Negotiating a sublet agreement and payment over a distance (apartment, lease, tenant)

[nicolash]

I am a tenant trying to arrange a sublet via craigslist. I live very far away from the property and will not be in the area until a few days before the lease begins. I have received a copy of the Sublease Agreement that those currently living there want me to sign. They asked me to mail them a post-dated check for the first month's rent but I feel uncomfortable with this. In the past I have always dealt with these situations in person. I usually pay with cash. I am also aware that many banks will cash a post-dated check early. How are these transactions normally handled under these circumstances? Is there anything that I should be suspicious of about this? How should I protect myself while satisfying their need for assurance that I will actually go through with renting the room?

[STT Resident]

Craigslist scams are notorious and from what you're describing you're being classically scammed. Under no circumstances send a cheque. Find a temporary spot in a hotel/motel and then find your way around the new area and see what's being offered up front. Never take an apartment sight unseen and learn about subleases too. Yes, you should be suspicious. Walk away from it.

[SouthernBelleInUtah]

You would also need a copy of their lease with the landlord to ensure they are allowed to sub-lease and that you know what the provisions of the master lease are.