Craigslist Rental Scam:
The scam works like this. They advertise a property for rent, sometime (many times) at a rate lower than what would be normal. They are always out of town, either deployed, going to be deployed, working, living, moving, going to be a missionary, etc. They always communicate by text or email because they are deaf, can’t get phone reception, etc. The reason for this is that they are uneducated foreigners and talking to them would give that away. They ask a few random question. And then decide that you are “perfect”. So they tell you to send a security deposit and a month’s rent to them by untraceable means (Western union, Moneygram, etc.) and they will send you the keys, etc. They don’t own the property, the property might not exist or if it does, it might not even be habitable. You are then out the cash you sent them. Always deal with someone local, who will meet you and show the property, who can prove they own the property (all property tax records are open to the public, most are on line), or deal with a reputable real estate agent from the area.
http://dc.curbed.com/2016/1/4/10850342/rental ... e-washington-dc
The same phone number apears for a one bedroom on Craigslist but this time he is renting in Revere, Ma. He goes on by saying how he wants someone that can take care of his house, but it is not a house it's a one bedroom. He also said in the email that couldn't show the apartment because he is in Honolulu Hi on contract. So my question is how is he planning on renting the house ? LOL , this is nothing but a scam.!!
Same phone number just listed an apartment in Seal Beach, CA & goes by the name Rhodes Ardrey?! I received same replies as others - needs someone to take care of his "house" due to being transferred to a job in Honolulu, HI, he asked a few random questions & quickly replied saying I would be a perfect fit...I replied and asked if we could settle everything on the phone - I tried calling, but got a Google voicemail. Since then, I have received 2 text messages identifying himself with the name mentioned, but no call back. Scammers suck!!!!
I recieved a similar email from Rhodes Ardrey, see below
Hello,
This is to acknowledge the receipt of your message,
Thanks for your email and your interest in this property, I personally own the house, I want my property to be well taken good care of, and there are some rules and regulation in which I do give out to tenant that's willing to rent my house so please don't disrespect my order But if you are interested in renting this home, the rules and the regulations goes this way, the surroundings must be well taking care of, you must know the way in which you use the stove so as to avoid fire outbreak, you must not disturb the neighbors, I decided to rent out the property due to our transfer to (HONOLULU,HI) on a construction Work in HONOLULU,HI,so we are renting it out since we need someone to take good care of the property on our absent. Don't be surprise if you find the home in another (SITE) with different PRICE, I have plan to rent it through Real estate agent before, but they are not serious simply because they have a lot of house to lease out And they added some money to the rent while there commission is not fair.
Attn: The rent and Utilities are intact such as Dishwasher, Dryer, Electric Stove, Fridge, Washer,Air Condition,Sewage,Trash,all included in the monthly rent, as i am in a governmental programmer that sponsors my utilities on monthly basis etc.
Please note that, we are a kind and honest family, that spent a lot on the property that's 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, If you understand and agreed to rent the property kindly fill out the application below we can go from there.
RENTAL APPLICATION FORM AND TELL US MORE ABOUT YOU.
1) Your Full Name
2A) Home Phone ?
2B) Cell Phone Number ?
3) Your current 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? Occupation?
9) Do you smoke?
10) Do you Drink ?
11) Do you work at Night ?
12) What is your monthly income?
13) Reference Contact Name and Address?
14) When do you intend Moving in?
15) private email :
16) Picture of you and your family
17 ) When can you pay for your deposit to secure or move in?
Notice : You can go ahead and do a walk through the property its Furnished and the move in is ready anytime but you will not be able to see the INSIDE as the keys are here with me, it will be send to you as soon as the agreement is reached, Text me immediately you fill out the application Looking forward to hear from you with all this details so that we can have it in our rentals file in case of issuing the receipt for you and contacting you..
PROPERTY DESCRIPTION...........
Number of Bedrooms 2: Number of baths:2 Well trained Pets are welcome!!! Rent:$899 Refundable security Deposit:$850 Total move in : $1,749
Below is the rental property address:
(8 Lucerne,Newport Beach, CA 92660)
Please text me as i might not be able to pick calls sometimes, please understand my above message and answer the questions thoroughly so that we can go from there, And please understand that this home is available for immediate move in for the first person that submit application.
Thank you