I want to explain a common craigslist scam that targets people renting out property. If you are not aware of this scam, you may fall victim to it. I, myself, have been targeted by this scam but have never been a victim. I unsuspectingly replied to these fraudulent e-mails thinking they were legitimate roommates, but after several exchanges, my gut instincts told me better.
How the Scam Works
The scammers or purported roommates make initial contact with you, stating that they are interested in renting your room, but cannot visit because they are overseas or have a tight time constraint and can’t make the time.
The scammer insists they are easy going and would like to move. They would have a very legitimate-sounding story. They might be a medical school or college student, or perhaps starting a new computer or modeling job, and they might even be arriving with their parents. Somewhere in the exchange of e-mails, they ask you for the total amount to secure the room for them to move in.
This is where I stopped the e-mail conversation, as it was getting too sketchy and just didn’t feel right. I didn’t want anyone to move in without first meeting them in person. That’s my #1 rule; enough said.
Based on my research, if you did reply to the scammer’s e-mail with the total amount, the scammer would send you a check, or very often some kind of international money order, for more than the total amount needed to secure your room. They might say it is a money order for their scholarship or an employer’s paycheck. Some of the scammers would just contact you, stating that they made a mistake and overpaid you. In any case, they would always request that you send difference back to them in via Western Union or Moneygram.
Seems fair and legit so far, right? Where’s the scam?
The scammer sends you a check or money order that looks genuine, but it’s actually fraudulent. The bank will accept this fraudulent check, as you are depositing it into your account. They may even cash it if you have an account with them. When you send them back the amount that was “overpaid,” you’re really sending them your own money, and the bank will deduct the full amount of the fraudulent check from your account when it fails to clear. Thus, the scammer runs away with your money.
Simple Ways Not to Fall Victim to This Scam
- Always talk to the potential roommates on the phone and determine their sincere interest.
- Be wary of foreigners. Scammers usually reside outside the U.S. to avoid prosecution, so if the e-mail is from a foreigner, be careful.
- Read the e-mail carefully. If there are a lot of spelling and grammatical mistakes, it’s most likely a scammer from abroad.
- Avoid using Moneygram and Western Union to do transactions; instead meet up and exchange initial checks in hand. Better yet, never give money back until a check or money order clears your bank. For international checks, that may be several weeks.
Last thoughts
This scam not only targets users of craigslists, but other roommate subscription sites as well. I have received the e-mails from scammers while using other resources, such as roommates.com and roomster.com. The e-mails generally read along the same lines, so it not isolated to craigslist. Trust your gut, and follow the advice in this post to determine if you are dealing with a legitimate applicant.
photo credit: jepoirrier
I'm Mike, I rent out my spare rooms in my house to roommates. So far, the rental income has :
{ 62 comments… read them below or add one }
Good to know, as I plan on listing my rental property on Craigslist.
Just trying to help out, Thanks for visiting
The other aspect is that they always protray themelves as cute, younger girls! One that I got even sent photos of a Belarussian blonde.
Thanks,
ME
Thanks for the warning. I’ve read about this scam in many different areas, not just renting rooms, yet the idea is the same…they send a money order for more than what you are asking, then ask for a refund of the difference. Then you’re out lots of money when their check doesn’t clear.
Because of this website, I stop short of being SCAMED. The room that I was renting out was $425.00 they sent me a check for $3,350.90. I called the company from who the check was written out, everything on the check was correct. However it was not sent from them. Just think if I had not found this website first, I would have been taken for the sum of 2,925.90. I have kept the check and all the emails, and I will be sending them to the FBI. Thanks so much
A Very Great full Gordon
I’m glad you found the information helpful and didn’t get scammed! That’s one of the reasons why I started the site, I didn’t want people falling victim to scammers and to help other newbie live-in landlords out.
I have gotten about 15 fraudulent responses to my roommate ad! I’m thinking of taking the ad down & just giving up.
@Rick, Don’t give up! You’ll have to weed through the spammers and scammers. It’s just the nature of Craigslist unfortunately. I recently sold a laptop on craiglist and was bombarded with scammers, but I eventually sold it. You’ll eventually find a roommate. Don’t Give up! If you have questions, just ask!
Thanks for posting this; I’ve been trying to rent a room on Craiglist and got two “international students.” When I requested to meet them in person, they disappeared. Thank God I never gave them info to send money.
The easiest way to weed through scammers is to request within the ad that they use a specific word or phrase as the subject when responding. Scammers don’t actually read the whole ad so if you get a response to your ad that doesn’t have the correct requested subject, then you know not to reply to them.
OMG my bank just saved my butt from being scammed. a girl from canada claimed to be coming over and gave a check to me and when i went to the bank to deposit me, they just told me about the room-mate scam and saved my butt of $3500!!!!
I just caught on to a scammer and of course I was not aware of this scam… Thanks for the information!
It was a little fishy so I researched scams and it was a dead on match… The girl was out of the country (canada), wanted to send me a money order and reserve the room without seeing it, She said she was 28 yet gave me a 1985 dob, her name… was Wag, she was not willing to sign a lease till she got in town but she wanted to ship her things here therefore she was making the check out for more than the rent due for the shippers, she had very strange grammer, she kept avoiding answering questions that she should have been able to answer, she did not have a scanner to send proof of idetification or a camera to send a picture of herself. All signs point to scammer!
This happened to my friend! My friend fell for it. How can she get her money back?
Has the check or money order been cashed yet? If it hasn’t she could try and cancel the money order or put a stop to the check. If it’s already been cashed, it’s gone.
Sorry to hear her unfortunate circumstance
Man, this is just happening to me. I got a check for $2775 for a room renting for $350. She told me she is having a car delivered. I deposited the check, but won’t do anything until, or if, it clears. Hope I can muddle thru this. Thanks for the heads up.
i have someone wanting to send money by paypal…but the emails are just like the scams….
I have received at least twenty scam responses in two days….poor grammar and form letter styles that duplicate each other…i am so frustrated that i started responding in a nasty way…I am on several roommate sites and they are all the same…Either same person with different names or a form letter sold to scammers..it is very easy to identify..I Just need a real room mate
Thank you,
I got one of these e-mails and I was 99% sure it was a scam. So I googled it and I read this article. It’s exactly what the e-mail I got was. So I replied with a link to this saying “Shame on you. I hope you don’t try this again on someone else.”
Here is the e-mail they sent me.
Hello,
Thanks very much for e-mailing me back.. I am Christina massengill by name and live in Seattle, WA. I would have been kind of happy if we can meet before making any plans, but am very busy and i have a lot of things to do right now.. I will really appreciate it if you can tell me more about the place and tell me little about you because my uncle is presently very sick, and i have to travel to Finland to see him but i want to secure the place down before going. He was involved in a car crash with his new car some weeks back and now ill seriously, I need to check on him and take good care of him.
I am staying in CHRMC Children’s Hospital Seattle staff Quarters now The address is below:
4800 Sandpoint Way NE Seattle, WA 98105
I am moving cause of my job, am a medical Humanitarian nurse for united Nations. I work for CHRMC Children’s Hospital in Seattle but will be working in a local clinic over there, More about me, am a neat type of person, honest, humble and responsible. I like honest, responsible and hardworking people while i hate the lazy, messy and uncaring people….well am a quiet and gentle going person to live with….I am 27 yrs old female, 5.4 in height ,i like tourism and i don’t keep late at nights neither i will have overnight guest around but am ok if you do..
I was born and brought up in Finland, i studied there i had my university education right there while staying with my uncle.. I lived all my life in Finland before coming down to Seattle, WA have been living with my uncle from age 13…Then i was member of the Red Cross Association it really sounds interesting for me…Am sure You ‘ll really like the person that i am ,because i will also do the dishing if you like I work when i am to and relax when i am to,I also like sharing my thoughts also….paying rent on time will not
be a problem as i will also be making the rent fee before the month ends….I do not have any pet, i really like dog and cat but have none of it now, so there is no problem about that.
I must confess am comfortable with the price and I will want to secure the place down before my arrival so i will want you to tell me all about the place as i can’t see it before my arrival but the pictures…I also will want you to know that i have my car that i will be coming over with little of my furniture.
please let me know if there will be room for them. With all that I’ve said above I have told you more about me and more picture of mine will be attach in the next email Let me also know how i can go about securing the place down before my arrival as i will also be busy from next week and let me know if you can take off the ad off the site as i am going to secure the place with a deposit
Feel free to ask me any question and as I’ve said i am looking to move in by the availability of the place but want to secured it now
Thanks..
This just happened to me. 3900.00 out. I am so upset. I wish i had done more research. They even had the nerve to send me a text message horrible grammar and lots of “lol’s”. My mistake. I will spread the word to others.
Beware of roomneeded018@gmail.com when you reply it goes to checks4amy@gmail.com and she is listed on another site as a scammer
Thanks for putting this info out there.
I posted a room for rent and 3 people have tried everything you mentioned, out of state, out of country and one living with her x and his wife living on her income tax check while looking for work as a model.
Being from Nyc, (possibly the scam capital) I can feel when something is not right.
Wow sure glad google showed me this. I put an ad up for a roomate and got responses from three different young women who are currently overseas. Haha. I think I’ll get all of their checks and put them in a frame for some art in my living room.
In fact one of them claims to be an art dealer.
I too put up a rental add in Craigslist and got two bites right away from two foreigners with a parallel story- wanting to secure the place asap but out of meeting distance and very likeable. They could not have mentioned more the fact that they were in dire need to secure the place and needed my info to send me a check for multiple months worth of rent. Of course instinct kicks in that this is not right, especially with no mention of the legal aspect that comes along with renting- signing documents holding them liable for rent, damages, etc. Never hurts to use common sense in these types of things!
Hey Mike, thanks for putting the word out. I knew there was something fishy about this potential roommate. “Susan Mallet female from Spain” wanted to know what the move in cost would be, including utilities, so that she could secure her room before she moved here for her new job at the “Federal Agency of Works and Natural Resources.” She said her Organization would be responsible for all her costs and fees. My spidey senses were tingling, so I googled craigslist room for rent scams, and came across your insightful blog. I asked for her passport photo, and some other questions that would make it difficult for a scammer to answer, and I haven’t heard from “her” again. Keep up the good work!
I advertised for a roommate and got a few responses. The one girl did get my attention because i thought about getting a foreign student to rent. this sounded so good she was from spain coming to az to get her masters and also worked for the government on some environmental study program. her dad would take care of all deposits and then she added she was having a car delivered and the ck would include the delivery fees, i didn’t answer right away because my mom was very sick and in the hospital so i spent several days up there and didn’t have time to respond that was not my priority at this time. i emailed her and let her know that i did not have the chance to give her much detail and would as soon as i knew my mom was ok. the day after that emailed i received a ck for $2950.00 sent from florida but the ck was from a union bank in calif. the signer of the ck was a gas corporation. i took it to my bank before i got back to her asking if they thought it was some kind of scam and they said it was a good account i would have to wait 2 days. I had no intention of spending anything since i only asked for 1100.00 deposit i didn’t want the responsibility of a vehicle being delivered. The bank said it had a two day hold which then it did show the balance in my account until i called the 3 day and things were sounding fishy, 5 minutes later the mail lady came with a envelope which had 3 money orders for 975.00 each so now i knew something was up i still didn’t email the girl nor did she write back, i was still dealing with my moms sickness. I decided to go to walmart before close since i knew a few of the manager pretty well and asked to cash one this way i would have a better idea well the circle on the money gram did not fade like it was suppose to and the next clue was they were dated 2 months earlier and i just put the add up for the first time so i new that was messed up and walmart doesn’t cash anything over 30 days the next mess up was it was printed on regular paper they were too different colors and the lines and number didn’t even line up so they aren’t very smart. i really didn’t give much of any info except a work email the bank said they would not get any personnel info if we put the ck through. I think these scammers really need to get caught and put away. I was really looking for a roommate that was in school and had her priorities straight. This was a bad mess up on my part i never heard of these scammers and the timing for me was terrible where i didn’t have the time to deal with the add with the unexpected illnesses of my mother. I didn’t have time to get back with her except 2 short notes and she just decided to keep sending money which was her first give away plus i sent a friend her picture the nite before and she said she looked dangerous and evil. I wonder whose picture she really used..
Hey
Whoever started this site…thank you! I was receiving some sketchy emails about somebody wanting to move in without seeing the place. So i googled it, and this site came up, and it was basically the exact thing they were doing. Tried sending me a check for the full amount without even seeing the place.
Saved me from a complete scam! Cheers!
My dad had the EXACT same email as the above Sheri…. Verbatim.
Someone tried to scam me (actually, the same scammer replied to my ad twice, with slightly different wording) but the gist is the same. My scam radar started going off, but I thought, “Hey, maybe this is for real”.. until she asked to send extra money so I could pay for a car being dropped off. I replied and said NOPE that’s between you and dealer as I was 95% scam at this point, but they sent the check(s) anyway. They were both from out of the country, in Costa Rica, and moving to the area, but a car will be delivered so they included extra money – $2900 check on a $695 rent.
They did NOT send western union money order, they sent a check. The first clue to anyone should be that the “from” address on the ups envelope is from random company (that does exist and with correct address. One of them is from “Meadow Farms Sausage Co” – LOL!) but my checks are supposedly drawn on a Southern California Gas Company bank account. What the hell? Checks are “issued” from union bank of california.
Someone screwed up though, they actually sent TWO checks a few days apart. Came from two different states (CO and CA), one via fedex, one via UPS. But the checks are identical. Same date, same everything. SAME CHECK NUMBER! lol. Better luck next time guys.
So I just received a bank draft today …
I already explained (to my potential new roommate who contacted me from Sweden, about my ad) that things were moving too fast, I am not comfortable securing a roommate that I have not met yet, let alone having a car shipped over from Sweden without having even discussed parking arrangements. In the latest correspondence I also mentioned … as far as I am concerned nothing is confirmed yet, so please do not send any money.
Yet, a bank draft arrived via Xpress post today for $3,900. My lucky day! Then this follow up email …
“Hello ,
The unimaginable thing I feared most has happened to me,
my mum passed away! I am extremely distraught, I can’t believe this can happen!
My mother is the catalyst behind all my present achievements and I
have been highly dependent on her for more future support. Why did she
have to go? This shouldn’t be happening to me, not now.
I told my employer about the news and he has given his condolences.
He made a mistake of sending my shippers(Victor) money along with
your payment to your address,instead of sending it separately.
I’m so confused and depressed. What do we do now?
Please I will be coming but there might be a delay in my arrival.
Nelson”
I was buying it … until all of a sudden I am like the closest shoulder he has to cry on. Plus, this out of the blue Money Draft for this crazy amount. Anyway, moving forward I will instruct Nelson to deal with my agent that is now managing this negotiation (please reference file #___ and email to admin@antifraudcenter.ca)
So sorry to hear about your loss, Maria and anyone else that has fallen victim. It is sickening how prevalent this has become.
Thanks for posting! More people need to be aware.
I listed a roomate needed ad on Craigslist and received 4 such scammers within 24 hours. They all “couldn’t talk” either because they were hearing impaired or in a “remote area”. Also, they never mentioned the university or town in their response. In otherwords they could have used their letter for anyone, anywhere in the country it was too generic. Seriously, who would pay up front to secure a room (they haven’t seen) with a roommate (they have never met)? They also each mentioned they go to church every Sunday and have karaoke night once a week.
Thank you Sheri for posting your comment. Exact same email. Didn’t seem to mind a background check though. Really glad I saw this.
I spotted this was a scam pretty quickly but I decided to play along but I thought I would share the correspondences so that others could use it as a guide if you are also looking for a roommate.
This was my original post on Craiglist:
I am looking for a roommate for a 2 bedroom/1bathroom house. Rent would be $400/month with a $400 move-in deposit, which would include all utilities, internet, and satellite/cable.
You must be okay with animals, I’d prefer no additional pets but we can discuss the option.
You will be asked to sign a temporary 3 month lease to start out with (in case there are issues with roommate capability).
Male/Female, I don’t really care but you must be drug free and if you are drinker/”partier”, you need to do it somewhere else (light drinking is fine).
If you are interested, please respond to this ad via e-mail. Availability can be as soon as August 15.
Thanks.
——————–
Email from nicolledickson79@yahoo.com:
Subject: room inquiry
Content: Hello,
How has been your day? I am a female looking for somewhere to stay in
your area . I saw your advert and i wanted to inquire on the
status…. please kindly get back to know the availability of the spot
plus the requirements..
Thanks
Nicolle
————————–
My reply:
Content: Hi there,
Well like the ad said, The rent is $400/mo and also requires a $400 down payment. The $400/mo would include rent, all utilities, cable, and internet.
I have two dogs, so you would have to be okay with animals. You would have your own room but we would share a bathroom, living room, and kitchen. No drugs. Light drinking is okay.
There would be an application you would have to fill out and be able to provide proof of work or of your money intake. The spot will stay available until it is filled.
If you have any other questions, let me know.
Thanks,
Hillary
——————————–
Email #2 from nicolledickson79@yahoo.com:
Subject: am ok
Content: Hi
Thanks for your reply,I really do appreciate it,. I would
have loved us to see u before making any plan but i really have a lot of
things to do right now, But will be okay if you can tell me more about the
place and you,as my uncle is presently sick and i have to go see him,but
really want to hold a place down…
More about me again, i am a nurse,am 26 years old of
age..I am the neat type,I like honest, responsible, trustworthy and
hardworking while I dislike lazy,messy,uncaring people and I love
pets so much, am quiet and easy going person to live with. I like tourising
and,i don’t keep late nights but i am okay if you do,I was born and bread in Finland as there was where i had my university education and stayed with my uncle there!!
I lived all my life way in Finland before coming down to South Dakota to stay together with a nurse friend,
I grew up with my uncle since 15 years old…I’ve also wanted to be in the medical
line since i was born, I served in the I served in the Paris Red Cross for 8 months, we
have involved in projects that includes orphans,orphanages,heart related
diseases in children between the ages of 4-10yrs .
Ambition and Work:
I was looking to move over to your state because i need to live on my own and i understand that i’ll be
doing good overthere as i ve been told by my uncle’s friend who ones live
over there..And i will be working with any hospital around as i am also
making enquires about that now…
Am sure You ‘ll really like the person that i am ,because i will also do
the dishing if you like, I work when i am to and relax when i am to,I also
like sharing my thoughts also….paying rent on time will not be a problem
as i will also be making the rent fee before the month ends….
Right now.I ve the support of my uncle about my well being,so you shouldn’t
be bothered about if i am competent of paying the rent
I must confess i am comfortable with the price and I will want to secure
the place down before my arrival so i will want you to tell me all i need to know about the place,as i can’t see it before my arrival …I also will want you to
know that i have a car that i will be coming over with,and little of my
furnitures, please let me know if there will be room for them..
With all that i’ve said above,I have told you more about me and more
picture of mine will be attach in the next email,Let me also know how i can
go about securing the place down before my arrival as i will also be busy
from next week preparing to come over.
Feel free to ask me any question, as i’ve said i am looking to move in
by the availability of the place,
Thanks…
Regards
————————
My reply:
Content: Hi Nicolle,
Sorry for the late reply. If you do not have another place yet, I will e-mail you an application and you can fill it out and send it back to me when you are finished.
Let me know.
Thanks,
Hillary
——————————————————–
Email #3 from nicolledickson79@yahoo.com
Subject: asap
Content: Hi again ,
Thanks once again for the quick reply, Really would have loved to call You
but am leaving now to see my sick uncle, i can only communicate via
email but I will make sure i call you whenever i get there but before that i will want to secure the place, I am very happy meeting a person like you,It’s nice
reading from you again and i will never ever want to loose the room
even without seeing the place ,i smell the kind of person whom you are
and i like you,I will want You to know that i am okay with the cost ,if
none is included again…..
I got to believe that the person that one wants to live with matters
most,i believe that you’ll be a nice person,I just have my
dressers,computer table,kitchen utensils and a queen size bed,2 big
luggages and my car to be shipped….
I got a message that my uncle is sick in Finland,i hope have already
mention that before and i have to go see him but i am making plans to
secure place so that when i come back i’ll just move in into the place, and with the way we ve communicated,I am okay
with you and i want you to know that i don’t want to make any travel
plans without securing a place down now,I will be signing a year lease
for the start if you are okay with that,so i ve let my uncle understand
more about you and the place,He is really comfortable and he told me
that it is a nice area that i should not afford to loose your place also he said that i should try and make sure that i hold down the place,so i thought of it and i
will be making payment to hold down the place and the mode of payment
will be by United State Certified Money Order,so pls let me know if
this mode of payment is ok by you.
And if YES pls 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 in order 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 any address will be fine as long as you will be able to receive
it.
So Kindly get back to me with this requested address contact information
so that we can proceed asap bye for now..
Feel free to ask me any question(s) you have okay
Thanks…
Nicolle
*****This email also had a picture of a woman with dark hair attached to it
———————————
My reply #3:
Hello Nicolle,
First off, I have an application that you must fill out and return to me before I will hold a spot for anyone. I work for a government agency so I will be doing a background check on all applicants, of which you must agree to or you will be disqualified as an applicant. I will also not hold a spot for anyone without at least talking to them on the phone and most likely until I meet them. I will not accept money orders, cash or paypal are the only two payments I will accept at this time, also I am only offering a 3 month lease to start out with.
If you would like me to send you an application for you to begin filling out, please let me know. Otherwise, I will have to automatically reject your inquiry of being a roommate.
Have a good day,
Hillary
I too received a scam email from nicolledickson79@yahoo.com
She, of course, discontinued communication when I asked for references.
Watch out for this one!
My gut was right…but your site confirmed it! I am so happy that I found you. I got 2 letters in 24 hours: same grammatical slant in wording….blah blah blad American Red Cross…visiting mother in Spain I even the the exact one from the FINDLAD with the uncle in the accident. I didn’t send my address and if there is any way they can fins it, and they do send me a check Should I just rip it up? Before I found yhis site I did respond to the first one and was acy
tually gioing toH
holfd the room for her and told her I would hold her check till she got here….. but again gave no address and no nphone # to her.
I have to decided to respond just by saying the room is rented . Yes or no?
Vickie
Here’s another one… from e-mail teremer001@gmail.com
————————————————————————–
Hi ,
Thanks for getting back to me,I’m Diana Gibbs a 23yrs old female,fun loving,
friendly,clean, caring,and respectful of others and a non-smoker
don’t do drugs i drink occasionally and drama free. I graduated last year in
Greater London UK and I’m single and have no children.I do bible study and
sometimes we do karaoke night with my roommates in park row! I go to church
every Sunday so i need to secure the room before my coming and I’ll be
moving in with my luggage’s. You seem to be a very interesting person and
I must tell you that you will like staying with a girl like me in the house
as i make people smile,So I need to be in the state before the ending of
the Month and i will be staying for a year as i have programs to run during
my stay. I am coming to continue my educational career Masters Degree
Microbiology so a little more about me, I was born in England (UK) my
families are from London as well. I graduated from the University of
Greenwich with a degree in Microbiology Science specializing in Microbiology
and Molecular Biology. I speak both English and French and I’m presently
on a research work assistant, I’m almost done with that because it’s part
of my perquisite for my masters so I would have loved to call you but i
can’t make an international calls from my phone so it’s kind of hard to
call here and i don’t want to waste much time as i really need to secure
the room on time so i do love pets but i don’t have any at the moment. I
would like to see the room before renting but I’m okay with pictures so i
will be renting sight unseen. I will also want you to tell me more about
yourself and if there’s a garage or parking space as I will have my own
personal car so let me know the total amount of the room so that i can send
your email to my dad for him to email you later because he is the one that
will be paying the bills inform of a Cashier’s Check so I will want you to
get back to me with your Full Name and Address and your Phone Number as well
for the payment to be made immediately so with that you can hold the room
till my arrival .yes let me give you my daddy phone no so that you can give
him a call okay,phone no 925 851 8656, I will be looking forward to your
hear from you soon.
Diana Gibbs….
On 8/27/12, Hillary Hines wrote:
>
> Yes, I am still in the process of screen applicants if you are interested.
>
>> Date: Sun, 26 Aug 2012 08:41:58 -0700
>> Subject: $400 Roommate Wanted (Anna, IL)
>> From: gdiana079@gmail.com
>> To: spsgt-3194376972@hous.craigslist.org
>>
>>
>> –
>> I will like to know if your posted advert on Craigslist is still
>> available for rent..
I just noticed that apparently “her” email changed between the two responses.
I forgot to add that she attached 3 emails to her longer e-mail.
She attached 3 pictures, not e-mails to her longer e-mail.
Sorry, I dont know how to go back and edit my comments!
THANK YOU for this web site! I received an email from Nicolledickson79@yahoo.com, worded exactly like the one Hillary received. I immediately sensed something was wrong, because my Craigslist posting is VERY detailed about my requirements … so why was she asking me to state these again? After entering the email address on a search engine, I found this web site and confirmed my suspicions. I’m so grateful!
Here are more addresses from scammy emails that I got today:
teremer001@gmail.com
backedupall74@gmail.com
lm27233@gmail.com
cares20@gmail.com
lxhonda92@gmail.com
Always check the to and from email addresses! If they’re different it’s probably a scam!
wow, this site is awesome. I’m renting a room in my house and when I got an e-mail I thought it was too good to be true. After doing some research I found out it really was too good to be true.
Red Flags went up in so many directions after reading this then reading this website.
Here is her email:
Thanks for getting back to me.. My full name is Doris S. Jendy i’m
25yrs old.(FEMALE) I was born in CHINA beijing i speak both language,
my Dad is from US while my Mum is from CHINA … I went to Beijing
University Of Technology china and i graduate last year in Beijing
University Of Technology. I’m fun loving, personal, friendly,
clean,caring and respectful of others. a non-smoker, don’t do drugs
but i drink occasionally, am single and have no children. I go to
church every Sunday.I am coming for my masters degree, am presently on
research work at Guam, but will be coming to the state for my master
degree in October … I would have loved to call you but this is a
remote area calls is hard to go through from here and i don’t want to
waste much time. I’m really interested in renting from you, i would
have loved to see it but am very far, with pictures ill really
appreciate it. I really want you to tell me more about yourself and if
you have garage or parking space cos ill have my own car coming over,
please let me know the total payment of the place and, payment will be
done by via US Cashier or Certified Check. So i want you to feed me
back with the following details so that i can ensure you are ready to
accept the payment…
Get back to me with the information to facilitate the mailing of the check.
* First Name:
* Last Name:
* Street Address:
* City, State, Zip Code:
* Cell Phone Number:
* Total Amount :
Note:.. My Dad will issue out the payment for the deposit as soon as
possible, with that you can hold on the place for me till i come, and
payment will be shipped to your address via Ups or FedEx. I’ll be
waiting to read back from you with the information requested today.
Thanks
Here is her e-mail:
sanita.jendy01@gmail.com
I’m posting another one. Initially, the red flag for me was that these people would move into someone’s house without meeting or talking to them. Seriously? What whack’o would do that??? Even if it were legitimate, that’s just weird.
Same thing: overseas… professional…wanting to secure the place right away…TMI with the first email…and talking it up like it would be the perfect match…..
Here’s this one’s email: Erin texter
Thank you for the response. I would like to secure the place for my
big move on September 30th, 2012. Let me tell you more about myself: I
was born and raised in England and I’m presently living at 3
Marlborough Lane, London SE7 7DE. I am looking for a 6 months to 1yr
lease. I’m a clinical Pharmacist relocating to the USA to experience
something new in my career. I’m a coffee drinker addict, I love pets
so much, a quiet and easy going person to live with. I swim for fun
and sometimes play tennis. I need a place where I can enjoy being
home, I guess your place is ideal for me.
I prefer cleanliness than any other traits. I take pride in where I
live and have respect for the people that I live. Make no mistake I’m
a fun person and love to hang out. I always become friends with almost
everyone that I have lived with. I also have a great love for nature.
I am into plants and take pride in the yard as well.
I have few questions for you.
i) I will like to have the exact rent fee per month plus the utilities.
ii) I will like to know the size of the room.
iii) I will be shipping some of my things down to the States. I have a
Toyota Avalon (XLX 2009) which I’ve been using for over 6 months now,
and some of my furniture (just some picture frames and art work). Will
there be garage or parking space for my car??
iv) I will also like to know if I can make an advance payment prior to
my arrival as a commitment that I am truly coming over and for you to
hold the room down for me.
v) If the #4 questions is YES, I will like to know the total cost for
the initial move as in first month rent and if you accept deposit.
vi) I will like to know the major intersection nearest to your
neighborhood. Like shopping mall, bus line e.t.c
I look forward to hearing from you again.. You are free to ask me any
more question(s) via my email.
Best regards,
Erin
I got two emails like that this morning….. i am renting a room in my house and this is just sick and scary…………….I came accross this website when I google one of the scammers names..Doris S. Jendy was the name and the other one was Ann Kathlyn something
Thanks to everyone who put the word out. I very recently put up an ad for a room at my condo and got just this type of response. Alarms went off right away, largely because the email seemed to placate every question I would ask before I asked it, plus the email didn’t really seem to be addressed to me. It was more like someone trying to throw all the possibilities at me at once. I am a Christian. I party. I go to church. I am responsible. My uncle pays for my rent. Just a ton of stuff.
It was more of a monologue and lacked any kind of personal touch. Also, the responder was supposedly a woman who sent me her picture, which I thought odd. I thought this might be a scam and wondered just how they were going to trick me out of money, and now I know. Thanks to all. Here is the email I received:
Thanks for the cordial response ,I am quite comfortable with the available rental and living environment.I have plans moving in by 17th of October (2012) but won’t mind if the rent start counting sooner..
About me…My name is Racheal Morrisson (F),I am 25yrs old,I am fun loving, personal, friendly,clean, caring,and respectful to others. a non-smoker,i don’t do drugs, i drink occasionally,and drama free. I graduated last year in London, I am single and have no children… i do bible study, and sometimes we do karaoke night with my roommate! i go to church every Sunday .I am coming for my Masters degree. i am from Spain,specifically Malaga but live in London and my Parent are from there too but my Dad has passed away 4year (may his soul rest in peace)…I went to Kingston University in London. I speak both English and Spanish fluently ,am presently on research work and its part of my prerequisite for my masters in Microbiology.
I am currently on a research program for my Master ,and i am desperately looking for a place to stay.I read your profile about the room and i would really love to secure the room from you before my arrival,and more so to know if it would be possible for me to pay for the room before my arrival, So i will like to know the total amount of the room per month and the utility included. Am looking to rent for the minimum of 6-12 months, also i am ready to sign a year lease but i dont mind Month to Month rent as well .All these information are very important so that i can submit my proposal to my Uncle,since my uncle is making the total payment for the first & last month rent plus security deposit and shipping of my car and few of my furnitures he will be mailing out payment to you via Money Order in one of his business trip abroad to hold the room down for me before my arrival.Should you agree to receive payment via Money Order in US dollars,kindly advise me of your Full Name ,Contact Address (either Work or Home Address depends on where you assure to receive it in person )and contact telephone #.
For references reason,kindly contact below:
Former landlord :John Curtis(j.curtis012@yahoo.co.uk)
Roommate:Jane Poman(Janepoman@gmail.com)
Thanks, I will appreciate every of your effort to assist me in this traveling plans as I will be very happy to know you more than just roommates when I get there. Am very friendly and generous.
Again, Thanks and best regards,
Racheal.
I have a different email I use to deal with these, and I always send a reply like this, to distract them and waste their time. It’s amazing after telling them they will sleep in the same room with an old may that may try to rape them, they say it’s all ok, and want to still rent the room:
Hi Sandra,
Thanks for the reply! You sounds like a great person, and would be perfect for the room. I will send you my bank account information so you can secure the room before you arrive. I just want to make sure you are still interested concerning our last email. You would be sharing the room with a very sick old man who likes to climb into bed with young women. He is basically harmless, as I mentioned, and you must be strong to resist his advances, and not afraid to resort to violence. Although his intention is to have sex with you, I am sure you will be able to resist as he is quite old. Understand we do not want you to kill him, and we do not want to hear a lot of noise from this room. If you need to secure something on his mouth, that is ok.
Other than that small inconvenience, I know you will love living with our family. The weather is so nice this time of year, and the pool is a genuine joy! We respect that you are clean and neat, but and so are we, although sometimes our daughter may poo in the sink.
Thanks and talk soon!
This same person just tried me..a lot of them have tried.. people are hungry for money because of the economy..I tell them I know it’s a scam and I’m going to report them..there are so many out there. You are wary of even the honest ones..
Here is another 1!… (LOL & SMH)
hello,
how are you? am very happen for the reply to my craigslist i was born in Russia and raised up there i am JILL JOHN.i am quiet and easy going passion to live with. I’m 27 years of age, I am extremely clean,quiet and respectful, I am sensitive, intelligent and am easy to get on with. .. i must tell you that i really like the area of the apt so much
Right now,am in Iraq for the military assignment to make a peace now thank GOD,have been posted to united state for the research in your town for the 9 month will be in your town and I need a room to stay for the period of time,so I want to secure room/apt before my arrival.
Now,i am ready to pay for the room. I will like to make the payment for the first month.have told my captain 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 deposit for the first month.I should arrive to your place on or before the next month, so pls the keep room for me till my arrival.He also said my mode of payment will be the Most acceptable,safer and reliable means of payment which is United state certified money order,so get back to me with your FULL NAME AND ADDRESS for the payment,hope to read back from you soon,remain blessed
Kindest Regard.
JILL JOHN.
Thank you all for this helpful information. Watch out for the email address annkathyp05@aol.com just a few days ago she posted an ad on Craigslist looking to rent a room and she lives in Idaho and wants to secure a room without seen it in person. Also today she emailed me and wants to ship her car and the few items to bring with her, computer table, dresser, kitchen utensils, and 2 big luggages. If I did not come across this web site I would not have known this was a scam. I have not answered her back yet, but now I know what to tell her.
Sharon
I was warned about this scam from a friend and then looked it up and found this posting. I don’t think I would ever had send them money back and don’t plan too, but they had already sent me the check. So, ou of curiousity, I deposited it into an account I haven’t used in some time just to see what happened. I haven’t heard back from the person that sent it in sometime, considering I explained to them I was pretty sure it was a scam and didn’t plan on sending them any money back. I check today and the money went through but only 200 of the 2400 of it did. I am very confused and curious if anyone else has had a similar situation and possibly any advise to give.
Thank you,
Mike
This is a really helpful website guys, thanks to the creator and the contributors
One more to watch out or:
bonkesaid506@gmail.com
melvinblues40@gmail.com
I’m so glad to hear the room is still available for rent, here is
little about me, my name is Eric Collins i speak both German &
English, am single, fun, loving, clean, and respectful of others,
don’t do drugs. My father is from US and my mother is from Germany, am
21yrs old, sex male. I was born in Rheinland-Pfalz (Germany) i attend
University of Hannover, and graduated a year ago.
I’m coming for a long term stay and am ready to sign a year lease as
soon as i get to your house, but am presently on research work at Guam
and will be coming for my master’s degree from soon. I’ll be arriving
November 24th, and pay for the deposit and one month rent upfront,
loved to call you but here is a remote area calls are very hard to go
through, and also love to come and check at the room before renting
but am very far, with pictures that will makes me happy and feel
comfortable.
Please tell me little about yourself… if you are a student?,
working?, married or single?, if there is a garage or parking space
because i will be coming with my own car. Let me know the total amount
for the first month rent, because i will be paying upfront so that it
will give you strong prove that am really interested in renting the
room from you. Payment will be done via US Cashier’s or Certified
Check, so please feed me back with the following details so that i can
ensure you are ready to rent the room to me.
Information to facilitate the mailing of the check…
* Full Name:
* Address, City, State, Zip Code:
* Cell and Home Phone Number:
* Month Rent:
I’ll be waiting to read back from you with the information requested
so that i can forward it to my father to issue out the check for the
deposit and month rent up front as soon as possible, with that you can
hold on the place prior my arrival… Thanks for your co-operation
Eric Collins
Thanks Mike for this! They almost got me on Thanksgiving Day no doubt! I got the below email, and a few others, with the same garbage about how “SHE” is very easy going, very busy and cant call because of international phone restrictions, but she will have her uncle send me the money plus fees to ship her car and small items for the room I was renting in my Townhome. I also got the email from a girl in Finland with a sick Uncle, and she works for the Red Cross…blah blah blah… She also sent me a very cute photo (tall blonde), red flags immediately shot up…what 27 yo girl would send a guy money overseas for a room in a home she has never seen or to a guy she has never met? Smells like fish? It’s probably sushi. I got caught up in the scam, and sent her my name address and cell phone number. Then I saw this site with the scam report, and immediately sent her (probably a him in real life) an email saying “do not send any money right now”, I need your company name and a contact number of your new job here in the states to verify your employment before you send the funds. Never heard back from her. Then, after thinking about how they tried to prick me around, I emailed her a copy of this site and report, just to let them know I am on to their shadyness. Here is one of 4 different scam letters I received. Thanks again for saving me lots of pain and anguish.
Yes,I’m quite comfortable with the available 1 bedroom apartment and it’s living environment.I’d have loved to call you but my cellphone service provider can’t access long distance/international calls.Hope we can get along together though I know it kinda hard expressing oneself via email,but I’ll put my pride in the gutters and try to be as explicit as possible.
I’m not coming with any pets… What is the present condition of the room? What paint color does it have? Is there any floral shop or farmer’s market around the area?How is the weather there?Its been raining for few days here..I like rain. Hope there are no leakages in the house(Roof and Pipes).lol
I’m a 27 yo professional lab technician.I’m 5’10,with long blond hair,hazel eyes ,athletic build.I prefer cleanliness than any other traits,I’m honest,responsible,and hardworking while I dislike lazy,messy and uncaring people.I love pets so much,am quiet and easy going. I’m straight and also gay friendly. I always love to go on a date but seldom party. I neither smoke nor drink,I swim for fun and sometimes play tennis also I enjoy snowboarding.People often ask how I manage to keep up my hectic schedule of work and maintain such a high level of correctness in all I do.I sometime overhear my Boyfriend Bach -he is the type of man who sings on coach trips,so you can quickly understand what sort of man I have to deal with-saying,almost in awe,’How does Shirley do it? chuff me,how does she do it?’ I must confess that i am comfortable with the price,I will like to secure the place down pending my arrival. I’ll also be shipping my things down to the States such as My Hyundai Sonata (SE V6 2011)which I’ve been using for over 2 months now,and some personal effects. don’t worry am not bringing in Furniture’s I will easily purchase the one’s I need when i arrive. Moreover,Let me know how I can go about securing the place down and filling any necessary paperwork before my arrival as i’ll be busy preparing to come over as I plan to arrive on Fri 21th Dec
References: Doctor Debra Williamson dbrwilliamson@aol.com
My present roommate :Sandra sandmoerer1010@gmail.com
Right now I have thought of it and understood that moving to the US will not only help boost my career but also improve my personal life.I hope you’ll finally consider renting to me ,I assure you that the rules and terms would be strictly adhered to .I have been introduced to different landlord and room owners but they don’t seem easy to get along with, I hope we can get along well as I wait to read from you soon via email.In life everything should be firm but friendly , not oatfish or obsequious as seems to be the present -day trend. Sorry for the email novel .I know its a lot to read and i apologize for coming on strong I’m just looking for a reliable place when I move down.I look forward to hearing positive from you again.
Have a splendid thanksgiving celebration.
Thanks and take care,
Shirley.
I have a Craigslist ad for a room in my house. Every time I run the ad I get several of the same scam emails. I wasn’t sure how exactly it was a scam but had a gut feeling. Thanks for clarifying with the details!
This same thing is happening to me right now!
She claims to be from scotland and moving to canada at the end of the month to be a lab technician. Never once asked me to send photos of the apartment. Never once even signed the email with her name! I’ve been suspicious this whole time. She claimed to be single but the photo “she” sent me was entitled ” Me and my boyfriend” and looked too professional.
I kept asking to Skype with her so we could get to know each other etc and she’d never answer that question. Today she said she is having furniture delivered TONIGHT but I had to pay the $300 delivery fee via money gram to some Chinese woman in Florida. When I asked why she is getting furniture from florida she said that her uncle lives in Florida and that was how she was getting the car and furniture.
FedEx came with the cheque yesterday but I missed it so I have to get it today. The Tracking # says it started out in San Diego ( Funny since she’s from SCOTLAND) But here is the kicker of it all! It’s 5am my time (which would be around 10am scotland) and she just CALLED ME! She did not have a scotish accent but instead sounded of Asian decent and spoke very broken .english
Very glad I found this website!
You just saved me a lot of money and a lot of grief!
THANK YOU!
Just got this one today. Ha! Sure thing, “Cecilia”….
Hi
I’m so glad to hear the room is still available for rent. My full name
is Cecilia Ashley . Here is little information about myself, i speak
both English and German, am single, fun, loving, clean, and respectful
of others, don’t do drugs. My father is from Germany and my mother is
from US, am {25yrs old/f}. I was born in Munich Germany and i attend
Hamburg University of Technology Germany i graduated 2yrs ago. I’m
coming for a long term stay and am ready to sign a year lease as soon
as i get there but am presently on research work at Guam and will be
coming for my master’s degree starting from March but will be
arriving February 10th, I’ll like to pay for the deposit and a month rent…
I would have loved to call you but here is a remote area calls are
very hard to go through, so please try and understand and also I’ll
would have like to come and check the room before renting but am very
far… but with pictures that will makes me happy.
I’ll like you to tell me more about yourself and if you have garage or
parking space cos i will have my own car come over, please let me know
the total amount for the first month rent and payment will be done via
US Cashier’s & Certified Check. So I want you to feed me back with the
following details so that i can ensure you are ready to accept the payment.
INFORMATION TO FACILITATE THE MAILING OF THE CHECK
1* Full name :
2* Address {Not PO Box}:
3* City, State, Zip Code :
4* Cell number :
5* Month rent :
Waiting for your e-mail with the information requested so that i can
forward it to my father to issue out the check for the deposit and
month rent with that you can hold on the place for me till i come soon…
Thanks and awaiting your reply.
Cecilia A.
Oh wow, just got another one! “Sonia” sure had a wierd email address, haha.
From: “asbxhoil@gmail.com”
My name is Sonia David ,I am 26yrs old ,I am fun loving, personal, friendly,clean, caring,and respectful of others. a non-smoker, don’t do drugs but i drink occasionally.
I am coming for my masters degree. I was born in Mexico, my dad is from USA but my mum is from Mexico…I went to Universidad de Colima in Colima i speak both language ,am presently on research work at Guam, am almost done.with that bcos its part of my prerequisite for my masters in Legal Research . I would have loved to call you but this is a remote area calls is hard to go through from here and i don’t want to waste much time .Am really interested in renting from you and i do really love pets buti don’t have any at the moment. I would have loved to see it but am very far,but with pictures i am glad. I will also like you to tell me more about you and if you have garage or parking space cos I will have my own car , pls let me know the total payment of the place and i will like you to send me your full Name and the mailing address, your phone number as well,so that my Dad will issue out the payment for the place as soon as possible,with that you can hold on the place for me till i come very soon. I will be looking forward to your email soonest .
Sonia
I’m so glad to hear the room is still available for rent. My name is
Jane Felix plove. Here is little about myself, i speak both Spanish
and English, am single, fun, loving, clean, and respectful of others,
don’t do drugs. My father is from USA and my mother is from Germany,
am (21yrs old, sex female). I was born in Munich Germany and i attend
Hamburg University of Technology Germany I just graduated and will be
coming for my master’s degree and i will be arriving Febuary 20th . I’m
coming for a long term stay and am ready to sign a year lease as soon
as i get there but am presently on research work at Guam. I’ll like to
pay for the deposit and a month rent… I would have loved to call you
but here is a remote area calls are very hard to go through, so please
try and understand and also I’ll would have like to come and check at
the room before renting but am very far… but with pictures that will
makes me happy. I’ll like you to tell me more about yourself and if
you have garage or parking space cos i will have my own car come over,
please let me know the total amount for the first month rent, cos i
will be paying the first month rent in advance and payment will be
done by via US Cashier’s & Certified Check. So I want you to feed me
back with the following details so that i can ensure you are ready to
accept the payment.
Information to facilitate the mailing of the check…
* Full Name:
* Address, City, State, Zip Code:
* Cell and Home Phone Number:
* Month Rent:
Look forward for your e-mail with the information requested so that
i can forward it to my father to issue out the check for the deposit
and month rent up front, with that you can hold on the place prior my
arrival…
Jane…
Please check out…. This is how they will try to trap y0u.
Thanks for getting back to me. My full name is Ashley Connelly I’m
29yr .Female I was born in Ewa beach Hawaii, my Dad is from US while
my Mum is from China .I graduated from Georgia state university last
year. I’m fun loving, personal, friendly, clean,caring and respectful
of others, a non- smoker, don’t do drugs but i drink occasionally, am
single and have no children. I go to church every Sunday.I am coming
for my masters but am presently on research work in Guam, .I would
have loved to call you but this is a remote area calls is hard to go
through from here and i don’t want to waste much time. I’m really
interested in renting from you, i would have loved to see it but am
very far, with pictures i Will really appreciate it. I
really want you to tell me more about yourself and i will like to know
if you have a garage or parking space cos ill have my own car coming
over, please let me know the total payment of the place and all the
Utilities of the room, payment will be done via US Cashier or
Certified Check from a reputable Bank .The following details will be
needed so that the payment can be issue out right away,i will very
glad to read from you soon till then have a lovely day and God bless.
Kindly please get back to me with the information to facilitate the
mailing of the check.
First Name:
Last Name:
Street Address:
City
State,
Zip Code:
Cell & home Phone Number:
Note:.. My Dad will issue out the payment for the deposit as soon as
possible, with that you can hold on the place for me till i arrive,
and payment will be Mail to your address via Ups or FedEx or Usps .
I’ll be waiting to read back from you with the information requested
today.
I have this happening now
Just got this email and had a bad feeling about it. Thank you whoever made this website. This email is also identical to some of the other ones i see people have posted here.
On Tue, Feb 19, 2013 at 8:58 PM, Alicia James wrote:
Thanks for getting back to me … My name is Alicia James (F),I am
27yrs old,I am fun loving, personal, friendly,clean, caring,and
respectful of others. a non-smoker, don’t do drugs, i drink
occasionally,and drama free. I graduated last year in UK, I am single
and have no children … i do bible study, and sometimes we do karaoke
night with my roommate! i go to church every Sunday .I need to secure
this room for myself before i arrive to the state as I’ll be moving in
with my luggage.You seem to be a very interesting person to be with
and I must confess to you that you will enjoy staying with me in the
house because i make people smile always.I will be in the state
before Month End for the next one year and during my stay I am coming
for my masters degree. I was born in England (UK), my dad is from USA
but my mum is from England …I went to Greenwich university in London
i speak both French and English ,am presently on research work at Guam
(USA), am almost done.with that because its part of my perquisite for
my masters in Microbiology . I would have loved to call you but this
is a remote area, Calls is hard to go through from here and i don’t
want to waste much time .Am really interested in renting it from you
and i do really love pets but i don’t have any at the moment. I would
have loved to see it but am very far away,but with pictures,I am glad.
I will also like you to tell me more about you and if you have garage
or parking space cos I will have my own car come over, please let me
know the total payment of the place and more over I will send your
email to my dad for him to email you later because he is the one that
will be paying the bills but nevertheless,I will like you to send me
your………
Full Name
The Mailing Address including your Zip code
Your Phone number as well
So that my Dad will issue out the payment for the place as soon as
possible,with that you can hold on the place for me till i come . I
will be looking forward to your email soonest.
Regards.
sandraalex)@yahoo.com is another scammer. I had a gut feeling I’d find a dulicate letter on a site like this. Thanks for this site. Beware…lots of scams on Craigslist.
Hi again,
Thanks once again for the quick reply,I would have loved to call You but am leaving now to see my sick uncle ,i can only communicate through email but I will, whenever i get there but before that i will want to secure the place,I am very happy meeting a person like you,It ‘s nice reading from you again and i will never ever want to loose the room even without seeing the place ,i smell the kind of person whom you are and i like you,I will want You to know that i am okay with the cost ,if none is included again…..
I got to believe that the person that one wants to live with matters most,i believe that you’ll be a nice person,I just have my dressers,computer table,kitchen utensils and a queen size bed,2 big luggages and my car to be shipped….
I got a message that my uncle is sick in France and i have to go see him but i am making plans to secure place so that when i come back i’ll just move in into the place we are talking about. and with the way we ve communicated,I am okay with you and i want you to know that i don’t want to make any travel plans without securing a place down now,I will be signing a year lease for the start if you are okay with that,so i ve let my uncle understand more about you and the place,He is really comfortable and he told me that it is a nice area he had lived in the states before and he said that i should not afford to loose your place also he said that i should try and make sure that i hold down the place,so i thought of it and i will be making payment to hold down the place and the mode of payment will be the Most acceptable,easier,safer and reliable means of payment which is United State
Certified money order so pls let me know if this mode of payment is ok by you.
And if YES pls 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 any address will be fine as long as you will be able to receive it.
Kindly get back to me with this requested address contact information so that we can proceed ASAP bye for now..
Feel free to ask me any question(s) you have okay
Thanks…
Sandra….
Wow it’s crazy how they think of these…I put an ad on craigslist looking for 2 male roommates and I was bombarded with responses and 90 percent of them were female. And 2/3 of the female responses were from 23-27 year old girls that lived overseas and were coming here for a research program! I have responded to a couple of them and I wouldn’t of thought anything out of the ordinary until I read the second girls story. It was the exact same story as the first girl with the exception of her name and country!!! Word for word except for that!!! When I read that I immediately googled craigslist roommate scams and found your article. If the same scammer were smart enough to not send me the same email for 2 different girls, I never would’ve read your article and definitely would’ve fallen prey to this scam. Thank you so much for shedding some light on what I would’ve fell for!!!
I received duplicates of several already posted, plus this one. I hit my reply in all caps informing them that they have been reported, and WARNED not to mess with me.
Here’s Lucia’s BS story:
Hi,
Thanks so much for replying my add,I really do appreciate it,. I would have loved us to see before making any plan but i really have a lot of things to do right now,But will be okay if you can tell me more about the place and you,as my uncle is presently sick and i have to go see him,but really want to hold a place down…
More about me :My name is Marian Max,am Nurse with humanitarian assistance,I will be 28 by the 25th of next month,i love to live with clean people,caring,responsible,neat type. I’m 5″7′ straight,I like honest,responsible,trustworthy and hardworking people while I dislike lazy,messy,uncaring people and I love pets so much,am quiet and easy going person to live with. I don’t keep late nights neither will i have overnight guest around, but i am okay if you do,I was born and bread in France as there was where i had my university education and stays with my uncle there,but i am presently in south Dakota(U.s)
I lived all my life way in Paris before coming down to SD,I was in my final year when my mum died,i lost my dad before i was born,I grew up with my uncle after my mum died…I ve also wanted to be in the medical way since i was born,I served in the Paris Red Cross for 8 months,we have involved in projects that includes orphans,orphanages,heart related diseases in children between the ages of 4-10 yrs .
Ambition and Work:
I was looking to move over to your state because i understand that I’ll be doing good over there as i ve been told by my uncle’s friend who ones live over there..And i will be working with any hospital around as i am also making enquires about that now…
Am sure You ‘ll really like the person that i am ,because i will also do the dishing if you like,I work when i am to and relax when i am to,I also like sharing my thoughts also….paying rent on time will not be a problem as i will also be making the rent fee before the month ends….
Right now. I ve the support of my uncle about my well being,so you shouldn’t be bothered about if i am competent of paying the rent
I must confess am comfortable with the price and I will want to secure the place down before my arrival so i will want you to tell me all about the place,as i can’t see it before my arrival but the pictures…I also will want you to know that i have my car that i will be coming over with,and little of my furniture,please let me know if there will be room for them..
With all that i ve said above,I have told you more about me…Let me also know how i can go about securing the place down before my arrival as i will also be busy from next week preparing to come over and let me know if you can take off the ad off the site as i am going to secure the place with a deposit
Feel free to ask me any question and as i ve said,i am looking to move in by the first week in next month,but want to secured it now
Thanks..
Lucia
Great to read the comments. I got four responses similar to the ones above, they sounded too similar and too good. I looked around and found this. It is always nice to have confirmation of your gut.
A sample or two:
Hi
I’m so glad to read back from you .I will not be able to come and
see the place now but picture will be okay the most important thing to
me is your location it really works for me, I could have love to call
you but i don’t have international calling plan but i will try to get
an international calling card to call you later in the week but i
believe we can still exchange emails for the main time or you call me
on my Land line number which is +447045712915 and make sure you dial
as presented.I’m sure i am the type of roommate you will like to stay
with ,I will like to tell you Lil about my self ,You can call me Sarah
Kayla and I’m single 23yrs old ,I was born in UK but presently in
Glasgow,I don’t smoke i don’t drink,I’m easy going person and i make
people around smile .I want to move in to the room in the next two
weeks or more that is why I’m trying to speed everything up.I’m
already doing my final project i have just been transfer from work to
your location and i will be much more than happy if you can rent out
the room to me ,I will also like to know little about you.
And another:
Good to hear back from you, i’m interested in renting the room. My
name is Laura Johnson i was born in France (Paris) i speak both French
& English, am single, fun, loving, clean, loyal and respectful of
others, don’t have any pet. More about me, my father is from US and my
mother is from France. I’m 22yrs old, sex female, i attend American
University of Paris, graduated a year ago.
I’m coming to stay for a year, and am coming for my master’s degree.
I’m currently in Alaska in a village “Nunivak Island” on a research
work and will be coming soon… I’ll be arriving May, i’ll loved to
call you but here is a remote area calls are very hard to go through,
please send me some picture of the room because i will not be able to
come over and check on it before renting.
Please tell me little about yourself…if you are a student?,
working?, married or single?, if there is a garage or parking space
because i will be coming with my own car. Let me know the total amount
for the first month rent, i will be paying upfront so that you can be
rest assured that am really interested in renting the room from you…
My mode of payment is US Check, so please feed me back with the
following details so that i can ensure you are ready to rent the room
to me.
and she continues in another email…
Thanks for getting back to me with the information requested. I got
the information and i’ll have it forward to my father to issue out
payment to you on time. I really appreciate that you are ready to
accept me roommate, please have little patience for the check to
arrive to your address and also secure the room prior my arrival. I’ll
e-mail by giving you an update about the status in regards to the
payment and also provide the tracking number from the carrier service,
further more i need you to take the ad down CL, that will give me a
strong prove that the room has been hold prior my arrival so that
other interested people will not make any enquirer..
Regarding my Car…. I’m planning on having it delivered to you
before my arrival so that you can come and pick me up at the airport
and settle in comfortably, you can understand that transiting cross
Atlantic is not easy so i am making arrangement with the car dealer to
deliver the car before my arrival, once the rent and security deposit
has been paid to you by my father. I’ll ask you for a favor here, can
i rely on you to take delivery of the car for me when it’s delivered
?, as you’ll be handling the delivery of the car along with the rent
and deposit, the car money has been included with the check coming to
you. I’ll really appreciate if you can do this for me and promise to
compensate you adequately for your time and efforts on my arrival into
your place.
Let me know at once if i can trust you to have the rest fund to the
car dealership agent once you get the check, i will be expecting your
e-mail as soon as you receive my e-mail. Thanks so much for your
understanding…
Thanks for the website, Mike