[email protected]

An individual using the email address ([email protected]) tried to rent me the property at 130 Stevenson Road, New Haven, CT. After I inquired about the property he sent me a peculiar message, which made me suspicious. Here is the email:

"We are pleased that you have an interest in our house, Our lovely home is still available for lease and we want responsible adults/family who are neat and also believe that they have what it takes to take care of our house as if it were theirs. My wife and I initially had it up for sale but had a change of mind in leasing it out ourselves because the agent that was in charge of our rental property was asking too much of an agent fee and also making it difficult for people who cannot afford the rent, stay away from renting my house. Hope you are okay with the monthly Rent $700 and a security deposit payment of $700 with Utilities include Electricity, water, gas while appliances includes refrigerator, Stove, microwave, dishwasher, Washer/Dryer, Garbage etc.....

The reason why our house is up for lease is because I got transferred from my place of work to Roanoke,VA,I will be away with my family for at least 4 to 5 years because of the love I have for them, I have decided not to sell our house and also assuring them that we only have few years to spend here and will be willing to lease it out to person/family who is willing to assure us of taking absolute care of our home and pay their rent on time. I will start by telling you more in regards me and my family. I have a daughter named Kayla (12yrs), and a beautiful wife Angie and they are with me here. I work as a Robotic Programmer & Welder/Fitter here in Roanoke,VA and got married to a lovely wife who is a member of Joyce Meyer Ministries. We will be very pleased if we can find the right tenant to rent our home, a person who is a clean freak and does not tolerate anything that has to do with dirt... we also would like to know more about you and your family,
your renting experience and how long and when you plan moving into our home. If interested Kindly get back to me for the application form and the next step to take concerning shipping the keys to you.

Thanks
Herman Lee
(512) 814-6358 "

I figured the rent was too good to be true and after he agreed to rent me the property I asked if he could send me a contract or lease terms. I received a document attached to the email that indicated I would have to send my rent via Western Union (red flag) and the address listed for the landlord doesn't exist. It is also important to note that the "lawyer" is named Mechell David. It looks like this individual has used this name before. Furthermore, he indicated his name was Herman Lee. Be wary of offers that are too good to be true, often they are...