This was a pretty good scam I uncovered today. I was browsing craigslist for a new place to live this September when I ran across this ad in the housing/apartments section:

Very large and spacious 3 bd 2bthrm with great upgrades Screened lanai gated access community Act now and only need first month to move in

email me at
gabriellaecj@gmail.com

Looks promising. It even included some nice looking pictures. I emailed gabriellaecj@gmail.com simply to ask where the house was. I got this as a response:

Hi,
Thank you for your intrest in our rental property.
It is at the moment still available for occupancy.

Here is a copy of our rental application, Print it out.
www.unitedrentalproperties.com/rentalapp.pdf In PDF format
www.unitedrentalproperties.com/RentalApplication.doc In Word format

We dont do a check on your rental history or a background check but we do require a credit check. In order to rent any of our properties you must have a credit score of 450 or higher. I do make exceptions but you must bring a copy of your report and an explanation.

You can get a copy of your score free below
http://www.unitedrentalproperties.com/freecreditreport.html

Do not email it to me just bring it with you.

We do not require a security deposit or pet deposit on this property.

Unlike most properties you wont be charged an application fee or credit check fee because you will bring your own.

Renting this property is of my highest concern so if you dont act quickly it may get rented before you.
Hopefully I can walk you through the property either tomorrow or within the next few days appointments will be handled in the manner they were recieved.

Regards,
Russell

Okay, he didn’t answer my question, but it still looks legit. The application forms looked normal, but knowing a bit about credit history and credit reports, I thought the “450 minimum score” seemed a bit low. People that file bankruptcy usually have a better score than this. I followed the link to the credit report, and it was simply a redirect to this site:
http://www.nationalcreditreport.com/

He also had is affiliate ID in the URL (1119). This is how the scam works. You fill out all that stuff and do the credit report on the site, and this guy makes 20 bucks from the deal. The house doesn’t even exist.