Correct. This old-time scam has so many red flags in it, it's not possible it exists in the 21st century. (1) Person is always out of the country. (2) Wire transfer -Say it again slowly, but use the word 'cash'. You are sending cash to someone you do not know. (3) The price is too low, it's too good a deal, but they want a high deposit, or a deposit that is out of whack with the rental price. (4) The internet. Try using it. Look up the address, house number. You'd be amazed to find that either (a) it doesn't exist, or (b) It's for sale, by another company.
Same scam is going around the Flint\Grand Blanc Michigan area. Here is the email from the "pond scum" scamming people!!!!!
Hello,
It's my great pleasure that you are interested in my lovely home for rent. My name is Richard R Parker former US Marine Sgt. served in the 3rd Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment that Patrols the Anbar province, Iraq, before now me and my family resided in this house and presently we have moved out due to my transfer as a matter of my profession, where i work as a volunteer with Catholic Revival programmed at the Ermita de San Antonio (St. Anthony Hermitage) here in Malaysia and my wife who is a missionary dealing with Bible Translation and literacy worldwide. 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. We will be serving for a long term and now our home is locked up now and presently we have found a new home here which we will be staying for a very long which might last 5 years in Malaysia. i want you
to note that all i want is a very honest and neat person, so i will solicit for your absolute understanding and maintenance of this home and want you to treat it as your own, i am with the keys and documents here with me, further more you have to undergo some processes before i could be willing and convince to rent my home to any tenant. I also want you to let me have trust in you as i have always stood on my word.
Note: the Rent is $ 600
Security Deposit is $ 600
Total Move in Cost is $ 1,200
Utilities included in RENT
Pets Allowed: Cats, Dogs etc.
Available Now.
Here is the address of the house you can easily drive by: 5140 Spinning Wheel Dr, Grand Blanc, MI 48439.
IF YOU ARE INTERESTED I WILL WANT YOU TO FILL THE RENT APPLICATION FORM BELOW
RENT APPLICATION FORM.
Full Name___________________________________
Current Address________________________ City_____________ State______ Zip Code________
Home Phone ( ) ___________________
Mobile Phone ( ) ____________________
Date of Birth_________________________________
Reasons for Leaving____________________________? Rent $__________
Are you married________________?
How many people will be living in the house_________________?
A Picture of yourself if possible______________________
Do you have a pet______________?
Do you have a car______________?
Occupation____________________________
Monthly Income_________________________
Move In Date___________________________
How soon can you have the move in payment __________________
How soon do you want to receive the keys and documents of the house ______________________
You should give me a call on (903) 662-8794 as soon as possible so we can proceed ASAP.
Looking forward to hearing from you with all this details so that i can have it in my file in case 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 keys to you. 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 my house to your destination, and the requirement for getting the keys and documents of the house is to secure the home with the move in cost as stated above, but i am giving you a benefit of doubt that you will love everything about this lovely home. You are advised to act fast on this so you don't lose the house to other interested applicants.
This scam was on craigslist here but this time they asked for pictures of me and my children. Huge Red Flag-- I sent to Police to follow up on possible pedophile case as well.