Rental Scam --Chicago [email protected]

Friend and I were looking for a rental. Found this little scam:

Thanks for the prompt response.Our major concern is about the upkeep,we want to see the house tidy and clean whenever we are in town.We removed the ad from Craigslist because we have gotten enough response. There is also a large carpeted family room with wall mounted A/C,laundry closet with washer and dryer.

My husband and I was recently transferred to Arkansas on 6 years work permits to head our new Church branch in Jacksonville AR.We are both ministers of God.We wanted to sale the house but my husband have decided not sale it anymore so we are looking for a reliable person.

We have applied for permanent residence,so based on this fact we are looking for an honest and responsible person to occupy the house now that we are not around.Is month to month lease and you can live there for 1 to 5 years.

The yard work will be taken care of by you but any cost incurred shall be deducted from the monthly rent.My husband said that he would like to know you the more,so said you need to send your references. Feel free to call or text my husband on (419) 318-9686.The appalication is attach for the blow kindly Fill the application correctly and get back to us so that we may proceed with the final rental process.

Please Reply as soon as possible

Thanks and remain blessed
Meeks

Second email they sent:

Thanks for the prompt email.We are happy for your interest in our house but my major concern is about the up keeping when you move in.We are careful in selecting a clean and responsible person.When we first left our home in Iowa about 2 yrs ago we rented it out and the renters left trash in the shed and house was a mess, and then they took heater, fridge,etc.
The rent is $800 which includes all utilities and a refundable security deposit of $800.We require $1600 for the total move in.How many people will be living there?
You can pass by the house to take a look at the house and neighborhood from the outside,this is the address 1651 N Sawyer Ave, Chicago, IL 60647
Please Reply as soon as possible.
Thanks and remain blessed
Meeks

Third email (of course we got accepted!):

Acceptance

Hello



Thanks for the mail,

I am happy to hear from you ASAP your application has been noted to my file.

How ever, if you are ready to rent the house for now, that will not be a problem but we will advice you due To a responsible person like you,



to be able to afford The deposit fee now which is ($800) and also I will like to send you the keys and documentation to you through via DHL to the Address you provided to me and the tracking number will be Sent to you so that you can possible occupy our house as soon as possible or Immediately.

Here are the contents of the document.

1) Entrance and the rooms Keys

2) Paper/Permanent house form

3) Lease Agreement

4) Payment Receipt.



Once again, we are giving you this on trust and do not disappoint me and i promise you that you will love the House.



So I am with your information here with me and I will Like to know whether you are ready for the security deposit payment Please your full name and contact address is needed now because that is where me and my wife going to use to send the keys and Paper work of the apartment to you,Once you made the deposit payment.
I hope to hear from you soonest.

God Bless.
Please Reply as soon as possible

Thanks and remain blessed
Tammy Meeks.

The email they used was [email protected]

I hope this post helps anyone else who is communicating with these scammers!