We found a house for rent on Craigslist and contacted the owner of the house. (I know Jen, you are boycotting them. Read about that here.) The owner responded and it sounded so good. The more we thought and talked about it the more fishy it sounded. The discernment that God provides started to kick in. He is THE amazing Creator and I am going to continue to praise Him even though I don't understand His ways! Praise Yahweh!
I googled "house scam craigslist Nigeria" and came up with a whole bunch of articles saying similar things about Nigerian scams going on all over our country. They sweep through our country concentrating on one area or state at a time.
I sent the info to the newspaper hoping they will run an article to alert others.
Isaiah 55:8-9 (NASB)
8"For My thoughts are not your thoughts,
Nor are your ways My ways," declares the LORD (Yahweh).
9"For as the heavens are higher than the earth,
So are My ways higher than your ways
And My thoughts than your thoughts.
Just for your information and curiosity, here is a copy of some of the email that we received. (I put spaces in so that it is easier to read. I also put some bold type in.)
Hello Dear,
Sorry for the late response!!!! Calvary greetings to you,also to your house hold..I did get your response concerning the AD I posted on craigslist... .
I am the owner of the house you are making enquiry of.I am looking for responsible tenants that he/she is going to take care of the house as if it were your own and he/she will be willing to make the Property clean as we left it.Actually I resided in the house with my family,such as my wife and my only daugther before and presently we had packed due to my transfer from my working place and now situated in the (West Africa Nigeria)and won't be coming to the House until Four years now and that means we are renting the Property for long term and short term lease is also acceptable.
and presently my house is still available for rent for $800 which the deposit is $800 dollars including the utilities like Heat, A/C in wall/window, Hydro, cable, Garbage Disposal, Fireplace , Fridge, stove, Dishwasher, Dryer, Breakfast Bar, Dining Table and Sofa Set,Refrigerator,Canopied deck overlooking nature.,internet access e...t.c ..,
it is furnished or if u wish to move in with your furnitures no problem..
Moreso Now, i went for a Crusade in West Africa .Pls i want you to note that,i am a kind and honest man and also i spent alot on my property that i want to give you for rent,so i will solicit for your absolute mentenance of this house and want you to treat it as your own,is that taken, it is not the money the main problem but want you to keep it tidy all the time so that i will be glad to see it neat when i come for a check up.i do that once in a while...
I also want you to let me have trust in you as i always stand on my word.
please we are giving you all this base on trust and again i will want you to stick to your words,you know that,we do not see yet and only putting everythinginto Gods hand,so please do not let us down in this our property and God bless you more as you do this.
THE HOUSE IS FOR RENT NOW TO A GOOD CHRISTIAN AND A GOD FEARING FAMILY.
If you have read this far, bless your heart. Please be in prayer for our family. The enemy keeps attacking us through lies and even more than what I've put in this post.
Praise God we didn't send money and alerted others. I praise Him for His discernment and care. He is awesome!
Thoughts?
2 comments:
Hi Janet,
I am sorry this happened to you!
Were there pictures of the house?
Your best bet is to use a real estate agent to show you around, if possible.
As a Home Stager, this is what I would TOTALLY recommend. Or use a company that specializes in managing rental houses.
You may pay a bit more, but, we moved 9 times when my hubby worked for KMart, and KNOW this to be the best way--
Here's JUST 1 of the ways I stay safe on Craigslist:
I make sure the person I am conversing with has good English--I know this is petty, but in my experience--EVERY single time it is a scam, the person IS not a "native" American.
You can tell a scam by their email addy, and not making reference to anything local, and their spelling/"speech".
They speak vaguely, as if they can be talking to anyone, like you said. Delete these emails right away.
Way to discern #2: If they have to "prove" they are honest by trying to convince you--they probably aren't.
Honest people just assume you know they are.
They don't have thoughts that you may deem them deceitful.
#3: If it sounds to good to be true--it usually is.
#4: If anyone is asking for you to send them money without anything tangible in your hands (i.e. goods, contract, house/car keys) or having to meet them in person, they are scamming you.
Sorry this is so long, but you asked for my thoughts ;) and I just had an espresso, LOL!
I am so glad you learned what was going on before anything bad happened financially!
I may do a post on how to stay out of trouble on CL!
I have been asked several times by friends/family/facebook friends about CL and scams...hmmm...
May God direct you to the true place for you!
Hugs,
~me
I know this may sound a bit strange---but it means A LOT that today I read that YOU cared and remembered and pointed out that I boycott craigslist. It doesn't matter why--just know that it it mean A LOT!
Praying! Praying! Praying! for YOUR house! God's house that you may dwell in!
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