Is this a scam??

I got a response below by posting on craigslist about room mate wanted.


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Hello,
Just saw your ad and would be disposed to renting from you.
I was born in and raised in the UK 26 yrs ago. I'm a matured,
Vivacious, career driven individual, I don't smoke and drink on very
sparse occasions (probably won't even consume up to 5 liters in year)
which might be buoyed something very special like a job promotion or
maybe a best friend's wedding (lol).
I am also not opinionated and will never condemn anyone for their
sexual, religious inclinations or what so ever primordial variables.

I think the day we perceive ourselves beyond such clouts, there would be world peace and visceral love.
I plan on staying for at least 3 years minimum because my
work contract is for two years and I will be working for cross pole engineering. So I should be able to sign a year contract if there is
need for it.

Kindly respond to my e mail when you can.
Have a spectacular day

wood john
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And I asked him if he wants to visit us to check the room and I got the mail below.


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Hello,
I am happy you responded to my email and I look forward to coming over
to Canada by Jan 10 but I can be flexible to your plans.
My employer will be sending you payment for the first and last month
rent.
Also my shipper will be shipping my Honda 2009 model and other
Personal effects before I move into your place. I won’t be bringing much
over as I intend to buy most afresh there. But my PC will be coming
with me surely & other personal belongings. If this is ok with you,
kindly mail me back your name to make out the payment in & your
address to have it sent to. I will need your number so we can
talk.
I will be off to see my sick mum in the hospital who is due for surgery soon.
In case you want to get to me my number is +447031869281 and skype i.d
zagat.zagat1
I look forward to your response.
Yours Sincerely
John
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Do you think this is a scam?

It is definately a scam. The +4470 telephone number is a common red flag you're dealing with scammers - avoid anyone providing you such a number.

Hi intothewild. Welcome here and thanks for posting.
This is a definite scam. A cheque is sent for the deposit but it will be for more than the amount due.
You will be asked to send the overpayment to the shipper by money transfer such as Western Union
The cheque is fraudulent. Even if the bank tells you that it has cleared, they will eventually find that it is a fraud and you will be liable for any losses.

Below is a similar script that was used in 2009, possibly by the same scammer.
Note the request for payment at the end.

#1
Hello,
> I am interested in renting your place and here is a little info about
> myself. I am Jamie and I am 26 years old, at present I am based in the
> UK but will be relocating to your Province in a couple of weeks to
> settle.Consequent to this and in order to make settling in much easier
> and quicker I am searching for an accomodation early and I saw your
> add on the site and would be very happy if reservation for the place
> can be made.
> I can assure you that you will not have any regrets letting out this
> apartment to me as I am a very respectful and matured individual who
> values peoples opinions and also loves to be happy and make people
> happy( Happiness is a product of making someone happy).I am calm and
> collected by nature and I get along much easily with most people.
> Furthermore, I do not smoke and I drink very lightly.I will be coming
> over alone,with no family or pets.
> My reason for moving is because I have a new job offer and the pay is
> very good. I will be working as a DataBase Adminstrator for Delve I. T
> Corp.
> Please reply me as soon as you read this email.I ll be waiting to hear
> from you.Kindly contact me via email.
> Thank you once more
> Yours sincerely
> Jamie

#2
> Hello,
> I am happy you responded to my email and I look forward to coming over
> to Canada by June 27 but I can be flexible to your plans.
> My employer will be sending you payment for the first and last month
> rent($760).
> Also my shipper will be shipping my Honda 2008 model and other
> personal effects before I move into your place.I wont be bringing much
> over as I intend to buy most afresh there. But my PC will be coming
> with me surely & other personal belongings.If this is ok with you,
> kindly mail me back your name to make out the payment in & your
> address to have it sent to. I will be needing your number so we can
> talk.
> I will be off to see my sick mum in the hospital who is due for surgery soon.
> In case you want to get to me my number is +447024033015(skype i.d is
> good.lord2).
> I look forward to your response.
> Yours Sincerely
>
> Jamie

#3
Hello,
> My employer has sent payment to your location and I'll be sending you
> the details later. This will enable you know when it will arrive. I
> will appreciate if you notify me as soon as it does.
> This is the first time I will be traveling to North America and I
> believe articulating myself with the cultural change will not be
> difficult as people like you will make me settle in easily. In the UK
> majority of us are conservatives and I believe Canada is an
> environment with more liberal and free thinking individuals( and more
> Handsome blokes, LOL!!!).
> Facing new challenges and enhancing my skills will be first priority
> and I promise you that you will not regret ever renting the place out
> to me as I am a very matured and understanding person.
> Most importantly my shipper will be getting in touch with you
> regarding shipping of my Honda Accord (2009) to your place and I have
> given him your contact.His name is Andrew Whiff and he'll contact you
> by email.
> Yours sincerely
> Jamie

and this is the best one..
#4
Hello ,The unimaginable thing I feared most has happened to me.My motherpassed away yesterday night. I am the most distraught person on planetearth but there is need for me to gather mental, physical and spiritualstrenght at this trying moment. My mother is the catalyst behind all my present achievements and Ihave been 500% dependent on her for more future support.Why did shehave to go? Arrangements are being made and she will be laid to reston Sunday. I told my employer about the news and he has given hiscondolences.Also he told me to have patience with the payment(NATIONALBANK DRAFT) as it was sent via regular mail. He made a mistake of sending Andrew's(shipper) money along with your'sinstead of sending it seperately.What do we do about that? Pleaseadvise.
Jamie
PS: my moving plans still remain intact(July10)

The source of the above script can be seen here.

Thank you Michael and Con Warner!!!
I approciate your great help