So i was looking for a place to stay after exams while i stay in perth to work for a month before heading back to SG

I came across this great offer

A full furnished kitchen with an electric stove, ice maker, fridge, microwave, coffeemaker

A lavishingly well layed out living room with cable tv, high speed internet, laundry facilities

All these, inclusive of internet, electricity and utility bills was at a great offer os $120 per week (usually it would be at $250 or more per week for such a nice apartment located in the heart of the city)

I got so excited about this and spent the whole morning liasing with them.

The owners said they were honest people that  just moved to the UK for missionary trips, and they just needed someone to MAINTAIN their house. They were not looking for money, but wanted a trustworthy tenant that will look after their furniture.

So i filled up the application form and was given the bank details to transfer the rent of $600 for 5 weeks + bond of $500 to them.

I was so excited about this place. It looks awesome and I even considered moving out next semester to stay in such a nice apartment for such a low price. 1 min walk away from the main city stretch, easily accessible and i could cook and have house parties.

Then I talked to Marie (sis) and being the very mature, logical older sister, she questioned me about various things and… she asked me if this was a scam???

TA DAH!!! here’s the cues we picked out that I had overlooked just cause I liked the way the house looked.

1. Way too cheap a price for such an accommodation with everything inclusive (suspiscious)

2. They ask for me to transfer the funds over immediately despite my rental period to be only in november. Usually renting houses takes a few weeks to process.

3. The money was to be transferred to an overseas account. Wouldn’t they have an aussie account, having stayed here before and intending to come back?

4. They sent me a dodgy email application form (no formal documentation or procedure)

5. They had brought their keys with them to UK, and would send me the keys via DHL after they’ve received the money

6. Because of that, I could not view the apartment before renting. (who intends to rent their apartment out but bring their key along with them to another country??)

7. No unit number was given to me, just the main address of the whole apartment block.

looking at the above cues, it definately is a scam. Marie found this on a website

“TRAVELLERS BEWARE OF SCAM

I was blinded by the good deal and attractive pictures.

NOTE: if ever renting apartments, read through “Renting and Leasing” for the formal procedures and documentations that will protect you.

this is one big lesson i have learnt today!!!

BEWARE!!!