Earlier in the year we highlighted some examples of overseas property scams doing the rounds. In the last few days we’ve heard of fresh attempts to scam renters out of money, by trying to solicit money up front on rental agreements for properties overseas that don’t exist. Typically they are for property in Dubai.

Our advice: if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is, so walk away.

If you are in any way suspicious or concerned about doing business with someone, get independent advice and try to verify their identity and operation before sending any money.

A typical pitch is that a landlord is out of the country or moving back to the UK so can’t meet the tenant directly but has left keys and contracts with an agency in the country and they claim that Rightmove is handling the transaction on their behalf. The prospect is asked to forward the funds in advance and then the keys will be released to them.

Here’s some example emails we’ve seen sent to people:

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From: q.omran30@hotmail.com
Subject: RE: Dubai Marina Furnished Apartment
Date: Tue, 13 Oct 2009 03:53:09 +0400

Good day.

Concerning my rental offer, I would like to provide you with the following information: the apartment has one living room, 1 bedroom, one bathroom and one kitchen, with an approximate surface of square feet 850. We will both agree at the begining of the contract about it’s duration. The ideal profile of the tenant I am searching for is a responsible and dynamic person. The amount due as rent will be of AED4580 and includes all utilities such as water, electricity, internet, cable, parking etc. Pets are allowed. My reason for renting this property is due to a work related relocation, to Newcastle, United Kingdom. Due to this relocation, I have delegated a specialized company (Rightmove.co.uk) to deal with renting my property. They have full power to make the deal and turn over the keys to the property. They are also authorized to handle the payment and delivery for us. If this is of interest to you, please contact me as soon as possible to manage all the rest of the details.

While waiting for your response, please receive my highest consideration,

Omran Quasen Al-Rshaidat.

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From: q.omran30@hotmail.com
Subject: RE: Dubai Marina Furnished Apartment
Date: Tue, 13 Oct 2009 16:45:32 +0400

Hello ,

          Following our first contact on this matter, if you are still interested to close the deal, the next step will be contacting the company rightmove.co.uk and provide them all the necessary information about the customer, namely you, so they can start the process right away.
You will have to provide me with your full name and address (as you provided the name, only the address is needed). Due to my hasty relocation, the matter is somewhat urgent. If you give me a positive feedback, the rental department will contact you with the temporary agreement and with all the instructions to secure the place.
          Rightmove.co.uk is authorized to handle all the payment operations; therefore, you will receive instructions to deposit the money (AED4580) into the account of a rightmove.co.uk Agent from United Kingdom.
The company will hold the money until you have a chance to visit and assess the property. This procedure creates a buyer protection policy. At all times during this period, the money will remain in possession of the company, so that you will be able to repossess it if the property does not suit your needs.
          Right after the funds have been deposited into their account, they will immediately start the next step of the deal (the agent will arrive at your address with the contract and keys).
          After the deposit of the funds into their account, the maximum delay until delivery of the contract and keys is of 48 h. You will benefit from a ten days inspection period from the day you receive the keys and contract at home. If after this ten days inspection period you decide to hold the apartment, then you will have to authorize rightmove.co.uk to release the funds to me, and the transaction will be completed. On the contrary, if you will not be satisfied with the apartment, you will be able to send the keys and contract back through the same service and ask rightmove.co.uk to return the funds to you. Your money will be refunded to you on the same day you send back the keys and the contract.
          This procedure insures a degree of certainty for both parties. For me, since I’m in Newcastle and I will have to fly in to close the deal, I need to know that I am dealing with a person with serious intentions, and for you, in case you will not be satisfied with the property, you can get your money back. Taking into account all of the above, if you wish to proceed with renting the apartment, please provide me your full name and address so I can initiate the deal through rightmove.co.uk right away.

        Best regards,
    Omran Quasen Al-Rshaidat.

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The prospect is often sent official looking emails with lots of mentions of Rightmove as agents for the transaction but requires payment via Moneygram.

The facts are that the Rightmove does not have such a department and never asks for any money up front from tenants against rentals or sales. We only advertise properties for owners, developers and agents we do not get involved directly in transactions for sale or rent.

We’ve had calls from (rightly) suspicious prospective tenants asking us to confirm the contracts are real or to verify emails they’ve received are genuine. Genuine emails from Rightmove staff will only come email addresses ending @rightmove.co.uk.

We’ve compiled a list of names and email addresses associated with the improper use of our name:

• Katrin Muper
• muperk@hotmail.com
• Vincent Carter Duthie
• Quillan Ulrick Ellard
• q.omran30@hotmail.com
• Omran Qasem Mohammad or Omran Quasen or Omran Quasen Al-Rshaidat
• rent@support-rightmove.com

Please get in touch with us if you have any information that may help others avoid getting scammed.