Is this a scam?

HopeAndDriftWood

Hi,
I applied to view a flat I found on Gumtree, which is in the perfect place and really well decorated. Got this response today...is it genuine? I don't want to just write it off, because its so nice, but I can't afford to get scammed!

Any advice would be appreciated.

Thanks for your lovely email and interest in my Apartment. i am Pastor Jackson Smith, since i am not residing there for now.I left behind some Facilities and electronics which include the rent,DVD player, I pod,air conditioning,alarm system. The kitchen is
fully equipped with all necessary cooking utensils, refrigerator-freezer,four-hob and oven, microwave, dishwasher and washing machine, my computer connected with Internet access also the keys and document of the apartment are right here with us in West africa (Nigeria) and the lease document. Which i can send to you after all necessary agreement has be accepted. Also i will like you to know that the rent charges is not really the issue, hope you are okay with the price of 75pounds per week including utilities like hydro, heat laundry facilities, air condition and so on, but your absolute maintenance of my apartment is most important thing, if you are ready interested renting this apartment fill the application below and get back to me with the answers.
Here is the address of the apartment:38 Upper Dean St Birmingham,B5, UK
NOTE:YOU WILL BE VIEWING ONLY THE OUTSIDE OF THE APARTMENT.
Also,Pls answer these questions below:
********RENT APPLICATION FORM*******
********PRIVATE &CONFIDENTIAL********

1)Your Full Name_________________________ ____________
2)Present Address(where you reside now) & Phone ________________________ _______
3)How old are you___________________________
__
4)Are you married _ _____________________________ _____
5)How many people will be living in the apartment __ _________________________
6)Do you have a pet ____ __________________________ ___________
7)Do you have a car _______ _______________________ ____________
8)Occupation ____________ _________________
9)How long are you willing to stay _______ ____________________-
10)When do you intend to move in ___
11)1 month Or 2 month deposit needed ______________________________
12) Pictures of all the Occupant that will stay in my apartment
______________________________ ________
I personally will come visiting you sometimes during the year as our new tenant. Looking forward to hear from you with all this
details so that i can have it in my file in case of issuing the receipt for you and contacting you. Awaiting your reply so that we can
discuss on how to get the document and the keys of the apartment to you.
Thanks And God Bless You All.

jayss

Yes its a scam.

Anyone trying to let a flat will allow you to see inside.

Agbe

I would say almost beyond a doubt that it's a scam, and a fairly common one on GumTree. (Although, that site does contain many genuine ads, too.)

DVardysShadow

ID theft scam, I would say.

neas

Anything from nigeria with a Pinch of salt... if you send him these details ... send him fake ones and see what happens.... he will prob try and ask you to send him the deposit via bank account etc.

I'd send him fake details first... see if the flat exists... but be wary he prob wants you to send deposit (i.e 500-600 quid) to nigeria.. where it will be gone forever.

HopeAndDriftWood

Damn, I thought so.

Ah well, back to hunting!!

Thanks everyone.

dizzybuff

Just a note .. Do not send any money prior to viewing an place , or details all they should ask for is a contact number really.. All reference checking etc should be completed after the place is viewed ..

Also I would advise going with an agency for your own welbeing .. Plus it helps get genuine landlords buisness

IMHO ..

mr_fishbulb

SaucySecrets wrote: »

Nigeria

Ding ding ding ding ding. Ladies and Gentlemen - We have a Weiner!

Gumtree_company_representative

Hey

I'm from Gumtree and yes that is definitely a scam. Never send money before seeing an item on Gumtree and be very weary of guys asking you to use Moneygram, Western Union and even Paypal sometimes before you have seen an item.

juliescot

My favourite bit

"Pictures of all the Occupant that will stay in my apartment "

dizzybuff

Please GT ensure you get MSE authorisation to post as a representative ..

many other companies do and it would be in your benefit ..