Is this type of response legit?..

Two times I responded to a rental ad on craigslist.com and got this type of response..

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Hi xxx
I am responding to the e-mail for the apartment. To see the unit please e-mail me the number of months or years you have working with your current employer, your yearly income, and your most recent credit score. Make sure that your credit score is recent (at least 1 week old).

If you don't know your credit score, use the link below. It's free to
check your own score.

http://credit-scores-free.info/linkcy/?id=24_14822351

As soon as I receive this information, I can set a show date. Thanks xxx

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Why would I give all this information to a stranger just to view a rental? It annoys me and I don't ever even click on the link. I understand maybe they don't want to waste time showing a place to someone with a bad credit score but in this day and age I am not telling anyone private info over an email. Is it a scam?

ANNOYING!!!!!!!!!!!

Re: Is this type of response legit?..

I think it's legit. They aren't really asking you personal info - it's just their way screening the people they show apts/houses to. I actually think it's silly on their part bc people don't have to be truthful, KWIM? I prob wouldn't click on their link though... you could always pull your credit on another site.

Re: Is this type of response legit?..

Considering you would have to put all your details into that link I would say scam.

Re: Is this type of response legit?..

Thanks Girls,
I was torn about responding back and don't even think I will bother. The funny thing is--in my email I asked 2 questions about the rental and she didn't bother to respond to my questions, just provided that generic stuff at the top that I posted. Either way it is a total turn off ya know.
Thanks :)

Re: Is this type of response legit?..

No way. Move on. I would never provide any of that info.

Re: Is this type of response legit?..

NO - definitely a scam.

I emailed one craigslist poster about an apartment and received the same email, from "XXX, Rental Management." I wrote back saying I'm not putting my personal information into anything, if you want to contact me for a viewing email me back. It came back as undeliverable, that the email address did not exist.

If you click that link, which could be a virus anyway, I imagine you'd have to put your social security number and stuff into that to check the credit score... which would be a BAD idea.

Also, be very wary of the craigslist apt. listings, while I have gotten all of my apts. off craigslist, there were some recent scams that made the news, including one in Queens where the "landlord" didn't actually own the property or have authority to rent out anything, and collected deposits and first/last month rent from like 12 people for the same fake apt.

Re: Is this type of response legit?..

Message edited 3/20/2012 1:27:59 PM.

Re: Is this type of response legit?..

I would definitely be leery of giving any personal information over the phone or via email. Once you see the apartment, it's legitimate to request a credit score and income verification with a rental application, but not upfront when you are dealing with someone who claims to be a landlord, but you have no idea if they really have property to rent. It's too easy for someone with not-so-good intentions to take advantage of people via the internet.

Although using a realtor to rent an apartment will cost you a broker's fee, there are a few advantages:

1) You know if a licensed agent is marketing a rental property, there is a legitimate landlord and rental property available.

2) When you need to submit personal, financial information with a rental application, there are more safeguards in place. Personally, I do not turn anything over to a landlord (even when it is my listing) without redacting all confidential info (such as social security #, bank account #, etc.). I act as the liaison to screen applicants, but I am very careful with how I treat this information.

Re: Is this type of response legit?..

Re: Is this type of response legit?..

I can completely see where a landlord would want to know your financial reputation, so if I was interested I'd give them the info but not use that site. Then see what they say.

they aren't demanding that you use that link.

Re: Is this type of response legit?..

it's a scam

some one did that to one of my listings- they hyjacked my listing from MLS and posted it for rent on craigs list- same message as that!

Re: Is this type of response legit?..