CraigsList scam - beware

[George P.]

I have had similar scenarios when selling household items, but the scammers seem to have expanded the area - I was contacted by someone who tries to pull the old CL scam on me. Below is his/her email - landlords beware. (sender [email protected] John Lee)
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Email #1: hello, i would like to know if the property is still available for renting from.johnleechi

Email #2: Hello,With regards to the property I am inquiring about, I will like to get some more details about it, I am currently in Malaysia and am Relocating to USA to check out the best place to setup a new office for the company i work for ( AIA Insurance Bhd malaysia) Menara AIA Head Office, Menara AIA, 99 Jalan Ampang, 50450, Kuala Lumpur,Malaysia ), as we are about to open a new office in the state, so due to my non presence to inspect the Property, I will like you to provide me the following  details, I need full details including address of the property and pictures if available for the place. Monthly rentals/security deposits. If utilities is added to monthly rent. When the property would be available. Mail me how much is due at lease signing.I await your response soon.thanks

Email #3: Hello, Thanks for the details on the Property, I am satisfied and will like to go ahead with the renting process, I will like you to go ahead and reserve the property for me.So I will be needing the following information's so that the check payment for $4500 can be processed and posted to you soon.Name:............

[Jon Holdman]

This is an old, old scam. I've pretty much given up on craigslist for renting properties.

The clue here is "I am currently in Malaysia and am Relocating to USA". Not specific to Malaysia. I've had more where its a doctor and his daughter relocating from England to the US. The scam is that they want to send you a check that includes more than just your money, and they need you to quickly wire them back the extra.

If someone responds to a craigslist ad who's out of your area, its a scam. If you want to try for the rare person who's really relocating, tell them that when they actually arrive, to give you a call and you'll arrange a showing.