There is a rental scam being perpetrated on Craigslist.The perpetrator goes by the name Mary at mary_hartkins5@yahoo.com. The scammer clones (copies and pastes) somebody else’ s listing for sale with their pictures, without their knowledge,permission or authority. The scammer then puts the for sale listing up for rent at a very low price under mary_hartkins5@yahoo.com. The scammer does not provide a phone #, just the above e-mail address. When a unsuspecting victim inquires they receive the following e-mail;
I just joined my husband whom has been on a ship building contract with nigerdock plc.Nigeria www.nigerdock..com.I flew down to the country with our 4 year old daughter and we are going to be here till his project is concluded so we want the place occupied asap.
We initially anted to sell but we later changed our minds and wanting to rent now and looking for someone to move in asap,the place was newly renovated and is sparkling clean.
For now we are looking at a 1 or 2 year lease or rather lets know how long you wish to stay,just get back to me so i can know your plans and intentions as we want someone whom will take absolute care of the apartment.
Mary.
The next step Mary will ask the victim to wire her a deposit, and or rent. The victim has now been scammed. Unfortunately, craigslist has been slow to remove the fraudulent posting. SO BEWARE!