Craigslist Rental Scam Alert

Our house was listed on Craigslist.org as a rental by scam artists from out of the country. I'm told they are probably based in Nigeria.

They just took the pictures and description from the real estate ad and listed the house for a ridiculously low rental price including utilities.

They email the interested parties with a story about how the owners are out of the country working on some charity and need to rent their beautiful home for 4+ years. They tell the people to come and look in my windows and that if they like it, they can have it, just mail the deposit and they will mail the keys. The people never get the keys.

My friend Mary's son sent $1000 for a waterfront condo that was another scam. The police said there was nothing they could do because he sent the money out of the country.

I feel so bad for the excited people coming to look at our house, thinking their dreams will come true, that they can lease a house in this desirable neighborhood for a low rent.

They even used my husbands name for the return email.

Here is an email they sent to someone interested in renting our house who recognized it as a scam and alerted us.:

Hello

Thanks for your keen interest in occupying my house,You should count yourself lucky to meet with this offer.Please note there's compulsory security deposit to move in and i need someone that is ready to take
good care of my house, the rent includes utilities(Water and sewer including
electricity, cable tv) and all amenities inside(Refrigerator, laundry,washer and dryer, ready for internet connection)..You can get back to me if you are truly interested.Just want to let you know that i
will be here for 4years and i have an intention of buying another home when i return but that should be in the nearest future. I intended selling the house but had to rethink that is the reason i looking for
a good tenant my self so i will not regret renting it. There is nobody there to walk you through the property that is reason i sent you the physical address in my first email so you will go see the house
from the outside and let me know if you truly love it so we
will discuss further. It is in a nice and secured neighborhood.
Rent $900
Security Deposit: $500
MONTH TO MONTH OR YEARLY IS ACCEPTABLE.
Below are the specifications: How ready are you to secure the house now? you know some others are interested but if you are ready to secure it then the screening will count. The house is available for you to
move in, so you need fill out this application for quick rental arrangement. As soon as i accept you as my tenant then we will discuss on the rent.
Kindly confirm your interest by filling the form below:
TENANT RENT APPLICATION

It goes on to ask for personal details from the applicant.