We received a letter from a reader notifying us of a scammer who said the have a sponsor. This is how the scam works.
Scammer contacts home owner
Scammer says they will be living in the states for 2 years and that a large company is sponsoring them
Scammer send Fake Cashiers check for a large sum of money.
Scammer asks if home owner can send the remaining money to their sponsor via a wire
Fake cashiers check is not noticed as fake and the home owner wires remaing funds to scammer
The reader contacted this individual and below is the conversation.
Subject: Re: $1295 / 3br – Adorable Single Family Home (Williamstown) (map)
To: [email protected]
Date: Friday, 19 September, 2008, 2:42 PM
hI,
HOW ARE YOU. i WOULD BE HAPPY TO HAVE YOU RENT MY HOME. hOWEVER i WOULD NEED SOME CONFIRMATION FROM THE ELI LILLY COMPANY THAT THIS IS THE ARRANGEMENT. i WOULD NEED TO HAVE A NUMBER TO CONTACT THEM. IN THE NORMAL CONTRACT i REVEIW QUALIFICATIONS OF THE APPLICANT TO PAY BUT THAT WOULD BE QUITE DIFFERENT FOR YOU.
IF YOU COULD FURNISH ME A CONTACT THERE TO CONFIRM ALL OF THESE DETAILS I WOULD APPRECIATE IT. PLEASE RESPOND SOON AS I DO HAVE PEOPLE LOOKING AT THIS HOME.
THANK YOU
————– Original message ————–
From: natal blige [email protected]
Good day,
I really appreciate your response and details provided, my sponsors (Eli Lilly Pharmaceuticals) have agreed on the monthly fees to be paid for the next two years on my behalf. Therefore, they agreed to pay up front the amount of ($3238 PAYMENT FOR THE FIRST MONTH RENT PLUS DEPOSIT STARTING FROM MY MOVING IN DATE WHICH WILL BE ON THE 4TH OF OCTOBER); also since I will be staying for two years, the company has agreed to pay in a monthly installation. Furthermore, I would like you to know a US Cashier che que will be issued to you in an excess amount by my sponsors for the first month rent, security deposit and my travelling expenses; the excess amount will be sent to me immediately as soon as you receive payment from my sponsors.
However, the information below is required from you by my sponsors to have payment sent to you immediately in order for you to hold down this property until I arrive;
NAME ON US CASHIER CHEQUE
FULL CONTACT ADDRESS
HOME PHONE NUMBER
MOBILE NUMBER
Finally, I would like to know how peaceful is the neighbourhood and how close is the property from the bus/train station as I will be leaving on the 3rd and arriving on the 4th of October. My main purpose of relocating is based on my research proposal on Pharmaceutical industries (Financial Analysis); and I was granted a part time sponsorship on my accommodation and travel expense. Also all necessary Paper work will be treated by me when I arrive and set to move into th e property.
I await the details soonest for payment, so I can start my moving in plans ASAP.
Regards
Natal Blige
— On Tue, 16/9/08, wrote:
Subject: Re: $1295 / 3br – Adorable Single Family Home (Williamstown) (map)
To: [email protected]
Date: Tuesday, 16 September, 2008, 3:03 PM
Hi,
the rent is 1295.00 per month and the deposit would be 1 1/2 month security.
is is a very cute house and nice neighborhood.
——- Original message ————–
From: natal blige [email protected]
Good day Sir/ Madam,
My name is Natal Blige; I am 24 years of age and a citizen of the United Kingdom and will be relocating for a short period of two years on a research programme to the United States . As I was reviewing rental adverts, I got particularly interested in your property, I would like you to email me pictures, and I would also like to know the exact fees to be paid monthly and the security deposit in order for me to pass information to my sponsors.
Thanks for your assistance.
Cheers6