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We sent e mails to six different rental owners last night, heard back from all. Out of six we feel only three were legit. Thanks to those honest folks who responded back. One of these even said his apartment was probably to small for a couple. The other owners were out of the country, England and India, if you folks are legit my apology's. First off we were not born yesterday. Come on ,central heat in the VI give me a break. Beware who you deal with, a Realtor is a good bet if you are not street wise. Do not send money by Western Union most folks will accept a small deposit. Some even use Pay Pal. If you are renting a vacation rental same apply. be careful,
It's never-ending and I flag them all the time while I sometimes have fun wasting their time by sending them requests for all sorts of information. On occasion I've kept them going for a long series of emails before getting bored. Obvious give-aways are references to "close proximity to highways and parks", "heating", or of course a completely furnished 3BR 3BA with a full laundry, enclosed yard and everything included for $700/month. Ask them to send photos for a huge laugh and always ask for a physical address. You'll get back a legitimate sounding local address and when you google it will find it's a local home listed for sale by a real estate agent, a luxury vacation rental or a local business address. The usual first response is that the advertiser has been either called away to work in a hospital in England or to spread God's word in some far away location, "but we want you to love our home as we do and give us all the requested information so we can arrange to send you the keys" (money request comes later).
The bottom line is that you shouldn't in any event take ANYTHING sight unseen. There are plenty of apartments available all over the island(s) and particularly on STT and STX. Plan to spend your first week in a B&B or short term rental, rent a car, find your way around and look at everything that's available.
You are right on, even after warning people some still get taken in especially on vacation rentals it seems. Craigs list what can i say, if as a owner i would include pictures, price, and info this would cut down on useless e mails. Without this info i normally do not respond to your adds. This message board has been a great help looking forward to our relocation, planning on a one to two year stay, possibly longer.
Scambaiting is a big hobby!
An article on the subject: http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=7688138
From http://www.419eater.com/index.php: "So what is scambaiting? Well, put simply, you enter into a dialogue with scammers, simply to waste their time and resources. Whilst you are doing this, you will be helping to keep the scammers away from real potential victims and screwing around with the minds of deserving thieves."
Darn, I didn't realize it was a recognized hobby! There was a good one on craigslist today - a 1400sq ft apartment in STT for $600. Fully furnished with all appliances (and "geyser") and close to the Metro station. That last really pulled me in as you can't beat that sort of location ...
We have decided our dream home must have a Geyser, heated floors, central heat and be near the Metro station, also the view must have a high rise building blocking our view. If you have or know of a rental like this please let us know we are very interested. The owner must send me a deposit by Western Union for us to consider there rental. PS its snowing here in Valdez Alaska
We have decided our dream home must have a Geyser, heated floors, central heat and be near the Metro station, also the view must have a high rise building blocking our view. If you have or know of a rental like this please let us know we are very interested. The owner must send me a deposit by Western Union for us to consider there rental. PS its snowing here in Valdez Alaska
LOL! :@)
I constantly get requests from people coming for a retreat or church convention. Thye need 4 rooms for 10 days. They list the names as Mr. or Mrs. as they go. Depends on how I feel is how I answer I guess I Spambait and didn't realize it. My usual answer is "sorry, I do not have any rooms at that time, I hear Nigeria is nice that time of year, try there." Another time I told a guy I was tired of their f***ing Nigerian scams. He responded he wasn't Nigerian!! old me a guy gotta do what a guy gotta do! Most times I delete.
