Hi! I'm your new neighbour. I need to tell you something about the man who rented you that flat.
Sorry... who is this? How do you have my number?
My name is Claire. I live in flat 4B, just below you. I got your number from the building noticeboard. I'm sorry to message you like this.
ok... what do you want to tell me?
The man who showed you the flat — Daniel Marsh — he is NOT the real landlord.
what?? that can't be right. he showed me the contract. he had a key.
He had a copy key. The real owner is a woman called Mrs Okafor. She lives in another city. She doesn't know about you.
I paid him £800 for the first month 😭 I paid him cash
I know. The same thing happened to the person before you. She also paid cash. He took the money and disappeared.
but he texted me today. he said everything is fine. he asked if I need anything
He does that at first. He wants you to feel safe. Then next week he will ask for more money.
I don't understand. How do you know all this?
Because... he did the same thing to me, two years ago. I lost £1,600. I was so scared. I didn't know what to do. I went to the police but they said it was very difficult to find him. Then, a few months ago, he came back to this building. I think he does this again and again, you know? Different flats, different people. I just... I didn't want it to happen to you too.
oh my god. Claire I'm so sorry that happened to you
wait — do you have any proof? like something I can show the police?
Yes. I have a photo of the real rental contract. The name on it is NOT Daniel Marsh.
flat 5A... that's THIS flat. I'm in 5A right now
Yes. And the landlord is Mrs Okafor — not Daniel.
I need to call my friend. I'll message you back ok? please don't go
I'm here. I'm not going anywhere.
Maya switched chats and called her friend Priya.
Priya: Hello? Maya what's wrong? Maya: Priya, I think my landlord is a criminal. Priya: What? Slow down. Tell me everything. Maya: The woman downstairs just messaged me. She said Daniel — the man who rented me the flat — he is NOT the real owner. He took her money two years ago too. Priya: Oh no. Did you sign a contract with him? Maya: Yes! And I paid £800 cash. Priya: Cash?? Maya, cash is so bad. There's no record. Maya: I know, I know. What do I do? Priya: Okay. Don't pay him anything more. And go to the police tomorrow morning, okay? Take the photo the woman sent you. Maya: Okay. Should I leave the flat tonight? Priya: Not yet. It's late. But lock your door. And Maya — do NOT answer if Daniel calls you tonight. Maya: Okay. I'm scared, Priya. Priya: I know. I'm coming over tomorrow. You're not alone.
Maya went back to her chat with Claire.
Ok I talked to my friend. We think I should go to the police tomorrow. Can you come with me?
Yes. I wanted to go for two years. I was just... afraid. But I'll come with you.
thank you Claire. seriously.
At 20:15, Daniel sent Maya a message.
Hey Maya! Hope the first night is good 😊 Just to let you know — I need to collect next month's payment a little early. Can you have it ready by Friday? Cash is fine again.
Maya read the message. She did not reply.
Claire. He just asked for more money. For Friday. It's exactly what you said.
Don't answer him. Tomorrow we go to the police. 9am. I'll knock on your door.
ok. door is locked. I'm ready.
The next morning, Maya, Claire, and Priya went to the police station together. Maya showed them the contract photo and Daniel's messages. The officer said they knew this man — his real name was not Daniel Marsh.
Priya, oh my god. The police — they already know who he is. They have his real name and everything. They said they can find him. I can't believe it. I'm actually shaking right now. Claire is crying. Like, good crying I think. We did it. We actually did it.
MAYA!!! 😭😭 I'm so happy. You were so brave.
I wasn't brave. I was just lucky Claire messaged me 💛
ngl... maybe this is the start of a good friendship 😊
yeah... maybe it is 🙂