[email protected]

I went on a scamming hunt and posted a fake add on Craigslist posing as an international student looking for a rental place and here are the emails I received from the "owner". It's not the usual scripted emails but I did a search on the address and the pictures they attached and everything did not add up.

1st Email:

From: kellywood2011 [email protected]
Date: Thu, Sept 15, 2011

I have a good looking Apartment in Melbourne which am willing to let
out at a reasonable price, which i believe you will love it when you
see the pictures and the location of the Apartment. The pictures of
the Apartment will be sent to you upon request. Let me know were you
coming from and if you are coming with families. The rent P/Month will
$400 with Bills.
Hope to read from you soon.

Sincerely.

Wood

2nd Email after registering interest:

From: Kelly Wood [email protected]
Date: Thu, Sept 15, 2011

Hello

Here is the address of the Apartment, Redan Street, St Kilda, 3182
Melbourne. The flat is so close to Albert Park, and easy access to
major events, such as the Australian Grand Prix. Walking distance to
super market museum cinema, and grossly, side attractions are not left
out. Nearby Train stations South Yarra Train Station 2.4 km Jolimont
Train Station 4.9 km Prahran Station 1.2 km Airport Tullamarine (MEL)
24.5 km Avalon Airport (AVV) 49.5 km. Where are you coming from?

Looking forward to your reply.

Regards.

Wood

Anyone who knows or lives in Melbourne knows that this is all bull, but the scammers don't know that I'm not actually an international student. Besides, the closest train station is Windsor Station at 700 mts and it is definitely longer than 24.5 km to the airport!

The writing does suggest African, and one would expect the owner to be familiar with the geography around their own apartment, so this certainly looks scammish.

Did you take this any further, to the point of a money request? It is always good to have the money request scripts as well.

No, I haven't gotten to the money request yet. The scammer seems to be taking their time. I am trying to get the scammer to move forward with the money request by planting the fear of losing me as a potential renter. I will see if they reply and if they do, I will post it up.

Here are some more emails I just got from her:

I have attached the Contract form and the picture of me and wife. Am
sorry i will like payment to be handle by me First Daughter in U.S.

Here is her info

Name: sherry logan

Address: 1154 billy's lane HALIFAX, VA 24558

Once payment is confirm you don't have a problem.

Hope to hear from you soon.

Regards.

Kelly

RENTAL AGREEMENT

This rental agreement identified below is entered into by and between the Landlord and Tenant on the following terms and conditions:

1. Parties:

Tenant:

Current address: ______________________________________



Landlord: _________________________

Current address: ______________________________________


2. Rental object/address: ______________________________________

______________________________________
3. Term:

The term of this rental agreement shall be ________________. The first day of the rental agreement term is ________________ and the last day is _________________.

4. Rentals:

Rent is payable at ______ ($) per month to be paid in advance before the first day of each month to the Landlord during the term of this rental agreement.

5. Obligations of Tenant:

Tenant agrees to

a) keep the premises in clean and tenantable condition and in as good repair as in the beginning of the rental agreement term, normal wear and tear excepted,

b) not to make or permit use of the premises for any unlawful purpose,

c) unless written consent by Landlord, not alter or redecorate the premises,

d) vacate the premises no later then the last day of the rental agreement term.



6. Obligations of Landlord:

Landlord agrees to

a) make the premises available and accessible to the Tenant no later then the first day of the rental agreement term.

7. Breach of rental agreement

If Tenant should fail to perform any of the terms of this agreement, Landlord should give Tenant written notice of this breach requiring Tenant to remedy the breach or vacate the premises on a date at least two (2) weeks after the giving of such notice.

8. Early termination of rental agreement by Tenant or Landlord

Tenant must give Landlord written notice at least two (2) months in advance if he wishes to terminate the rental agreement before the end of the agreed rental term (as stipulated under section 3).

When Tenant is not in breach of this rental agreement, Landlord must give Tenant written notice at least two (2) months in advance if he wishes to terminate the rental agreement before the end of the agreed rental term (as stipulated under section 3).

9. Entire agreement

No modification, alteration, amendment, change or addition to this rental agreement shall be binding unless contained in a writing signed by both parties.


The parties have executed this rental agreement on (date) ____________________.

Signed:

Landlord Tenant

______________________________ _______________________________

Obviously she asks me to send money via Western Union and to get back to her with MTCN name and address of sender, but I DON'T THINK SO!