Rental Scammer: [email protected]

Name used: Justin Salcedo
Email used: [email protected]
Listing: http://losangeles.craigslist.org/sgv/ap ... 86413.html

After numerous emails from "Justin Salcedo" who claimed to own a property in West Covina, he asked me to Western Union him a full security deposit and pet deposit (which amounted to over a thousand dollars) without seeing him or the property in person. At first I thought the Craigslist listing was for a *room* in the house, but he claimed to want to rent the *entire* house way below market value. Long story short, I ended up driving by the property and calling the Realtor number posted outside the home. She informed me that the owner did in fact want to sell (not rent) and there were currently multiple offers on the property. One phone call and this guy was revealed as a scam.

Hello,

Thanks for the email.

The House is still available and will only be given out to the right person that will take very good care of the place and the facilities.

I have really decided to give out the house as a result of our work transfer to Alabama

I will be renting out the house for $650 (Including Utilities) water,gas,electricity and garbage and a security deposit of $700 (refundable) $200 for each pet as pet deposit (negotiable) and I need to inform you as well that money is not the major reason why I am renting it out but want someone who can take care of it as if he/she owns it.

The Address of the property is : Address 1322 W Eckerman Ave West Covina, CA 91790

I was actually working with a Realtor earlier but noticed he increased the rent more than i expected so i told him i was going to get a new tenant myself because the way he increased the rent and deposit, the renters can't afford it and it can even scare tenants away more so, with that act, the house will be vacant for long that is why the house is still vacant till now.

So i have decided to rent it out myself that is why you can see the advert in craigslist. But he still have the sign outside.

But if you are willing to work with my situation, let me know so that we can discuss the rent further.

Cheers

Justin Salcedo

I asked what he needed taken care of on the property:

Hello,

Many thanks for your mail.

Do not worry if any repair arose, but you will have to take charge if anything like that comes up and then send me the bill and then i will reimburse you back from the next month rent

Please be sure to fill out the rental application form so that we can start necessary paper works

After submitting non personal information:

I have looked through your rent application and it is well filled out also i want you to tell me how related you are to your references....as you know the house is worth a whole lot more than what i am renting it out for and i just hope that you can take good care of the house while i am away..i am not renting out the house because of the money rather i am renting because i need someone who can stay in the house conveniently,pay my rent with ease, and take good care of the house i would appreciate it if you can work with me on this one so i can get to send the necessary keys and documents to you asap.I spoke with my wife about this and we thought it would be good if you can make Security & Pet deposit through western union tomorrow morning to my Sister (I would have loved money to come to me directly but i work on an Oil rig and cannot confirm any payment here so she will be the one to confirm your payment and send the keys and also i would have loved you to make payments into my bank account directly as i bank with bank of America but i have a lot of money in that account to give it foolishly without been totally sure if you are looking to rent the house) he can get to overnight to you and i will give you the tracking number for parcel as soon as it is sent.this is also because we want to give you an avenue to move your things into the house gradually without any rush prior to your final move in date.i would send the payment information on your request for it

Thank you

Justin Salcedo