Rental Scam- Mary Morgan- <[email protected]>

Hey ya'll, long time lurker, but felt I should register in order to warn everyone of another potential scam.

First, a little back story. I'm a college student currently living in a 3-bedroom house in Pullman, WA with only one roommate. We're looking for a third. Yesterday, I posted a CL ad seeking out a roommate, and so far the only reply came from a Ms. Mary Morgan. Now, I've seen that name multiple times on this site, so I think it's safe to assume it's a scam(especially based on our brief correspondence). Here is our brief convo:

Her initial inquiry:

Hola!
I would like to know if the place is still available for rent? Though, I have read the ad and I'm OK with it. but I will like to confirm the cost of deposit?? if the place is spacious? furnished? OR Unfurnished? Let me know as I'm willing to occupy with my own Furniture.


I await your email soon.

Mary..

Seems legit enough, despite being somewhat vague. Here is my reply:

Yes, it is still available.

I do not believe you will have to pay a deposit. I did not when I moved in back in Sept/Oct. Just the application fee.

Size wise it's not bad. Not huge by any means, but not bad for a 3 BR. The bedrooms are pretty decently sized. The one bathroom is a bummer, as it's pretty small and is up on the main floor.

It is furnished with mine and the absentee roommates stuff right now. The living room is kinda jam-packed as far as furniture goes.

Her reply is what made the scam obvious:

Hi,

I'm very pleased to know that the place is still available for rent
and I will like to take it.
Will like to tell you few about me and I will like to know more about
you too in your next email. My name is Mary, I’m in my 30's and
presently here in Con-roe, Texas over 6 years now with my mom, I don't
drink or smoke. I cycle and a bit of yoga. I play tennis and always
love to cook and bake, I'm single, easy going and friendly. I like
Music and have deep interests in traveling. I respect every religion
and love to hang around with people and I am definitely not a trouble
maker and very helpful in nature...I love kids, pets but I don't have
any.


I am relocating my antiques business and need to find a place before
the 18th of Feb. I am very interested in moving in ASAP and I will
like to rent the place on a 6months contract just so you know i wont
be staying longer but if the place is going to be available for a long
time period? I wouldn't mind to take over the lease too, please let
me know if it’s possible to reserve the room pending full payment on
or before my arrival. I can make a holding deposit payment in advance
but will require your details so that I can have a money order drawn
out to you or a Cashier check. If this is OK by you? Could you kindly
send me: Your full name, Physical address with the Zip Codes, and your
cell number? and I will email you the tracking number ASAP. Should
there be anything else that I have missed please let me know.


I trust that you find the above in order and will await your reply..

Warm regards.
Ms. Morgan.

Basically, all the red-flags are there. Not using my name (I gave her my first name in my initial response, but omitted it my post here), odd diction/vocabulary in some instances, wanting to move in site-unseen(I've provided no pictures or anything. Not even a floor plan),being incredibly vague about her move(she doesn't mention the town of Pullman a single time), spelling her own city's name wrong (it's Conroe, not Con-Roe)wanting all my personal info, and most of all, the cashier check ploy(I've had to deal with people trying to scam me this way multiple times when attempting to sell instruments).

As I said, I think it's safe to say this is for sure a scam, just thought I should get the word out.

Thanks guys, and continue to stay vigilant.