"Buyer" Beware... and don't be an idiot, please.

I think it is sad that I have to actually post this but...

If it is too good to be true it generally is w/ real estate and rentals, and almost anything else you'll find online.  

No matter how "good" a person is, they don't give away their home for a below-market price.  No matter how "generous" an owner is they don't rent their home to a stranger w/ no background check for a fraction of market rent.

Craigslist posts several warnings and disclaimers ALL OVER their site, yet people are still so dumb/naive they fall for the scammer's story and are willing to send hundreds of dollars to a stranger overseas. 

I know most people who know me personally would be shocked that I actually have compassion for these idiots, but after receiving not just one, but five calls about one of my listings (a rental at the beach) questioning my price due to another post for the same property for 1/3 the price, I am concerned for the general population.  You’d think Darwinism would have weeded these poor fools out a long time ago, but obviously they’re still looking for their “killer deal”.

So this is my PSA for renters (and home buyers):  If it is too good to be true it is.  Don’t send money to someone you haven’t met.  Don’t believe that the owner actually had to move quickly to Africa for missionary work.  Don’t believe that the owner would rent their home to you (a total stranger) for nearly nothing.  And most of all, when you think you’re being crafty and calling them out to make sure they’re not a scam:  don’t believe their religious, God-fearing, good-natured schpeal about how they could never be one of those scammers and they are so sad that the world has come to this; it is a crock of baloney.

And for everyone reading this going “duh, who would ever believe that”, just know that there are many of these people living around you today.  Maybe you could make a profit by trying to sell them your old Timex watch and tell them it is a rare European division of Rolex that is worth thousands but you’ll give it to them for $100 (please send me my cut of your profit).