Scams on Craigs list beware

It's never-ending and I flag them all the time while I sometimes have fun wasting their time by sending them requests for all sorts of information. On occasion I've kept them going for a long series of emails before getting bored. Obvious give-aways are references to "close proximity to highways and parks", "heating", or of course a completely furnished 3BR 3BA with a full laundry, enclosed yard and everything included for $700/month. Ask them to send photos for a huge laugh and always ask for a physical address. You'll get back a legitimate sounding local address and when you google it will find it's a local home listed for sale by a real estate agent, a luxury vacation rental or a local business address. The usual first response is that the advertiser has been either called away to work in a hospital in England or to spread God's word in some far away location, "but we want you to love our home as we do and give us all the requested information so we can arrange to send you the keys" (money request comes later).

The bottom line is that you shouldn't in any event take ANYTHING sight unseen. There are plenty of apartments available all over the island(s) and particularly on STT and STX. Plan to spend your first week in a B&B or short term rental, rent a car, find your way around and look at everything that's available.

You are right on, even after warning people some still get taken in especially on vacation rentals it seems. Craigs list what can i say, if as a owner i would include pictures, price, and info this would cut down on useless e mails. Without this info i normally do not respond to your adds. This message board has been a great help looking forward to our relocation, planning on a one to two year stay, possibly longer.

Why is close proximity to highway/park a tipoff of a scam?

Because, except for a 5-mile span on STX, we have NO highways. And very few parks. Lots of beaches thou.

The personal ads give me a good laugh on Craigs List. And some have graphic photos and descriptions. Not a place to find a mate.

I love how oldtart plays with them, kinda makes me wish i could find a scammer and play too

Scambaiting is a big hobby!

An article on the subject: http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=7688138

From http://www.419eater.com/index.php: "So what is scambaiting? Well, put simply, you enter into a dialogue with scammers, simply to waste their time and resources. Whilst you are doing this, you will be helping to keep the scammers away from real potential victims and screwing around with the minds of deserving thieves."

I love it! Wish I had the time to Scambait:@)

Darn, I didn't realize it was a recognized hobby! There was a good one on craigslist today - a 1400sq ft apartment in STT for $600. Fully furnished with all appliances (and "geyser") and close to the Metro station. That last really pulled me in as you can't beat that sort of location ...

We could all join in on a bidding war & get the scammer all excited!

We have decided our dream home must have a Geyser, heated floors, central heat and be near the Metro station, also the view must have a high rise building blocking our view. If you have or know of a rental like this please let us know we are very interested. The owner must send me a deposit by Western Union for us to consider there rental. PS its snowing here in Valdez Alaska

Well for only $500 per month you can stay in my 2 bedroom / 2 bath guest house. Have access to my little red sports car, protected by my two Dobermans, and have a stuffy English Butler to annoy.
Send money to
Robbin Masters ESQ.

OH wait, sorry, that place is on Maui.:D

We have decided our dream home must have a Geyser, heated floors, central heat and be near the Metro station, also the view must have a high rise building blocking our view. If you have or know of a rental like this please let us know we are very interested. The owner must send me a deposit by Western Union for us to consider there rental. PS its snowing here in Valdez Alaska

LOL! :@)

I love it! Wish I had the time to Scambait:@)

Sometimes when I'm bored I will Scambait the 419 scammers that send me emails (I don't know how they get my email address :S ).
It is fun 😀

Scams on Craigslist! 1999 called they'd like their headline back.

I constantly get requests from people coming for a retreat or church convention. Thye need 4 rooms for 10 days. They list the names as Mr. or Mrs. as they go. Depends on how I feel is how I answer I guess I Spambait and didn't realize it. My usual answer is "sorry, I do not have any rooms at that time, I hear Nigeria is nice that time of year, try there." Another time I told a guy I was tired of their f***ing Nigerian scams. He responded he wasn't Nigerian!! old me a guy gotta do what a guy gotta do! Most times I delete.

We had a geyser last week when the line to my water heater broke.