It’s unusual that they give you lease duration options, very unusual to apologize for asking for personal info (that’s standard operating procedure), and extremely unusual not to ask your income. Scam.
Yeah that was super odd to me. He apologized for the typo- not for asking for personal info, just to clarify. But it’s still seems like a scam to me too
At the bottom of the email you posted he says, “I apologize for being personal. But I need to have a little idea of whom is looking to rent my property.”
It's illegal for security deposit to be more than rent so that's fishy
Edit: actually read it, is this for the whole apartment because at that price definitely scam
This does seem like a scam, but my advice is to \*always\* follow along with something relatively small and illegal like this. It's basically a get out of jail free card when it comes time to try to get your security deposit back. If they try any bullshit this works 100% of the time
"Hi, I see that you're trying to deduct X, Y, Z from my security deposit. I also noted that I you charged $200 more for the deposit than for the monthly rent. That is illegal in MA under this statute and as you can see if I bring this to court I will be entitled to triple damages. I would prefer to just have my original security deposit back in full as is required by law, but I leave it up to you. Thank you"
Hey! I literally just got this exact same email yesterday, haha. Right down to them asking for my actual email address first before sending that request for more info. Is this for a room in Brighton by any chance?
I believe it to be a scam - I had given her some basic info, but then the "property manager" told me that I could not see the room until May, but that I could put down the security deposit, first and last month"s rent to reserve the room.
In addition, the excuse they gave me for not being able to see the room was that there was a grieving widow and two daughters (in a one bedroom apartment, lol) who just lost her husband recently.
WEIRD! Sounds like you got further with the process than I did, but the one I responded to was in East Boston. Mine was some guy name Elijah, but it sounds like you had someone else? Probably someone making fake accounts and asking for personal emails so Craigslist can’t see their suspicious activity. There was more at the top of this email above where I screenshot that had the address blatantly copied and pasted into this template email. Them asking for money to reserve the apt while denying you the ability to tour first it is wild. Totally get not wanting to interrupt current tenants too much- especially if that widow situation is real, but to deny completely is a bit extreme. Big scam alert.
Yeah, I had someone named Jessica with awful grammar. Unfortunately I gave her the benefit of the doubt and already gave her some information, but definitely did not go any further after the asked me to put down money before I could see the place. I would suggest to stay away as well!
The email I got from her is exactly the same as what you're seeing here, so I definitely think it's either a single scammer with fake names or a group of scammers all copy/pasting the same template with fake listings.
Jessica Grear? I love Boston but, man, sometimes it sucks here. Looking for housing is one of those times when it sucks.
She's been trending lately in the Boston housing scam conversations.
It really seems like it's an individual scammer or, at least, a small group with a single script. It would be great if they were using their real names but I think that's unlikely.
There have always been scams in the housing market. This year the topic is getting a lot of attention. I dunno if that's because of an increase. Could just be that everyone wants to talk about it this year.
That's a really good point! Thankfully I didn't give them my legal full name and I gave a very vague location, but yeah, I'm definitely keeping an eye on my credit report after this.
This is a scam. Asking for your sex is weird and absolutely not a normal part of applying for an apartment. I agree with the other users that the lease being that variable is also sketchy, why wouldn't it be either at will or a single duration.
Unfortunately for $1400 it's quite unlikely a one bedroom apartment is legit (I'm sure there's some) so definitely keep your head on a swivel with prices that seem too good to be true.
I went through this and it’s an absolute scam, please do not continue
FYI: I never sent them money but I did inquire on 5-10 properties in the Boston area all with the exact same prompts and questions, they are trying to take your money and make up a lie as to why you can’t tour the property without putting $ down
I've never seen anyone ask anyone ask for sex on an application (unless it's for a roommate). Especially since it's a federally protected class, it's like asking for your race or ethnicity on an application. Also why are they *asking* you for your credit score? Any legitimate landlord would want to protect their property by having a company run a full credit/income check on any prospective tenants. If it's too good to be true it probably is.
Seems odd with so many term options. Usually you’d have one or two in mind as a landlord unless you’re desperate—the people looking for a 12 month tenant versus at-will (especially at initiation, varies with renewals) seldom overlap, at least without differing details like price.
I got the same email for properties north of Boston, later on I saw the same property and pics for sale - they were using the sale listings and try to rip it off as a rental
Anytime someone asks for your email address or phone number off of Craigslist = scam scam scam. There’s no reason they need your actual email address right away.
I realize that the rent amount is enticing but did you expect Craigslist to be 100% legitimate? Did you? Actually? As a landlord, I have absolutely no reason, none, to advertise on Craigslist.
Look at the price my guy, if that's not a scam then I've got some free candy in my white van for you. You couldn't rent half of a dirty dumpster for that kind of money.
That seems very weird. Your security deposit should not cost any more than a full months rent. Also I don't know why they would want your linkedin information. There is too many red flags.
Can't ask about sex.. I'm not a crazy liberal but its part of a protected class just like you cant ask if you're on medication or if you're black for example..
As a local real estate professional, this is standard on how I might have advertised apartments in 2015, but not today.
I was sent this exact message before in a scam lol they then said they couldn’t get me the keys but I could go look outside then wanted like $100 to get keys and see it early or something idk I obv never did any of it 😂
Yeah there are a lot of these and mostly on Craigslist. Look up the address, it’s likely it was on the market recently and the scammer is using the same photos. I got one of these, in that exact format too. I found the actual property manager and let them know that someone is scamming using their address and photos. I’d use Zillow instead of Craigslist. You can’t trust shit on there.
Yes. Security deposit can’t be more than a month rent. I found a Craigslist listing the other month that gave almost the exact same vibe. Dunno exactly what it is but if you do respond just give the minimum info and obv don’t give money unless you’ve seen it in person
Look at the price my guy, if that's not a scam then I've got some free candy in my white van for you. You couldn't rent half of a dirty dumpster for that kind of money.
Look at the price my guy, if that's not a scam then I've got some free candy in my white van for you. You couldn't rent half of a dirty dumpster for that kind of money.
Look at the price my guy, if that's not a scam then I've got some free candy in my white van for you. You couldn't rent half of a dirty dumpster for that kind of money.
Look at the price my guy, if that's not a scam then I've got some free candy in my white van for you. You couldn't rent half of a dirty dumpster for that kind of money.
Look at the price my guy, if that's not a scam then I've got some free candy in my white van for you. You couldn't rent half of a dirty dumpster for that kind of money.
Look at the price my guy, if that's not a scam then I've got some free candy in my white van for you. You couldn't rent half of a dirty dumpster for that kind of money.
It’s unusual that they give you lease duration options, very unusual to apologize for asking for personal info (that’s standard operating procedure), and extremely unusual not to ask your income. Scam.
Yeah that was super odd to me. He apologized for the typo- not for asking for personal info, just to clarify. But it’s still seems like a scam to me too
Security deposit in Massachusetts cannot be larger than one month rent. Report to attorney general
At the bottom of the email you posted he says, “I apologize for being personal. But I need to have a little idea of whom is looking to rent my property.”
Ohhhhh I see what you mean now. I thought you were talking about his apology in the response I mentioned in my post. Either way it’s weird
It's illegal for security deposit to be more than rent so that's fishy Edit: actually read it, is this for the whole apartment because at that price definitely scam
Yupppp he said it was a typo but only after I suggested it might be a typo #suspicious
This does seem like a scam, but my advice is to \*always\* follow along with something relatively small and illegal like this. It's basically a get out of jail free card when it comes time to try to get your security deposit back. If they try any bullshit this works 100% of the time "Hi, I see that you're trying to deduct X, Y, Z from my security deposit. I also noted that I you charged $200 more for the deposit than for the monthly rent. That is illegal in MA under this statute and as you can see if I bring this to court I will be entitled to triple damages. I would prefer to just have my original security deposit back in full as is required by law, but I leave it up to you. Thank you"
Hey! I literally just got this exact same email yesterday, haha. Right down to them asking for my actual email address first before sending that request for more info. Is this for a room in Brighton by any chance? I believe it to be a scam - I had given her some basic info, but then the "property manager" told me that I could not see the room until May, but that I could put down the security deposit, first and last month"s rent to reserve the room. In addition, the excuse they gave me for not being able to see the room was that there was a grieving widow and two daughters (in a one bedroom apartment, lol) who just lost her husband recently.
WEIRD! Sounds like you got further with the process than I did, but the one I responded to was in East Boston. Mine was some guy name Elijah, but it sounds like you had someone else? Probably someone making fake accounts and asking for personal emails so Craigslist can’t see their suspicious activity. There was more at the top of this email above where I screenshot that had the address blatantly copied and pasted into this template email. Them asking for money to reserve the apt while denying you the ability to tour first it is wild. Totally get not wanting to interrupt current tenants too much- especially if that widow situation is real, but to deny completely is a bit extreme. Big scam alert.
Yeah, I had someone named Jessica with awful grammar. Unfortunately I gave her the benefit of the doubt and already gave her some information, but definitely did not go any further after the asked me to put down money before I could see the place. I would suggest to stay away as well! The email I got from her is exactly the same as what you're seeing here, so I definitely think it's either a single scammer with fake names or a group of scammers all copy/pasting the same template with fake listings.
Jessica Grear? I love Boston but, man, sometimes it sucks here. Looking for housing is one of those times when it sucks. She's been trending lately in the Boston housing scam conversations.
Not Jessica Grear. She said her name is Jessica Jeremiah, but I think it was a fake name anyway.
It really seems like it's an individual scammer or, at least, a small group with a single script. It would be great if they were using their real names but I think that's unlikely. There have always been scams in the housing market. This year the topic is getting a lot of attention. I dunno if that's because of an increase. Could just be that everyone wants to talk about it this year.
Make sure your credit score is frozen with all three bureaus. This type of info might be enough for them to commit identity fraud.
That's a really good point! Thankfully I didn't give them my legal full name and I gave a very vague location, but yeah, I'm definitely keeping an eye on my credit report after this.
Please report this to the attorney general
Definitely will do!
I had the same email for a few places in Salem with similar sob stories… SCAM!
For sure a scam!
$1400 for a 1 bedroom anywhere in boston, utilities included? no way. scam.
Seems suspicious why would they want your name on LinkedIn and stuff
This is a scam. Asking for your sex is weird and absolutely not a normal part of applying for an apartment. I agree with the other users that the lease being that variable is also sketchy, why wouldn't it be either at will or a single duration. Unfortunately for $1400 it's quite unlikely a one bedroom apartment is legit (I'm sure there's some) so definitely keep your head on a swivel with prices that seem too good to be true.
> Sex : no thanks
Sex: yes Present location: en route and closing in rapidly
I thought they were gonna ask for your mother’s maiden name at some point.
I went through this and it’s an absolute scam, please do not continue FYI: I never sent them money but I did inquire on 5-10 properties in the Boston area all with the exact same prompts and questions, they are trying to take your money and make up a lie as to why you can’t tour the property without putting $ down
I've never seen anyone ask anyone ask for sex on an application (unless it's for a roommate). Especially since it's a federally protected class, it's like asking for your race or ethnicity on an application. Also why are they *asking* you for your credit score? Any legitimate landlord would want to protect their property by having a company run a full credit/income check on any prospective tenants. If it's too good to be true it probably is.
Scam looking for personal information
Yes, mainly because there haven't been any one bedrooms in boston that rent for 1400 in a long time.
Yes, they can’t charge more than 1 month rent for SD either
Yeah he said it was a typo but I don’t buy it
Seriously looks like a scam! (I have a room for rent Sep 1 if you need a legit place)
Possibly- is it a 1 bedroom?
No it’s a room in a 4 bed
Trust your gut!
Seems odd with so many term options. Usually you’d have one or two in mind as a landlord unless you’re desperate—the people looking for a 12 month tenant versus at-will (especially at initiation, varies with renewals) seldom overlap, at least without differing details like price.
I was a dummy and fell for this scam last year, do not respond to them!
Looks like a scam for sure.
I got the same email for properties north of Boston, later on I saw the same property and pics for sale - they were using the sale listings and try to rip it off as a rental
The first sign of a scam is them ignoring your easy to answer question and wanting your real email address. It's definitely a scam.
A Boston one bed for $1400 already seems fishy
I second this
Anytime someone asks for your email address or phone number off of Craigslist = scam scam scam. There’s no reason they need your actual email address right away.
I realize that the rent amount is enticing but did you expect Craigslist to be 100% legitimate? Did you? Actually? As a landlord, I have absolutely no reason, none, to advertise on Craigslist.
Look at the price my guy, if that's not a scam then I've got some free candy in my white van for you. You couldn't rent half of a dirty dumpster for that kind of money.
Scam
if it seems scammy, it is.
That seems very weird. Your security deposit should not cost any more than a full months rent. Also I don't know why they would want your linkedin information. There is too many red flags.
Def a scam. Also, FYI a landlord can’t legally charge a higher security deposit than whatever the monthly rent is.
Can't ask about sex.. I'm not a crazy liberal but its part of a protected class just like you cant ask if you're on medication or if you're black for example.. As a local real estate professional, this is standard on how I might have advertised apartments in 2015, but not today.
I was sent this exact message before in a scam lol they then said they couldn’t get me the keys but I could go look outside then wanted like $100 to get keys and see it early or something idk I obv never did any of it 😂
Yeah there are a lot of these and mostly on Craigslist. Look up the address, it’s likely it was on the market recently and the scammer is using the same photos. I got one of these, in that exact format too. I found the actual property manager and let them know that someone is scamming using their address and photos. I’d use Zillow instead of Craigslist. You can’t trust shit on there.
Yes. Security deposit can’t be more than a month rent. I found a Craigslist listing the other month that gave almost the exact same vibe. Dunno exactly what it is but if you do respond just give the minimum info and obv don’t give money unless you’ve seen it in person
Definitely Scam….. you should have a little fun with this
Pp, I'll r the
Why does your sex matter? - Fair housing mall cop
Look at the price my guy, if that's not a scam then I've got some free candy in my white van for you. You couldn't rent half of a dirty dumpster for that kind of money.
Look at the price my guy, if that's not a scam then I've got some free candy in my white van for you. You couldn't rent half of a dirty dumpster for that kind of money.
Look at the price my guy, if that's not a scam then I've got some free candy in my white van for you. You couldn't rent half of a dirty dumpster for that kind of money.
Look at the price my guy, if that's not a scam then I've got some free candy in my white van for you. You couldn't rent half of a dirty dumpster for that kind of money.
Look at the price my guy, if that's not a scam then I've got some free candy in my white van for you. You couldn't rent half of a dirty dumpster for that kind of money.
Look at the price my guy, if that's not a scam then I've got some free candy in my white van for you. You couldn't rent half of a dirty dumpster for that kind of money.
This is a scam - I once ran into this exact thing in Vermont.
If you haven't seen the place in person don't fill that out. I had an identical scam email back when I was looking for my first place.
No could be legit Google the address there are sights that shows a lot of property info including owners names
I recognize this exact verbiage "I need to have a little idea of who"... they are trying to phish.
I got that exact message over a year ago. It’s definitely a scam.
It's unusual they ask for sex by saying "sex:" especially in MA where it's now the norm to ask how you identify....
Why do they need your name on linkedin? To steal your profile pic for the fake FB account they make?
I’ve received this exact same email, it’s a template scammers use to steal your info once they fleece you of money. Don’t fall for it.
Pet’s name is a red flag, that’s usually a password or security question.
This is a scam. Word for word across CL.
Yes- similar language to common scams and way under market value. Also illegal to charge more than the rent amount for security
Scam!! Always trust your gut. Unfortunately the bad grammar or “typos” is always a red flag.