No Wait, this is TOTALLY Legitimate (Craigslist Apartment Scam)

Kate writes:

A friend sent me a link to an apartment in my neighborhood, East Williamsburg: http://newyork.craigslist.org/brk/nfb/2329087141.html. I emailed the poster to see the apt, and I got a very suspicious email asking for personal information for a tenant application and making no mention of when I could see the apt.

I Googled the phone number in his response email and found that it was linked to a Brooklyn Heights apartment scam that you posted about last year: http://brooklynian.com/forum/prospect-heights/apartment-scam-warning

I'm not a member of your site, but thought you might want to post this as a warning for other Brooklyn apartment hunters.

---------- Forwarded message ----------

From: Thomas Blanket <[email hidden]>

Date: Wed, Apr 20, 2011 at 12:00 PM

Subject: Re: $800 / 1br - 1 BR w/ Hwd Flrs, Original Features-----Perfect Location! (Williamsburg)

To: kate

Hello,

It gives me great joy to know that you have interest in my apartment,its still very much available for rent and ready for immediate occupancy. I am sure you would be asking yourself why my rent is low, that's because i am not too keen about the amount in renting the apartment out but to whom i am renting the apartment out to. My intention is to rent my apartment to someone that is responsible and be ready to take great care of the apartment as if it were his or hers. I am very certain that you would love the comfy of the apartment.

I would like you to know that i am giving this apartment out for rent because i have been posted to West Africa as an Pediatrician (kid's doctor) and would spend couple of years before i would be through with my assignment here. So my family and i have decided that we would be moving to our other home in Seattle, Washington when we get back to the states,i would like you to complete the tenant application form below and please be honest with these details to enable us choose the right tenant.

LOCATION 189 Graham Ave, Brooklyn NY,(Williamsburg).

Rent Fees:

..

Rent Per Month: $800 (Including Utilities)

Security Deposit: $600 (Refundable)

APARTMENT FEATURES:

Large One Bedroom With Living Room,

One Bath

High Ceilings

Stainless Steel Appliances

Formal Dining Room

Separate Kitchen,

Brand New Cabinets,

Electric Cooker,

dish washer & Refrigerator

Washer and Dryer in the apartment also.

COMPLETE THE TENANT APPLICATION FORM BELOW:

After i have received these details above, i would discuss with my wife and let you know my terms and how we would conclude the Lease process so you can move into the apartment asap,feel free to call me anytime on my cell number:+234-704-329-1123.

I hope to hear from you soonest..

God Bless you richly,

Thomas Blanket.

Sure...and the cell # goes to someplace in Nigeria. I'll bet the apartment comes with some way to claim an inheritance as well.

As a fellow West African it really hurts that these dudes are killing our legitimacy here.

Anyone who takes this bait kinda deserves to get ripped off...

God bless you richly? I mean come on.

I always find it humours with the Nigerian scams lol.