I’m looking for a new place to live this spring, so I decided to check Craig’s List. A friend had told me there are a lot of scam artists there, so I thought I’d have some fun and go in search of the fake ads. Deals too good to be true. I sent a few emails off to see the kind of replies they’d get.
This one was classic, and worth sharing. It just screams form letter, complete with far too much info, and odd bolding of facts. I especially like the Nigeria style sentence structure. “It is my gladness hearing from you…” Convenient the only person to contact is deaf, so I can’t call her. They’ll just courier me the keys. I have to assume SOME people fall for such ads. Crazy.
For legal reasons, I should admit that the names have not been changed to protect the innocent. I do not know this is a fake ad. I’m just making that assumption.
Delivered-To: jeff@frogstar.com
Originating-IP: [41.58.49.69]
From: elizabeth dixon eli.dixon01@hotmail.comThanks for your email and it is my gladness hearing from you. I am Reverend Dixon Griner the owner of the place you are making inquiry about. Actually I resided in the place with my family, my wife and my only daughter before and recently we packed out due to my transfer from my Missionary work and now situated in La-Grange, Kentucky USAand presently the place is still available for rent and the price include the hydro, Heat laundry facilities, Air condition, Internet access,gas, water and electricity and so on, also it is well fully furnished.
I will like you to get in touch with my wife for more discussion as she is with the keys and the document to the house! Please i want you to note that, I am a kind and honest man and i spent a lot on the property, so i will solicit for your absolute maintenance of this place and i would be glad and happy if you to treat it as yours,its not the rent deposit that matters but to keep it tidy all the time so that we will be glad to see it neat when we come for a check up because we do that once in a while,i hope you understand and Please a special notice : Please note that there’s none of us to show you the place for now we would have to send you the keys through DHL courier service on a next day delivery to your house or any where you want the keys to deliver to.
If you are ok with this please email my wife Mrs.Elizabeth Griner on (eli_griner@yahoo.com) and she will attend to you better with more information and pictures.( please note that she is a deaf woman so e-mails is the only way to communicate with her ) Thanks hope to read from you soon, Reverend Dixon Griner.