Please read for safety information!
Hey, I just had a bizarre experience on the phone that I felt was important to share.
If you’re looking for roommates or rooms to rent on a budget, and you post on Craigslist (probably others but this is where I posted), then please be careful about who contacts you.
I had a person from a restricted number call me early this morning (Feb 5 2018), about 3 days after posting the ad (the ad states my first name (which is not my legal name), that I’m looking for housing or a roommate around June of this year, and it’s only February), asking if I was looking for housing and what my situation was. I gave as little info as possible (nothing they hadn’t read from the ad). I know they at least skimmed the ad as I listed myself as Gee, which they used, despite that not being my legal first name, but I also listed that texting or emailing is easier as hearing over the phone is difficult for me.
The guy, who hadn’t even given a name or anything, mentioned that he was calling on behalf of the YMCA about a program to offer 6 months of rent-free living to help people who are in financial trouble.
I know nothing about YMCA’s housing programs, and a little digging brought up nothing like that for my area. I told them I wasn’t interested, but thanks anyway, and before I could even finish what I was saying, they hung up on me.
No “bye” no “thank you for your time, you can reach us at [xxx-xxxx] for more information,” nothing. There was no further information offered. As soon as I expressed disinterest, they were gone.
This was likely a scam. Do not fall for it. A representative from a legitimate program would not cut you off this quickly, nor would they call from a restricted number.
God forbid this be a front for some sex trafficking thing or anything else that could put someone in danger.
I know a lot of us aren’t that well off financially, many of us are struggling, but please please remember to stay as safe as you can when making arrangements like this.
Never give out any personal information (aside from your first name or whatever you go by and a way to contact you, I recommend some throwaway email you can get rid of afterward), meet in person in a very public place and bring a friend with you if you can, or text your location and what time you plan on arriving and leaving to someone who will check in on you and can relay that information to the police if need be (god forbid). Text when you arrive and when you leave and when you get back to where you’re staying.
Stay safe, and best of luck finding home! Lord knows a lot of us need it.
