Tenants stung by internet scammers
Published: 03-Oct-2008
This article was brought to you by Rentman the premium property management system
Tenants in London are being cheated out of deposits by internet scammers, it has been revealed.
An investigation conducted by BBC London focused on properties for rent on advertising website Gumtree.com, with scammers employing money transfer agencies to commit fraud.
One victim was Alexandra Sheppard who e-mailed the supposed owner of the property and was asked for proof that she could afford the rent and deposit.
The man, who called himself Lin Dong, then requested that a payment of £1,350 be sent through Western Union to someone of Ms Sheppard's acquaintance.
He also asked for a copy of the transfer payment receipt to be sent to him, which was subsequently cashed at a branch of Western Union.
The properties were advertised at below market rates to entice victims.
Gumtree.com and Western Union are now working together to clamp down on the scammers.
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