Hello. I contacted a person through a renting website, and she told me she lives abroad and would use Airbnb to make the contracts and reservation so we could make a deal. The apartment is too good to be true (and normally, it is not true), costing 350€ with all the bills included in Lisbon.
Here is the e-mail she sent me.
"Hello again,
I want to take this opportunity to assure you that there is nothing to be worried about this rental.
I am a very sincere and honest person. I don't want to waste anyone's time.
I will explain here how it works because is more to write and then we can move in whatsapp if you have any questions.
So:
* You will inspect the apartment before your final decision to rent.
* I will pay the transportation costs.
* The all utility bills will be redirected to me .
I will try explain to you step by step how this will work, take a few moments and read my email carefully!
Step # 1.
In order to proceed, I need your actual information:
* Full Name
* Address
* City
* Postal code
* Country
* Phone Number
* Move IN date and for how long would you like to rent
Step # 2.
With the information you will provide me, I will go at Airbnb office and I will leave the keys and the contract in their possession to start the process. The transportation will be done by Airbnb
Here are the contents that will be delivered to you:
* Entrance and the rooms keys;
* Paper/permanent property form (Containing your reference details);
* The apartment documented file;
* Payment receipts;
Of course, we will need some way to go through this agreement, to allow us ensure that we get what we are expecting, because you can't send me the money directly with no protection and I must have a warranty to send you the keys, I hope you understand I can't just send the keys to anyone.
This is step # 3.
* I will contact you through Airbnb's application and i will provide you the link of the apartment so you can make the booking .
*After you make the booking you need to deposit to Airbnb custody, first 6 months of rent (€2100) + warranty (€350) in total of €2450;
* Then, they will send an agent with the keys at the address provided in 48 hours;
* After the agent arrives and inspect the apartment you must give Airbnb an answer.
* In case you will rent it, you will have to supply them a copy of the contract signed by you and they will release me the funds. The contract will be signed and filled in after you will check the apartment;
* In case you will not rent it, they will refund your money .
* Airbnb will provide assistance in handling the payment and inspection, I'll pay for the services performed by the company, so there will not be any additional cost to you.
Everything will be through their website and they will respond for our transaction. We both have fully security, that is why i haven chosen Airbnb . I worked with them before and everything was ok .
I will await your quick response and I will complete the transaction asap.
P.S. You can also send me your WhatsApp number so we can discuss easier .
Best Regards!
Maria Narauto"
This looks like a lot of scams I looked up in the forum. I tracked the IP address to Vienna-Austria, but since she told me all the payments would be made through the airbnb website, I was in doubt if this is true or scam. I've never heard about Airbnb agents as well.
Can someone help me sort this out??
Thanks,
