rod mclaughlin

A wierd reply to a room-4-rent ad (12 dec 09)

When you advertise on Craigslist, you get a fair number of scam replies from Nigerians who claim to be Australian supermodels and want to pay you by money order. If you fall for it, you end up paying them. They are easy to spot because of the complexity of the letter, how much they plead what a nice person they are, and how they cannot spell despite having a Masters degree from Queens University Belfast. Here's a reply I can't categorize. She doesn't seem like a scam artist, she encloses a picture, but it has some of the hallmarks of a scam - pleading, a sick mother, what a nice person she is. Thing is, it includes real addresses, emails and phone nos. in London, which I have disguised.

Hi,
How are you?Sorry for the late reply,i have been very busy with sick mother in the hospital and other things.Thanks so much for the reply.Am sorry, i would have liked to call you on phone to discuss this rental issue but my phone service provider wont let me make international call at the moment.You can call me on phone +44702403abcd at home today or tomorrow but i always have full access to my emails.you can reach me 7.pm my time as i guess that will be six hours behind your time.If am not at home,my flatmate,Jim,will be. You can add me on Yahoo messenger if you care to chat(xyz@yahoo.com)

I'll be happy if you can rent out the place to me for 6-12 months term lease, as i'll love to get a place before my arrival.
 
More about me,I am half Brit from dad and half Asian from mum,a science laboratory worker,mostly spend my time in the laboratory experimenting,divorced female of 29yrs,i am educated(undergraduate and post graduate degree), am very active in sport (ski, surf,swimming),a good Christian,very low key and relaxed to live with. I DON'T smoke nor drink and i DON'T mind if flat mates do, I DON'T have a pet also. Presently staying at PQR Marlborough Road, London, EX Y,GB .Tel:+44-702-403-pqrs
 
I like honest,responsible,trustworthy and hardworking people while I dislike lazy,messy,uncaring people and I love pets so much,am quiet and easy going person to live with. I'm 5'7' straight. I always love to go on date but seldom party. I swim for fun and sometimes play tennis.  I must confess am comfortable with the price and I will want to secure the place down before my arrival so i will want you to tell me all about the place,as i can't see it before my arrival .i will also need to see the pictures...Attached is my picture ,just to give you a clue of who you are renting to.I hope you like it,i am not a picture loving person though.
 
I also will want you to know that i have my car that i will be coming over with,and little of my furniture,please let me know if there will be room for them?

I don't have a job lined up for me there yet but will look for upon my arrival.My Uncle will be responsible for my rent until i get a good Job,Please understand.
 
Moreover,Let me also know how i can go about securing the place down before my arrival as i will also be busy from  next week preparing to come over as i plan to arrive by Jan. 5th ,2010/My Arrival date is flexible.

Please,feel free to ask me any more question as i am very happy to join you and more so, i will love to always get email from you on how the event unfold till my arrival.
 
 For references reason,kindly contact below:
 Former landlord :ABC Adams(abcadams76@live.com)
 Roommate:XYZ Barclay(xyzbarclay@gmail.com)

Portland

London