Follow Ups/Extra Information. Most recent is listed first.

Answered ad on gumtree very quickly, sent a text with the name Catherine where the phone number should be and wanted to be contacted on email of millercedina809@gmail.com for easier contact. Tried to send a text back and it was not delivered. They must be using SMS spoofing and there is no reason for an individual to do that.

Answered ad on gumtree very quickly, sent a text with the name Catherine where the phone number should be and wanted to be contacted on email of millercedina809@gmail.com for easier contact. Tried to send a text back and it was not delivered. They must be using SMS spoofing and there is reason for an individual to do that.

Text in response to gumtree advert asking me to email her as email was easier contact method. Very similar email received: Thanks for responding so quickly,my name is Catherine.I am an American citizen and 27 years old non smoker lady coming to Australia. I work as a chef on cruise ship in China at the moment and i have limited time to surf the internet and also phone calls is also strictly limited due to nature of my work.I will like you to make the arrangement for the total cost covering my first three months rent together with bond. I will also like you to get back to me with your home address for me to forward it to my mover to calculate the total cost of moving my stuffs from China to Australia.I will be waiting to read back from you. Regards, Catherine
I asked some more questions as I felt it was odd for someone to offer to pay 3 months in advance- received this as second email Everything is fine with me. I 'm a very social person that respect humanity and this make it so easy for me to get along with whomever that comes my way in life. I do have a working visa and I will be arriving on 6th of August from China and i will be staying for more than a year in Australia working as a chef too.
I will be transferring the rent to you through PayPal and if you do not have one, kindly set up an account with them in less than 5 minutes at www.paypal.com.au. Alternatively i can as well transfer the funds into your bank account via my PayPal. If that is fine with you, please do get back to me with your name on the account, Bsb and your account number so that i can transfer the funds asap. I will be so happy to secure the room as soon as you get back to me with the PayPal email address or your bank details. I am paying the rent fee in advance because i will be presenting the proof of my rent payment to my employer and also to the immigration at the port of entry to Australia. Hope to read back from you soon. Regards, Catherine
Wasn't sure if it was a scam or real but then googled the name and it came up here on scam watch. I didn't provide PayPal details but thought someone offering to use PayPal would be safe. I guess not.

ANSWERED a gumtree rental add WITHIN minutes, did place 2 ads and received identical emails about wanting to pay 3 months in advance and her working on a cruise liner as a chef!!! Even on request sent me a photo of American passport photo for validation.I also received same email in n a me of Catherine Edina miller. BE CAREFUL