I responded to a Craigslist ad for a 2-bedroom apartment. After initially responding to the ad, the apartment manager asked me, via e-mail, to bring a copy of my credit report and directed me to a website belonging to efreescore.com for an updated credit score report. I am including this e-mail below for your reference. After processing my score through this site, I became suspicious and conducted online research and found out that this is a scam; the rental does not even exist (it was taken off craigslist immediately) and those who are posting ads online are apparently receiving commissions
through efreescore.com. When I spoke with a representative from efreescore.com customer service, she refused to provide an email confirming this, but hinted that this is, indeed, the case (i.e., the company "associates" with third party affiliates who encourage consumers to use their website for financial incentives). From conducting online research, it seems as if similar accounts with efreescore.com have been reported. How can this be possibly legal?!! I've contacted major agencies and truly hope that something can be done to stop companies such as efreescore.com from scamming consumers. I've included the message I received below.
From: [email protected] [[email protected]]
Sent: Sunday, September 27, 2015 2:55 PM
To: XXXX
Subject: RE: $1500 apt posting on Craigslist
Hi XXXX,
Great to speak with you. The unit is here still to rent. We thought
we had the unit leased to someone that we gave a walk-through to
today, but now it seems that they can't get out of their current
lease, so we need to keep searching. You were the 2nd one to reach
out to me.
I am sure you want the address of the place, but my husband
doesn't want me to advertise the address as a measure of safety.
Last time we did that without being diligent, it was broken into and
vandalized. As you can imagine, we want to avoid that! That is why
we require you to confirm you recieved your updated credit report
before we setup a tour.You will be responsible for cable, internet,
and phone, if you decide to have these services. For the FIRST time,
we are allowing pets at this property. The rental term is 12 month
lease, but can be switched into a 6-month term if preferred. We just
ask that you give us fair notice if you are moving out.
When you want to come look at the place, then please visit the link
below and grab your credit report. All of our tenants use this site
and we've had nothing but good results. All you need to do is
fill out the form and you get your report We aren't interested
in specifics of your score, it's more of a formality even if you
don't you have rental history. You can get your report by
CLICKING HERE [LEADS TO efreescore.com]
When you come see the unit for a tour, please remember to bring the
report with you. We'll also waive your security deposit if we
see that your rating is above 650.
Let me know when you have an updated version of your credit report.
Then I'll schedule you for a walk through.
Our Best,
Lauren Barrett
I responded to a Craigslist ad for a 2-bedroom apartment. After initially responding to the ad, the apartment manager asked me, via e-mail, to bring a copy of my credit report and directed me to a website belonging to efreescore.com for an updated credit score report. I am including this e-mail below for your reference. After processing my score through this site, I became suspicious and conducted online research and found out that this is a scam; the rental does not even exist (it was taken off craigslist immediately) and those who are posting ads online are apparently receiving commissions
through efreescore.com. When I spoke with a representative from efreescore.com customer service, she refused to provide an email confirming this, but hinted that this is, indeed, the case (i.e., the company "associates" with third party affiliates who encourage consumers to use their website for financial incentives). From conducting online research, it seems as if similar accounts with efreescore.com have been reported. How can this be possibly legal?!! I've contacted major agencies and truly hope that something can be done to stop companies such as efreescore.com from scamming consumers. I've included the message I received below.
From: [email protected] [[email protected]]
Sent: Sunday, September 27, 2015 2:55 PM
To: XXXX
Subject: RE: $1500 apt posting on Craigslist
Hi XXXX,
Great to speak with you. The unit is here still to rent. We thought
we had the unit leased to someone that we gave a walk-through to
today, but now it seems that they can't get out of their current
lease, so we need to keep searching. You were the 2nd one to reach
out to me.
I am sure you want the address of the place, but my husband
doesn't want me to advertise the address as a measure of safety.
Last time we did that without being diligent, it was broken into and
vandalized. As you can imagine, we want to avoid that! That is why
we require you to confirm you recieved your updated credit report
before we setup a tour.You will be responsible for cable, internet,
and phone, if you decide to have these services. For the FIRST time,
we are allowing pets at this property. The rental term is 12 month
lease, but can be switched into a 6-month term if preferred. We just
ask that you give us fair notice if you are moving out.
When you want to come look at the place, then please visit the link
below and grab your credit report. All of our tenants use this site
and we've had nothing but good results. All you need to do is
fill out the form and you get your report We aren't interested
in specifics of your score, it's more of a formality even if you
don't you have rental history. You can get your report by
CLICKING HERE [LEADS TO efreescore.com]
When you come see the unit for a tour, please remember to bring the
report with you. We'll also waive your security deposit if we
see that your rating is above 650.
Let me know when you have an updated version of your credit report.
Then I'll schedule you for a walk through.
Our Best,
Lauren Barrett