Craigslist Rental Scams

[UPDATED BELOW on 9/1/20] Visit our newsest article about these scams: 2020 Craigslist Rental Scams.

IMPORTANT NOTE ABOUT THESE SCAMS:
1. In each of these apartment scams, the listed price is well below the local market value.  No doubt, this is meant to be the incentive to attract potential victims!
2. The person who owns the apartment is almost always “recently out of the country” or in some distant state and unable to show it personally.
3. The listing often (but not always) has limited photos of the apartment, especially the interior.
4. Communication with the “owner” is always via email or text, and he or she is not available by phone, and especially not via video chat!
5. We now have multiple emails over two years from several different people who ALL USE THE SAME PHONE NUMBER in this scam: 415-754-8452 (See George and Mr. Swan below); Another phone number often used for this scam is (469) 415-5579.

At the end of October, 2016 a young lady sent us a screenshot of an apartment that had just come on the market in Winooski, Vermont on Craigslist. She was interested, but suspicious. We asked her why and she pointed out that, unlike all other apartment listings she saw, this listing had only one photograph, no telephone number and the price seemed too good to be true for a 3 bedroom apartment. But what if it was legit? She didn’t want to miss out so she reached out to the listed email: Colx Ltd <colx.ltd@aol.com> representing “Oriz and Rosio Ruiz.”

This young lady informed us that after two emails from Mr. and Mrs. Ruiz she knew for certain this was a scam.   Now it was time for us to step in. We created a fictitious email account of a University of Vermont senior we named “Cory Meadows” and contacted Mr. and Mrs. Ruiz to inquire about the apartment, even though it had already been flagged as suspicious on Craigslist and taken down.

Hi, I’m interested in your 3 bedroom apartment in Winooski. Is it still available? If so, when is the start date? Thanks, Cory

From Colx Ltd <colx.ltd@aol.com>
Date: Sun, Oct 30, 2016 at 10:40 PM

Subject: Re: 3 beds 1.5 baths 1,320 sqft

Thanks for the inquiry regarding 3BR / 1.5Ba 1,320 sqft property at 159 E Spring St, Winooski, VT 05404. I and my wife own the wonderful home you are making inquiry about and I also want you to know that it was due to my work transfer to CALIFORNIA that made me and my wife to leave the house with an intention of giving it out for rent. We looking for a responsible person that can take very good care of our property. We want the property to be kept clean at all time as it is our hard-earned property. We want you to understand that the property used to be our home and means a lot to me and my family and the care is important. Pets are allowed as long as they are not destructive. All appliances are included. We won’t be available to do a walk through with you due to our absence but getting you access to move in won’t be a problem as soon as we decide to rent to you. We can assure you that our home is well maintained, clean, bug-free, in perfect condition to move in and ready for immediate move in. Make sure you drive-by the neighborhood and look at the house to see how lovely it looks, well maintenance. You will like it. We have pictures. The rent is $800 and security deposit is $600 and total move-in cost will be $1,400. If you are honestly interested in renting from us and will absolutely maintain my property and treating it like you own it, as I hope I can put my trust and confidence in you because I will come to check on my property yearly, you will be filling out the Rental Questionnaire Form that I will be having for you in my next email and email back to me as soon as possible. I will review it for screening. We need to make sure we are renting to someone who can meet up with our requirements. I believe you understand. I would also love to have few discussion with you over the phone but I’m quite busy now, I will find time for you talk to you as we move forward. You can leave me a text anytime (530) 487-4467 or email me, I will be happy to respond. The house vital informative documents and the entire keys of the property are with me. Get back to me so that I can forward you the Rental Questionnaire Form. I look forward to knowing your more. Thank you.

Regards,

Oriz & Rosio Ruiz

Red flag #1: Awkward English that is very similar to the English of African 419 Scammers rather than Hispanic people for whom English may be a second language. This continues across in all communication.

Red flag #2: We are told that the only acceptable forms of contact are text and email. No phone call permitted.

Cory’s replies: Yes, I am interested!  Please send me the questionnaire.
Also, I would like to talk to you about some details about the apartment.  When is the best time to call you? Thanks!

From: Colx Ltd <colx.ltd@aol.com>
Date: Tue, Nov 1, 2016 at 5:17 AM
Subject: Rent Questionnaire Form
Hello, Its good to read from you. You can fill out the Rent Questionnaire Form below and email back to me as soon as possible. We will look through your information before we decide. If accepted, we will make arrangements for you as soon as possible.

=======================
RENT QUESTIONNAIRE FORM
=======================

INFORMATION ABOUT APPLICANT
Full Name:
Current Address:
Date of birth:
Marital Status:
Occupation:
Yearly Income:
Home/Cell Phone Number:
Employer Name and Contact Number:
Current Landlord Name and Contact Number:
Reason for Relocation:
Any Criminal Record:
Numbers of Cars:
Pet Type:
Anticipated Move-in Date:
How many people will be residing on the property:
Before we can take the property off market for you, how much can you put down today to secure the property:

================
OTHER APPLICANTS
================
Full Name:
Date of birth:

==========
REFERENCES
==========
Full Name:
Contact:

I _________________ CERTIFY that answers given herein are true and complete to the best of my knowledge. I authorize investigation of all statements contained in this application for tenant screening as it may be necessary in arriving at a tenant decision. I understand that the landlord may terminate any rental agreement entered into for any misrepresentation made above.

Please get back to me today with a reply,
Best Regards,
Oriz & Rosio Ruiz

Red flag #3: Mr. and Mrs. Ruiz completely ignore Cory’s request to speak over the phone.

 We reply as Cory using completely fictitious information on the Rent Form with the exception of the current landlord. We found a property management company in Burlington, VT and listed it as our current Landlord and used their name and phone numbers as a reference. A call to them would easily have told the Ruiz couple that Cory Meadows is not one of their tenants.

From Cory:
Date: Tue, Nov 1, 2016 at 6:53 AM
Subject: Re: RENT QUESTIONNAIRE FORM
Dear Mr. and Mrs. Ruiz,
Thank you!! We’re very excited to rent your apartment. We want to ask you some questions about it, especially the kitchen because we love to cook! Can we call you today or tomorrow??
What’s the next step?
Best, Cory

=======================
RENT QUESTIONNAIRE FORM
=======================

INFORMATION ABOUT APPLICANT
Full Name: Cory Meadows
Current Address: 57 Bradley Street
Date of birth: April 7, 1993
Marital Status: single
Occupation: student
Yearly Income: 8,000 – 10,000 (depends on summer work)
Home/Cell Phone Number: [Number removed]
Employer Name and Contact Number: Not employed now; am a student
Current Landlord Name and Contact Number: [Name removed] Properties Management Co. [Number removed]
Reason for Relocation: Need a larger space
Any Criminal Record: No
Numbers of Cars: 1
Pet Type: none
Anticipated Move-in Date: as soon as possible
How many people will be residing on the property: 3
Before we can take the property off market for you,
how much can you put down today to secure the property: $1200

================
OTHER APPLICANTS
================

Full Name: Alison Flayden
Date of birth: December 1, 1993
Full Name: Marie Ann Soucey
Date of birth: June 11, 1994

==========
REFERENCES
==========

Full Name: [Name removed]
Contact: [Number removed]

I Cory Meadows CERTIFY that answers given herein are true and complete to the best of my knowledge. I authorize investigation of all statements contained in this application for tenant screening as it may be necessary in arriving at a tenant decision. I understand that the landlord may terminate any rental agreement entered into for any misrepresentation made above.

After receiving Cory’s Rent Form, the scammer begins a text conversation with Cory using the number we provided…

SMS Message from (530) 487-4467 on 11/1/16 at 9:34 pm:

Hello Cory, I want to touch base with you about the property. I got your rent questionnaire form and I reviewed your information with my wife. We are interested in moving forward with you and we just have some couple of questions for you. We want to know if we decide to rent our home to you, will you be capable to care for it like you own it? How long do you wish to live in our home? Do you pay your rent in time? Is it possible you get pets later? Text me the questions you have about the kitchen but I can assure

you that its perfect. All appliances are included. Thank you

Red flag #4: Though subtle, we notice that African 419 Scammers often try to appeal to a person’s religion (“Christian values”), or willingness/ability to do what is “right” or be a good person. This scammer asks “We want to know if we decide to rent our home to you, will you be capable to care for it like you own it?”

Cory: Yes! Yes, we are good tenants. I’m sure you heard that from our reference Mrs [NAME REMOVED]! We want to rent it for at least a year. When can I meet you at the apartment to see it? Is the stove gas or electric Thank You!!

SMS Message from (530) 487-4467 on 11/1/16 at 10:02 pm:
Everything sounds really good to us. You have been accepted as our new tenant. I’ve got some other interested families but we hope you will make a great tenant for us. Your prompt attitude and manner of approach makes our decision making easy. I hope we won’t be disappointed and I want you to understand that this property used to be a home to me and my family and the care is extremely important. The stove is electric. I will touch base with you with the necessary paperwork to solidify the process and how I will be mailing the keys to your current address. Thank you

Red flag #5: The Scammer completely ignored Cory’s request to meet at the apartment.

Cory: Thank you! You just made my day!! Looking forward to hearing from you.

SMS Message from (530) 487-4467 on 11/2/16 at 8:07 am:
Good Morning Cory, I want you to quickly get to a moneygram outlet around you to put down the payment of the security deposit to secure the property for yourself so that I can issue the rental receipt together with the paperwork, take the property off market and put out the message to decline other applicants. How soon can you quickly get that done?

Cory: Good morning I have classes for most of the day and meeting my advisor later. Can I meet you at the apartment later today or tonite and give you a check?

SMS Message from (530) 487-4467 on 11/2/16 at 8:19 am:
I am making arrangement to mail the keys to your current address, that why I want to manage my time to get the documentation over with because I’m also working

Red flag #6: Again, the Scammer ignored Cory’s request to meet.

Cory: How should I get you the deposit? What info do I need? I can try today after 2 pm

SMS Message from (530) 487-4467 on 11/2/16 at 8:31 am:
Get to the Walmart to put down the payment via Walmart to Walmart to the following Name and Address: Beatrice Meyers, Address: 1508 E Grangeville, Hanford CA 93230. My attorney will be handling it. Just get back to with with the reference number on the receipt and the picture of receipt for filing.

HUGE Red flag #7: Never, ever wire money to a store or via Western Union because it is the same as flushing those dollars down the toilet. There’s no way to get them back, cancel, or take any legal path to recoup your loss.  According to a 2014 article posted on Slate.com “To make a transfer, customers will walk into a store, go to the designated “money center” or customer service desk, and fill out a form with the transfer amount, recipient’s name, and state the funds are heading to. Cash and debit cards will both be accepted for payment. Walmart-2-Walmart will then transfer the money and the person on the other end can pick the cash up at any store in the specified state within a few minutes, Walmart spokeswoman Sarah McKinney said.”

SMS Message from (530) 487-4467 on 11/2/16 at 8:47 am:
Do you understand?

Cory: yes. in class now. can’t text

SMS Message from (530) 487-4467 on 11/2/16 at 8:52 am:
Ok just let me know when you have the reference number.

SMS Message from (530) 487-4467 on 11/2/16 at 4:38 pm:
Hi Cory, do you have the reference number yet? I need to manage my time to get the process in place

Cory: I’m sorry Mr. Ruiz. I was delayed. Here is the number [A fake number was provided; we hoped it would at least waste the scammer’s time sending “Beatrice” to the Walmart.]

A sad addendum to this story…
At 8:31 am EST we had a name and address in California that the scammer planned to use for picking up his fraudulent earnings. Doug called the FBI to inform them of the conversation and that a criminal planned to pick up the wire transfer as soon as we told him the transfer had gone through. Sadly, the FBI agent’s response…. “File a complaint online at the IC3.gov site” and he gave us this address: https://www.ic3.gov/complaint/default.aspx

This is not the first time this has happened to us. Politely, Doug informed the FBI agent that he had used the IC3.gov site before and found it to be unhelpful and even difficult to use. In fact, we have never, ever received any response by reporting a crime to that government web site. And we can’t imagine having our timely information ever being used in time to catch a thief. There is so much about the way the United States handles Internet crime that is completely broken, disfunctional or both. “Mr. Ruiz” lived to scam another day…

UPDATE: March 24, 2017…
Perhaps “Mr. Ruiz” is back, trying to scam Vermonters disguised this time as a man named Ambrose!  We heard from the same young lady who sent us the information that began this story.  She found the following house in Shelburne, Vt. with a rent price WELL BELOW the going market on Craigslist.  Of course she was interested but was suspicious.

She contacted the owner using the email list provided in the ad and got the following reply.  We have bolded/italicized words and phrases that should raise your suspicions that this is a possible scam…
From: Gyu bie <dclnde@outlook.com>
Date: Fri, Mar 24, 2017 at 1:18 PM
Subject: Re: Beautifully kept 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom historic home in a great location
To: [EMAIL REMOVED]

Hello,
Good day and hope you are having a wonderful morning?

My name is Ambrose C Umeh, I am a Surgeon Doctor who has just been transferred (Baylor Scott & White Surgical Hospital at Sherman here in Texas). This is my first time of posting my house on Craigslist for rent, My house is available for a long period of time.

Please i need a good and God fearing family that can take proper care of my beautiful house like you own it. My house have a 3 Bedroom 2 Bathroom, for rent in (5921 Shelburne Rd),all utilities are included in the rent. You can swing by to see it from outside or you can take a peek from the window to see how it looks like in the inside because im currently out of the area for now so i wont be able to show you inside of the house but i can make pictures available for you to give you full insight of how it looks in the inside. You should fill out the rental application form below so that we can proceed with discussing move in logistics.

The rent is $1340 monthly
Security deposit is $1340 and refundable at the end of lease.
LEASE APPLICATION FORM

FULL CONTACT:
NAME :
OCCUPATION :
RESIDENTIAL HOME ADDRESS :
YOUR CELLPHONE NUMBER:
YOUR HOME PHONE NUMBER:
YOUR WORKPLACE NUMBER:
WHAT TIME IS THE BEST TIME TO REACH YOU:
AGE & MARITAL STATUS:
OWN A PET:
OWN A CAR:
HOW MANY PEOPLE SHALL RESIDE IN THE PREMISES:
ANTICIPATED MOVE IN DATE:
DO YOU AGREE TO PAY THE FIRST MONTH RENT & SECURITY DEPOSIT BEFORE RECEIVING THE KEYS:
WHEN DO YOU INTEND PAYING THE DEPOSIT:
HOW MANY MONTHS CAN YOU PAY UPFRONT?
REFERENCE:
============================== =======
Application Comment
============================== =======

Please make sure this questions are fill correctly because the best way you answer with your comment will impress me the more to accept your applications.

I hope to hear from you soonest….

Regards
Ambrose C. Umeh & Family.

The suspicious phrases above, especially that Mr. Umeh cannot show you the apartment because he is away, should immediately put up red flags.  You should get on Google and check out the address.  When we searched Google we saw links on Zillow, Trulia and with the real listing agent that this home is for rent for $2,190 through an agency called Jack Associates.  This is a big, fat delete!

We contacted “Ambrose” pretending to be a carpenter named Keith and told him we were very interested to see the house on the inside.  He sent us the same email above and we replied that we were very interested.  Surprisingly, he asked to talk to us by phone!  Listen to our conversation…  It is hard to understand his accent (we suspect he is on a line from Africa) and it was faint with lots of pauses. (Delays in a very long distance call?) We amplified the sound and removed most of the long pauses.)  Enjoy!

Ambrose wanted us to wire the $275 moneygram to someone named Angie Nunez of Paramount, California 90728 but moments later he corrected that and said to send the money to Angelita Nuñez of Fresno, California 93731.  He called her his “fed ex agent.”  Ambrose contacted us through phone number 415-413-4087
=========================================

UPDATED 4/20/17:

A TDS Reader sent us an email she received from a Mr. Donald Grant, who claimed to have an apartment to rent in Winooski, Vermont.  Phony Winooski apartments have been listed before!  Can you read the tell-tale signs in “Donald’s” email?

1. Phrases like “My family and I just moved back to… (some other state)
2. Saying “Initial plan was to sell the house…. but decided to rent it to a responsible tenant”
3. The “owner” creates an excuse why he cannot show it and instead says things like “I would like you to drive-by the house to view the exterior and neighborhood of the house.”
4. Sometimes the posted ad on Craigslist has only 1 or no photos. See below.

From: Divine Favour <divinefavour218@outlook.com>
Date: Thu, Apr 20, 2017 at 1:29 PM
Subject: Re: Wonderful tree-lined cul-de-sac community near public park and recreation

Hello,
Thank you very much for inquiring about my house. The house is available and ready for move in, the first month rent is $1,200 and refundable security is $800 and total move-in cost is $2,000. Pets are allowed if well-behaved and non destructive. My family and I just moved back to Florida (Our Native State) to take over the family business since my dad passed away. My initial plan was to sell the house but I find it difficult to let go this adorable home, hence I decided to rent it out to a responsible tenant that will to take good care of it in our absence. I am only saying this in-case you find the house listed for sale somewhere else, such ad is no longer valid.  I would like you to drive-by the house to view the exterior and neighborhood of the house. Utilities such as Water, Sewer and Trash have all been included in the monthly rent. You can reach me on (321)239-1728. (text msgs preferably) and I check my email regularly.

Here is the address: 35 Railroad Ln,
Winooski, VT 05404
3 beds 2 baths 1,600 sqft

Get back to me asap so I can forward you the rental questionnaire.
Thanks and God bless.

Donald E Grant.
(321)239-1728

UPDATED 5/21/17:

A woman named Kelly shared this email with us about a Chicago Apartment on Craigslist that has already been removed from view.  The email has many telltale signs that it’s a scam.  See if you can spot them….
From: hjbdvj@outlook.com
Sent: ‎5/‎21/‎2017 10:52 AM
To: Kelly
Subject: Re: Quiet waterfront subdivision, nice and clean 3 bedroom 1 bathroom

Hello,

Hope you are having a wonderful weekend?

Thank you for showing interest in renting my lovely house, my name is Ambrose C. Umeh, i am a travel Doctor that just got transferred to {Missouri} for to carry out a surgery,my house is available for move in as from today.I am looking for renting it for at least 2-3 years so you can stay as long as you like in my lovely house.

I am currently out of the area for now and won’t be available for a showing, but i can make pictures of the outside and inside available for you so as to give you full insight of how the place look and i am 100% assured that you will like what you see when you get to the place, you ca text me on {415} 754-8452.

The monthly rent is {$730} and a refundable security deposit of {$730} so total move in cost of {$1460}, The monthly rent cover all utilities so you will not be paying for anything for the period you will be living in my house.

The address is {25650 W Florence Ave, Antioch, IL 60002} In-case you will like to drive by to see the house you are free anytime, My house has a 4 bedroom and 3 bathrooms.

Do get back to me so that i can give you more info’s with pictures and rental application form so that we can proceed with the rental process.

Looking forward to your email.

Thanks
Ambrose

Sent from Outlook

Sent from Outlook
From: Kelly
Sent: Sunday, May 21, 2017 2:07:02 AM
To: hjbdvj@outlook.com
Subject: Quiet waterfront subdivision, nice and clean 3 bedroom 1 bathroom

Hi, I just want to verify the monthly rental amount of $730 as listed on Craigslist.

Thank you

===============================================================

UPDATED 2/19/18:

The scammer responsible for the apartment scam listed directly above (5/21/17) is still trying to scam people.  Today a TDS reader sent us this scam listing he found on Craigslist.  He searched for, and discovered the real listing online for a lot more money.  Notice that the scammer is still using the same phone number that he used above, and still selects email addresses that contain a set of random letters:

——– Original message ——–
From: hjbc jhdvb <00.dkvmk@gmail.com>
Date: 2/19/18 1:07 PM (GMT-05:00)
To: [REDACTED]
Subject: Re: $637 / 1br – 800ft2 – &&Unique, open-concept&&1bed 1bath&&Lovely backyard

Hello,
Thanks for you showing interest in renting my beautiful house.

It is still available and we are looking for a good and responsible people to take care of it like they own it, kindly get back to me so that i can email you more info’s and form you need to fill so that we can get into lease.

Looking forward to hearing back from you soon.
Thanks
Mr Swan

===========================================

From: hjbc jhdvb <00.dkvmk@gmail.com>
Sent: Monday, February 19, 2018 6:03 PM

Subject: Re: $637 / 1br – 800ft2 – Unique, open-concept 1bed 1bath Lovely backyard

Hello,
How are you & your Family!

Thanks so much for getting back to me regards to my available home for rent. I’m very sorry for the lateness reply because i was little busy in the office here and I have an hard time to check my email. The house is still available but presently I’m not around, that’s why am looking for an quick responsible and honesty tenant that can rent and take very good care of the house and treat as own for me as soon as possible he/she move in.  Please note that, we are a kind and honest family, that spent a lot on property that is available for rent, so in one accord, we are soliciting for your absolute maintenance of this house and want you to treat it as your own. You can drive by the house anytime to take a look at the area and surroundings.

The rent are including the Utilities are intact such as Dishwasher,Dryer, Electric Stove, Fridge, Washer,Air Condition,Sewage,Trash, all included in the monthly rent.

IF YOU REALLY HAVE INTEREST IN RENTING OUR HOME, KINDLY GET BACK TO US WITH THE APPLICATION BELOW

RENT APPLICATION FORM AND TELL US MORE ABOUT YOU.
1) Your Full Name?
2A) Home Phone ?
2B) Cell Phone Number ?
3) Your Full Address ?
4) How old are you?
5a) Are you married?
5b) How many people will be living in the house?
6a) Do you have a pet?
6b) What type?
7a) Do you have a car?
7b) What type?
8) Occupation?
9) Do you smoke?
10) Do you Drink ?
11) Do you work at Night ?
12) What is your monthly income?
13) Type of Account?
14) Reference Contact Name and Address?
15) When do you intend Moving in?
16) Private Email:
17) When can you pay for your Deposit to secure or Total move in?
18) How many Months Lease you want to Sign?
19) Please Attached your Picture.

Notice : Text me once you fill out the application or text me at  + 1 (415) 754-8452… Await your prompt reply so that we can discuss on the rental terms and agreement, please we are renting the house to you base on trust and again i will want you to stick to your words. So please do not let us down in maintaining this our property and God bless you more as you do this.

HOUSE DESCRIPTION:
Bedrooms:  1 Beds
Bathrooms: 1 Baths
House Address: 141 High St, Hampton, NH 03842
All Pets Allow : Dog , Cat , Fish.
Monthly Rent : $637
Deposit : $637
Application fee : $75
………………………… …………
Total Move in  $1,349
………………………… …………

Regards
Mr Swan

========================================================

UPDATED 10/11/18:

On October 11, 2018 we were contacted by a woman named Jill who shared these emails with us about an apartment she found posted on Craigslist.  Notice the similarity of the scammer’s email address to others above.  Also, notice the incorrect grammar, spacing, Capitalization, and awkward English.  And the sob story to try to appeal to empathetic people. We found the sites online that list this rental for $1300-$1400/month.  The scammer low balls the rental hoping to catch someone looking for a good deal!  Like other scams above, notice how the scammer also says that he wants “someone who can take good care of it as if he/she owns it”  Clearly, this scam continues….

On Oct 11, 2018 7:10 AM, “cb hhb” <00.bcmjb@gmail.com> wrote:
Hello,
Thank you for your email. I am so sorry for my late reply, I must confess this its my first time of renting my house. However, Due to the situation of my sick mother i was transfer to (Georgia).. Here is the address you can drive by: (1221 Plainfield Ave, Orange Park, FL 32073). me and my family are currently located in (Georgia) where my mother is responding to treatment in one of the hospital and due to the inability to get a good Realtor management to help us with the property of me and my family had to leave with the keys and document of the house. If you will be the right tenant to our house, we will get the keys and documents of he house sent to you via courier services as soon as all terms are settled. I will be renting out the house for $715 (Utilities included) water,gas,electricity and garbage and a security deposit of $715 and I need to inform you as well that money is not the major reason why I am renting it out but i want someone who can take good care of it as if he/she owns it,let me know as soon as possible if you can take good care of it, so that we can discuss the rent further..

I am currently away from the area and will not be arranging a showing.  I can make pictures of the place available at anytime to give you full insight of the place, or you can drive by my house to view it from outside and also take a peek from the window so as for you to know how the interior of the inside of my house look like.

IF YOU REALLY HAVE INTEREST IN RENTING OUR HOME, KINDLY GET BACK TO US WITH THE APPLICATION BELOW

RENT APPLICATION FORM AND TELL US MORE ABOUT YOU.
1) Your Full Name?
2A) Home Phone ?
2B) Cell Phone Number ?
3) Your Full Address ?
4) How old are you?
5a) Are you married?
5b) How many people will be living in the house?
6a) Do you have a pet?
6b) What type?
7a) Do you have a car?
7b) What type?
8) Occupation?
9) Do you smoke?
10) Do you Drink ?
11) Do you work at Night ?
12) What is your monthly income?
13) Type of Account?
14) Reference Contact Name and Address?
15) When do you intend Moving in?
16) Private Email:
17) When can you pay for your Deposit to secure or Total move in?
18) How many Months or Year Lease you want to Sign?
19) Please Attached your Picture.

Notice : Call me once you fill out the application or text me at  + 1 (415) 754-8452… Await your prompt reply so that we can discuss on the rental terms and agreement, please we are renting the house to you base on trust and again i will want you to stick to your words. So please do not let us down in maintaining this our property and God bless you more as you do this.

HOUSE DESCRIPTION:
Bedrooms: 3 Beds
Bathrooms: 2 Baths
House Address: 1221 Plainfield Ave, Orange Park, FL 32073
All Pets Allow : Dog , Cat , Fish.
Monthly Rent : $715
Deposit : $715
Application fee : $55
………………………… …………
Total Move in  $1,485
………………………… …………
Regards
George

After Jill responded, George followed up with this email:

From: cb hhb <00.bcmjb@gmail.com>
Date: Thu, Oct 11, 2018, 7:39 PM
Subject: Re: FOR RENT: 1221 Plainfield Ave

Hello Jill,
Good morning and how are you doing today?

Thanks so much for your completed information given to us , My wife Candace and I have thought about you and we are so much excited to accept you as our new home tenant because you really sounds like kind of person that we are looking to rent our home and I want you to notice that all your information have been approve into our rental file and please do not fail to take very good care of the house and treat it like it was yours because you sounds like a responsible person and we are going to treat you as part of our family in our home.

Rent:$715
Refundable security Deposit:$715
Application fee:$55
Total move in: $1,485

Below are the contents of the document that will be shipped to you Via FedEx mailing service to the address you gave to me in your Application Form.
1) Entrance and the rooms Keys
2) Paper/Permanent house form(Containing your reference details)
3) The house documentary file.
4) Letter of Access
5) Payment Receipt.
6) Full address and driving direction/description of the house.

I will want you to send me your full delivery details where keys will be shipped to and make of the person that will be receiving the package.vAlso do let me know how much you can come up with so that the keys and all documents of the house can be mailed to you.

I will await reading an email from you soonest for further discussion and arrangements.
Warm Regards
George

=================================================

UPDATED 12/17/18:

On Wednesday, December 16, we were contacted by a woman who found a house in Menlo Park, California listed for rent on Craigslist.  The address is 272 Hedge Road and is currently listed “for sale” on many websites including Redfin.com, Zillow.com and Realtor.com, as of December 17.   However, when our TDS reader inquired about the property, look at the email she received from the “owner.”  The very poor English strongly suggests this scammer’s first language is not English.    The “sob” story about his mother is simply meant to elicit an empathetic response from the victim that may make the scam easier to run.  Don’t believe a word of this BS!

Hello

 Thanks for your email.. The house is still available. I decided to rent the house because we are going to spend more time here in (Missouri), about 4 years.. Let me start by introducing myself. I must confess that I am very new in this landlord business.. However, My Name is Michael Sanchez. I own the house, My mother was recently diagnosed with Stage 4 Cancer Lymphoma, and now i have been transfer to (Missouri) Due to the situation of  her. We spent less time in the States so we could not get a hold on any Realtor to handle this rent issue, although it was when We knew how long we are going to stay in (Missouri) that We decided to rent out the house.  Don’t be surprised when you get to the home and see a for sale sign in the home, i had the intention of selling the home once but i thought about it again and  decided to rent out the home.. The Realtor are trying to take advantage of me, asking for too much and trying to rip me off and it is a very beautiful home and i will  always love to call it my home. So i will want you not to bother yourself about any sign you see in the home saying it is for sale.. The utilities are included in the  rent, because of this reason and more we need a responsible person that can take very good care of it as we are not after the money , but want it to be clean and for you to take it as if it were yours.

   Information about the house below:

The rent is: $900 Security Deposit: $900

3 Bedroom 2 Bathroom

Address: 272 Hedge Rd Menlo Park, CA 94025

Pet are also welcome…

Please get back to me with the Information requested below I could go through it and let you know if you are capable of renting my house or not.

  LEASE APPLICATION FORM

Attach a family Picture ?

FULL CONTACT:

NAME :

OCCUPATION :

RESIDENTIAL HOME ADDRESS :

YOUR CELLPHONE NUMBER:

YOUR HOME PHONE NUMBER:

YOUR WORKPLACE NUMBER:

WHAT TIME IS THE BEST TIME TO REACH YOU:

AGE & MARITAL STATUS:

OWN A PET:

OWN A CAR:

HOW MANY PEOPLE SHALL RESIDE IN THE PREMISES:

ANTICIPATED MOVE IN DATE:

HOW LONG ARE YOU INTENDING TO RENT:

HOW MANY MONTHS RENT CAN YOU PAY UPFRONT? MINIMUM (1 MONTH +SECURITY DEPOSIT ):

WHEN DO YOU INTEND PAYING THE 1 MONTH +SECURITY DEPOSIT :

REFERENCE:

============================== =======

Application Comment

============================ =======

IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN RENTING GET THE APPLICATION FORM FILLED OUT AND SEND IT BACK TO ME…

Regards

Michael Sanchez & Family.

=================================================

UPDATED 12/24/18:

The TDS reader who reported the scam above, reported another scam just a week later.  This one was extremely easy to spot and prove it is a scam!  The woman found this listing for 376 Caprino Way, San Carlos, CA on Craigslist.  Below is a screenshot of the listing she found.   She contacted the “owner” about her interest and below is his reply.  How many red flags can you spot in his response?  We see at least three!

From: John Lippie <j.lippie “@” aol.com>
Date: Sun, Dec 23, 2018 at 11:06 PM
Subject: Re: SAN CARLOS 1 BEDROOM 1 BATH PARKSIDE ESTATES
To: <NAME/EMAIL REDACTED>

Hello,

       Thanks for the interest in my Apt, the apartment is still available for rent and is located at 376 Caprino Way # A, San Carlos, CA 94070. quite and safe, i only need someone that can take good care of the house in my absence because right now am not around, the apartment will be available for a  period for 2 years.

I just traveled to Paris,France for vacation but not to worry the keys to my house is in safe deposit box at San Francisco International Airport also with my valuable things for safety.

Please feel free to ask any questions you do not understand and i will be looking forward to receive your email as soon as possible. As i am not around to show the inside i believe i should have pictures taken when i move in also you can go check out the neighborhood from the outside and get back to me if you really like it for more information.

The security deposit of $950 to hold the house,the rent is $1100

Best Regards.

A quick Internet search turned up the REAL listing for this apartment on Zillow.  The monthly rental listed by the real owner is $2,695, more than double the scammer’s listing!

UPDATED 3/4/19:

This scam still targets Craigslist users so beware!  In this case, it was a young pregnant woman in Alabama who was looking for a home to rent for her growing family. She reached out to DYER JAMES SHAUN  (Email: dyerjamesshaun “@” gmail.com) who claimed to own this property at 829 River Landing Blvd, SW Madison, Alabama.  Mr. Shaun posted it for rent on Craigslist.  He said he now lives in Florida and has the keys to the property with him. He wanted the woman to send a deposit of $600 before sending her the house keys. Mr. Shaun said he didn’t have a way to show the house in person and had no representative.  All communication took place over texting. Not a single voice phone call.

Based on this little information alone, our readers can see many “red flags” and so did the young lady who was interested in this house.  Check out these two brief peeks of their text exchanges. Notice in the first text screenshot how the scammer quickly paints a picture that he is trusting and was victimized as a result of his trust.  By doing so, he “flips” the expectations on his victim suggesting that she may not be trustworthy and must prove herself to him by including the deposit before he sends her the key to his home. And in the second screenshot, the scammer tries to brush aside the fact that the house he claims to own has a “For Sale” and “SOLD” sign on it!

It turns out that the home was posted on Redfin for sale and was sold on February 28, just as the woman discovered.  It was not for rent at all!  Don’t fall for this BS when a “landlord” tells you that he can’t show you the property because his is out of town and a bonafide realtor can’t show it either!  Never send a deposit for the promise of getting keys!  And never do business only through texting!

UPDATED 5/9/19:

Apparently “George” is at it again, though his email name is “town sean!” A woman looking to rent a house in New Jersey contacted us about two scam Craigslist rentals she discovered on the same day!  “George” claimed to own this property at 145 7th St, Hazlet Township, NJ 07734.   Notice how George says that he wants “someone who can take good care of it as if he/she owns it.”  We hear this often from scammers.  They try to appear empathetic and connect with you emotionally to build trust… such as when George talks about taking care of his “sick mother.”  This explains why he cannot show the home but asks the woman to drive by it herself.  Most importantly, NOTICE that George used the SAME PHONE NUMBER above on October 11, 2018 AND as “Mr. Swan’s” listing above from February 19, 2018.  This criminals has been at this a while!

From: town sean <townsean100 “@” gmail.com>
Date: Fri, May 10, 2019 at 10:07 AM
Subject: Re: 2bedroom and 1bath immediately move in
To: [NAME/EMAIL REDACTED]

Hello,
Thank you for your email. I am so sorry for my late reply, I must confess this its my first time of renting my house. However, Due to the situation of my sick mother i was transfer to keep my eyes on her. Here is the address you can drive by: (145 7th St, Hazlet Township, NJ 07734). me and my family are currently where my mother is responding to treatment in one of the hospital and due to the inability to get a good Realtor management to help us with the property of me and my family had to leave with the keys and document of the house. If you will be the right tenant to our house, we will get the keys and documents of he house sent to you via courier services as soon as all terms are settled. I will be renting out the house for $500 (Utilities included) water,gas,electricity and garbage and a security deposit of $500 and I need to inform you as well that money is not the major reason why I am renting it out but i want someone who can take good care of it as if he/she owns it,let me know as soon as possible if you can take good care of it, so that we can discuss the rent further..

I am currently away from the area and will not be arranging a showing. I can make pictures of the place available at anytime to give you full insight of the place, or you can drive by my house to view it from outside and also take a peek from the window so as for you to know how the interior of the inside of my house look like.

IF YOU REALLY HAVE INTEREST IN RENTING OUR HOME, KINDLY GET BACK TO US WITH THE APPLICATION BELOW RENT APPLICATION FORM AND TELL US MORE ABOUT YOU.

1) Your Full Name?
2A) Home Phone ?
2B) Cell Phone Number ?
3) Your Full Address ?
4) How old are you?
5a) Are you married?
5b) How many people will be living in the house?
6a) Do you have a pet?
6b) What type?
7a) Do you have a car?
7b) What type?
8) Occupation?
9) Do you smoke?
10) Do you Drink ?
11) Do you work at Night ?
12) What is your monthly income?
13) Type of Account?
14) Reference Contact Name and Address?
15) When do you intend Moving in?
16) Private Email:
17) When can you pay for your Deposit to secure or Total move in?
18) How many Months or Year Lease you want to Sign?
19) Please Attach your Picture.

Notice : Call me once you fill out the application or text me at + 1 (415) 754-8452… Await your prompt reply so that we can discuss on the rental terms and agreement, please we are renting the house to you base on trust and again i will want you to stick to your words. So please do not let us down in maintaining this our property and God bless you more as you do this.

HOUSE DESCRIPTION:
Bedrooms: 2 Beds
Bathrooms: 1 Bath
House Address: 145 7th St, Hazlet Township, NJ 07734
All Pets Allow : Dog , Cat , Fish.

Monthly Rent : $500
Deposit : $500
Application fee : $55
……………………………………
Total Move in $1055
……………………………………

Regards
George

And also on May 9 this woman received a response from “Roby Walton” about a property listed at 74 Pacific Blvd, Keyport, New Jersey.  Read the exchanged emails below and see why “Roby” expected this woman to send a deposit to receive a key to the home by mail.  A HOME OWNER WILL NEVER SEND THEIR KEY TO SOMEONE WITHOUT MEETING THEM!  Notice, too, the poor English.  This scammer is very likely from another country and English is not his first language.  We especially liked Roby’s response talking about God when the woman said that asking for a deposit in advance was suspicious and she would not send it.

On Thu, May 9, 2019 at 1:50 PM Roby Walton <robywalton889@gmail.com wrote:
Thanks for your interest in renting my home below is the address, application form. you can move in with your pets. i will instruct the realtor to make sure the house is off the market immediately you move in and have the for-sale sign removed and cancelled, you don’t have to contact the Realtor since i am not involving the Realtor concerning the renting of my house to avoid the property manager fee i will be handle everything herself.

Address: 74 Pacific Blvd, Keyport, NJ
Monthly rent: $700
Security Deposit: $700
Total Move In Cost: $1400
Pet Allowed

APPLICATION FORM:
Are you married_______________________
How many people will be living in the house________________________
Do you have a pet__________________________
Do you have a car__________________________
Your Exact move in date_________________________
Date that you will make the deposit payment______________________
When do you want to receive the keys of the house_____________________

Rental Application
Applicant Information
Name:
Date of birth:
Cell:
Phone:
Current address:
City:
State:
ZIP Code:
Own( ) Rent (x)
Monthly payment or rent:
How long?
Previous address:
City:
State:
ZIP Code:
Owned Rented (Please circle)
Monthly payment or rent:
How long?

Provide at least 2 references along with the application form.
Thanks

=============================================

On Thu, May 9, 2019 at 2:35 PM [NAME/EMAIL REDACTED] wrote:
Thanks, Roby. I’ll get this back to you asap. To be clear though, are you planning on moving back into this property if you (hopefully!) make a full recovery? How long a lease will I be able to sign? Just want to be clear on where I will stand. Thanks again
[NOTE: Roby claimed to be ill in another email and not able to come show the house.  This is just another scammer trick!]

On Thu, May 9, 2019 at 2:50 PM Roby Walton <robywalton889 “@” gmail.com wrote:
No, I will not. i am not planning on moving back that’s why i want to sell the house via realtor before changing my mind for my children future. so be rest assured.

On Fri, May 10, 2019 at 10:06 AM [NAME/EMAIL REDACTED] wrote:
Hi Roby, The house looks great! Any chance I could see the inside? See attached for my application. Hope you are well.

On Fri, May 10, 2019 at 10:42 AM Roby Walton <robywalton889 “@” gmail.com> wrote:
Okay that sounds good but you don’t filled the form correctly, You’ll have to make payment before we can send out the keys based on our past experience and we can’t allow that happen again, few weeks ago we contacted a family about renting our home,We mailed out our keys without any down payment , They refused to make payment and wouldn’t respond to our calls and messages , We had to inform the police and that’s a lot stress for us , We’re old and don’t want any form of drama , we wouldn’t want to be taken advantage of again, This is the reason my wife concluded and I concluded on payment before sending out keys to anyone and your deposit is 100% refundable if you are not interested after view.
THANKS FOR YOUR UNDERSTANDING

On Fri, May 10, 2019 at 3:51 PM [NAME/EMAIL REDACTED] wrote:
Roby, So there is no one available to show me the house? I am not wiring money to anyone, period and the fact you are requesting that is highly suspicious.

From: Roby Walton <robywalton889 “@” gmail.com>
Date: Fri, May 10, 2019 at 10:55 AM
Subject: Re: APPLICATION FORM
Oh i can really understand your skeptical about all scammers online today is only God who can save us from this ungodly people not surprise about it because bible says. When the world is coming to an end strange things will occur. i believe i can help you with your credit score to give my house to you since i stop dealing with the realtor and i want you to understand that. I’ll never rip you off your money and I don’t want you to have that in your mind but I really understand you perfectly. We have nothing to gain in ripping people off their money we are human being like you and we know how people work hard to earn money. Take that off your mind.

UPDATED 6/13/19:

On June 5, a young man in Germany but hoping to move back to San Diego reached out to “Laura” who posted an apartment on Craigslist.  We can’t show you the listing because it flagged as a fraudulent and quickly removed.  However, we can show you the contract that “Laura” sent to the young man and asking him to sign and return with a deposit.  There are many red flags and concerns about this rental based on the contract…

UPDATED 7/4/19:

On July 4, 2019, a Canadian woman contacted us to say that the scammers are targeting Canadians with this same scam.  She found this Toronto apartment listed on Craigslist.  Below is the email she received when she inquired with the person who listed it.  You will see many similar red flags to the above apartment scams, including:

1. Very poor English grammar.
2. Plea for the renter to be “a responsible person that can take very good care of our property.”
3. The “owner” cannot show the apartment and says “We won’t be available to do a walk through with you due to our absence.”

TWO IMPORTANT NOTES:
What’s new this time is that the scammer tries to discourage the victim from becoming suspicious if she finds the apartment listed elsewhere!  The scammer says “Don’t be surprise if you find this house at another website with different price, I plan to rent it through Real estate before but they are not serious because they have a lot of house to lease out and they added some money to rent it and the commission is not flexible.”

Also, the scammer ends his email with “Thanks and remain blessed.”  This sign-off is VERY indicative of African scammers!  We wrote about this “poker tell” in the Top Story of our August 16, 2017 newsletter, titled “Dearest One.”

From: trenting013@yahoo.com <trenting013@yahoo.com>
To: [EMAIL REDACTED]
Sent: Thursday, July 4, 2019, 09:43:41 a.m. EDT
Subject: Re: Excellent 5br Home in a great location

Hello ,

My family and I own the wonderful home you are making inquiry about and I also want you to know that it was due to my work transfer that made me and my family to leave the house with an intention of giving it out for rent. We looking for a responsible person that can take very good care of our property. We want the property to be kept clean at all time as it is our hard-earned property. We want you to understand that the property used to be our home and means a lot to me and my family and the care is important.

All appliances are included. We won’t be available to do a walk through with you due to our absence but getting you access to move in won’t be a problem as soon as we decide to rent to you. We can assure you that our home is well maintained, clean, bug-free, in perfect condition to move in and ready for immediate move in. Make sure you drive-by the neighborhood and look at the house to see how lovely it looks, well maintenance. You will like it.

If you are honestly interested in renting from us and will absolutely maintain my property and treating it like you own it, as I hope I can put my trust and confidence in you because I will come to check on my property yearly,
Don’t be surprise if you find this house at another website with different price, I plan to rent it through Real estate before but they are not serious because they have a lot of house to lease out and they added some money to rent it and the commission is not flexible. Have this in mind you must know the kind of person I’m because am giving you this rules because of what or responded between me and my last tenant , you can drive by the house anytime to take a look at the area and surrounding. For now we are looking for 2 or 3 years lease or rather lets us know how long you wish to stay.

PROPERTY DESCRIPTION………..
Number of Bedrooms: 5 Beds
Number of baths: 4
Square footage: 1,314
Pets are welcome!!!
Rent: $1400
Refundable security Deposit: $1400
House Address: 314 Ukraine RdMississauga, ON L5B 3W6

Filling out of the Questionnaire will determined if you are the right person to occupy my house,we will send another email to let our know our final decision.
Rental Information……

Full Name?
Full Address?
Cell Phone Number?
Home phone Number?
Work Phone Number?
Date of Birth?
Are you married?
How many people will be living in the house?
picture of you and your family?
Do you have a pet?
Do you have a car?
Occupation?
What is your monthly income?
Reference Contact Name and Address if Any?
Why are you moving?
When do you intend to pay the deposit?
When do you intend Moving in?
Any Police problem?

Thanks and remain blessed.
Sanjey R & family

===========================================================

UPDATED 9/12/19:

A TDS reader contacted someone posting an apartment on Craigslist that is available in early September in Atlanta.  Here is the response he got. You’ll find it very similar to the language and BS in earlier emails listed on this page:

From: Roberts Danny <robdan7707@gmail.com>
Date: Wed, Sep 11, 2019 at 4:36 PM
Subject: Re: Apartment on Daniel
To: [EMAIL REDACTED]

Thanks for your email and the interest in renting our home.My name Is Roberts Danny the apartment is available.I want to rent this apartment to a responsible and neat person or family who has the fear of God and will treat it as his or her own. Presently my wife and I work has taken us away from our home and we will be away for some time or more and this is why i am actually renting out the apartment and we want it to be a responsible person or family. So if you are interested and will take good care of our home then we will be ready to accept you as our future tenant and family friend. If you really impress me by taking good care of the apartment then you will be allowed to stay as long as you wish okay. We spend less time in “GA” although it was when we knew how long we are going to stay that we decided to rent out the apartment.However the initial plan was to sell out the Unit which we tried, but sometimes the agents inflated the price and it takes longer to sell/rent. The utilities are included in the rent, because of this reason and more we need a responsible person that can take very good care of it as we are not after the money, but we want it to be clean and for you to take it as if it were yours.

Information about the apartment below:
46 Daniel St SE, Atlanta, GA 30312
2 beds 1 bath 640 sqft
Rent: $850   Security Deposit:$850

Pet are also Welcome.
Will like to know if you are still interested so we can discuss further and proceed. Hope to hear from you soon…
Best Regards,
Roberts Danny.
===========================================================

UPDATE 7/11/2020:

On January 17, 2020 we were contacted by a woman who easily spotted this as a scam rental on Craigslist after receiving the following email from the person who claimed to own the property.  The reason she was interested was that the price for the rental was well below market rates!  However, the woman also noticed, as did we, that the address was listed on several websites as a house for SALE, not rent!  Sites included Zillow, Redfin and Realtor.com.  That’s why she smelled a rat!