Amsterdam vaction rental a scam?

Hi, me and a few friends are stopping through Amsterdam on our backpacking trip through Europe. We found this place on craigalist for 32 euros a night but the owner wants a 300 euro deposit in advance.

Heres the link: http://amsterdam.craigslist.org/vac/4707503082.html

We've been communicating through email and have gotten most of the info through email. Ill try and provide any additional info you guys may need. Any help is appreciated, just dont want tobe homeless!

[AlanJones]

The pictures look too perfect and the cost also looks very low for a luxury apartment in a major European city. How is the owner suggesting that you pay the deposit to him?

Also, can you post (or PM to me) an example of some of the emails that he has sent you, his email address and name.

Thanks for responding! They would like us to pay the 300 euros via paypal. Heres the email that was sent to us last with all the payment info :
Thanks for the inquiries about my advertised apartment , Your requested date from November 5th for 5 days is available and un-booked on our calendar..

BELOW ARE BASIC QUALITY AMENITIES FEATURED IN THE APARTMENT:

•A Comfortable and Convenient Bed (Extra beds are also provided for extra guest that would be occupying the apartment if requested, the same applies for Towels and Linens as indicated below)
•Living Room Seats
•Dining Seats
•Very Clean bathroom (shower) and Toilet seat
•Fully equipped Kitchen with complete kitchen utensils
•Washing Machine
•Flat screen/ Satellite TV (Which includes international channels)
•Hair dryer
•Towels / Linens Provided
•Wi-Fi which allows for 24 hrs Internet Access and lots more

Price per night is 32 (EUR) with a security deposit of 300 (EUR) , which will be refunded upon return of the keys at the end of the stay if no damages were incurred during your stay at the apartment

Note : Before taking over the apartment, you must present an official identification document with photo of which the owner will make a copy on your arrival date..We can also talk about securing the apartment for a longer stay in person during your the first five days stay at the apartment..I hope this is sincerely fine by you..


PAYMENT POLICY:

All bookings made at least 45 days prior to arrival requires a 50% deposit added to the refundable damage deposit which will be refunded back on your departure date if no damages were incurred during your stay at the apartment while 50% of your payment will be balanced Later on your arrival date to ensure reservation while bookings made less than 45 days prior to arrival requires a 70% deposit in addition to the refundable damage deposit which will be refunded back on your departure dates if no damages were incurred during your stay at the apartment while 30% would be balanced later on your arrival date to ensure reservation...

PAYMENT BREAKDOWN :

32 (EUR) * 5 Nights = 160 (EUR) * 70 % = 112 (EUR) + 300 (EUR) (Refundable damage deposit) = 412 (EUR)

MODE OF PAYMENT:Via a secured PayPal account

PayPal is Legal,safe and secure...it also helps us both keep records of the transaction to be made

Would you like for me to send the booking form so we can proceed booking and get to reserve the apartment for your requested dates?

Yes, it is a scam.

I found the same pictures used on the Craigslist posting being used in Ipanema, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Also was found a Gumtree listing for Feltham, London.

See here. http://www.whereinrio.com/fr?_escaped_f ... nt-ipanema

The writing is that of a West African who has not been in any place where everyone speaks a Germanic language. It is a scam.

Definitely feeling that. Thanks for the input! Gonna book ourselves a good reliable hostel instead. Cheers mates!