The craigslist scam has been around for years. Scammer steals photos from the MLS, puts up a craigslist ad for a house for rent (that is on the market) for a “it must be too good to be true” price. Think a $2500/month rental for $1,000/month.
We’ve all seen that. But this is new.
This is a new one sent to me by a friend. The following is the “seller’s” response to a request to see a property “for rent.” Note that the scammer is going to the County GIS (no longer available) site to find the seller’s name to lend an air of legitimacy to the scam.
I am (actual seller’s name) and thanks for showing interest in my property which is currently available. Please feel free to check with the property assessor to be sure you are dealing with the owner of the house, if you are not interested in moving anytime soon then this house is not for you as i am not looking to wait forever before renting it out, i posted this house on Craigslist for rent not because i am in need of money but to have someone live there and take good care of the house as if he/she own it. I got a new job in California and i wouldn’t want the house to be locked without no one living in there, i was working with a Realtor earlier but i noticed he inflated the rent and security deposit so i took the property off him and decided to rent it out myself and that was why i posted the advert. i am sure by now he would have removed his sign and if he hasn’t he will very soon.
I will be renting out the house for $895.00(Including Utilities) water,gas and garbage and a security deposit of $900.00(refundable) $200 for each pet as pet deposit (negotiable)please no aggressive pet.
THE ADDRESS OF THE PROPERTY IS :(address redacted) Charlottesville, VA 22903
The house has a washer and dryer with hookups , interior is clean and kitchen is perfect and equipped , home is in 100% condition.
Note: I am currently not dealing with any Realtor, any conversation or dealings with them is at your own risk. Our email conversations will be kept just in case of any unforeseen circumstance arises. So with being said i expect that you deal with me directly as the owner of the property. Lastly i do not want to waste each others time in reaching a reasonable conclusion about this property so i hope we can converse in timely manner and reach a conclusion soon enough.
If you are willing to work with my situation, let me know so that we can discuss the rent further, thanks,
-(actual seller name)
Watch out, folks. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
Interested in Learning More?
Jim Duncan has been helping buyers and sellers in Charlottesville’s neighborhoods for 25 years. Get local insight born of experience.
Dig Deeper
Revisiting the “0 to 5 Buyer is Gone” Post – 15 years later
Revisiting the “0-5 Buyer Is Gone” Theory We’re in a different market now. Some of the people who bought between 2021 and 2024 are trying to sell — and the ones who bought new construction, now competing against new construction, are having a hard time.…
A Charlottesville e-bike Success Story
I have an e-bike. I love my e-bike. I ride it to meetings all over the City of Charlottesville instead of driving my car. e-bikes are great. A friend got an e-bike. He loves his e-bike. He has a different perspective, and I asked him…
Flipping the Switch, Part 3: ADUs, Zoning, and the Practical Guide
Flipping the Switch, Part 3: ADUs, Zoning, and the Practical Guide Part 1 covered the data. Part 2 covered the design. This week: the regulatory landscape, the ADU reality check, and the practical checklist. The ADU Conversation Has Changed When I wrote about this in…
Happy Homeownership Day (on a bicycle)
A good day starts with a bike ride. A better day starts with a bike ride to meet clients for a final walkthrough of their first home. Smile, happiness, projects to be undertaken, projects to be planned, lives to be lived. It's a good day.…