I am trying to find a studio flat to rent in London and put an advert on Gumtree. A lady responded, saying that she lived in Birmingham and that she needed to make sure I was serious about viewing before coming down. She has asked me, via advice from her lawyer, to prove that I have the £1400 deposit by going to Western Union and doing a cash money transfer to a friend/family member, and I am then to provide her with transaction information to prove that the £1400 exists. We will then arrange a viewing and if I like the flat I will sign the tenancy agreement, get the keys, and then we will go back to the Western Union agent location, cancel the cash transfer and get a refund, so I can then pay her. Is this normal? I have not come across it before during the 10-15 years I have rented. I have provided a snapshot of my rental history and have told her I am employed, but she has not requested references. I withdrew the cash today and have a receipt which I can send her.
Optional Information: System of Law: England-and-Wales Already Tried: I have asked a friend who works at an estate agent and they have told me it is not normal practice for a landlord to request proof that the deposit exists and that I should be suspicious.
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NO NO NO!
Western Union is as good as cash. Once it is send it can NOT be cancelled.
This is not normal practice. All that is needed is that proof of bank statements for a deposit.DO NOT SEND CASH.
This is a scam.
The question does NOT close and you can ask follow up questions.
Experience: Called to the Bar in 2007
I'm just following up with you to see how everything is going. Did my answer help?UK-Justice
Apologies, I thought I had already replied. Yes your answer did help, thank you and I didn't go ahead.
Great