If any of you have been following me on twitter, you’ll know that I’ve been looking for an apartment in LA.
A couple nights ago, feeling desperate, I turned to Craigs List.

Bad idea.

I emailed a few placed that looked promising — not too cheap, not too pricey, close to where I want to live. These are the creepy emails I received in response (copied and pasted directly from their emails):

Hello,

Thanks for getting back to me,I am very glad you are interested in renting my apt.I am single,very hard working man,religious and business man.I am now located in Adelphi,Maryland on a business trip and won’t be returning to the apt until a year.

I am looking for responsible roomate that is going to be taking good care of my apt while i am away and i will be trusting you that you are going to be taking good care of my apt as i left it,the apartment is for long term and short term lease is also acceptable.

The rent $550 per month,Security Deposit $300 which include the utilities such as Water/Sewer,heat,hydro,gas,internet access e.t.c The Apartment is furnished.I will like you to tell me your experience with renting.I was wondering maybe i can send you the application form for you to fill out.Also i will like to know when you want to take possession of the apartment so that we can discuss how to get the keys and neccessary documents to you.

I await your prompt response ASAP.

AND

I am so sorry i did not get in touch with you on time, because i was very ill in which i was in the hospital receivng my treatment. I got your email and Thanks for your interest in my 1 Bedroom Flat, i want you to know that my 1-Bedroom Flat is still available for $700 per month and here is the address (2700 Neilson Way, Santa Monica, CA 90405), The Flat is fully with All Necessary Document registered, I am Glad you response to me on time, i want you to know that i am My wife are very happy and EXCITED that we have finally FOUND a person for our FLAT, i want you to PROMISE us that you will take very good care of the FLAT because is a LOVELY place to stay with FAMILY, Kids,Visitors, E.T.C
Actually my Wife and I got relocated to the West Africa on a Christian missionary work in Nigeria to be praise, we are here for missionary trip from The United States We used to live in The United States, but since we left for the missionary trip we have to bring the Flat Document papers of the House because of People Who are willing to have the Flat for Rent, And as you asked For, so right now all the House Papers Document are with Our Lawyer here in the West Africa, We Just Got a Lawyer Here in the West Africa, because we are New to the Country, and we are not Yet a Citizen Of the country, so we really need to get a Lawyer for Back-up, in which we will be staying in West Africa Nigeria for 1-3 Yrs in which all our house Papers Document of the FLAT in The United States is With the Lawyer Because, We have been Provided a New Flat, Accomodation, feeding , here in the West Africa Nigeria, by the Church who brought i and my wife to the West Africa,

If you are interested in our lovely Flat,get back to me with your

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Does something seem fishy about all this to you, too? They both have left the country? It’s screaming scam. I just regret the fact that they have my email address now…. I’ve decided to stick to friends and networks that I trust rather than using Craigs List in my apartment hunt. I’m looking at 2 places tonight, btw. Wish me luck!