I recently began searching for my first apartment, exhausting every available method to search: Zillow, Trulia, Sublet, Apartments.com, local realtors, etc. Resulting to Craigslist, I encountered an ad for beautiful luxury apartments within my budget, well below market value. Upon emailing the individual, (the craigslist ad had an email of *******@gmail.com) I received a response almost immediately.

The email did not disclose the exact location of the apartment complex, asking only for me to file a credit report at this website, waiving the deposit if I scored above 620. I would not need to file a leasing application, only the credit report. Once I had done so, I was to notify "Susan Sanger" (*******@intuitivedesigned. Xyz) to schedule a viewing.

Suspicious, I began to search the emails and individuals listed to see if they were legitimate identities. I found nothing. That's when I decided to research CreditUpdates.com

Upon investigation I discovered the website frequently posts such ads on craigslist, with a generated email often similar or exact to the one I received (I've included the email below to give a reference). Once I went to Craigslist to view the ad a second time, I discovered the ad had been flagged for removal.

Please note that the only free Credit Report website approved by the federal government is AnnualCreditReport.com, and barring websites such as CreditKarma and FreeCreditReport.com (though not government approved, both websites do not seem to have a serious background in scamming), caution should be taken with any website claiming to offer credit report services.

Here is the email I received:
"Hi Sydney,

Thank you for your interest in the property listed for rent. You were the first to e-mail from the advertising. We just finished all new renovations and are now prepared to lease with flexible terms. We will work together with you on move in date, lease security deposit and length.

I know that you want the exact address of the property but we do want not to divulge the address before you are qualified. We have had a string of break-ins, squatters and thefts at our other properties. We would like to avoid that with this property due to the renovations that have cost a great deal of money. You will be the first to move in with the renovations.

All utilities are priced into the lease along with garage parking spaces. The appliances in the kitchen and laundry room were just installed. You have the option to pick your paint color and flooring before your move in

If you would like to set up an appointment, go to the link below and request a copy of your credit report. We use this site since it's it gives you 3 scores. All you need to do is fill out the form and you get your report We aren't interested in specifics of your report, it's more of a formality to ensure you have rental history. Simply get your report by CLICKING HERE

Keep in mind that you only have to bring your report to the tour. We typically waive the security deposit with a score of 620+.

Please let me know when you grab your report. I can then schedule you for a showing of the place.

Thanks,
Susan"