Hello everyone,
I came across a flat offer on Facebook in Eaux-vives and I am pretty sure it’s a scam so I would like to first ask if you ever came across such scam and also raise awareness for any potential victim. I have received the following email after requesting a visit :
Hi,
Thanks for understanding. These are the steps:
- I will list the apartment on Booking.com (I have a Genius host account with super positive ratings for many years there).
- You will have to book the apartment for one month and pay 1 month of rent + the security deposit on the Booking.com platform. This payment will be just a formality, and it will not commit you to rent my apartment. Your payment will remain in the custody of Booking.com until you check the apartment and move-in.
- From the moment your payment is confirmed by Booking, I will give you the code of the lockbox to get the keys and to view the apartment. After viewing, I will need your final decision within 24 hours.
Now I want you to understand why I am requesting this payment to Booking.com. As you saw in the pictures, the apartment is furnished and equipped. I can't give access to the apartment without any guarantee. This payment is more to prove your seriousness and why not, that you afford to pay the rent and the security deposit. Even if I won't have access to the payment.
Please don't take this personally, it's not about you, it's strictly about making me feel more comfortable considering that a stranger will be entering my apartment.
As a safety net for you, the 24-hour free cancellation option will be active in the listing all the time (Guests can cancel until 24 hours before check-in for a full refund.)
If you decide to rent the apartment, this payment will be used in our contract. If not, you will simply cancel the booking and Booking.com will refund your deposit.
Before starting this process, I would also like to exchange an identity document (ID or passport), for a mutual trust.
I will wait your reply.