Gumtree flat renting scam in London

Etla

This scam is not new and it had been on the news before. However, they've made a slight alteration to the wordings and it seemed to be working because I've managed to spot at least 7 of them and they even went as far as featuring the ads!
Their business must be expanding!

Here are the common features of the ads:
- They will never provide a phone number
- Almost always shown as a 2 bedroom flat in prime locations with many tempting photos
- Price: £350-400 pcm inclusive of all bills for the whole flat (a bit unbelievable in London)

After this you've requested the details, they will all send you replies which is more or less the same as this plus an application form:

Thanks for your email and interest in renting our property.. I'm johnson matt the owner of the house you are making inquiry of…Actually I resided in the house with my family before and presently we have moved out due to my transfer from my work. currently my house is still available for rent for $400.

More so Now, i am currently in lagos, NIGERIA for an international Christian follower’s crusade. I will like to let you know that i initially wanted to sell the house but my wife advised me not to,but to rent it out to responsible people.. I and my family will be here for as long as 3 years, that is why am renting out my house .

Please i want you to note that we had a Realtor company to help us get a tenant, but they were handling things too professionally and were extorting the tenants, so i took the job of their hands and tried doing this my self, but couldn’t find any tenant while I was still in the state as at last week. so as a matter of urgency for my travel, I do not want my house to be misused in my absence, I decided to take the keys and documents along with me. So I hope you will promise me to take very good care of the house always. I really do need to get a very well-behaved person to take occupancy of my house and take good care of
it for me also feel free to ask me any question…….

THANKS AND GOD BLESS......
REV. EMMANUEL

(owner john matt but ends with Rev. Emmanuel, seriously??)

This one seems to be a much better one:

Hi, Thanks for your email response, i am so excited you are interested in my apartment which i am giving out for rent. Actually the apartment is still very much available for rent. I resided in the apartment with my Husband and our 2 years son, Before we relocated here in Nigeria due to my Husband new post as the leading Evangelist here with CHURCH OF GOD THE GOOD SHEPHERD. The apartment is available for £380 per monthly including the utilities, which i think is not too much, i just need someone with an open heart, love and clean to occupy the home and put all my worries off concerning the maintenance of the apartment . Since i am not residing there again. As i told you earlier in the apartment listing. The accommodation comprises of 2 Bedrooms, Bathroom. Kitchen, Breakfast room, Bedroom, Bathroom and a separate WC..Facilities Internet connection, Electronics like satellite TV and which you have to pay for the subscription, a sony DVD player, air conditioning, alarm system ETC. The kitchen is fully equipped with all necessary cooking utensils, refrigerator-freezer, four-hob and oven, microwave, dishwasher and washing machine. Also the keys to the flat are right here with me, and the document. Which i can send to you after all necessary agreement has be accomplished. Also i will like you to know that the rent charges is not really the issue , but your absolute maintenance of the apartment , because that is the only valuable property. So i wouldn't want an violation of my property if finally rented by you. I will like you to treat the apartment as your own okay.

Here's how the scam works: independent.co.uk/property/house-and-home/the-flat-that-never-was-how-the-rental-market-became-an-attractive-target-for-fraudsters-2131753.html


So, just spread the words. I really dislike the fact that they have to be pretend to be Christians.

Etla

Ah just had a thought, maybe take a clone the key using a mould and make a key out of it. Then you can take over the flat from the scammers