At Van Blake-Coleman Realty we have used Craigslist for years to market rentals. Today I became aware that a property we represent, for sale, was being advertised by a scammer on Craigslist for rent. It was called to my attention by a young lady who was hoping to find a deal but was smart enough to recognize when a deal was too good to be true.
What disgusted me most was the unconscionable manner in which the scammer tried to lure their victims using: realgracerent@givingheartmission.com, really?!!! Targeting those who are religiously orientated. Scum of the earth is the only way I can describe this low life, person.
This person advertised a three bedroom two bathroom home for rent for $850 a month, not likely to happen on St. Thomas. Many people have been displaced by the hurricanes and faced with rebuilding their own homes, they are looking for inexpensive rentals.
Further this scammer claimed to be hearing impared so could not be contacted by phone but if you sent funds he would make arrangement for you to get the keys. Never do this.
This particularly bright young lady, did her research and found our listing of this home for sale and gave me a call.
Please be aware, if it sounds too good to be true it probably is. Unfortunately, some people are taken in by these scams. The scammer has been reported to Craigslist.
I did not reach out to these people, yet they contacted my e-mail with the message below. So they are also scrapping people's information who view the post. Again they are using God as a means of connection (securing that special place in Hell for them) As, well as gathering a lot of personal information.
Hello,
Thanks for your inquiry about my house, I own the house (4Kb-3 Fortuna We, Saint Thomas, VI 00802, 3 beds 2 baths 1,800 sqft, and it is currently available for rent, The monthly rent is $850 but the total move-in cost is $1700 which include the refundable security deposit of $850, only in the first month.. The house is in a perfect condition with recent updates so you would have no regret renting it. I am looking for a responsible tenant who would take proper care of the house, pets are allow as long as they are not destructive, also Utilities are included in the rent.
I have decided to rent the house because my family and Myself just traveled to Louisa, KY on an evangelical mission involving in several projects basically helping the less privileged youths, deaf and dumb in reshaping their world for a better living., we are going to spend a period of 3 to 4 years here., I am hearing impaired and I must confess I am very new in this landlord business. Pets are allowed as long as they are not destructive and also Utilities such as Water, Trash Collection and Internet and Cable TV have all been included in the monthly rent. You will only be responsible for Electricity as the case may be.. I am a very busy person and would prefer text but i can call you back if needed (509) 262-5911 and i also check my email often. Feel free to contact me via email or text for further inquiries.
You can drive-by to view the outside and neighborhood of the house and If you are really interested in renting my home then answer the rental application questions below and get back to me as soon as you fill the application. I can guarantee you that this is a great House so looking forward to a future collaboration and friendship. Please note that you will only be able to drive by the House for now but can't have a look at the interior until I have sent the keys and documents of the House to you.
They are also scrapping from the ad, I did not attempt to contact them they sent the following information to my e-mail address.
RENT QUESTIONNAIRE
FIRST NAME:__________
MIDDLE NAME:__________
LAST NAME:__________
SEX:__________
AGE:__________
PROFESSION:__________
MONTHLY INCOME:_________
(CELL)PHONE__________
(HOME)PHONE__________
EMPLOYMENT INFORMATION CURRENT EMPLOYER__________
EMPLOYER ADDRESS__________
(WORK)PHONE__________
KIDS _____ (YES/NO), HOW MANY:________
DO YOU HAVE A CAR____(YES/NO), HOW MANY:________
HOW MANY PEOPLE WILL BE LIVING IN THE HOUSE:__________
PRESENT ADDRESS:_____________________
WHY ARE YOU LEAVING YOUR PRESENT HOME:__________
CURRENT LANDLORD NAME AND PHONE NUMBER:__________________
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:____
DO YOU AGREE TO PAY DEPOSIT TO SHIP OUT THE KEYS TO YOU:______________
WHEN DO YOU WANT THE KEYS AND DOCUMENTS OF THE HOUSE SENT TO YOU:____________
REFERENCES:
Looking forward to hearing back from you with all this details so that i can have them in my file in case of issuing your rent payment receipt to you and for contacting you. Your quick response will be highly appreciated so that we can discuss on how to get the documents and the keys of my property to you. May GOD bless you and your family.
Regards
Mr And Mrs Maynard
