in China on business and asked my friend to deposit $800 bond and rent in advance through Western Union.

I have since received another email from what sounds like the same person also offering a 1 bedroom flat for the same price, email address is lemyandrew@gmail.com.

Please tell others about this so it doesn't happen again!!

16 /5 / 2009

Hi,

I recently emailed this person regarding a flat I found on your website today.

The "landlord" emailed me back and seemed very eager for me to rent his place as long as i could provide references.

He was willing to rent it to me without even meeting me or letting me look inside the premises.

This is a copy of one of the emails I got:

Hello Tenant,
Thanks for the interest in my flat, my flat is still available for rent and it is located at 63 Middleton Road, Remuera, auckland, NZ. am giving this flat out for rent because i just been transferred to West Africa for a missionary work. of which i will not be back until after 3 years.And am here with the flat keys and document, i tried to look for an agent before i left but couldn't get any in time. If you know that you have a good reference and a good crediential and please I only need someone that can take good care of my flat you can email me back to secure and occupy my flat.

Pets acceptable (deposit required) .References a must.So, Hope you are Okay with the rent fee of $250 per week and $600 for bond deposit. utilities are also included in the rent,get back to me asap because i need a tenant urgently and i can also forward the application form to you, if you are interested.
for more info you can reach me on this number +2348029022242.

His email did not sound right to me and I am convinced this is a major scam.

I hope he does not fool anybody else!

Thank you.

15 /5 / 2009

Scammer warning

anyone that goes by the name/email
danielpowell or marypowell33@yahoo.com

this was their letter:
Thanks for your honesty in taken care of apartment. I know you are an Honest person. that was the reason I agreed to have you take care of my apartment on trust. People like you are very rare to see this days and I thank God for given me an opportunity to meet with you and also work with you with one accord. You have sincerely proved that there are still good and honest people to give house to. i really commend you.

I'm so happy about all this and am happy ,that most importantly that you must be doing so well at your own work and Business , my colleagues have always wished you that. Also i have attached the apartment pictures with this message.

And also i am giving you my apartment to you base on trust and i am 100% sure that you will take very good care of my apartment in my absent, So i want you to look for any western union local outlet or money gram grocery stores and make the payment,and here is the for the western Union / Money Gram Information that you will need to make the payment to my husband below:-

Western Union/Money Gram Receiver Information

Receiver's Name: DANIEL POWELL
Address : 284 Missionary Ave
City: Festac
State : Lagos
Country : Nigeria
Zip code: 23401
Amount Sent: $460 US Dollar
Text Question :Who Answer Prayer
Text Answer: God

So after you have making the payment at the store you will be giving some information on the receipt ,so you will have to get back to me with the information below...

Full Sender's Name:
Mtcn #: (10 Digit)
Amount Sent:
Text Question:
Text Answer:

I would be glad to hear back from you with the payment transfer confirmation details and Mtcn number asap so that we can proceed.

Thank You And God Bless You.

Best Regards And Stay Blessed

2 /3 / 2009

elizabethbell6@gmail.com, elizabeth.bell13@gmail.com
(scammer uses two email accounts)

Initial email:

Hi Emma,

How are you , can you please help me out by picking me up from the airport when i arrive on the 10th of next month Moreso i was at the office today to get my allowances but it was the other way round .

There is a small problem Emma, My company where i work gave me three thousand US dollars worth of America travellers cheque to spend for my holiday in New Zealand... which would include money for renting an apartment, money to buy my airline ticket, medical aid and my allowances . Our account officer who sent the cheques did a very big mistake, instead of sending (1000 U.S Dollars For a month rent and other expenses ) on the package that was sent to you, he sent the whole three thousand U.S Dollars. We have quarelled bitterly about this but i have told him not to worry that i would talk to you.

Emma, i should have asked our account officer to cancel the cheques but really i have waited for a very long time for this vacation to be approved, because this vacation was postponed twice last year 2008 before it was finally approved for this year and if i should ask our account officer to cancel the cheques i don't know when they are going to approve my holiday again and really i want to be in New Zealand in two weeks time .

I believe you are a credible person and so i should be able to put my trust on you so i believe there should not be any problem about that. Once you receive the cheque, please take it to your bank and cash the money. You can remove money for a month rent inclusive of all bills and send back to me the balance via money transfer. I would provide you the details of where to send the money once you receive the cheques. I would like to let you know that the money you would be sending to me, i still have to buy my airline travel ticket and also do some little shopping before departing for New Zealand

So Emma i hope you do understand my circumstances for now. I wait to hear from you!

Best Regards
Elizabeth.....,

Followup email:

Here is my mobile number ( +27722648689 ) in case you need to contact me on any information or how to send the money via Western Union but am sure you will help further at the POST SHOP on how to send the money.

Receiver's Information

LAST NAME : ALI
FIRST NAME: JULIEANA
CITY: PRETORIA
ZIP CODE: 0002
COUNTRY: SOUTH AFRICA

Please text me with the Western Union details below immediately you finish sending the money at POST SHOP and also email me the details as well.

27 / 02 / 2009

hi there,

i just want to let you know that i was almost scammed by someone who found my listing looking for a flat on your website.

They go by the name Clement Femi, the e-mail address clemyfem@gmail.com and are soliciting for an apartment at 1/339 The Terrace in Wellington.

I hope that this information can prevent others before sending payment!

Hana

18 / 11 / 2008

From: Kate Papadulis [mailto:kateppdls@yahoo.com]
Sent: Tuesday, 18 November 2008 3:44 p.m.
To: o***e
Subject: Re: This could be a match

Hello,

Thanks so much for the mail. I really do appreciate the details of the house.I'm satisfy with the total asking prize,I'll be so glad if you can reserve the room for me and remove the advert off the site as i'll love to rent the place. And please tell me if you can ever consider the room as mine..

Let me tell you little about me:

I'm Kate Papadulis,I'm a quiet and easy going person to live with.. I'm 29 years, straight, female and single. I dont drink and smoke but i'm cool living with people that do. I always love to go on date but seldomly party. I swim for fun and sometimes play tennis. My families lives in the United Kingdom and i have no friends in NZ..... I am an humanitarian currently working on with the World Health Organization and i am presently on an assignment here in West Africa . I hope to end my current assignment very soon and will love to come down to New Zealand as soon as possible as i'm also coming there for an assignment but i don't have specific place for the assignment yet until i get there.

However,i will be making the payment for the first month and deposit before my arrival and then i will make subsequent payment thereafter as i plan to stay for more than a year. So i'll reach over to my boss to get the payment to you prior to my arriving date.

This are the things that will be ship down to the state before my arriving date.

My suite case containing my books, my 26' dell plasma tv and dvd home theatre,my clothes in five luggages,my desk top computer dell,my (Toyota Camry 2005 Model) and pieces of furnitures.

Hope to hear from you soon.

Cheers,
Kate Papadulis.

8 / 1 / 2008

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: seun samuel <sear87@yahoo.com>
Date: Dec 30, 2007 1:58 AM
Subject: Re: HOW FAR!
To: ********** <**********>

Dear **********,
Hope no problem?I have not heard from you
since and Engineer Samuel told me he has resolved the
matter with you and even DHL agent came yesterday to
pick it up but haven't been given an authourisation.I
await your response as soon as possible.

> On 12/27/07, seun samuel < sear87@yahoo.com> wrote:
> > Dear **********,
> > The picking up of the package will be
> > tommorow,so i'll call DHL office first thing
> tommorow
> > morning,so that you can receive the package by
> friday
> > or latest saturday morning.Kindly send the MTCN as
> > soon as you make the payment so i can give you the
> > tracking number immediately.
> >

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Engineer Samuel <engr_sam10@yahoo.com>
Date: Dec 31, 2007 9:52 PM
Subject: HAPPY NEW YEAR!
To: ********** <**********>

Dear **********,
The exact address is 3/477 Hereford Street,i think with that you'll have a little trust,moreover the package is already in NZ and the tracking is with Mr.Thompson.He's just waiting for your respond to give you the tracking number.Actually,i was given a day off from work because i told my boss i want to celebrate the new year in church with my family.So kindly make the payment as soon as possible to Mr.Thompson because i'll be going back to offshore by 2nd,January,so the package can be deliver to you.HAPPY NEW YEAR!

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Engineer Samuel <engr_sam10@yahoo.com>
Date: Dec 28, 2007 9:42 PM
Subject: Re: RECEIVER'S NAME CHANGED
To: ********** <**********>

Dear **********,
When i got the offshore i discovered that there was much work to be done,so i just took a day off.On getting back,Mr.Thompson told me that you've not make the payment due to some unanswered question you asked.I forgot to tell you that the exact address and full description of my apartment is inside the package of DHL and i thought you should have received it either today or tommorow but my colleague in the office didn't call DHL office again because you didn't respond.I want to announce to you that am coming down by february 27,2008 for thorough inspection because i want to make sure my apartment is in good condition and also to meet my tenant one on one.When i come that time,i'll collect the outstanding and if the case may be i'll give you my account details where you'll be paying if both of you are qualify to stay in my apartment.You will qualify if you keep my apartment neat and always tidy up.I want you to receive the key,full description and document of my apartment and then you can go there and have a look at the interior not outside window.I'll be going back tommorow morning to the offshore,so it's still Mr.Thompson that will be in charge of the payment and sending.I've explained everything to him and as soon as you make the payment,he'll contact DHL office so you can receive the package next day.I want to let you know that it was the way you describe you and your partner that convinced me to give my apartment to you because it's very rare this day to trust somebody but i was convinced and i've the trust in you that was why i used my money to pay for the DHL courier service without having collecting anything from you.I'm kind and trustworthy,so i want both side to treat each other that way so the relationship will last.I hope i have answered all your questions and you'll go and make the deposit.Have a nice weekend!

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Engineer Samuel <engr_sam10@yahoo.com>
Date: Dec 25, 2007 1:32 AM
Subject: RECEIVER'S NAME CHANGED
To: ********** <**********>

Dear **********,
My boss called me today that i'll be in the offshore after the christmas break,it was due to the nature of my job as an engineer.I won't be available by wednesday till weekend,so i've contacted my colleague in office to help me to receive the payment on my behalf.Below
is his receiver's details:

RECEIVER'S DETAILS

RECEIVER'S NAME: THOMPSON B. OMORIAME
ADDRESS:25,WESTERN AVENUE ROAD,IKEJA
CITY:LAGOS
COUNTRY:NIGERIA
TEST QUESTION:GOD IS GOOD
ANSWER:YES

I've explained everything to me and i've also hand over to him,so kindly send the MTCN to this e-mail sear87@yahoo.com I'll contact you immediately am back from the offshore.Thanks for your usual coopeartion.

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Engineer Samuel <engr_sam10@yahoo.com>
Date: Dec 24, 2007 9:30 PM
Subject: Re: BOOKING FORM
To: ********** <**********>

Dear **********,
I have accepted you that was why i went to do the booking at DHL office and the picking up for shipment has been rescheduled to thursday due to christmas period break.I called your husband yesterday morning around 10:00am,New Zealand time but he found it very difficult to understand me.I told you earlier that my New Zealand Bank are not operating presently in West Africa-Nigeria.I made an enquiries and i realised that they've not started operation here.The only option is through western union money transfer,i have listed below all the western union agent locations/addresses that you can go and make the payment:


Western Union Agent locations/Addresses:

VICTORY SQUARE POST SHOP
148 TOI TOI STREET
NELSON
Tel:(64) (3) 5482500

MOTUEKA TAKE NOTE
207 HIGH STREET
MOTUEKA
NELSON
Tel:64) (3) 5286600

STOKE POST SHOP
563 MAIN ROAD STOKE
NELSON
Tel:(64) (3) 5479729

NELSON POST SHOP
CORNER TRAFALGAR & HALIFAX STREET
NELSON
Tel:64) (3) 5467818.


So you can go to the nearest designated places written above and make the payment and send
the MTCN given to me immediately and i'll send the tracking number to you.I really understand that
all of may have closed for christmas break but go there by thursday to make the payment.I learnt
that you'll be charge a little,so go there with charges fees.I really wish to make you and your husband
my tenant till i come down to Christchurch because you seems to be nice and trustworthy as i am.
Thank you very much for letting me know that you'll take very good care of my apartment because that is the reason am giving it out to you.
HAPPY CHRISTMAS!

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Engineer Samuel <engr_sam10@yahoo.com>
Date: Dec 24, 2007 3:23 AM
Subject: Re: BOOKING FORM
To: ********** <**********>

Dear **********
I've accepted your application and i've gone to do the booking at DHL office.Kindly view the attachment.You'll send the security deposit of 4 weeks rent to me here in West Africa today via western union because i have found out that my New Zealand bank isn't operating here,their website is www.westernunion.com . This is my account details below:

RECEIVER'S DETAILS:

RECEIVER'S NAME: SAMUEL ARUBUSOLA
RECEIVER'S ADDRESS:20,CATHOLIC MISSION ROAD IKEJA
CITY: LAGOS
COUNTRY: NIGERIA
TEST QUESTION:GOD IS GOOD
ANSWER: YES
AMOUNT TO BE SEND:$720

You will send the MTCH given immediately you make the payment and i'll give you the tracking number immediately.You can reach me on this number 234-01-4019-070.Please i spent a lot on my apartment and i'll like it be clean always,please kindly tidy it everyday.Hope to read from you soon.

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Engineer Samuel <engr_sam10@yahoo.com>
Date: Dec 19, 2007 5:39 AM
Subject: Re: RENT
To: ********** <**********>

Dear **********,
Thanks for your email and it is my gladness to hearing from you.I am Engineer Samuel,the owner of the apartment you are making enquiry of, which is located at Hereford,Christchurch City Central .Actually I resided in the apartment with my wife before and presently we had packed due to transfer from my company that i work with.I am presently been transfered to Niger Delta area,West Africa, my flat is available immediately for rent at $180p/w,including all bill.Pls i want you to note that,i am a kind,honest and trustworthy man and also i spent alot on my property that i want to give you for rent,so i will solicit for your absolute maintainance of this house and want you to treat it as your own,is that taken?it is not the money that is the main problem but looking for someone that will keep it tidy all the time so that i will be glad to see it neat when i come for a check up.I also want you to let me have trust in you as i always stand on my word.I have attached the picture of the flat to you.Upon reply,i will send the application form to you for filling.Hope to hear from you soon.

These are the first emails he sent me.
We have traced him so we can hopfully get him caught. The first email is at very bottom of page.
Cheers
**********

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Engineer Samuel <engr_sam10@yahoo.com>
Date: Dec 22, 2007 9:42 PM
Subject: APPLICATION FORM
To: ********** <**********>

Dear **********,
I'll be away for 1year or longer than that.As i've told you earlier that am presently in West Africa and the key and document are with me here but it'll be send to you via DHL courier service and you'll receive it within 48hrs.Kindly fill the application form below and send it back as soon as possible.


APPLICATION FOR RENT

Name ___________________________________

Birthdate: ___ / ____ / ______

Present Address___________________________________________

City _______________________ State ______ Zip
___________

Dates Rented _________________

Present Phone # ___________________

Number of Persons to occupy requested Residence:
____________

Names of Adults to occupy Rental Head of
Household: _____________

Spouse: _____

Nearest RELATIVE to notify in an Emergency:
___________________

Relationship: _____________________

Address City State Zip Phone:
___________________________

SECURITY DEPOSIT AND RENT DUE UPON APPROVAL OF
APPLICATION
NO OTHER PERSONS TO RESIDE AT ANY TIME WITHOUT
WRITTEN CONSENT OF PROPERTY OWNER. APPLICANT INITIAL
_________________

I (WE) HEREBY AGREE THAT ALL ADULTS RESIDING IN THE
APARTMENT ARE JOINTLY LIABLE FOR ALL RENT AND
DAMAGES INCURRED DURING THE TERM OF OCCUPANCY.
Applicant Vehicle Make:
_________________________________________

Year _________

Vehicle Color _________________

Do you have any PETS? (Circle and Initial) YES
_______ NO _________

If yes give description: _____________________

ARE YOU A CONVICTED FELON? ._
IT IS ILLEGAL TO DISCRIMINATE AGAINST ANY PERSON
BECAUSE OF RACE,COLOR, RELIGION, SEX, HANDICAP,
FAMILY NATIONAL ORIGIN.

On 12/19/07, Engineer Samuel wrote:
> Dear **********,
> Thanks for your email and it is my gladness to hearing from
> you.I am Engineer Samuel,the owner of the apartment you are making enquiry
> of, which is located at Hereford,Christchurch City Central .Actually I
> resided in the apartment with my wife before and presently we had packed due
> to transfer from my company that i work with.I am presently been transfered
> to Niger Delta area,West Africa, my flat is available immediately for rent
> at $180p/w,including all bill.Pls i want you to note that,i am a kind,honest
> and trustworthy man and also i spent alot on my property that i want to give
> you for rent,so i will solicit for your absolute maintainance of this house
> and want you to treat it as your own,is that taken?it is not the money that
> is the main problem but looking for someone that will keep it tidy all the
> time so that i will be glad to see it neat when i come for a check up.I also
> want you to let me have trust in you as i always stand on my word.I have
> attached the picture of the flat to you.Upon reply,i will send the
> application form to you for filling.Hope to hear from you soon.
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> I saw your advert.My 2 bedroom apartment is for rent at Christchurch
> city for $180p/w which include highspeed internet, TV,storage
> room,garage,cable,washer,dryer,fridge,stove,and some
> sophisticated furniture with full bathroom and kitchen.The kitchen has
> fridge, stove, dishwasher, microwave. It also has the advantage of an in
> suite laundry. The whole flat is tastefully decorated,equipped and is
> extremely clean..Kindly mail me ASAP if you are still interested.Hope to
> read from you soon.
> >
> > Regards,
> > Engr.Samuel

This email was sent to me even though I was wanting a flat in Christchurch!!
Cheers
**********

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Godwin Dare <evangelist_dare@yahoo.com>
Date: Dec 21, 2007 10:01 PM
Subject: RENT
To: **********

Hi **********
Greetings to you in the matcheless name of God, I saw your advert on apartment at auckland/ blockhouse bay, My apartment as spacious living room equipped with air conditioning, TV/DVD player, stereo and opening to full length deck with outdoor furniture
Open plan dining area, well equipped with quality plates, cutlery and linen
Totally modern kitchen with fridge/freezer, microwave, modern electric stove, rangehood, waste disposal, fully equipped with pots, pans, cookware, glassware, porcelain crockery, quality cutlery and linen
Laundry equipped with supertub and modern washing machine/clothes drier
Guest bathroom with loo, granite vanity, porcelain basin and quality
Main Bathroom to be shared by above two bedrooms
Bedroom four with Queen bed, luxury quality linen and ensuite bathroom
Price:$180 p/w. I need some to take care of it while I'm away.

Regard
dare

Hi there.
I placed an ad on this website for a flat and I have recieved 2 seperate scam attempts.
Both were non existant properties and the emails were traced to Nigeria.
I would like to warn users of this website that these people are trawlling this site for victims.
The emails were from Godwin Dare (evangelist_dare@yahoo.com and the other was Engineer Samuel (engr_sam10@yahoo.com) and his colleuge Seun ********** (sear87@yahoo.com).
Any help to warn people would be appreciated.
I can send you the emails I recieved.
Thanks
**********

Von: **********
Gesendet: 02.01.08 10:00:25
An: "**********"
Betreff: APPLICATION FORM
Dear **********,
I'm really impressed about what i read about you and am more than willing to rent out my apartment to you.I'll away for 1year or maybe longer than that and the cost for telephone and electricity is just $30 though i've done some prepaid before i left.As i've told you earlier that am presently in West Africa and the key and document are with me here but it'll be send to you via DHL courier service and you'll receive it within 48hrs after the security deposit of 4weeks rent.Kindly fill the application form below and send it back as soon as possible.


APPLICATION FOR RENT

Name ___________________________________

Birthdate: ___ / ____ / ______

Present Address___________________________________________

City _______________________ State ______ Zip
___________

Dates Rented _________________

Present Phone # ___________________

Number of Persons to occupy requested Residence:
____________

Names of Adults to occupy Rental Head of
Household: _____________

Spouse: _____

Nearest RELATIVE to notify in an Emergency:
___________________

Relationship: _____________________

Address City State Zip Phone:
___________________________

SECURITY DEPOSIT AND RENT DUE UPON APPROVAL OF
APPLICATION
NO OTHER PERSONS TO RESIDE AT ANY TIME WITHOUT
WRITTEN CONSENT OF PROPERTY OWNER. APPLICANT INITIAL
_________________

I (WE) HEREBY AGREE THAT ALL ADULTS RESIDING IN THE
APARTMENT ARE JOINTLY LIABLE FOR ALL RENT AND
DAMAGES INCURRED DURING THE TERM OF OCCUPANCY.
Applicant Vehicle Make:
_________________________________________

Year _________

Vehicle Color _________________

Do you have any PETS? (Circle and Initial) YES
_______ NO _________

If yes give description: _____________________

ARE YOU A CONVICTED FELON? ._
IT IS ILLEGAL TO DISCRIMINATE AGAINST ANY PERSON
BECAUSE OF RACE,COLOR, RELIGION, SEX, HANDICAP,
FAMILY NATIONAL ORIGIN.

> Date: Tue, 1 Jan 2008 22:10:14 +0100
> From: **********
> To: **********
> Subject: RE: RENT
>
> Dear Dr.**********,
> thank you for your mail and sorry for the late reply but we just came back from a short weekend trip.
> We fully understand your concerns, it must be very difficult to entrust a beautiful home like yours to somebody else you only know by mail. But I can ensure you that we are very clean, kind and easygoing. You must understand that we actually expected to move into a 3-6 bedroom house with a small room of about 10-20 m2 for ourselves and that your offer came like a gift directly from heaven. So we really appreciate your offer and we will take care of your home as if it is our own but still as what we are, well mannered guests.
> To give you a better idea of who I am I have attached two documents from the Marlborough Boys College, which is where I went to school as I visited New Zealand for one year (2003). If you want I can write to you in detail about ourselves or if you have any questions whatsoever, just let me know. (I haven&#8217;t done it in this mail, because it would be a very long text and as I understand it, you have better things to do as reading a long E-Mail).
>
> As for your apartment, we would very much like to accept your great offer (if you still want us to) with this E-mail, but have two very last questions first.
> How much will the extra costs (electricity, telephone &#8230;) roughly be?
> And for how long could we stay in your gorgeous home, so when will you be back form West Africa?
>
> Again if you have any questions whatsoever, please do not hesitate to ask. We just do not know what information&#8217;s could be important to you.
>
> Kind Regards,
> **********
>
>
>
>
> > -----Ursprüngliche Nachricht-----
> > Von: "**********" <**********>
> > Gesendet: 31.12.07 10:26:57
> > An: "**********" <**********>
> > Betreff: RE: RENT
>
> Dear ******,
> >
> > Thanks for your mail,it's located at Hereford street,Christchurch and it'll still be vacant by 31st,January,if you'll book it down now.The apartment is well furnished and have laundry and internet facilities including security door alarm.It was due to my transfer to West Africa to train some medical doctors on HIV/AIDS virus,that was why it is vacant.Moreover,are you very clean,kind and easygoing?because i spent alot on my apartment,so i want somebody who can take care of the apartment as his own.Can you?I have attached the pictures of the house to you.Kindly let me know as soon as possible because i want somebody who is realible to occupy it.I will attach the application to you upon reply.Hope to hear from you soon.Thanks
> >
> > Regards,
> >Dr. Tom
> >
> >
> >
> > -----------------------------------------------------------------
> > Date: Sun, 30 Dec 2007 21:10:43 +0100
> > From: **********
> > To: **********
> > Subject: Re: RENT
> >
> >
> > Hello Dr. Tom,
> > Thank you for your mail, your offer sounds absolutely great and we would have liked to accept it right away but have some questions first. In what area of the city is the apartment? Is it available for the date of our arrival (31 of January) ? And my girlfriend would like to know if you have some pictures of the apartment or a web address which has some on it?
> > Many thanks again and Happy New Year to you,
> > **********
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > -----------------------------------------------------------------
> > Von: '**********'
> > Gesendet: 29.12.07 14:37:07
> > An:
> > Betreff: RENT
> >
> > Hi,
> >
> > My 1 bedroom apartment is for rent at Christchurch for $150p/w which include highspeed internet, TV,storageroom,ca ble,washer,dryer,fridge,stove,and some sophisticated furniture with
> > full bathroom and kitchen.The kitchen has fridge, stove, dishwasher,microwave. It also has the advantage of an in suite laundry.Kindly mail me
> > if you are still interested.Hope to read from you soon.
> >
> > Regards,
> > Dr.Tom
> >

Von: godwin dare
Gesendet: 02.01.08 10:23:26
An: "**********"
Betreff: Re: RENT
Hi Jan,
Thank for making me believe in you, the electrity will last for 6 month, and aslo telephone will last for 3 months and after then you will recharge. you are going to make a deposit of 2 month. The key and other full discriptions of the house will be sent to you via DHL. i will like to have your details as below i.e the person that will recieve the package.

Name(Full)_________________________________________

Head of House hold__________________________________

Next of kin_________________________________________

Date of birth________________________________________

Address___________________________________________

City_______________________________________________

Country__________________________________________

Zip Code__________________________________________

"**********" <**********> wrote:

Hi,
Thank you for you mail and sorry for the late reply but we just came back from a short weekend trip.
We fully understand your concerns, it must be very difficult to entrust a beautiful home like yours to somebody else you only know by mail, especially when you made such outrageous experiences. But I can ensure you that we are very clean and trustworthy. You must understand that we actually expected to move into a 3-6 bedroom house with a small room of about 10-20 m^2 for ourselves and that your offer came like a gift directly from heaven. So we really appreciate your offer and we will take care of your home as if it is our own but still as what we are, well mannered guests.
To give you a better idea of who I am I have attached two documents from the Marlborough Boys College, which is where I went to school as I visited New Zealand for one year (2003). If you want I can write to you in detail about ourselves or if you have any questions whatsoever, please just ask and we will be more than happy to answer all of them.

As for your apartment, we would very much like to accept your great offer (if you still want us to) with this E-mail, but have two very last questions first.
How much will the extra costs (electricity, telephone) roughly be?
And for how long could we stay in your gorgeous home?

Kind Regards,
**********

> -----Ursprüngliche Nachricht-----
> Von: "godwin dare"
> Gesendet: 31.12.07 11:12:25
> An: "**********"
> Betreff: Re: RENT

> The house is located in christchurch | city | hereford . if you want to have a look at the picture of the front building i will send it to you, I don't want someone to go to my house at my back without any contract. I don't want to be disappointed at the end. it as happened to me before, some people went to my house because i gave them my address and started living there without my consent. they broke in. It was my lawyer that helped me out. After we have concluded and i have all your detail, i can the have the keys including the full discription of the house to you via DHL. hope you understand. the pictures are attached
>
> Dare
>
>
> "**********" wrote:
>
> Hi Dare
> Greetings to you and thank you for your wonderful mail. We are currently on a small vacation and have only basic
> excess to the internet (only Mail) so just a short answer. Your offer sounds absolutely great and would suit us just perfectly. But since we would arrive in Christchurch on the 31 of January for what time period could you offer us a place to live? In what area of the city is your apartment? And my girlfriend would like to know weather you have any pictures of your well described home?
> Many thanks again and happy New Year to you, hope we find a way to make this possible, cause your Mail just sounded to good to be true.
> **********
>
>
>
> -----------------------------------------------------------------
> Von: "godwin dare"
> Gesendet: 29.12.07 11:29:22
> An: **********
> Betreff: RENT
>
> Hi ***
> Greetings to you in the matcheless name of God, I saw your advert on apartment at
> christchurch , My apartment as spacious living room equipped with air conditioning, TV/DVD player, internet connection, stereo and opening to full length deck with outdoor furniture
> Open plan dining area, well equipped with quality plates, cutlery and linen
> Totally modern kitchen with fridge/freezer, microwave, modern electric stove, rangehood, waste disposal, fully equipped with pots, pans, cookware, glassware, porcelain crockery, quality cutlery and linen
> Laundry equipped with supertub and modern washing machine/clothes drier
> Guest bathroom with loo, granite v anity, porcelain basin and quality
> Bedroom four with Queen bed, luxury quality linen and ensuite bathroom
> Price:$180 p/w. I really need someone to take care of it while I'm away.
>
>
> Regard
> dare

3 / 11 / 2007

Hi there

I have used flatfinder to find my last 3 tenants for my sleepout, and not had any problems at all.

This last few weeks I have been scammed by someone (Jack Smith) from overseas sending me fake travellers cheques (which the bank currently holds) and asking I hold the accomodation for his daughter, which I did.

He told me he was a US citizen so i didnt think I would be scammed from this country, being aware only of warnings against african nations, in particular, Nigeria.

Needless to say, we held the property and turned away several genuine flat hunters.
Now we find ourselves in a predicament in not having enough money to pay our mortgage.

Please make other people using your website aware of this scam. Its aweful. We are not stupid people at all, but possibly more trusting than we should be.

We have now readvertised today but requested NZ residents only to apply.

You may want to put a warning somewhere to let people know what is going on and to be wary of overseas people from ANYWHERE looking for accomodation and wanting to pay up front, even we told them we could wait until they arrived.

We acknoweldge the risk in using any on-line service and do not blame you at all. Just so you know.

Please consider putting up a warning so others do not end up in a desperate state as we are finding ourselves at the moment.

Thanks flatfinder.

Georgia

31 / 10 / 2007

Hi there,

I have been conversing via email with a person "Jack Smith" who claims that his daughter Paula is moving to NZ and needs a place to stay. At first I thought nothing strange but after a while it became evident that he wanted to pay a year's forward rent using travelers cheques.

I am suspicious after the last email I sent that it may have been a scam because (a) I have not received any traveler's cheques in the mail, nor any response from Jack, and I consider that someone who had sent that amount of money through the mail would likely want to keep in contact to ensure that it gets sent back to the right place, and (b) his insistence that the "only option left" is to bank the money and wire it back to him" seems suspicious - like he does not want to offer a return address at all, or that he stands to gain from the banking/wiring transaction.

To illustrate the gain he could make from the scam, it takes a bank two to three weeks to figure out if a traveler's cheque is counterfeit, by which time I would have wired "Jack's money" back to him. I would then be both out of pocket that amount of money AND held liable for the bank's money, and possibly a conviction of accessory to a crime. If I had not been lucky in that the room was no longer available I suspect I would have received an email after I had banked them saying something like "Paula cannot come to NZ after all due to blah blah blah..." and asking if I could please urgently wire the money back.

I think that in response to this you should send out a general warning about the risks involved in accepting travelers cheques from overseas, and point out that any traveler's cheques should be deposited for a minimum of 3 weeks in order to verify them before any transaction is made out of the accounts.

One final note, If I do receive the cheques then I will be demanding a return postal address and under no circumstances will I bank them. I advise you to advise your website's users the same!

Thanks for your time

Aaron

Below is the initial email that Aaron received:

Date: Fri, 19 Oct 2007 09:38:14 -0700
From: tomasiclk430@yahoo.com
Subject: Accomodation needed !!!
To: **************

Hi,

I found your ad on flatfinder.com, i seek for an accomodation for my 25yr old daughter,Paula ,we are U.S citizens,and she is coming into NZ for the first time for a research on Cultural heritage of the Kiwis , this she is going to do with a private organisation in conjunction with U.S Institute of Culture and Arts.

She needs an accomodation for 14months,in Christchurch ,NZ, so Please give Cost for weekly or monthly rent and this should include Electric,telephone and internet, and also specify if your accomodation is furnished or not .

The estimated arrival date is Nov 5th, so i need to secure a comfortable accomodation prior to her arrival.

Thanks

Jack
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Here is the scammers follow up email:

Date: Sat, 20 Oct 2007 12:31:36 +0100
From: jacksmithun@yahoo.co.uk
Subject: RE: Accomodation needed !!!
To: *****

Hi Aaron,thanks for the explanation about the apartment.I would think since you are moving out by november 21 and she can put up with that since it's nonember 5th she'll be coming over or at most 12th.
I would like to know how much it will cost for 14 months in american dollars so i can make downpayment available prior to her coming.Since you have furniture available and all that,when she comes over and likes the furniture she can pay for it,and also you can help her in going about securing an internet conection cause she will need one.I look forward to reading back from you soon.
Warm regards,
Jack.

And then comes the request to pay with travellers cheques:

Date: Wed, 24 Oct 2007 22:37:10 +0100
From: jacksmithun@yahoo.co.uk
Subject: RE: Accomodation needed !!!
To: *****

She is still interested.I would need your name and adress so i can make the payment you talked about before her arrival which is 1080 US dollars.I am paying with travelers checks and when you recieve it,you will sign on the purchasers colum and also countersign at the bank when you go to cash it.
And by next year other payments can be made instalmentally.Thanks for your help and i look forward to reading from you soon.
Jack

And then comes the request cash the cheques and send the funds back using a wire transfer:

Date: Fri, 26 Oct 2007 22:45:35 +0100
From: jacksmithun@yahoo.co.uk
Subject: RE: Accomodation needed !!!
To: *******

HI Aaron,i already sent the cheques and there's no way they can destroy or cancel them.The only option we have right now is that you cash them and help me wire the funds back.That is the safest for me since the room is no longer available.
I look forward to reading from you soon.Thanks.

Here are a few more examples:

From: Deborah Thomas <debthom1653@yahoo.co.uk>
To: *******
Sent: Thursday, 18 October, 2007 8:33:48 PM
Subject: Need an accomodation !!!!

Hi,

I found your ad on flatfinder.com, i seek for an accomodation for my 25yr old daughter,Erin,we are U.S citizens,and she is coming into NZ for the first time for a research on Cultural heritage of the Maoris and Aborigines, this she is going to do this with a private organisation in conjunction with U.S Institute of Culture and Arts.

She needs an accomodation for 14months,in Wellington,NZ, so Please give Cost for weekly or monthly rent and this should include Electric,telephone and internet, and also specify if your accomodation is furnished or not .

The estimated arrival date is Nov 5th, so i need to secure a comfortable accomodation prior to her arrival.

Thanks

Derby

----- Original Message ----
Heya guys,

I have a listing with you for a room in my flat. I was contacted by a girl in Sth Africa saying she was coming over for a 3 month holiday and wanted somewhere to stay while she is here. She was going to send me a cheque for the first months rent and then got an email saying her company (who was paying for the trip) stuffed up and sent me her whole allowance and asked for me to cash the travellers cheques and wire the remainder of the money back to her.

The cheques arrived and I have spoken to American Express (the issuers of the cheques) and they are counterfeit. I will be taking them to the police tomorrow but it might pay to warn people to be careful of similar schemes.

The email addresses used were:

katt_wilisl@yahoo.com
wkattie@yahoo.com

Just thought I should let you know. Email me if you would like more info as I am happy to provide this for you.

Thanks and regards,

Kathryn

----- Original Message ----
Hi there

I have an ad looking for a flatmate on your site...last week I was contacted by someone by the name of Kattie Williams, who after a couple of emails I felt a bit suspicious of. I googled the name and it turns out this is a property scammer...I have stopped communicating and not heard any more, however, this person may be contacting others from your site. I wanted to draw your attention to this so you could be aware of it and in case you wanted to act on this at all.

Cheers
Emma

Subject: Accomodation needed !!!
From: Jack Smith <tomasiclk430@yahoo.com>
Date: Fri, 19 Oct 2007 09:37:16 -0700 (PDT)
To: *******

Hi,

I found your ad on flatfinder.com, i seek for an accomodation for my 25yr old daughter,Paula ,we are U.S citizens,and she is coming into NZ for the first time for a research on Cultural heritage of the Kiwis , this she is going to do with a private organisation in conjunction with U.S Institute of Culture and Arts.

She needs an accomodation for 14months,in Christchurch ,NZ, so Please give Cost for weekly or monthly rent and this should include Electric,telephone and internet, and also specify if your accomodation is furnished or not .

The estimated arrival date is Nov 5th, so i need to secure a comfortable accomodation prior to her arrival.

Thanks

Jack

Subject: RE: Accomodation needed !!!
From: jack smith <jacksmithun@yahoo.co.uk>
Date: Sun, 21 Oct 2007 01:58:27 +0100 (BST)
To: ********

Thanks for the response.I would need your name and adress in full so payment can be sent out to you via registered courier.I will be making payment via travelers checks as it can be cashed instantly.All you need do is sign on the first column which is the purchasers when you recieve it, and also countersign at the bank in the presence of the cashier cause the signature has to be the same.
I look forward to reading from you with the details so i can make part payment prior to her arrival.

Subject: RE: Accomodation needed !!!
From: jack smith <jacksmithun@yahoo.co.uk>
Date: Mon, 22 Oct 2007 13:46:03 +0100 (BST)
To: **********

I think it would be good if i send the bond and few months rent so she can sort herself out the first week when she comes to NZ.
So you can send me your details and adress so it can be sent out to you soonest.I will be sending two thousand US dollars.Thanks.

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