Why are there so many scams on Craigslist???

[Bong477]

Why are there so many scams on Craigslist???

In summary... because its free. And yes, people do fall for these scams.

When you use craigslist, you basically have to assume the person you are dealing with is a scammer until proven otherwise. Fortunately, its pretty easy to weed out the legit from the fake.

Good luck!

[XRiteMA98]

I always post on CL when I am looking to rent my house. I put pics and ask only serious people to reply. Usully people respond via email. It's easy to figure out who is genuinely interested and who is not. I reply to them via email and then we talk on the phone and meet in person. Do not believe that all people who post on CL are bogus. I am not.

[Hopes]

Originally Posted by XRiteMA98

It's easy to figure out who is genuinely interested and who is not.

I'm using this quote as a jumping point for advice to the OP.

To portray genuine interest without giving phone and full name, it's probably best to write the email like a cover letter. It's your one chance to sell yourself. Share details about family, work, etc., without giving identity, and highlights stability.

If relevant, mention how long you've been married (stability), how many children (gives a picture of the family), that you homeschool (you care about your kids), you have X years working in X industry or profession (stability), how long you've lived at your current place (stability if over a year), that you're looking for a long-term place to raise your family (stability, long term tenant potential), the location is perfect for X reasons (butters up the landlord and validates your long term tenant potential), close with looking forward to a response, talking and meeting soon, etc.

Like a cover letter, just write a really good one and then change the details to fit the location of each property. Chances are they won't respond if it's already rented, but if they do ask they have other properties that may be available soon or if they know other landlords that might have properties that would fit your needs. Same with the ones you talk to on the phone. It never hurts to askl.

[Homewood_Resident-15208]

Originally Posted by XRiteMA98

I always post on CL when I am looking to rent my house. I put pics and ask only serious people to reply. Usully people respond via email. It's easy to figure out who is genuinely interested and who is not. I reply to them via email and then we talk on the phone and meet in person. Do not believe that all people who post on CL are bogus. I am not.

I wish it was all that easy.. I have about six emails for example this one here.... Moderator cut: I don't know how you figured it's ok to post it here, but it's not

[XRiteMA98]

Well why don;t you tell us in your own words what they are saying. I have no idea how you can;t figure out who is serious. If in doubt reply to their email and ask more questions.

[Hopes]

Originally Posted by XRiteMA98

Well why don;t you tell us in your own words what they are saying. I have no idea how you can;t figure out who is serious. If in doubt reply to their email and ask more questions.

I saw the post before it was edited. It was one of those typical Nigerian scam emails. Homewood Resident isn't confused at all about who is serious. He knows it's a scam. That's his point of this thread. Those are the type of email responses he is getting. The legit ones aren't responding to his inquiries. My girlfriend got tons of them too when she was searching for a rental in Pittsburgh. Craig's List is full of scams. If you were looking for a house to rent, you'd find out quickly.

[Homewood_Resident-15208]

Sorry, to the Mod I didn't read the rules honestly. Hopes is correct the emails that I have been getting are the same types of Nigerian Scams. They even gotten smart enough to use google voice number but dumb enough to try and pass it on me lol..