For the past month I’ve been in search of a roommate. Now, I can only imagine what y’all will say when I mention where I’ve been doing my search. Ok, you can groan now! It was on Craigslist. Yeah, I know! Craigslist is probably the worst place to search. And I have to say that it’s been an experience.
Thus far, those who came by to see the room were unsuitable. A few figured that they could exchange sex for rent … what’s up with this? Fools! Others either didn’t like the neighborhood or didn’t like that idea I had pets. Or they didn’t like the idea that I would do a background check.
First off, sex doesn’t pay the rent … specially for the ones that showed up. Really? Think again! They would have to be better looking than Brad Pitt before I would even consider such an exchange … not! As for not liking the neighborhood, well, so be it. My hood ain’t for everyone!
Now, when it comes to my pets (Kids), if you don’t like them then I certainly won’t want you alone in my house with them. Are you kidding me? My kids are my life and no one is going to harm them, roommate or otherwise. Last but not least, if I’m going to hand over a key to my home I want to know who you are and make sure you’re on the up and up. I work to hard for what I have and I be damned if I’m going to allow some idiot take me to the cleaners.
Unfortunately, the majority of inquiries were nothing more than scams. Have to admit they were clever. But after a couple of email exchanges I noticed a pattern at which time I figured things out. One scammer emailed me numerous times using different names and email addresses. I mean really? I may be naive, but I certainly ain’t stupid!
Here’s a sample of the unedited email:
Thanks for getting back to me... My name is victoria victor (F), I am 27 yrs old, I am fun loving, personal, friendly, clean and respectful of others. A non-smoker, don't do drugs, i drink occasionally, and drama free. I graduated last year in France. I am single and have no children... I do bible study, and sometimes we do karaoke night with my roommate! i go to church every Sunday. Am coming for my masters degree. I was born in France (Bordeaux), my dad is from USA but my mum is from Paris...I went to University of Bordeaux in France i speak both French and English ,am presently on research work at Guam USA), am almost done with the research. Am doing it because its part of prerequisite for my masters in Microbiology. I would have loved to call you but this is a remote area calls is hard to go through from here and i don't want to waste much time.
Am really interested in renting from you and i don't really love pets but i don't care if there is any in the house. I would have loved to see it but am very far, but with pictures, I am glad. I will also like you to tell me more about you and if you have garage or parking space because I will have my own car come over, please let me know the total payment of the place and more over I will send your email to my dad for him to email you later because he is the one that will be paying the bills but nevertheless, I will like you to send me the information to facilitate the mailing of the check.
= First Name:
= Last Name:
= Street Address:
= City, State, Zip Code:
= Cell Phone Number:
= Total Amount:
My Dad will issue out the payment for the place as soon as possible, with that you can hold on the place for me till i come. I will be looking forward to your email soonest. Thanks and have a nice day.
victoria
--
is your room still available for rent???
It’s really sad to think that people will go to any length to scam another person for their personal gain. Yes, I need to find a roommate to help with expenses. But I’m not desperate enough to fall victim to a scammer. Unfortunately, however, many do become victims. Now days people are desperate and if not careful can easily be pulled into a scam that will ruin their life for years to come. And it is for this reason I’m sharing the above scam to help prevent someone from falling victim to this ugly side of life on the internet.
Be smart. Never give out your information to anyone unless you know who they are and even then, be careful.
Thus far, those who came by to see the room were unsuitable. A few figured that they could exchange sex for rent … what’s up with this? Fools! Others either didn’t like the neighborhood or didn’t like that idea I had pets. Or they didn’t like the idea that I would do a background check.
First off, sex doesn’t pay the rent … specially for the ones that showed up. Really? Think again! They would have to be better looking than Brad Pitt before I would even consider such an exchange … not! As for not liking the neighborhood, well, so be it. My hood ain’t for everyone!
Now, when it comes to my pets (Kids), if you don’t like them then I certainly won’t want you alone in my house with them. Are you kidding me? My kids are my life and no one is going to harm them, roommate or otherwise. Last but not least, if I’m going to hand over a key to my home I want to know who you are and make sure you’re on the up and up. I work to hard for what I have and I be damned if I’m going to allow some idiot take me to the cleaners.
Unfortunately, the majority of inquiries were nothing more than scams. Have to admit they were clever. But after a couple of email exchanges I noticed a pattern at which time I figured things out. One scammer emailed me numerous times using different names and email addresses. I mean really? I may be naive, but I certainly ain’t stupid!
Here’s a sample of the unedited email:
Thanks for getting back to me... My name is victoria victor (F), I am 27 yrs old, I am fun loving, personal, friendly, clean and respectful of others. A non-smoker, don't do drugs, i drink occasionally, and drama free. I graduated last year in France. I am single and have no children... I do bible study, and sometimes we do karaoke night with my roommate! i go to church every Sunday. Am coming for my masters degree. I was born in France (Bordeaux), my dad is from USA but my mum is from Paris...I went to University of Bordeaux in France i speak both French and English ,am presently on research work at Guam USA), am almost done with the research. Am doing it because its part of prerequisite for my masters in Microbiology. I would have loved to call you but this is a remote area calls is hard to go through from here and i don't want to waste much time.
Am really interested in renting from you and i don't really love pets but i don't care if there is any in the house. I would have loved to see it but am very far, but with pictures, I am glad. I will also like you to tell me more about you and if you have garage or parking space because I will have my own car come over, please let me know the total payment of the place and more over I will send your email to my dad for him to email you later because he is the one that will be paying the bills but nevertheless, I will like you to send me the information to facilitate the mailing of the check.
= First Name:
= Last Name:
= Street Address:
= City, State, Zip Code:
= Cell Phone Number:
= Total Amount:
My Dad will issue out the payment for the place as soon as possible, with that you can hold on the place for me till i come. I will be looking forward to your email soonest. Thanks and have a nice day.
victoria
--
is your room still available for rent???
It’s really sad to think that people will go to any length to scam another person for their personal gain. Yes, I need to find a roommate to help with expenses. But I’m not desperate enough to fall victim to a scammer. Unfortunately, however, many do become victims. Now days people are desperate and if not careful can easily be pulled into a scam that will ruin their life for years to come. And it is for this reason I’m sharing the above scam to help prevent someone from falling victim to this ugly side of life on the internet.
Be smart. Never give out your information to anyone unless you know who they are and even then, be careful.
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