Someone want to buy us a house

preables

Go via a solicitor and make sure in the contract it states it’s a gift and no repayments 

I don’t think it’s a scam mention to him you want to do it via a solicitor and if he agrees then I’d go for it 

DayDreamerandGeneralWaster

LilacButterfly95 said:

DayDreamerandGeneralWaster said:

He might be a criminal trying to hide money. Sorry but if it's too good to be true it probably is.

I would be tempted to report this, the guy might be on a wanted list if he's this sophisticated. Just remember that scammers prey on vulnerable people and whilst you might not consider yourselves vulnerable this guy is playing on your weaknesses.

His name is everywhere on the internet when you search it? With pictures on him, he also has a travel blog aswel.. which he posts on daily and has posted pictures of where he currently is at the moment? Surely if he was on a wanted list he wouldn’t do stuff like this?

Not necessarily. All of that might be fake to lull people into a false sense of security. He might change his appearance regularly. 

It kinda sounds like you want us to tell you to take it and it will all be fine? If you think it's a good idea, go ahead. 

You hardly know this guy and your partner is considering being indebted to him for the rest of his life. Regardless of whether he wants the money back. He may well expect something- friendship by the sounds of it. How is this any different from a child being groomed? This guy is playing your partners weaknesses. It may well be above board but if it isn't you will almost certainly regret it.

HampshireH

I think the idea of going via a solicitor if you accept is a good one infact essential to protect you both.

However on a personal level you need to decide (and you don't sound like you are) that you are happy to be gifted such a life changing gift.

For some, buying a house etc is their biggest achievement and they want to get there themselves. Some have some help others are gifted everything.

None of those is the "right" way of doing it all have their pros and cons.

But to ensure your relationship stays strong you both must be on the same page. 

What happens if the millionaire gets clingy or something happens and there is a falling out?

Whilst I know legally it would be gifted. Emotionally you may struggle to move on?

sourcrates

Basically he met a bloke in a pub, and after a few more meets, and drinks, he offered to buy your partner a house, and to pay for him to train for a trade, so he could start a business, hmmm, ok.

Could be genuine, yet its a sob story most would fall for, no family of his own, again, gives credence to the tale, has a prolific online presence, could well be kosha, then again, anyone can produce a very professional looking website, and "invent" history, if something sounds too good to be true, you tend to find it usually is.

He may be an international people trafficker, wanting a safe house unconnected to him, to "store his workers" whilst they are readied to move around the country, this is exactly how such organisations operate (I have family in Customs & Excise) offer to buy them a house, add the training money as a sweetener, the owner, your partner, and I really don`t want to worry you here, but he may well become surplus to requirements, if you get my drift.

You mention he`s not known him long, he travels internationally, and that they had been out for drinks, well as far as I am aware all pubs/clubs restaurants etc have been in lock down for months, air travel has been severely restricted also, I`m thinking this may be a wind up from someone with a lot of time on their hands, possibly, either way, if it is genuine, I would walk on by and not tempt fate, you never know what possible fallout there may be from such things.

MovingForwards

There was actually a similar thread a few years ago, unfortunately I've not been able to find it.

CKhalvashi

MovingForwards said:

There was actually a similar thread a few years ago, unfortunately I've not been able to find it.

I remember the same. I'll say the same thing as I said there.

I have never (and would never) make an unsolicited offer of 6 figures to someone I barely know for any reason. I have made several offers of project management in exchange for a salary match plus shareholding with startup costs covered, but this hasn't come out of the blue, has generally been discussed for several months before with starting with an 'I think xyz may be viable, you have experience in this area, could you look at it for me?' with planning going into a lot more detail, and generally takes with people with experience in the specific area of business which I may be lacking.

Being lonely IMO doesn't mean it's normal to throw money around, especially to someone without experience in an area and for these amounts.

Not to say it's a scam, but be very, very careful, including seeking your own legal advice and having a professional dealing with the AML side of things to ensure you're completely covered.

missile

This has to be a wind up

Tigsteroonie

Be his friend for six months, see if the offer is still around next year. If this guy is genuine and genuinely lonely, he'll accept the friendship and understand the reticence to base it on money. 

Jami74

Maybe it's a test on his part to see if you genuinely value the friendship or are just in it for the freebies. 

Over time a good friendship has more value than cold hard cash. If it is something a bit dodgy then he'll quickly move on once you make it clear that you are not interested in taking his money.

Edited to add: I actually want you to take it and promise to come back with regular updates because either way it makes a great story.

tower

I might be wrong, but don’t estate agent have to verify where monies have come from for purchases. I believe this is to stop money laundering.