Question


runny b...

Is this condo too good to be true?

So on craigslist, I found this condo a lady was renting out for $900 with a $900 deposit. It's a 2 bedroom 2 bath, located in LAGUNA BEACH (Sheesh!). And it's RIGHT ON THE BEACH. So there's no way a 2 bed 2 bath condo on the beach could be $900 a month, right? That's including utilities! And washer dryer! The thing is, I emailed this lady, and she says she's a construction engineer who moved to England who owns the condo, and she's renting it out because the rent's getting expensive there (in England), and the price is so low because it's hard finding tenants when she's out of the country. She wants the money directly in her bank account each month. She says there is no one in the US who could show me the place beforehand, and she needs to mail me the keys and contract. Is this a scam? I checked the address she gave me, and it really exists. There are pictures too. But it looks really nice. I think I'm safe if for whatever reason, she decides to send me the keys first without me sending any money, but what is the chance that will happen? If I have to send her money to send her the keys, it COULD be a scam. But how will we be able to tell if we're scamming each other? Haha Anyway, just by hearing this information, what is your take? Is it too good to be true? EDIT! She's emailed me back this (in short): 1. If you have the money 1800$ and if you want to rent it send me your full name, your shipping address and your phone# 2. I will open a CASE ID# at eBay Company for this transaction , and I will give them your info, and indicate you as my tenant. 3. After that, they will contact you with the payment details(you'll have to send them 1800$ via money transfer in the next 24 hours-you'll need cash) 4. After they receive your deposit, they will notify me immediately to start the shipping, and you will receive a tracking number in max 12 hours after they receive your deposit. 5.From the moment you receive the keys the 14 days inspection period will start.I will make the transaction only in this way so if you have the money and if you want to rent my condo send me your full name, your shipping address, your phone# and I'll start the procedure. EHHHHHH...?

1 month ago - 7 answers

Best Answer

Chosen by Asker

Of course it is a scam. You can't find a shack in Laguna Beach for $2,000 and especially on the beach. Now she is trying to convince you that she is so stupid that she doesn't know that she can hire a real estate agent to rent the property for $3,000-$5,000 but instead will rent it for $900 because it is difficult to rent from outside the country.

by Mike

1 month ago

Asker's Rating: 

Other Answers

This is a VERY common scam on craigslist. NEVER send money to anyone overseas and NEVER rent an apartment without seeing it first. Remember...if it seems too good to be true...it usually is a scam.

by reenzz- 1 month ago

i would be a little concerned if i were you. I would ask her for a copy of the rental agreement in advance and ask all of the questions that come to mind (how will keys be exchanged, how will you get problems fixed when they occur, etc). You should also check the public records (start with looking for whatever county laguna beach is in on the web) to ensure she is the actual owner of the property. Good luck!

by Ethan- 1 month ago

SCAM. The whole "out of the country" and "money in bank account" things are huge red flags.

by Common Sense- 1 month ago

I think its most likely a scam, it may not be but it seems a little too good to be true. Not being able to see the place before signing a contract sends up red flags for me. I assume you'd be electronically transferring the rent to her each month, which may make some uneasy. If I were you, I'd avoid it. If you continue talking to her, I would think it would come more clear whether its a scam or not

by Sean E- 1 month ago

Most things that happen with someone "out of the country" turn out to be fraudulent. I'd forget about this if I was you. You could check the county records and see if she actually owns this condo. You could knock on the door and see if someone already lives there. You could try to connect with the association for the building or the management company and see if they know this person, or at least if she really owns the place. Basically though, I think it's a scam. Once you give her $1800, you'll never hear from her again.

by daeve930- 1 month ago

It sounds like a scam, but you can buy condos all day long in Florida for $20,000 right now, so the rental price is nothing special

by LoneRanger- 1 month ago