20 December 2008 ~ 331 Comments

Craigslist Scam: Homes for Rent

Periodically we look through Craigslist for random stuff (isn’t that what Craigslist is for?). Anyway, we were looking at rentals to see what’s available in our area – any better deals, etc. We came across this (what appeared to be a) sweet deal [link may or may not work now]. So I quickly sent off an email to michaeljacoby81@yahoo.com. What I got back was very strangely worded:

Attn Applicant,

Thanks for your email and interest in renting my house..I am Michael Jacoby,the owner of the house you are making enquiry of…Actually I resided in the house with my family, my wife and my only daugther before and presently we have moved out due to my transfer from my work now in  Warsaw,Poland. Presently my house is still available for rent for $1000 USD (rent already includes utilities).More so Now, i’m currently in Lagos,Nigeria for an international Christian follower’s crusade.

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

This is the address of the House( 45756 Klamath Court, Temecula, CA 92592 )..

It has a dramatic entry foyer with ceramic floor. Extremely spacious rooms throughout with lots of big windows…nice and light! New neutral paint and some newer carpet..Very quiet, low traffic area. New fridge (7/07)…I believe its absolutely a perfect home for you and your family.Utilities include Water,Trash,Sewer,Gas

SO IF YOU ARE REALLY INTERESTED I WILL WANT YOU TO FILL THE RENT APPLICATION FORM BELOW.

RENT APPLICATION FORM.

FIRST NAME:__________?
MIDDLE NAME:__________?
LAST NAME:__________?
PROFESSION:__________?
PHONE:
(CELL)PHONE__________?
(WORK)PHONE__________?
(HOME)PHONE__________?
KIDS _____ (YES/NO), HOW MANY ________
PRESENT ADDRESS: _____________________
CITY: _______________
STATE:______________
ZIP CODE: ____________
HOW LONG? ___________IF RENTING
WHY ARE YOU LEAVING__________?
IF THIS HOUSE IS BEING GIVEN TO YOU,
HOW LONG DO YOU INTEND STAYING? ____________?
WHEN DO YOU INTEND MOVING IN? ______________?
IF YOU HAVE A PET,
NAME OF PET: _____________?
KIND OF PETS: _____________?
HABITS
DO YOU SMOKE ______________ ?
DO YOU DRINK ______________?
DO YOU WORK LATE NIGHT? ____?

Looking forward to 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,please we are giving you all this based on trust and again i will want you to stick to your words,you know that we have not seen yet and only putting everything into Gods hands,so please do not let us down in this our property and God bless you more as you do this…

The house is available for rent at the moment so you are free to move in as soon as you wish to…A Deposit of $1000 (which happens to be the security deposit) is required before moving in…Feel free to call me for more information and arrangements on how to get the keys and other necessary documents delivered to you…my number is (+234-806-113-3966  OR  011-234-806-113-3966).The house will be available for rent for a period of 4 years so you have a choice of deciding how long you intend staying there…

God Bless,
Michael Jacoby

As you can see, some strange wording, plus they asked for the name of my dog (which I thought was really weird). So I googled “+234-806-113-3966″ and found this post, this post, with a strangely familiar responses from the ‘owner’. I also found this site with tons of information on rental scammers.

Like the old saying goes, ‘If it sounds too good to be true, it probably isn’t…’

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331 Responses to “Craigslist Scam: Homes for Rent”

  1. Danilo 18 November 2011 at 9:02 pm Permalink

    Hey Tom76, where did you get the free gift card from? Do you have it already? And was it a full $1000 as advertised? I got mine from http://netspecials.tk but I don’t have it in my hands yet. I only got an email so far that I should expect it within 7-14 business days. I hope it arrives soon!

  2. Jerri Bence 15 December 2011 at 2:43 pm Permalink

    I actually like what you have acquired here, certainly like what you are stating and in what way for which you say it. You are making it entertaining and you still care for which keeps it smart. I can not wait to learn to read far more from you.

  3. Mary R 21 December 2011 at 1:56 pm Permalink

    Rental scam in Cocoa Fl from Person saying they are working in Africa and would like to rent you the beautiful home. These home were listed for rent through real estate company, but information is no longer listed, pulled. I have found two homes claiming for rent and the owners that are in africa doing Gods work…

  4. Sophia Dunn 21 December 2011 at 4:59 pm Permalink

    He’s back!! Its really said that this guy is not in jail! I’ve gotten e-mails from him about a house for rent and when something sounds too good to be true it probably is. My husband knew right away that it was a scam but I wasn’t sure until I googled the info and sure enough it was a scam.

  5. Lorraine 24 December 2011 at 9:56 am Permalink

    I inquired about a house and received the same exact email, except of course with information pertaining to the house I was looking at. I did not send any money and I was able to track down the actual owner of the house and inform them that there was a guy or group of people impersonating them and trying to get cash from unsuspecting individuals. IF YOU GET AN EMAIL LIKE THIS…DELETE DELETE DELETE!!!!

  6. Buy Appartment 26 December 2011 at 3:09 am Permalink

    Some local renters are falling for a Craigslist scam by sending money to rent houses and apartments that aren’t for rent.

  7. babygurl 27 December 2011 at 6:30 am Permalink

    I am so glad that i googled “international Christian follower’s crusade” because when I did it directed me here and found out a lot of information that I needed to know…I got the same email…Thanks

  8. babygurl 27 December 2011 at 6:31 am Permalink

    oh i forgot this was his information though..
    Hello,

    Thanks for your email and interest in renting my house. I am the owner of the house you are making inquiry of…Actually I resided in the house with my family before and presently we have moved out due to my transfer from my work now in Warsaw , Poland . Presently my house is still available for rent for $800 USD (rent already includes utilities). Moreso, i am currently in Lagos , Nigeria for an international Christian follower’s crusade. I will like to let you know that i initially wanted to sell the house but my wife adviced i rent it out to responsible people.

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

    It has a dramatic entry foyer with ceramic floor. Extremely spacious rooms throughout with lots of big windows…nice and light! New neutral paint and some newer carpet..Very quiet, low traffic area. Appliances included are washer, dryer, oven,dishwasher, new fridge (7/07)…I believe its absolutely a perfect home for you and your family. Utilities include Water, Trash, Sewer, Gas and Electricity. The address of the house 220 South Prairie Avenue, Sioux Falls SD 57104

    SO IF YOU ARE REALLY INTERESTED I WILL WANT YOU TO FILL THE RENT APPLICATION FORM BELOW
    RENT APPLICATION FORM.
    FIRST NAME:__________?
    MIDDLE NAME:__________?
    LAST NAME:__________?
    SEX:__________?
    DATE OF BIRTH:_________?
    PROFESSION:__________?
    PHONE:
    (CELL)PHONE__________?
    (WORK)PHONE__________?
    (HOME)PHONE__________?
    WHICH NUMBER IS THE BEST TO CALL YOU ON__________?
    MARITAL STATUS:__________?
    KIDS_____ (YES/NO), HOW MANY________
    PRESENT ADDRESS:_____________________
    CITY:_______________
    STATE:______________
    ZIP CODE:____________
    HOW LONG?___________IF RENTING
    WHY ARE YOU LEAVING__________?
    IF THIS HOUSE IS BEING GIVEN TO YOU,
    HOW LONG DO YOU INTEND STAYING?____________?
    WHEN DO YOU INTEND MOVING IN?______________?
    DO YOU AGREE TO PAY THE DEPOSIT BEFORE RECEIVING THE KEYS_____________?
    IF YOU HAVE A PET,
    KIND OF PETS: _____________?
    HABITS
    DO YOU SMOKE______________ ?
    DO YOU DRINK______________?
    DO YOU WORK LATE NIGHT?____?

    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,please we are giving you all this based on trust and again i will want you to stick to your words,you know that we have not seen yet and only putting everything into Gods hands,so please do not let us down in this our property and God bless you more as you do this…

    The house is available for rent at the moment so you are free to move in as soon as you wish to….A Deposit of $500 (which happens to be the security deposit) is required before moving in…Feel free to call me for more information and arrangements on how to get the keys and other necessary documents delivered to you….my number is (011-234-812-339-5147 or+234-812-339-5147).The house will be available for rent for a period of 4 years so you have a choice of deciding how long you intend staying there…

    Remain Blessed.
    JOSEPH KRALJIC

  9. babygurl 27 December 2011 at 6:33 am Permalink

    This was for a rental in Sioux Falls, SD

  10. Marie B 29 December 2011 at 9:52 am Permalink

    I got the same email almost identical to this for a house in Provo, UT.

  11. Lorraine 30 December 2011 at 4:03 am Permalink

    I commented earlier in the week. These guys are good. They send the same email over and over. They find ads for houses/apartments for rent, copy the photos and post them as their own. I actually called the number he gave me in Africa and spoke with the gentleman. Then once I realized it was a scam, I called him out on it and he had the nerve to email me back and say “I really am so and so”. I found the real owners and emailed them to let them know that this guy created an email in their name and was posing as the owner of their house. Boy were they shocked. BEWARE!! PROMISES OF A CHEAP HOUSE ARE NEVER TRUE!! ALWAYS ASK TO MEET IN PERSON. IF THEY ARE “OUT OF THE COUNTRY” MOVE ON!! DON’T SEND ANY MONEY!!

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  13. yang 9 January 2012 at 7:06 am Permalink

    I got exactly the same email when I require to the information of the craigslist ad of walnut house for rent (3br/home $800). I was excited when I see he said he is in Christian ministry work in Nigeria as I am a follower of Jesus. However, God protects true His people and gave me discernment right before I was going to email him back, I saw this web page!!! Thank you guys!!

  14. Cat 9 January 2012 at 7:29 am Permalink

    We found the same ad on craigslist for a home in El Paso, TX. Through my job, I have access to property title documents. I checked, and the ad was using the actual name of the owner. I still wasn’t convinced, however, for the same reasons as above. The rent was too cheap for the area, it came with ALL appliances (including W/D which is uncommon here), paid for utilities, and I also thought it was weird that they asked for the names of our pets.
    The home itself, we had actually found on our own. It had a realty “for rent” sign posted out front. Then we just happened to find the same home on craigslist. Because I already had a phone number, I called. Even if the property will not work for us, I want to let the owner know of the scam.

  15. Cat 9 January 2012 at 7:31 am Permalink

    Also, thanks to Skype . . .when you scroll over the phone number provided it says it is from Nigeria! I know that the ad states that the owner is in Africa, but Nigeria is a major source of these types of scams!

  16. jay 9 January 2012 at 5:24 pm Permalink

    Hello,

    Sorry for late reply Thanks for your email and interest in renting my house..I am the owner of the house you are making inquiry of…Actually I resided in the house with my family before and presently we have moved out due to my transfer from my work now in Warsaw , Poland . Presently my house is still available for rent for $900(rent already includes utilities).More so Now, i am currently in Lagos , Nigeria for an international Christian follower’s crusade.

    Please i want you to note that i spent a lot on my property that i want to give to you for rent,so i will solicit for your absolute maintenance of this house and want you to treat it as your own, It is not the money that is the main problem but i want you to keep it tidy all the time so that i will be glad to see it neat when i come for a check up. I will like to let you know that i initially wanted to sell the house but my wife advised i rent it out to responsible people who could take very good care of it. I also want you to let me have trust in you as i always stand on my word.

    Monthly Rent: $900
    Security Deposit Is $900
    Total move in cost:$1800
    Utilities are included in the rent.
    Minimum rental: 1 month
    Maximum rental: 6 years or more.

    Property Address:(841 Glencreek Drive, Tracy CA 95377)

    It has a dramatic entry foyer with ceramic floor. Extremely spacious rooms throughout with lots of big windows…nice and light! New neutral paint and some newer carpet..Very quiet, low traffic area. Appliances included are washer, dryer, oven,dishwasher, new fridge (7/07)…Utilities include Water,Trash,Sewer,Gas and electric.

    MOST RECENT INFORMATION.

    3 Bathrooms
    1,705 sqft
    Single-Family Home
    Foundation: slab
    Roof: composition
    Rent: $900
    Deposit: $900
    Air Conditioning
    Dishwasher
    Garage

    SO IF YOU ARE REALLY INTERESTED I WILL WANT YOU TO FILL THE

    RENT APPLICATION FORM BELOW

    RENT APPLICATION FORM..

    FIRST NAME:__________?
    MIDDLE NAME:__________?
    LAST NAME:__________?
    DATE OF BIRTH:_________?
    PROFESSION:__________?
    PHONE:|________________?
    (CELL)PHONE__________?
    (WORK)PHONE__________?
    (HOME)PHONE__________?
    KIDS_____ (YES/NO), HOW MANY________
    PRESENT ADDRESS:_____________________
    CITY:_______________
    STATE:______________
    ZIP CODE:____________
    HOW LONG?___________IF RENTING
    WHY ARE YOU LEAVING__________?
    IF THIS HOUSE IS BEING GIVEN TO YOU,
    HOW LONG DO YOU INTEND STAYING?____________?
    HOW SOON IS YOUR SECURITY DEPOSIT READY?___________?
    WHEN DO YOU INTEND MOVING IN?______________?
    IF YOU HAVE A PET,
    NAME OF PET:_____________?
    KIND OF PETS:_____________?
    HABITS____?

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

    The house is available for rent at the moment so you are free to move in as soon as you wish to…The security deposit is also required before moving in…..Feel free to call me for more information and arrangements on how to get the keys and other necessary documents delivered to you…The house will be available for rent for a period of 4 years so you have a choice of deciding how long you intend staying there…

    You can call me anytime on (011-234-708-661-6517 or +234-708-661-6517)..

    Regards and Remain Blessed

    Rickman Maria

    SCAAAAAM!!!!!!!!!!!!

  17. Susan 9 January 2012 at 9:36 pm Permalink

    Same exact email sent to me from an Earl Crick for a rental in Myrtle Beach. Thank you for post.
    I hope someone gets this guy!

  18. tiger 15 January 2012 at 5:02 am Permalink

    This is the address of the House (1901 Northeast 19th Street, Fort Lauderdale FL 33305)
    The rent is: $700
    Security Deposit: $800
    For this 3 Bedroom Home.
    Pets Allowed:Dogs and Cats.
    Available :Available Now for move in.

    SO IF YOU ARE REALLY INTERESTED I WILL WANT YOU TO FILL THE RENT APPLICATION FORM BELOW.

    RENT APPLICATION FORM.
    FIRST NAME:__________?
    MIDDLE NAME:__________?
    LAST NAME:__________?
    PROFESSION:__________?
    PHONE:
    (CELL)PHONE__________?
    (WORK)PHONE__________?
    (HOME)PHONE__________?
    KIDS_____ (YES/NO), HOW MANY________
    PRESENT ADDRESS: _____________________
    CITY: _______________
    STATE:______________
    ZIP CODE: ____________
    HOW LONG? ___________IF RENTING
    WHY ARE YOU LEAVING__________?
    IF THIS HOUSE IS BEING GIVEN TO YOU,
    HOW LONG DO YOU INTEND STAYING? ____________?
    WHEN DO YOU INTEND MOVING IN?______________?
    IF YOU HAVE A PET,
    NAME OF PET: _____________?
    KIND OF PETS: _____________?
    HABITS
    DO YOU SMOKE ______________ ?
    DO YOU DRINK ______________?
    DO YOU WORK LATE NIGHT?____?

  19. tiger 15 January 2012 at 5:07 am Permalink

    when Craigslist starts charging for people to place ads – there will be a dramatic drop in scams – even if they charge a dollar to place an ad

    Craigslist has become a haven for thieves and people still don’t get it

    If it sounds too good to be true it is

    Hell I am scared to post my ad for business on it anymore as I am afraid if I show up to do some work I will get robbed or killed

    People be very careful when dealing with Craigslist ads and responses -

  20. michele 17 January 2012 at 5:03 pm Permalink

    I received the same email from a man in Nigeria, I cant believe he used Christianity to scam, be cruel, and to be so dishonest.
    needless to say, he got me..I did not send him any money but he has our names and date of birth…I am so stupid and gullible.. here is the email he sent me.

    Hello,

    Sorry for late reply Thanks for your email and interest in renting my house..I am the owner of the house you are making inquiry of…Actually I resided in the house with my family before and presently we have moved out due to my transfer from my work now in Warsaw , Poland . Presently my house is still available for rent for $700(rent already includes utilities).More so Now, i am currently in Lagos , Nigeria for an international Christian follower’s crusade.

    Please i want you to note that i spent a lot on my property that i want to give to you for rent,so i will solicit for your absolute maintenance of this house and want you to treat it as your own, It is not the money that is the main problem but i want you to keep it tidy all the time so that i will be glad to see it neat when i come for a check up. I will like to let you know that i initially wanted to sell the house but my wife advised i rent it out to responsible people who could take very good care of it. I also want you to let me have trust in you as i always stand on my word.

    Monthly Rent: $700
    Security Deposit Is $700
    Total move in cost:$1400
    Utilities are included in the rent.
    Minimum rental: 1 month
    Maximum rental: 6 years or more.

    Property Address:(211 South Bonham Avenue, Cleveland TX 77327)

    It has a dramatic entry foyer with ceramic floor. Extremely spacious rooms throughout with lots of big windows…nice and light! New neutral paint and some newer carpet..Very quiet, low traffic area. Appliances included are washer, dryer, oven,dishwasher, new fridge (7/07)…Utilities include Water,Trash,Sewer,Gas and electric.

    MOST RECENT INFORMATION.

    3 Bedrooms
    1,232 sqft
    Unspecified
    Rent: $700

    SO IF YOU ARE REALLY INTERESTED I WILL WANT YOU TO FILL THE

    RENT APPLICATION FORM BELOW

    RENT APPLICATION FORM..

    FIRST NAME:__________?
    MIDDLE NAME:__________?
    LAST NAME:__________?
    DATE OF BIRTH:_________?
    PROFESSION:__________?
    PHONE:|________________?
    (CELL)PHONE__________?
    (WORK)PHONE__________?
    (HOME)PHONE__________?
    KIDS_____ (YES/NO), HOW MANY________
    PRESENT ADDRESS:_____________________
    CITY:_______________
    STATE:______________
    ZIP CODE:____________
    HOW LONG?___________IF RENTING
    WHY ARE YOU LEAVING__________?
    IF THIS HOUSE IS BEING GIVEN TO YOU,
    HOW LONG DO YOU INTEND STAYING?____________?
    HOW SOON IS YOUR MOVING COST READY?___________?
    WHEN DO YOU INTEND MOVING IN?______________?
    IF YOU HAVE A PET,
    NAME OF PET:_____________?
    KIND OF PETS:_____________?
    HABITS____?

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

    The house is available for rent at the moment so you are free to move in as soon as you wish to…The security deposit is also required before moving in…..Feel free to call me for more information and arrangements on how to get the keys and other necessary documents delivered to you…The house will be available for rent for a period of 4 years so you have a choice of deciding how long you intend staying there…

    You can call me anytime on (011-234-708-661-6517 or +234-708-661-6517)..

    Regards and Remain Blessed

    Precious Moore

  21. Amy 20 January 2012 at 5:34 am Permalink

    This happened to us over here in Port Clinton, OH. We actually called him and asked him what the area was like and he had no response. Then we asked what other cities were near it, and he hung up. Why do people do this?! So stupid. We also contacted the realtor that has the house for sale. I don’t think there is anything they can do though unfortunately.

  22. Erica 22 January 2012 at 3:53 pm Permalink

    We just emailed a person in North Carolina for this ad on craigslist and got the same response, something told me to google it and I am so glad I did. I would assume this is a group of people doing this and not just one person? How scary, we did not send anything back my husband deleted the message, nothing can be done since craigslist does warn you about scams on the site! Im creeped out!

  23. j.davis 22 January 2012 at 3:55 pm Permalink

    I also received this offer for a house at 5310the broad st in Louisa va. He said his name is Robert cheeseman. This is the owners name but after searching this name I found the real owner. A 67 year old man who still lives in the house but has it for sale. Do some research. You can find anything out on the internet.

  24. Keisha Cleveland 25 January 2012 at 8:25 am Permalink

    I got the same email but he claims his name is schwartz nathan and claiming the amoutn for rent is 700 3bdr with a deposit fo 700, in additon the address he posted is 3133 Menzola Dr Columbus, OH 43228, thank you Lord for discernment, I immediately recalled my response message and deleted.

  25. Chris 28 January 2012 at 11:00 pm Permalink

    Scammer is still alive and kicking. He just tried to impersonate me today. Here’s his e-mail: House Rent

    Thanks for your email and interest in renting my house…I was planning to sell the property before now but we couldn’t get a good and reliable buyer on time that is why I change my mind, we decided to rent it out because of love for humanity and so we can assist people, that is why I made the house so inexpensive because I believe everybody deserves a home both the rich and the poor…I am Daniel Breidenbach, the owner of the property you are making enquirer of…Actually I resided in the house with my family (my wife and my only daughter) and presently we have moved out due to my work transfer now in Warsaw,Poland.Presently my house is still available for rent for $800 SUD (rent already includes utilities)More so Now, I’m currently in Toledo Ohio for an international Christian follower’s crusade. Pls I want you to note that,I am a kind, honest and trustworthy man and also I spent a lot on my property that I want to give to you for rent,so i will solicit for your absolute a intenance of this house and want you to treat it as your own, It is not the money that is the main problem but I want you to keep it tidy all the time so that I will be glad to see it neat when I come for a check up.I also want you to let me have trust in you as I always stand on my word. This is the address of the House: It has a Lovely home in a nice Lacuna neighborhood. Conveniently located with nearby shopping centers, hospitals, free ways and public transportation. This is a must see. Amenities W/D Hookups Central Heat & A/C Granite Tiled Fireplace Ceiling Fans Vaulted Ceilings Cable Available Broadband Available Custom Drapes in Living Room, Dining Room, & Master Bedroom Blinds SO IF YOU ARE REALLY INTERESTED I WILL WANT YOU TO FILL THE RENT APPLICATION FORM BELOW RENT APPLICATION FORM.
    FIRST NAME:__________?
    MIDDLE NAME:__________?
    LAST NAME:__________?
    PROFESSION:__________?
    PHONE:
    (CELL)PHONE__________?
    (WORK)PHONE__________?
    (HOME)PHONE__________?
    KIDS_____ (YES/NO), HOW MANY________
    PRESENT ADDRESS:_____________________
    CITY:_______________
    STATE:______________
    ZIP CODE:____________
    HOW LONG?___________IF RENTING
    WHY ARE YOU LEAVING__________?
    IF THIS HOUSE IS BEING GIVEN TO YOU,
    HOW LONG DO YOU INTEND STAYING? ____________?
    WHEN DO YOU INTEND MOVING IN?______________?
    IF YOU HAVE A PET,
    NAME OF PET:_____________?
    KIND OF PETS:_____________?
    HABITS
    DO YOU SMOKE______________ ?
    DO YOU DRINK______________?
    DO YOU WORK LATE NIGHT?____?
    Looking forward to 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,please we are giving you all this based on trust and again i will want you to stick to your words,you know that we have not seen yet and only putting everything into Gods hands,so please do not let us down in this our property and God bless you more as you do this…

    The house is available for rent at the moment so you are free to move in as soon as you wish to…A Deposit of $800(which happens to be the first months rent) is required before moving in..

    The house will be available for rent for a period of 4 years so you have a choice of deciding how long you intend staying there..

  26. Heather 6 February 2012 at 6:03 am Permalink

    I am looking for a place in arizona and I just got this same email back I new quickley it was a scam I have a baby and cant believe we as amaericans are letting people like this try to rip us off it makes me angry!

  27. Cassidy 9 February 2012 at 9:43 am Permalink

    Thanks Google search!! I have the same email!

    Thanks for your email and interest in renting my house..I am Robert J Phillips, the owner of the house you are making inquiry of…Actually I resided in the house with my family, my wife and my only daughter before and presently we have moved out due to my transfer from my work now in Warsaw,Poland. Presently my house is still available for rent for $900 USD (rent already includes utilities).More so Now, i’m currently in the ( West African )for an international Christian follower’s crusade. Pls i want you to note that i spent a lot on my property that i want to give to you for rent,so i will solicit for your absolute maintenance of this house and want you to treat it as your own, It is not the money that is the main problem but i want you to keep it tidy all the time so that i will be glad to see it neat when i come for a check up.I also want you to let me have trust in you as i always stand on my word..

    This is the address of the House (1526 Eagle Lane, El Cajon, CA 92020).

    It has a dramatic entry foyer with ceramic floor. Extremely spacious rooms throughout with lots of big windows…nice and light! New neutral paint and some newer carpet…..Very quiet, low traffic area. New fridge I believe its absolutely a perfect home for you and your family.Utilities include Water,Trash,Sewer,Gas Etc….

    SO IF YOU ARE REALLY INTERESTED I WILL WANT YOU TO FILL THE RENT APPLICATION FORM BELOW.

    RENT APPLICATION FORM FIRST NAME:__________________ MIDDLE NAME: _________________ LAST NAME: __________________ PROFESSION: ________________ PHONE (____) __________ (CELL)PHONE (____) __________ (WORK)PHONE (____) __________ (HOME) KIDS _____ (YES/NO), HOW MANY ________ PRESENT ADDRESS: _____________________ CITY: _______________ STATE: ______________ ZIP CODE: ____________ HOW LONG? ___________IF RENTING WHY ARE YOU LEAVING? IF THIS APARTMENT IS BEING GIVEN TO YOU, HOW LONG DO YOU INTEND STAYING? ____________ WHEN DO YOU INTEND MOVING IN? ______________ IF YOU HAVE A PET, NAME OF PET: _____________ KIND OF PETS: _____________ HABITS DO YOU SMOKE? ______________ DO YOU DRINK? ______________ DO YOU WORK LATE NIGHT? ____ HOW SOON CAN YOU HAVE THE PAYMENT SENT______________

    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,please we are giving you all this based on trust and again i will want you to stick to your words,you know that we have not seen yet and only putting everything into Gods hands,so please do not let us down in this our property and God bless you more as you do this… The house is available for rent at the moment so you are free to move in as soon as you wish to…A Deposit of $600 (which happens to be the security deposit) is required before moving in…Feel free to call at (+2348028562628) me for more information and arrangements on how to get the keys and other necessary documents delivered to you…The house will be available for rent for a period of 4 years so you have a choice of deciding how long you intend staying there…

    God Bless.

    Robert J Phillips….

  28. drucilla 9 February 2012 at 3:21 pm Permalink

    I got the same msg. But I emailed several ads so I Also got this one which is similar and clearly a scam.

    > On Feb 9, 2012 5:17 PM, “Great Family” wrote:
    >>
    >> Thanks for your email, I personally own the house, we want our property to be well taken good care of, and they are some rules and regulation in which i do give out to my tenant if they are willing to rent my house, so please don’t disrespect my order ,but if you are still capable of renting my house the rules and regulation goes this way. You must keep my house clean including the surrounding, you must know the way in which you use the stove so as to avoid fire outbreak,you must not disturb the neighbor. We decided to rent out the property due to our transfer to (West Africa) on a Missionary Work because, in a church here named World Mission Center, so we are renting it out since we need someone to take good care of the property on my absent.
    >>  
    >> Have this in mind you must know the kind of person that i am,but nevertheless i am giving you this rules because of what corresponded between me and my last tenant. the keys and documents are with us here in West Africa… so i will need to ship them to you before you can occupy the house but you can drive by the house anytime to take a look, so let me know if you are still interested and get back to me with the  the Rental Application Form filled as soon as you get back from the location..
    >>  
    >> Below Is The Address Of My House
    >>  
    >> Pets are welcome!!!
    >>  
    >> Month rent:$800
    >>  
    >> Deposit: $600
    >>  
    >> Totals Cost To Move In: $1,400
    >>  
    >> Street Address: 6863 Kempster Lane, Fontana CA 92336
    >>
    >> we will be staying in west Africa for 5years.,And The Utilities are all included,All New Stainless Steel Appliances:
    >> Double doors Refrigerator, Dishwasher,
    >> Gas Range,
    >> Microwave/Convection Oven Combo,
    >> Full Size Convection Oven
    >> Garbage Compactor
    >> Large oversized Master Bedroom with Walk-in cl Open-style Dining, Living room with cozy wood burning Fireplace
    >> New interior Paint and Carpet
    >> Indoor Laundry room with Washer and Dryer
    >>  
    >>             *****RENT APPLICATION FORM *****
    >> Full Name ?    
    >>  
    >> Home Phone  ?
    >>  
    >> Cell Phone  ?
    >>  
    >> Date of Birth   ?
    >>  
    >> Current Address ?
    >>  
    >> Are you married ?
    >>  
    >> How many people will be living in the house ?
    >>  
    >> Do you have a pet ?
    >>  
    >> Do you have a car ?
    >>  
    >> Occupation  ?
    >>  
    >> Move In Date ?
    >>  
    >> A picture of occupant ?
    >>  
    >> How soon can you make the payment ?
    >>  
    >> How soon do you want to receive the keys and the document ?
    >>  
    >> Are you okay with the rent and deposit ?
    >>  
    >> You can go take a look at the house and get back to me with the rental application form so that we can proceed further.
    >> Here is my contact cell phone number (011 2348174367240  or +2348174367240)
    >>
    >> Amber Young
    >> Thanks And God Bless.

  29. wsweetiepie 10 February 2012 at 4:33 am Permalink

    I am very glad that I googled the christian follower’s crusade. I was looking on Craigslist at the houses for rent and found this way too good to be true listing. I thought right off that it was probably listed wrong but I emailed anyway. Figured if it was incorrect that at least the person would know and they could fix it. Not long after the e-mail i sent, the listing was removed from Craigslist. So naturally I figured it was wrong to begin with. Then this morning I had an e-mail from the “owner”. After reading it, I decided to google the address and the christina follower’s crusade. The house is listed on a realtor’s website for almost 3 times the amount of rent that this guy claimed to be renting it for. People like this guy make me absolutely sick. If you see a listing like this on Craigslist or anywhere else for that matter please just leave it alone. I am so very glad that I did the google search that I did.


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