using western union when looking for accommodation

Re: using western union when looking for accommodation

Mark Hedberg — Mon, 14 May 2012 08:52:43 GMT

Sorry to hear that...buyer beware, then! In which case; as noted above, never pay anything to view. Legal proof of funds is a copy of a bank statement, that will be enough for anyone legitimate. That's what deposits are for; a little insurance that you've got the funds but that's after contracts are signed and before you move in.

Also be careful about contracts. Legally, routine upkeep may be your responsibility, if anything breaks in the house that's not due to your actions, the landlord is liable, not you. (Just in case someone tries to make you pay for a broken 30 year old boiler!)

Good luck!

Re: using western union when looking for accommodation

SmegSlayer — Mon, 14 May 2012 08:16:49 GMT

having never been able to afford the rent/pcm charged by agents I have no choice but to go through private landlords...

Re: using western union when looking for accommodation

Mark Hedberg — Sun, 13 May 2012 21:53:17 GMT

You're much better off going through an estate agent - yes, you have some fees but they're not going to disappear with your money! And they will show you the house before you pay.

Re: using western union when looking for accommodation

SmegSlayer — Sun, 13 May 2012 19:10:11 GMT

me too- would've been £800!

thanks for the info

Re: using western union when looking for accommodation

Sarah Cahill — Sun, 13 May 2012 18:44:46 GMT

So glad you didn't hand any money over! I hate scammers!!!!

Re: using western union when looking for accommodation

SmegSlayer — Sun, 13 May 2012 18:08:57 GMT

Thanks for that. I have done a little more digging and have found the scam, right down to the exact same email that was sent to me. thought the flats were too good to be true :(

Re: using western union when looking for accommodation

Katherine Spear — Sun, 13 May 2012 18:05:57 GMT

Saying that Western Union itself is not a scam & i use it regularly for other things - but defo wouldnt do anyhing financial without viewing the house first.

Re: using western union when looking for accommodation

Katherine Spear — Sun, 13 May 2012 18:03:55 GMT

I nearly got massively scammed like this on a house on craislist once, if you google it youll see theres a whole lot on there about such scams, be careful!

Re: using western union when looking for accommodation

SmegSlayer — Sun, 13 May 2012 17:45:15 GMT

really? what happens?

Re: using western union when looking for accommodation

Sarah Cahill — Sun, 13 May 2012 17:41:32 GMT

NOOOO! DON'T DO IT!! Total scam!!!!!!!!!!!!