Craigslist real estate scam

http://desmoines.craigslist.org/apa/3730887895.html

House in Des Moines, Beaverdale. The guy is "out of state", no one can show the apt., and we should send the deposit before getting the keys. Rambling email, no logical explanation. Is adamant he has to rent sight-unseen.

Incidentally, Mr. GM claims to be a missionary in Georgia. Hmmmm...

Scam, scam scam.

These are the worst people. I really hope no one falls for this crap. Awful.

Hello canadia22 and welcome to Scamwarners.

Yes, it is a scam. Please post the email address, the names he used and emails he sent you. This will help others when they search for information. Please remove your personal information.

The thief will tell you that you can rent his accommodation only if you can prove that you have genuine interest. He will ask you send money by wire transfer (normally Western Union) to yourself or a member of the family to show that you have sufficient finances and that you are not a "time waster".

Another variation of this scam is that you need to send (by Western Union) money in order that the keys and other documents can be couriered to you

He will ask you to send him the transfer details.

Make no mistake ! Western Union Transfers can be picked up virtually anywhere in the world and with the minimum of identification. They are almost impossible to trace once the money has been collected. You will never get to see the accommodation or your money again.

If you are reading this because you are looking for property to rent, and you are in contact with this thief you are probably searching Gumtree/Craigslist or similar listing sites. If you receive any requests from 'Landlords' asking for some kind of payment by Western Union before viewing, then it will also be a scam.