There Are 36 Responses So Far. »

1. 

   Comment by real estate advertising on 6 August 2009:

   man oh man these scammers find new ways to rip people off. They are always one step ahead of every one else may be craigslist need to stop all ads from Nigeria. I personally always stays away from too good to be true and fishy advertisements.

   Margaret
2. 

   Comment by Matthew Smith on 7 August 2009:

   Some one in Nigeria is running a scam trying to dupe the American public, I find this hard to believe! Next you are going to tell me that I didn’t win the African Lottery
3. 

   Comment by Tom Royce on 7 August 2009:

   Matthew,

   I hate to break it to you…

   It is interesting that the Nigerians are on the cutting edge of scams.

4. Pingback by Daily summary of real estate news, tweets and Memphis comments – August 7th, 10:36am | Memphis Real Estate Buzz on 7 August 2009:

   [...] Craigslist Rental Scam Being Run From Nigeria? : The Real Estate Bloggers "The FBI has released a statement that a new Craigslist Rental Scam is being run out of [...]
5. 

   Comment by Real Estate Investment Software on 16 August 2009:

   Thanks for the heads up!
6. 

   Comment by spectre on 23 August 2009:

   This is so annoying. Just wasted time writing emails to someone about an apt in manhattan that supposedly was for rent. Either the guy’s the most aggressively dyslexic person I’v ever heard of, or he’s a con artist (maybe african). I feel like such a mark even though I didn’t reveal anything personal or pay a cent.
7. 

   Comment by Terry/florida on 25 August 2009:

   This is true…believe it! I am currently talking with a guy from Ikeja, Nigeria posing as the owers of a home I’m trying to rent here in Florida. He told me that GOD has been good to him so he was only asking $1400.00/month rent for a home that I found days later on a real estate site for $2995.00/month. He said that he had to leave the states quickly and that he took the keys and remotes for the gate and garage with him. He was a missionary in Africa doing GOD’s work. Today he called me from Nigeria, so he says, and wanted me to send him the security deposit of $ 1700.00 and then he will forward the keys to the house. Here is the # he used 02961450n5t252. I told him I wanted to see the house first. But he sent me an e-mail telling me where to wire the money Western Union. I’m glad my daughter sent me this article but I’m not that gullible to have sent him the money. I did check the owners out at the tax collectors office but the names were the same. He just doesn’t know all the personal things that I found out about the real owners…like his wife’s name. When I asked him her name we got cut off so then he e-mails me with directions for the money. He is doing missionary work in Africa doing GOD’s work. Yea!…Right? As they say; “If it sounds too good to be true… It probably is”. Being greedy gets good people into trouble. Terry/Fl
8. 

   Comment by Wendy Polisi on 28 August 2009:

   Thanks so much for this great post! I run a rent to own program that currently has over $40M in inventory and our properties have been targeted by these scammers.

   Just this morning, I had one of our sellers email me, concerned that our company was posting her home for $500 less that the going rate. (She was especially concerned because we went to contract on this property yesterday, and was afraid that the buyer would see the ad and it would blow the deal up.) I got the joy of explaining this hoax to her!

   A couple of months back, we actually contacted the FBI because one of the scammers had gotten my husbands name in a yahoo and gmail account and was emailing people pretending to be him, even mentioning details of our children. They were not able to do anything about it unfortunately….scary stuff…
9. 

   Comment by Kimberly on 1 September 2009:

   There is a current scam post right now for the Indianapolis area- my hubby and I had a friend go check out a house for us because it seemed to good to be true. Turns out it was- it was fully occupied. http://indianapolis.craigslist.org/apa/1350215085.html the guy said he was in petrolum in Nigeria and his wife talked him out of selling and decided to rent. He gave +234-803-881-9419 or 011-234-803-881-9419 ) as their phone numbers. This makes long distance moving scary. We don’t have money to lose!
10. 

    Comment by Shawn Mosch on 1 September 2009:

    We see victims of these and other scams every day on our website. The scammers find any way that they can to get your money from you.

    Bottom line, if you get a cashier’s check or money order sent to you and you are asked to wire any portion of it on to another person or back to the sender for any reason it is a scam! The bank will tell you that the check is clear in a day or two, but it actually takes and average of 10 business days for the check to go through the clearing process (sometimes longer) and once it is found to be counterfeit the bank will come looking for you to return the money.

    Shawn Mosch
    Co-Founder of Scam Victims United
11. 

    Comment by Trudy on 1 September 2009:

    Simeone from South Africa listed a house 931 San Simeon Drive, Concord Ca and wants me to send him the rent of 1300 and first months rent then he will mail the keys to me. Called me and left messgs and gave me his cell number. Does anyone know anything about this one? Scam?
12. 

    Comment by Devonte on 5 September 2009:

    I’m starting to belive that this is a scam as well what do you think? Someone contacted me about this property on craigs list that I was interested in and it just doesn’t sound right to me!

    Thanks so much for the mail,and also for the adequate answer to my question, and i want to inform you that my family and i have talk it over we have decided to give the house to you, but you have to promise us that you will take absolutely good care of our home like it was yours on our behalf OK, however i will like to inform you that you have no more bills to pay because i already paid for all the utilities bills before living for Benin,also i will like to inform you that the keys and documents are down here with us, so do note that the house is presently locked and there is no way you can have access to the interior part without having the keys and documents with you OK.

    And i will also like to know if the address you provided when filling out the application is where you want the keys and documents to be deliver to, however i will also like to know the approximate date you intend to move in to my house, Meanwhile all necessary arrangement will made today for the keys and documents to be ship to your residential home address OK, so before doing all that i will like you to answer the question below,and also here is my contact number down
    here,2347025935170.

    1) Are you ready to move in?

    2) Are you ready to make the Security deposit of $400 to secure the house and also i will have the keys and documents sent to you?

    3) How long do intend to live in the house?

    4) How soon do you want the keys and document to mail out to you door step?

    5) Are you ready to make the payment?

    I want you to get back to me with the answer to my question.
13. 

    Comment by Stacy on 5 September 2009:

    Sounds like it to me, I just fell for a scam yesterday, cost me $700.00. I had no idead this stuff was going on till now. The scammer was smooth, he said his wife and him were christians and were in Nigeria on business but would be back in a few years, wanted responsible renters to take care of their house for them as he built it himself. He emailed me regularly and called me a couple times too. Even sent us a rental agreement…. He said he would Fed Ex the keys to us after we made the deposit to him western union. today he called and wanted first and last months rent, thats what got me as we told him we werent going to move in till next month. I cant believe I was so stupid.
14. 

    Comment by Mike H. on 7 September 2009:

    I thought something was definitely wrong on a situation similar to Stacy’s–luckilly I investigated it and found out it was a scam. I want to report and/or “catch” these scumbags but I’m not sure how…
15. 

    Comment by Maggie on 8 September 2009:

    I knew a 3 bedroom house with all appliances was too good to be true! It was posted on Craigslist in Vancouver, WA and we emailed about the price, I figured it was a typo but this is the response i got…

    “Hi,
    I did get your response concerning the AD I posted on craigslist. The house is still available but presently I’m not around.. I did bid for a portion of petroleum land
    sometimes ago in West Africa and fortunately I won the bidding so I have to move quickly down to Africa to have my company set up because I will still have to rebid
    for it in the next 10 years. I came over here with my wife, we both bought the house when we got married. As soon as we settle down here I had a thought of selling the
    house so I have to look for an agent, after getting one, we got a deal but later my wife advised against that. She said we may not be able to win the bidding next
    time, in other to keep our head when we return that we have to keep the house. I reasoned with her and accepted her advise. So I contacted the agent back and requested
    for my keys and documents. Later we decided to have the house rent out, we would have give the same agent this job also but the truth of the matter is that the agent
    would want to handle it professionally and the occupant may not be able to reason along with him later. If you notice, you will discovered that the price we are
    offering is far below standard price, this is enough for you to know that we are not after the rental fee but the absolute care for the property. I know there is no
    way I can be sure that you are the right person to live in the house because we won’t be able to see physical before sending you the keys and the documents to occupy
    the space. But I just had a feeling that anyone who knows what it takes to put the kind of structure down should know that maintaining a building is mandatory, so if
    you belief you can take good care of the house and handle it like yours then I will be more than happy to
    let you rent the house.

    Please if you are ready now to occupy the house kindly provide the information below for record purpose

    PLEASE TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF
    Full Name__________________________________________________ Home Phone ( ) ________________________
    Date of Birth_________________________________
    Other Phone ( ) ___________________
    Current Address_______________________________Apt#________ City__________________ State______ Zip________
    Reasons for Leaving____________________________Rent $__________Phone ( ) ____________________________
    Are you married____________________________
    How many people will be living in the house____________________________
    How many people will be living in the house____________________________
    Do you have a pet____________________________
    Do you have a car____________________________
    Occupation____________________________
    How soon can you have the deposit payment sent to me_________________________
    How soon do you want to receive the keys________________________________________
    Move In Date____________________________

    House Address
    13802 63RD ST VANCOUVER WA

    Description
    this beautiful two story single family home!! Comes with ALL of the following appliances; front loading washer/dryer, stove/oven, dishwasher, refrigerator and a microwave. New carpet and a gas fireplace in the family room. All bedrooms are upstairs with high ceilings and large windows. Master has a walk-in closet.
    Schools include Pioneer, Frontier and Union
    RENTAL FEATURES
    Features
    Central heat Fireplace Walk-in closet
    Family room Living room Dishwasher
    Refrigerator Stove/Oven Microwave
    Washer Dryer Laundry area – inside
    Balcony, Deck, or Patio Yard Cable-ready

    COMMUNITY FEATURES

    Garage parking

    No Smoking

    Rent:$700 Deposit:$700

    Best Regards

    NEILS

    YOU CAN REACH ME ON THE NUMBERS BELOW
    +234-806-077-8261 OR 011-234-806-077-8261
16. 

    Comment by Ame on 10 September 2009:

    Here is another one from Kennie0001@googlemail.com This guy responded to my roommates post who is currently looking for an apartment to rent short term.

    Hello ,

    Thanks for your interest and inquiries about my house. Am looking for a responsible tenants to take care of the house as if it were his or her own. Actually I resided in the house with my Wife before. Presently am travelling to United Kingdom for a course. I decide we should better look for a responsible person or family to occupy and take care of our properties . Long or short term lease will be acceptable by me. Since i am not available now to set up a showing,i will like you to go and have a look at the enviroment and the house from the exterior and i will be willing to send you pictures of the interiors if you demand for it okay.

    HOUSE DETAILS

    Address: 6690 Double Eagle Drive
    Woodridge, IL 60517
    Bed & Bath: 3 Bedroom, 2 Bathrooms
    Livable Space: Approximately 2,555 Square Feet Price / Rate: $850 Per Month including Utilities Security Deposit: $600(Refundable) which can be broken down into two parts and added to first and second month rent. Pets Allowed: Cats, Small Dogs, Large Dogs Available Date: Available Now! Rental Features: .Air conditioning .Central heat .Fireplace .High/Vaulted ceiling .Walk-in closet .Hardwood floor .Living room .Dining room .Breakfast nook .Dishwasher .Refrigerator ..Stove/Oven .Microwave .Granite countertop .Basement .Laundry area – inside

    Lease Application will be sent to you to complete as soon as i hear back from you about your interest and readiness to continue with the rental process and other documentations will be processed in your name ones i have your complete application, then keys and the house documents will be shipped to you via the UPS or FEDEX SERVICE as soon as you meet all requirements and make payment for the rent/deposit.

    Please feel free to ask any questions where you do not understand and i will be looking forward to receive your email as soon as possible.

    Sincerely

    and then he sent this…

    Hello ,

    Am glad to hear from you also ,you will be paying the rent fee and the security fee. thanks for assuring us that you will take care of our house like yours. My wife and i are so excited and willing to accept you as our tenant and family friend.

    Please i want you to note that,i am a kind and honest man, also i spent a lot on my property that i want to give you for rent,so i will solicit for your absolute maintenance of this house and want you to treat it as your own,is that taken?. The money involve is not the main problem but want you to keep it tidy all the time so that i will be glad to see it neat when i come for a check up at the end of the year….I also want you to let me have trust in you as i always stand on my word.

    SO I WANT YOU TO FILL OUT THE LEASE
    APPLICATIONS FORM BELOW

    LEASE APPLICATION FORM Last Name ___________________First Name ______________Middle ______________ Date of Birth _________________ Home Phone_________________ Email Address: _______________________________________
    Spouse’s Last Name _____________First Name______________Middle ______________ Date of Birth _________________ Other Phone: ________________ KIDS?
    Number of children: ____________ Ages: _______ _______ ________
    Present Address: _________________________City, ST, Zip: ______________________ Landlord’s Name: _____________________________ Landlord’s Phone: ______________ Current Rental Payment: $_______Length of Occupancy: _________________ Present Employer ____________________________________Phone _____________ Employer’s Address _________________________________Position ________________ Length of Time Employed _______ years, _______months. Approximate Monthly Income______________ Spouse’s Employer _____________________________________Phone ______________ Employer’s Address _________________________________Position __________________ Length of Time Employed _______ years, _______ months. Approximate Monthly Income __________________ Previous Employer ________________________________Position ____________________ Length of Time Employed _______ years, _______ months. Approximate Monthly Income __________________
    Vehicles:
    Make ____________________________ Year ____ Color __________ License # & State: ________________ Make ____________________________ Year ____ Color __________ Driver’s License # _______________ State: ____ Have you ever filed for bankruptcy? ______ Have you ever been evicted from any tenancy? _____ Have you ever refused to pay your rent or mortgage? _______ I declare that the foregoing information is true and correct. I authorize its verification and the obtaining of consumer credit report and background check. I agree that the Landlord may terminate any agreement entered into in reliance on any misstatement made above. Personal References (In Case Of Emergency, Notify) Name _________________________________ Address _______________________________ Phone _______________ Sign_________________ Note that other documentations will be processed in your name ones i have your complete application, then keys and the house documents will be shipped to you via the UPS or FEDEX SERVICE as soon as you meet all requirements and make payment for the rent/deposit.

    Looking forward to hear from you with all this details so that i can have it in my file incase of issuing the monthly rent payment receipt for you and contacting you.Await your urgent reply so that we can discuss on how to get the document and the key to you,please we are giving you all this base on trust and again i will want you to stick to your words,you know that,we do not see yet and only putting everything into Gods hand and Trust,so please do not let us down on our property and God bless you more as you do this.

    Sincerely
17. 

    Comment by Mis on 10 September 2009:

    I received the same email as above today except the rent was 800 and deposit 600.
18. 

    Comment by sway on 10 September 2009:

    I wish I would have seen this sooner! Someone actually lives in this house…I hate people like this!
19. 

    Comment by Summer on 12 September 2009:

    My husband and I are trying to sell our house and found out it was being listed on Craigslist for rent $400 a month! Someone came by our house took a flyer and then contacted our Realtor stating that they saw the house for rent on Craigslist. My husband sent an email acting as if he were interested in the house. We had to laugh when they reply stated that we would only be able to view the outside of the house as they had the keys with them. After researching we are fairly positive this is the same scam. I’m wondering if they will reply after they find out that we already live in the house.
20. 

    Comment by Lisa Loeh on 15 September 2009:

    Hello I got the same letter I knew something wasnt quite right the guy even called Im waiting for him to c/b with address for western union (ha)the phone # on Craigslist San Diego is 234-8084537426 from Africa oh by the way his spelling is very poor
21. 

    Comment by kat on 17 September 2009:

    This is going on in the metro DC and Detroit, MI area too. My brother in law (in MI) and my husband (in DC) found very similar ads, both from gentlemen claiming to be on missionary trips in South Africa – “men of God” – who could not find reliable real estate persons to handle their transactions. So it’s everywhere, and it’s recent. The DC posting was just flagged today.
22. 

    Comment by Fellfo Rittoo on 18 September 2009:

    Ahhh I’m so mad! I fell for this too! Now that I know it’s a scam I really wanna email him back and mess with his head a little bit! I’m def going to goto the house he has listed and let the people know they are doing this. YOU SUCK STUPID SCAMMER!!!

    Here’s the 2nd email I recieved back…

    Hello,
    Thanks so much for the mail,and also for the adequate answer to my
    question, and i want to inform you that my family and i have talk it
    over we have decided to give the house to you, but you have to promise
    us that you will take absolutely good care of our home like it was
    yours on our behalf OK, however i will like to inform you that you
    have no more bills to pay because i already paid for all the utilities
    bills before living for Benin,also i will like to inform you that the
    keys and documents are down here with us, so do note that the house is
    presently locked and there is no way you can have access to the
    interior part without having the keys and documents with you OK.

    And i will also like to know if the address you provided when filling
    out the application is where you want the keys and documents to be
    deliver to, however i will also like to know the approximate date you
    intend to move in to my house, Meanwhile all necessary arrangement
    will made today for the keys and documents to be ship to your
    residential home address OK, so before doing all that i will like you
    to answer the question below,and also here is my contact number down
    here,+2347025935170.

    1) Are you ready to move in?

    2) Are you ready to make the Security deposit of $550 to secure the
    house and also i will have the keys and documents sent to you?

    3) How long do intend to live in the house?

    4) How soon do you want the keys and document to mail out to you door step?

    5) Are you ready to make the payment?

    I want you to get back to me with the answer to my question.

    Thanks.
23. 

    Comment by ConsolidateMyDebt on 21 September 2009:

    I hate people like this!
24. 

    Comment by Lu on 21 September 2009:

    This has been happening to me! Luckily, my fiance and I refused to send any money. It just sounded like a sketchy situation. We asked if there was a third party that could give us the keys, nope. Emails were sent back and forth; first she wanted first and last months rent of $900 sent to Nigeria. We said no. Then she wanted money for shipping the documents, we told her to send documentation via email. She said that is not possible. Then we told her fedex can charge the recipient to pick up a package. She said okay to the fedex, then asked for a deposit of $500. Nope, we are not sending any money without legal documentation. Then I saw another listed on Craigslist about a house that sounded too good to be true. So I emailed that person. He emailed me back say he is a pastor working in South Africa. The house was originally for sale, but they decided not to sell it. However there is still a for sale sign out. They have the keys in Africa, yada, yada, yada. Send me $800 and I will send you the keys. That is when I got really suspicious and Googled ‘Craigslist Rental Scams’ and found this article. So I just emailed both of them back saying there is no way in hell I am sending any money. And I also attached this article! Ha!
25. 

    Comment by Marissa on 23 September 2009:

    I recently found this awesome deal on craigslist and i thought it was way to good…considering of the location. You cant even get any apartments under 1000$. I replied to the post and the husband contacted me (John Collins) and said Thanks for your email and it is my gladness to hear from you.I am John Collins,the owner of the apartment you are making inquiry of.Actually I resided in the apartment with my family,presently we moved away due to my transfer from my working place,my apartment is Located in 4417 Fairstone Dr, Fairfax, VA 22033 and presently my apartment is still available for rent for $760 per month including the utilities like hydro,washer and security,it is furnished.More so Now, I went for a Crusade in the West Africa and i will like you to get in touch with my wife in the states for more discussion as She is with the keys and the documents to the apartment.Please i want you to note that,i am a kind and honest man and also i spent a lot on my property that i want to give you for rent,so i will solicit for your absolute maintenance of this apartment and want you to treat it as your own,is that taken,I want you to keep it tidy all the time so that i will be glad to see it neat when i come for a check up.I do that once in a while.I want have trust in you as i always stand by my words.Where are you located? let us know how soon you are willing to move in.Email my wife Mary, on (mrycoinfo@gmail.com) and she will attend to you better.

    Thanks for your interest.
    John Collins

    So then i emailed his wife Mary:
    Thanks for your message. I’m Mary Collins.The apartment will be available for as long as you are willing to rent .My husband and I own the apartment, we both had an accident few months ago, I’m currently disabled and I’m currently on a wheel chair.I had to relocate back to our other house in Texas,USA,that’s why the apartment is vacant.Moreover,are you very clean,kind and easygoing?because my husband and I spent a lot on our property,so we want someone who can take care of the apartment.Kindly let me know as soon as possible because we need someone who is reliable to occupy it. • The apartment has the following features below:

    • Central heating
    • Large living room with wooden floor and dining room table
    • Fireplace
    • bedroom with full size bed and TV
    • Kitchen with dishwasher
    • Bathroom with bath, new washer and dryer
    • Separate toilet
    • Private entrance and hall
    • Desktop PC, Internet connection are included,
    • Utilities & Parking included.

    Pets acceptable (deposit required) . References needed if possible.So, Hope you are okay with the rent per month get back to me asap because we need a tenant urgently.If you are interested.I want you to remember that I’m in Texas,USA and the keys and documents are here with me, so you will not be able to see inside the apartment, you can only view from the outside. I will send the keys and documents to you via UPS and you will receive it within 48hrs.I will send keys and documents to your present home address you will provide in the application form.Let me know if you are willing to proceed.View the pictures of the apartment in the attached file..Write back so I can send you the rent application.

    Hope to read from you soon.
    Mary Collins

    760 / 1br – GREAT LOCATION SPACIOUS FURNISHED ONE BEDROOM APARTMENT FOR RENT (FAIRFAX,VA)

    ——————————————————————————–
    Date: 2009-09-19, 12:31PM EDT
    Reply to: hous-pgbpv-1382257330@craigslist.org [Errors when replying to ads?]

    ——————————————————————————–

    GREAT LOCATION SPACIOUS FURNISHED ONE BEDROOM APARTMENT FOR RENT
    **** FAIRFAX ONE BEDROOM APARTMENT FOR RENT**** EMAIL NOW!!! Beautiful, Spacious, Storage.A MUST LEAVE……..GREAT OFFER…GREAT LOCATION!!!!
    Safe, Friendly Neighborhood
    Available Now!!!!
    $760 a month, plus utilities (Gas & Electric,etc)
    1 Bedroom with ample closet space in bedroom and throughout the apt
    1 Bathroom, parking space!!
    Hardwood floors, Full Eat-In kitchen w/ all appliances, dining area, large living room
    Walking distance to, shopping, restaurants, and all major roadways
    Laundry in Apartment with Washer/Dryer Included
    PETS ALLOWED,NO SMOKING PLEASE

    Fortunatly, something seemed shady to me when they wanted me to wire them 500$ for a sec deposit by western union. I flagged them on Craigslist…hopefully no one will fall for their trap.
26. 

    Comment by Arthur on 28 September 2009:

    Hello Everybody,
    I was looking for a roommate on craigslist and got a few responses one that was too good to be true. After two days of communicating with the person I decided to google the photo by right clicking to get the photo properties and found that the person had stole the photos from a Realtor in Texas.
    Here is what the guy sent me..

    Hello there,

    I recently glimpse over your listing on Craigslist. Did you still need a home to live in washingtondc? I have a nice 2 story house that is unused and furnished. It’s a roomy 3,600 SQ FT with 4 bedrooms. It’s enclosed in a nice and quiet neighborhood.

    The reason why I am renting it is my job relocated me and my family. I wasn’t prepared to move and didn’t get to sell the house. But my job said we would be able to move back in 3 years, so we are just going to keep the house and try to rent it.

    Anyways, the house is in terrific shape, built in 2002. It is 2 story and has 4 bedrooms and 4 1/2 restrooms. A game room with a pool table. Classy living room and dining room. Kitchen is roomy, and has all the necessaries appliances. Of course washer and dryer is included. A huge backyard with a patio.

    The house will be all yours, but I will come back once or twice a month for a couple of days to take care of the yard and house maintenance. I’m pretty easy going so no worries.

    If you like the place, I am just renting for $500 all bills paid. Reason is I will be staying there for a couple days every month. And it is just been vacant for 2 months already, so I’d like someone to just move in asap. If you would like to see pics of the house, let me know.

    Looking forward to your email.

    I responded and he then sent me this email…

    Hey thanks for getting back at me. As promised, here is my photobucket to the house.

    http://s644.photobucket.com/albums/uu164/mrsportsguy

    The only thing is I don’t feel comfortable telling where the house is located, as the house is vacant. I can however, tell you it’s close to a main road, and commute is very convient to most places. I will be able to fly down in a couple weeks and show you the property. In the meantime, I will only do this if I know you are extremely interested and can pay rent every month.

    All I am is asking is for a credit report to ensure everything is going to go smooth, and you will pay rent every month. I got a free credit check before at this realtor website.

    http://premiumlister.net/credit-report/?mn=6891

    Just forward me the score, and if you can leave me your number, I can give you a call when I’m about to fly in if everything looks good.

    Hope to talk to you soon.

    I did not put my information on that sight because I get my credit report pulled every month through my credit card but the site is probably set up to still your identity. I also as I said found the photos from his photobucket on this website
    http://www.realtor.com/realestateandhomes-detail/11403-Bogan-Flats_Houston_TX_77095_1107003609?source=web#request

    Be safe out there everyone!
27. 

    Comment by DF on 28 September 2009:

    What a scam!! Thank you all for sharing your experiences. There is a scam going on in Sterling, Virginia for exactly the same scenario. I will keep playing with him but will not give any information about myself or money. I want to see how far this guy will go before I confront him. I visited the house he advertised this evening and low and behold, there is someone living there! It’s not vacant as he portrayed in his e-mail! I will talk to the owner to make sure they are aware that there is a scam going on with their house. After doing my research, it turns out that the name listed as the owners in the county records is NOT the same as the person I’m dealing with. Here’s what he wrote down as a response to my query:

    BEGIN QUOTE

    Hi,

    I did take your response concerning the advert, I posted on Craigslist. The house is still available, but presently I’m not around.. I did bid for a portion of petroleum land sometimes ago in West Africa, and fortunately I won the bidding, so I have to move quickly down to Africa to have my company set up because I will still have to bid again for it in the next 10 years. I came over here with my wife, we both bought the house when we got married. As soon as we settle down here I had a thought of selling the house, so I have to look for an agent, after getting one, we got a deal but later my wife advised against that. She said we may not be able to win the bidding next time, in other to keep our head when we return that we have to keep the house. I reasoned with her and accepted her advice. So I contacted the agent back and requested for my keys and documents. Later we decided to have the house rent out, we would have given the same agent this job also but the truth of the matter is that the agent would want to handle it professionally and the occupant may not be able to reason along with him later. If you notice, you will discover that the price we are offering is far below standard price, this is enough for you to know that we are not after the rental fee but the absolute care for the property. I know there is no way I can be sure that you are the right person to live in the house because we won’t be able to see physical before sending you the keys and the documents to occupy the space. However, I just had a feeling that anyone who knows what it takes to put the kind of structure down should know that maintaining a building is mandatory, so if you believe you can take good care of the house and handle it like yours, then I will be more than happy to let you rent the house.

    Please if you are ready now to occupy the house kindly provide the information below for record purpose

    PLEASE TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF
    Full Name__________________________________________________ Home Phone ( ) ________________________
    Date of Birth_________________________________
    Other Phone ( ) ___________________
    Current Address_______________________________Apt#________ City__________________ State______ Zip________
    Reasons for Leaving____________________________Rent $__________Phone ( ) ____________________________
    Are you married____________________________
    How many people will be living in the house____________________________
    How many people will be living in the house____________________________
    Do you have a pet____________________________
    Do you have a car____________________________
    Occupation____________________________
    Move In Date____________________________

    P.S: YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO VIEW THE INTERIOR PART OF THE HOUSE BECAUSE I HAVE THE KEYS HERE WITH ME.

    House Address
    68 Rutherford Cir Sterling, VA 20165

    Best Regards
    Fred Bucher
    +234-802-953-1391
    011-234-802-953-1391

    END QUOTE

    Amazingly enough, the house was listed on craigslist in the morning of 9/27/09 and was removed the evening of the same day. Here’s the link posted:
    http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/nva/apa/1394976907.html

    Be wary of those too good to be true scenarios. If it’s too good to be true, listen to your gut feeling because it is!
28. 

    Comment by Erin on 13 October 2009:

    Just got this one also… good thing we researched it.

    Hi,

    I did get your response concerning the AD I posted on craigslist. The house is still available but presently I’m not around.. I did bid for a portion of petroleum land sometimes ago in West Africa and fortunately I won the bidding so I have to move quickly down to Africa to have my company set up because I will still have to rebid for it in the next 10 years. I came over here with my wife, we both built the house when we got married. As soon as we settle down here I had a thought of selling the house so I have to look for an agent, after getting one, we got a deal but later my wife advised against that… She said we may not be able to win the bidding next time, in other to keep our head when we return that we have to keep the house. I reasoned with her and accepted her advise. So I contacted the agent back and requested for my keys and documents. Later we decided to have the house rent out, we would have give the same agent this job also but the truth of the matter is that the agent would want to handle it professionally and the occupant may not be able to reason along with him later. If you notice, you will discovered that the price we are offering is far below standard price, this is enough for you to know that we are not after the rental fee but the absolute care for the property. I know there is no way I can be sure that you are the right person to live in the house because we won’t be able to see physical before sending you the keys and the documents to occupy the space. But I just had a feeling that anyone who knows what it takes to put the kind of structure down should know that maintaining a building is mandatory, so if you belief you can take good care of the house and handle it like yours then I will be more than happy to let you rent the house.

    House Address:27330 Albion Court Temecula, CA 92591
    First Month Rent:1000
    Refundable Security Deposit Payment:$1000

    Please if you are ready now to occupy the house kindly provide the information below for record purpose

    PLEASE TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF
    Full Name__________________________________________________ Home Phone ( ) ________________________
    Date of Birth_________________________________
    Other Phone ( ) ___________________
    Current Address_______________________________Apt#________ City__________________ State______ Zip________
    Reasons for Leaving____________________________Rent $__________Phone ( ) ____________________________
    Are you married____________________________
    How many people will be living in the house____________________________
    How many people will be living
    in the house____________________________
    Do you have a pet____________________________
    Do you have a car____________________________
    Occupation____________________________
    Move In Date____________________________
    HOW SOON CAN YOU HAVE THE DEPOSIT PAYMENT SENT TO ME___________________________
    HOW SOON DO YOU WANT TO RECEIVE THE KEYS AND DOCUMENTS OF THE HOUSE___________________________
    You could give me a call as soon as possible so we could proceed asap..

    Please note than you will only be able to drive by the house for now but not have a look at the interior until i have sent the keys and documents of the house to you..and the requirement for getting the keys and documents of the house is a fully refundable payment of $1000 USD,which is the security deposit.

    Please note that the deposit made is fully refundable should in case you finally gain entrance into the house after receiving the keys and documents and feel unsatisfied or uncomfortable with the interior,but i am giving you a benefit of doubt that you will love everything about this lovely home..

    You could contact me asap.
    (+234-802-859-3562 OR 011-234-802-859-3562)

    I Await your response so that we can discuss on how to get the document and the keys to you.

    Best Regards
    Hanh Nguyen.

29. Pingback by The Craigslist Rental Scam takes America | Doug Francis | Real estate and homes for sale in Vienna, McLean and Oakton, Virginia | Living in Fairfax and Arlington County | Local blog, MLS listings search, community information on 22 October 2009:

    [...] reading her post, I did some research and found “The Real Estate Bloggers” site which also had an interesting FBI alert on the topic of Craigslist scammers. There were [...]
30. 

    Comment by Tony on 27 October 2009:

    I am trying to rent out a room and posted an ad in Craigslist. I received 2 responses for more information. At first everything seems to be good, then I get 2 email replies back that states almost the exact same details (some humanitarian worker, age 27, working with kids 7-8 yrs old, wants business address to send payment to, etc.

    Just wondering how they are scamming when they are posing as a potential renter trying to send payment to reserve the room?

    Here is one of the emails:

    Thanks for the response to my introductory mail; I really do appreciate the breakdown details of the room. I’ll be so glad if you can reserve the room for me as I’ll love to rent the place. I am a humanitarian officer involved in projects that includes orphans, orphanages, heart related diseases in children between the ages of 7-8yrs.I will be staying for a minimum of 4 – 5months.

    Am 27 years old from Belarus, I don’t drink nor smoke but I’m cool living with people that do, no pets and no boyfriend because I am a very busy woman. I like honest,responsible,trustworthy and hardworking people while I dislike lazy,messy,uncaring people and I love pets so much, I’m quiet and easy going type of person to live with. I always love to go on date but seldom party. I swim for fun and sometimes play tennis.

    I like the job because we are working in collaboration with the World Health Organization,hospital,health centers,medical and other health related institutions, it also involves travelling which is one of my hobbies, I must confess I’m comfortable with the cost of the room and it’s quite reasonable and affordable. I will like to make the payment for the first month ahead of my arrival, and then I will make subsequent payment thereafter as I plan to stay for more than 4months,I’ve told my boss about this and he promised to make sure that he will meet up with the payment so that I can depart from here as scheduled. He also said I will have the advantage to make payment for deposit .I should arrive to the United States on before 2nd of November…..So please keep room for me till my arrival. He also said my mode of payment will be the most acceptable, easier, safer and reliable means of payment which is United State Certified money order so please let me know if this mode of payment is ok by you.
    If YES please provide me with the following information to get the payment to you. Your full name as it will appear on the payment, your work place address to ensure delivery in your hands through regular mails or a courier service, your phone number on the package to avoid package missing in transit. I will prefer to send to your work address because you will always be available at work from morning till evening but if home address it will be sitting in your mail and no one will be at home to receive the package and if you don’t receive package at your office address then I guess your home address will be good for the delivery right? But to avoid any delay of you receiving at home then I guess work address will be fine what do you think ? Kindly get back to me with this requested address contact information so that we can precede bye for now…….Jessica.
31. 

    Comment by Jackson on 28 October 2009:

    I received this response when I sent an email regarding a rental property. I was skeptical because I had seen this house listed for $1500 on a realtors website and it was now listed on craigslist for $900. People be careful cause these scammers are getting real creative. Word to the wise if you have never met the person or seen the inside of the property don’t send money.

    Hello

    Thanks for your response regarding your interest in having my house for rent.The house is much available for now and it a 4 bedroom home..I want you to know that i am the owner of this building situated at 844 Canter Drive.But i am now presently in West Africa for my Hospitals Project prayer crusade with my wife and we have the keys right here with us.I will like to inform you that it was due to my transfer that makes us to leave the house and also want to give it out for rent and looking for a responsible person that can take very good care of it as we are not after the money for the rent but want it to be clean at the time and the person that will rent it to take it as if it were its own..So for now,We are here in West Africa,NIGERIA our new house and also with the keys of the house,we are trying to look for an agent that we can give this document before we left but could not see and we are as well as don’t want our house to be used any how in our absent that is why we took it along with us here.We are only willing to give the house out to a lovely and caring family only, so if you know you cannot give the house the neatness it deserves please don’t contact me.But if you promise to always take good care of the house,get back to me on how you could take care of our house or perhaps experience you have in renting a home.Hope you are okay with the monthly price of $900 with hydro,heat laundry facilities,air-condition Etc.I am looking forward to hear from you ASAP,Our house number is +234-802-859-3562 OR 011-234-802-859-3562, below is the application form for you to fill and discuss on how to get the house for rent..

    Kindly confirm your interest by filling the form below:

    TENANT RENT APPLICATION
    FIRST NAME: __________________
    MIDDLE NAME: __________________
    LAST NAME: __________________
    PROFESSION: ________________
    PHONE (____) __________ (CELL)
    PHONE (____) __________ (WORK)
    PHONE (____) __________ (HOME)
    MARITAL STATUS: _________
    KIDS _____ (YES/NO), HOW MANY ________
    Home ADDRESS: ___________________________
    CITY: _______________
    STATE: ______________
    ZIP CODE: ____________
    HOW LONG? ___________IF RENTING
    WHY ARE YOU LEAVING? _______________________________________________________________________
    CURRENT RENT: _______
    IF THIS House IS BEING GIVEN TO YOU,
    HOW LONG DO YOU INTEND STAYING? ____________
    WHEN DO YOU INTEND MOVING IN? ______________

    Looking forward to hear from you with all this details so that i can have it in my file incase of issuing the receipt for you and contacting you.Await your urgent reply so that we can discuss on how to get the document and the key to you,please we are giving you all this base on t r ust and again i will want you to stick to your words,you know that,we do not see yet and only putting everything into Gods hand,so please do not let us down in this our property and God bless you more as you do this.

    Regards.
32. 

    Comment by Jesse on 3 November 2009:

    I just corresponded with a guy today. luckily, my mother is a realtor and told me about the scam when i called to ask her about the neighborhood. this is the second letter i got.

    Thanks very much for your reply and also i can see your willingness in this rent and how is work?Hope great!!! So as i shall be giving you my house,pals again take care of the house so that i might be glad when coming at the end of January 2010 to visit you.However if you are ready to rent the house now,then that will not be a problem but we will advice you due to a responsible person like you, to be able to afford the (first month rent 650 security deposit which is 500) and also we would like to send the following document to you via the FEDEX to the address you send to me and the tracking number will be sent to you so that you can possible occupy our house,Please once again,I am giving you this on trust and do not disappoint me and i promise you that,you will love the house.So i am with the below document here with me and i will like to know whether you are ready for the payment of this first month be coming by month end to check on you so that i can know how you take care of my house for us and if it is okay by me, Note All utililies included okay..

    Here are the contents of the document.

    1) Entrance and the rooms Keys
    2)Paper/Permanent house form(Containing your reference details)
    3)The house documentary file..
    4)Payment Receipt……..
    5)Full address and description of the house.
    So pals get back to me today so that i can give you the Information
    the payment will be send to. I await your reply ASAP.

    Regard and God bless you!!!
33. 

    Comment by Steve N on 4 November 2009:

    kennie0001@googlemail.com emailed me also. Beware, this guy is fake. What a loser.
34. 

    Comment by Michael on 5 November 2009:

    THANK YOU GUYS YOU RESCUE ME!!!!!!!!!

    Thanks for the email and the application form you sent to us, I just
    want you to know that you have been accepted as our new tenant.. so we
    want you to take very good care of the property while you move in, we
    are renting out the property to you base on trust and your words, so
    please keep it and we can understand how serious you are renting our
    property, please promise to take very good care of our house and abide
    with the rules while you move in, The utilities are all included the
    rent.

    But you are advice to pay the first month rent of $1,100 and the
    security deposit of $600 to move in, which the sum total of $1,700.

    Please once again, We are giving you this on trust and do not
    disappoint me and my husband .
    Here are the contents of the documents of the house that will be
    shipped to you with the keys via UPS courier service upon payment
    confirmation to the address you have provided while filling out the
    application, and you will receive the package in just 24hours after
    payment

    1) Entrance and the rooms Keys
    2)Paper/Permanent house form(Containing your reference details)
    3)The house documentary file..
    4)Payment Receipt.
    5)Full address and driving direction/description of the house..

    Below is the information you will use in sending the money,the money
    should be sent Via Western Union Money Transfer ..You can do that at
    any grocery store close to you.

    HERE IS THE PAYMENT INFORMATION
    RECEIVER’S NAME: ROBERTA ESTANISLAO
    RECEIVER’S ADDRESS: 10 FRANKS AVE
    CITY: IKOTUN
    STATE: LAGOS.
    COUNTRY :NIGERIA
    ZIP CODE: 23401

    Get back to me with the following details as soon as the payment
    is made so that i can commence with the shipment.
    SENDER’S NAME:
    SENDER’S ADDRESS:
    AMOUNT SENT:
    MTCN#:
    I will await your reply.

    Remain blessed.
    Regards.
35. 

    Comment by Jenny on 13 November 2009:

    I just started e-mailing with these people today about an apartment in Beverly Hills, CA. I decided it seemed too good to be true and it was. Here’s the email he sent me today:

    Thanks for your email and it is my gladness to hear from you.I am John
    Collins,the owner of the apartment you are making inquiry of.Actually
    I resided in the apartment with my family,presently we moved away due
    to my transfer from my working place,my apartment is Located in 136 N.
    Hamilton Dr., Beverly Hills, CA 90211 and presently my apartment is
    still available for rent for $500 per month including the utilities
    like hydro,washer and security,it is furnished.More so Now, I went for
    a Crusade in the West Africa and i will like you to get in touch with
    my wife in the states for more discussion as She is with the keys and
    the documents to the apartment.Please i want you to note that,i am a
    kind and honest man and also i spent a lot on my property that i want
    to give you for rent,so i will solicit for your absolute maintenance
    of this apartment and want you to treat it as your own,is that taken,I
    want you to keep it tidy all the time so that i will be glad to see
    it neat when i come for a check up.I do that once in a while.I want
    have trust in you as i always stand by my words.Where are you located?
    let us know how soon you are willing to move in.Email my wife Mary, on
    (mrycoinforentals@gmail.com) and she will attend to you better.

    Thanks for your interest.
    John Collins
36. 

    Comment by Jess on 13 November 2009:

    I emailed the listed address before Craigslist had a chance to remove it. HERE is the SCAM email I received:

    “The House Is a Large 3 Bedroom 2 bath home. Which My wife and I occupied before leaving for Nigeria.We left on a self Mission following God’s Call to Preach the Word and Let people of all Nations Hear About Him. My wife and I thought of ourselves and asked God what we would Give him and He says we should sacrifice our life and give him the best we can,letting humans know about him. The bible account of Luke 12: 29-31, Don’t seek what you will eat or what you will drink; neither be anxious. For the nations of the world seek after all of these things, but your Father knows that you need these things.But seek God’s Kingdom, and all these things will be added to you. We decided to do the missionary work.

    “So as you know where the house is located at ———Annapolis, MD. Which my family and I have spent so much time and money to maintain it up till its standard. We have been trying our best to make the house as clean as possible, because am a clean person and we don’t like dirt around our surroundings and also the Bible says cleanliness is next to Godliness.

    “So we are looking for a well-behaved, clean and honest tenant to rent out our house too. So we will like you to give us your word and promise us that you will take good care of our house so that we will be happy when we come to visit you in the future.. We would like to work any felixible plan you have on your term of renting,Long or short term or month by month.While we were leaving,we took along with us the keys just to view the Land if it would be favourable for God’s Work,on getting down here we decided to stay and Go On preaching the Good News.The Home was Formally FOR SALE but we have decided not to sell anymore so we would lay our head when we do come back to rest.Prior to our arriving back we shall be giving a 90 day notice to you if we finanly decide to rent to you.We shall be staying for upwards of five years here doing God’s Work.So kindly Get back to us with the application for below.”

    RENT APPLICATION FORM

    FIRST NAME:__________________
    MIDDLE NAME: _________________
    LAST NAME: __________________
    PROFESSION: ________________
    (CELL)PHONE () __________
    (CELL)PHONE () _____________________
    (WORK)PHONE () __________
    KIDS _____ (YES/NO), HOW MANY ________
    PRESENT ADDRESS: _____________________
    CITY: _______________
    STATE: ______________
    ZIPCODE: _______________ HOW LONG? ______________IF RENTING
    WHY ARE YOU LEAVING?
    IF THIS Home IS BEING GIVEN TO YOU,
    HOW LONG DO YOU INTEND STAYING? _______________
    WHEN DO YOU INTEND MOVING IN? ______________
    IF YOU HAVE A PET,
    NAME OF PET: _____________
    KIND OF PETS: _____________
    HABITS
    DO YOU SMOKE? ___________
    DO YOU DRINK? ______________
    DO YOU WORK LATE NIGHT? ____

    “Looking forward to hear from you with all this details so that i can have it in my file incase of issuing the receipt for you and contacting you.Await your urgent reply so that we can discuss on how to get the document and the key to you,please we are giving you all this base on trust and again i will want you to stick to your words,you know that,we do not see yet and only putting everything into Gods hand,so please do not let us down in this our property and God bless you more as you do this.Looking forward to hear from you.”

    “Remain Blessed”
    “Note: the Rent is $650 and security deposit is $500″

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