Every time we post an available unit on CraigsList, we get a familiar spam. Here is one I got today. The critical thing is the 'pre payment'. The scam is they over pay, and ask you to mail the overage to a bank account. Your bank can take 2 weeks to let you know the 'Certified Check' or 'Bank Check' you were sent has bounced, which it will. The long story verbiage is another dead ringer they are scammers.
Regular checks for your deposit amount, or paypal/visa, and wait for the check to clear. NEVER, my dear landlords, mail overage to a stranger:
From 'Jane Anderson' to Alpine Corporate Accommodations today, 2/22/08:
Hello Potential Landlord,
I am extremely interested in your advert abt the space available for rent,
Please I will like to have answers to the following questions below:
1) I will like to have the description of the space, size, and the
equipments in there.
2) I will like to have the rent fee per month plus the utilities.
3) Also I will like to know if there is any garage or parking space cos I
will have my own car come over there.
4) I will also be coming with some of my furniture, that is if it is
allowed, like bed, book shelf cos I read a lot, shoe rank etc
5) I will also like to know if I can make an advance payment ahead my
arrival that will be stand as a kind of commitment that I am truly coming
over and for you to hold the room down for me.
6) If the #5 questions is YES, I will like to know the total cost for the
initial move as in first month rent and if you accept deposit.
7) I will like to know the major intersection nearest your neighborhood.
Like shopping mall, bus line e.t.c
Lastly, I will like to know more about you and also I will like to have your
pics as for me to know how you look like.
Here is all I can say about my self for now.
I am 27 years old and I work full time, Monday through Friday and have
weekends off except for once a month. I was born United state and raised in
europe, but presently in R I on a business trip for more than 2 years..
I am a professional, A Computer Consultant and I deal in various kinds of
computer applications and soft wares. I graduated in the Queen's University
Belfas, Europe, 8 years ago and I have my B.sc in Computer Science... I am
not really a sports person, BUT I do love Hockey Games, I am a very out
going person and fun to be with. I do play the organ and piano,, and I do
have BOTH piano and organ here at my house. I am not a drinker and I don't
smoke and I don't do drugs. YES I would like to go out with you on weekends
and weeknights when I am free. I like going to movies, concerts, plays, I
like camping, hiking, bike ridding, swimming, and I love to travel.
I am a very dedicated individual who is totally committed to human
development, friendly, very trustworthy and value relationship above
anything. I am a laid back person, I love travelling, sporting and enjoy
meeting people around the world. I am an easy going person and like to have
an apartment/roommate that is very responsible and understanding, someone I
can really get along with. I will take my time to get you one of my pics in
two days time for you to know how I look like, I am sure you will like me.
I am presently in Tucson, Arizona and I will be moving to your city fully to
live for the rest of my life and start a new life and get my own business as
a Computer Consultant ( I have my resume). I will be Staying in your space
for a A YEAR or More.
I should be arriving the state soon......
I need answers to my 8 questions above as soon as possible so as to arrange
for you to get the money prior for my arrival to retain and consider the
room mine.. I will be making this advance payment ahead my arrival so that
you can be rest assured that this is real since I am not in you location
presently. If you think I will be a good to you and you are interested in
renting the space to me
Thanks and have a good time.
Warmest Regards,
JANE ANDERSON
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Image from Young Writers Blog
