Don’t fall for this Poughkeepsie Craigslist ” Credit Check” Scam

My quest for the perfect apartment in Poughkeepsie has led me down a winding path of Craigslist listings, each one promising an idyllic living space. However, amidst the excitement of potential finds, I've encountered the same tired scam over and over again.

Craigslist Shenanigans

Now, I know the title says EVERY listing is a scam. That’s not true. Every reasonably priced apartment listing is a scam. The ones that are $1600 a month for a 300-square-foot studio? Those listings are, sadly, very real.

The Scam Script

Here’s how it inevitably goes:

1. Find a Reasonable Listing: You stumble upon a listing that doesn't make you choke on your coffee. Excitedly, you email the contact person and include your phone number as requested.
2. Instant Response: Moments later, you receive a text. They appear professional and knowledgeable, eager to guide you through the rental process.
3. The Credit Check Request: As your conversation progresses, they casually mention the need for a credit check to proceed with your application.

The Fake Credit Check

Cue the fake website. It looks real, with official logos and sleek graphics. But if you look closely at the address bar, it’s not a simple "CreditCheck.com" — it's some crazy long jumble of letters and numbers.

Initially compliant, I nearly fell into their trap when they directed me to the website to purchase a $50 credit check. However, something about the situation didn't sit right with me. I paused, deciding to verify the website's legitimacy. A quick online search revealed warnings from others who had encountered the same scam. A tale as old as time.

Lessons Learned

While the search for an apartment in Poughkeepsie proves challenging, it also reinforced the importance of staying vigilant and trusting my instincts. Anyone got a cute little studio for rent?