My daughter recently found this ad posted on Craig’s List under apartments for rent. The ad offered a two-bedroom apartment that was about $500 below market rent and seemed “too good to be true.” And it was.

The full ad asked the reader to send in rent and security deposit with rental application adding this caveat:

“Please make sure this questions are fill correctly because the best way you answer with your comment will impress me the more to accept your applications.”

The rest was written in a way that makes it clear that English was not their first language:

I must confess that I am very very new in this landlord business..However, My name is Fred Derf, I own the house located at (1000 Happyness Lane, Norfolk, VA).Due to my job as a missionary I spent less time in the States so I could not get a hold on any Realtor to handle this rent issue, although it was when I knew how long we are going to stay in Africa that I decided to rent out the house and i will be here for (3-4 years).. However,the initial plan was to sale out the apt.which I tried, but some times the agents inflates the prize and it takes longer to sell i am telling you this in case if you find the house on another web site,that is the old advert. because of this reason and more we need a responsible person (With good credit) that can take very good care of it as we are not after the money , but want it to beclean and for you to take of it as if it were yours The rent is $600 and $600 for Security Deposit For this 2BR/2BAth/ 1800 sq. ft. Air Conditioner Dishwasher  Walk-in Closet  Refrigerator  Vaulted Ceilings Washer/Dryer  Cable etc…

What a scam.

About three years ago, I found this Sears kit home - The Alhambra - in Virginia or West Virginia. And now I do not remember where I saw it. If  you know the address - or even the area - please post a comment and tell me where!

Nice little Sears Alhambra