One of the many people in Richmond looking for affordable rental housing is warning others to beware of a Craigslist scam.
James Marshall thought it was too good to be true when a friend emailed him the link for a three-bedroom apartment for rent close to Kwantlen Polytechnic University’s Richmond campus near Lansdowne and Garden City roads.
But, knowing that decent accommodation is thin on the ground in the city, he sent off some basic personal details to the ad nonetheless.
When a very detailed and grateful response was emailed back from the would-be landlord, however, Marshall laughed and shook his head at the request for $2,000 to cover the first and last month’s rent.
“His first response was incredibly detailed and a whole big story about how he was overseas, in West Africa or something,” said Marshall.
“He was wanting the first and last month’s rent up front but I wanted a showing first.
“He wanted me to send me the money through a money order and he would DHL the keys. It was obviously a scam, but I would be worried that, given how desperate people are right now for affordable rental accommodation, someone is going to take the risk with this guy and give him the money.”
Marshall said that he “wouldn’t be surprised” if the scammer gets lucky.
Marshall is, by the way, still looking for a place to stay in Richmond.
