What's the Scam Here and How do You Use Craigslist to Advertise?

[Bruce C.]

I started my STR in Galveston at the end of February this year. I've averaged about 85-90% occupancy so far, and all but one booking has been through AirBnB, the other being VRBO. As we are getting closer to the end of busy season I've started advertising on Craigslist, partly trying to find a snowbird that wants to stay a month or 2 in the winter.

About the only response I've gotten so far are from people claiming to be students, wanting to stay 6-12 months, their parent (usually dad) will pay their rent, and they want me to send them prices and pictures even though it is in the ad.  Once they ask for those i start ignoring them.  

One I did follow down the rabbit hole because they didn't ask for pictures, and I keep hearing craigslist works for others.  Finally we got to the point she said yes and "please send me your name and address so my dad can send you a cashiers check."  At that point I told her we needed to talk on the phone first, we'd have to sign standard renters contract, and i do background/rental/credit checks on longterm stays.  She didn't want to talk on the phone and didn't want to be stressed over a short 3-6 month stay.

So how does this scam end for those that decide to send an address and name?

And how do you make craigslist ads work without all the spam?  I've had one legit lead - someone that actually called me.