Real-Life Examples of Rental Scams
Scammers often create elaborate stories to make their rental listings seem legitimate. Below are two examples of real emails from fake landlords. Notice the common red flags: overly detailed personal stories, claims that the “owner” lives abroad, and requests to send money through third parties like Airbnb agents.
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Example 1
Fake owner allegedly in the UK provides a long story about why the unit is available and why she doesn’t live in the U.S.
From: Ella Waddy <ellawaddy@gmail.com>
Date: Wed, Mar 2, 2016 at 1:55 PM
Subject: Re: Apartments.com lead for
To: "tanastrout@gmail.com" <tanastrout@gmail.com>
Hello There,
I am happy to let you know that my apartment is presently available even for long and short term periods. I am Ella Waddy, the owner of the apartment. I bought this apartment for my daughter during her studies in US, but now she's back home (London/United Kingdom) permanently, so I'm renting the place for unlimited time.
The flat is exactly like in the pictures . The utilities (cold/hot water, electricity, wireless broadband Internet, digital TV, 1 parking spot, dishwasher, garbage disposal, microwave, refrigerator, washing machine, etc.) are INCLUDED in the price of $1,500 per month and one month deposit is also $1,500 and you get it back, once you decide to leave the apartment (with a 30 days notice). As for me, you can rest assured that I will never ask you to leave the apartment. My daughter is building her live here, and I am too old to move to US, so we won't disturb you.
Before we go any further I would like to know a little something about you, like how many persons you intend to live in the apartment, and for how long.
All the best from London,
Ella Waddy
Example 2
Landlord claims to be in the UK and uses an Airbnb agent to hold a refundable deposit, offering a “two-day inspection period” to make the listing seem safe.
From: William Jackson <william.jackson2099@gmail.com <mailto: william.jackson2099@gmail.com>>
Date: May 12, 2016 at 12:18:13 PM PDT
To: Melanie Murphy <Melaniemurphy000@hotmail.com <mailto: Melaniemurphy000@hotmail.com>>
Subject: Re: Apartments.com lead for
Thank you for your reply!
As I said, I'm in United Kingdom and cannot be present to deal face to face.
I can make arrangements to rent the apartment from United Kingdom through Airbnb. com<http://airbnb. com> which is an international company dealing specifically in rentals apartments, I used it in the past and I was very pleased.
I will explain how it works. If you decide to proceed with this transaction, I will need your phone number, full name, full address and email where you want to receive the keys and the temporary contract. Then I will go at Airbnb.com<http://airbnb.com> company from United Kingdom provide them your informations, and they will start the process right away in US. Next you will receive a notification message from them containing all the instructions that you need to follow in order to complete the process and receive the keys.
Regarding the Payment, you will be instructed to do the deposit to an agent from Airbnb.com<http://airbnb. com>, they will hold and insure your money until you check the apartment and decide if you want to rent the place or not. You have to pay $1,200 + $1,200 = $2,400, if you will not be satisfied with the apartment the total amount will be refunded in same day after your request. You will be given a 2 days inspection period from the day you receive the keys and contract. Durring this period you can take a decision. If you like the apartment then we will make a direct rental contract. As for the monthly payment are done directly to my bank account from United Kingdom at the beginning or end of month, at your convenience.
I look forward hearing back from you.
William Jackson