conversation: User (starfish-georgia): "Am I about to get ripped off? I live in Washington if it makes a difference. \n\nWe found the apartment on Craigslist, and submitted an application, and went to the open house. Everything appeared to be in order. We viewed the unit in person inside and out. They clearly had access to the unit. \n\nWe got an email saying that our application went through and all we had to do was deposit the last month of rent and the deposit into her account (she gave us her bank information) and we would get the apartment. Is that suspicious, or relatively normal? I have never given a landlord money (except an application fee) before looking at and signing a lease. \n\nSorry, probably a dumb question, but I would appreciate some insight before I fork over 2K. \n\nEdit: Thanks for the help you guys. I have now seen the lease and agreed to the terms, and we've entered into an agreement to lease letter. We are going to request ID from the landlord and if it matches what she claimed her name was (which is also the name on the land registry) we're going to go for it. \n\nIf she refuses to provide identification, we're going to walk away and call our $50 application fee loss well worth it. I really appreciate everyone who encouraged me to be cautious, and confirmed that my suspicions were grounded. "
  Self: "One of my friends recently found a great apartment on Craigslist. He talked with the guy.. saw the house etc. \n\nIt was being rented out... by the owner. The scammer tried to trick them into paying him upfront before he ran. "
  