Rental Verified, Tenant Verified via Craigslist Rent ad scam Houston Texas

Someone is placing apartment/condo ads on Craigslist all across the the US.
After searching for Rental Verified I saw this has been going on for months and months now.
It may be that scammers are using RentalVerified & VerifiedRental affiliate programs to take a cut of the background check fee they charge to people trying to rent.

Interior pictures were included in the Craigslist ad as well as a map of an area of Houston, but no address is given.
The link in the email sends you to rentalverified.com so you can pay for the background check you're supposed to complete before meeting or viewing the rental property.

Here is the e-mail my daughter received after responding to a rental ad on Craigslist in Houston, TX.

Hxxxxx,

Thank you for your interest in our property for rent.

The property we have available for rent right now is a 1 bedroom 1.0 bath with garage in an amazing area. The rental has a washer and dryer.
There have not been any pets in the property so there are no smells, stains or odors. The property is pet friendly with no breed restrictions, we do not charge a fee or require a deposit but if your pet damages the property it is up to you to complete all repairs.

To rent our property we require the following:
1. A valid Driver's License or Photo ID
2. The 1st months rent
3. Completed background check for each applicant
4. Rental Agreement (month to month, 6 months or 1 year), I will bring this to the viewing
You can complete the background check online using Rental Verified: link  http://redirect442.com/n9650400
This is an affordable way for me to screen applicants based on previous rental history and employment information. If you have a felony or poor tenant history, I am flexible and I will help you out.
This property rents quickly, contact me when you've completed your background check and are ready to schedule a viewing. It is in a .pdf, you can print it and bring to the viewing or email it to me.
What's the best contact number for you? Are you available tomorrow?
I will be available tomorrow, Sunday morning.
Maya


Listing on Craigslist http://houston.craigslist.org/apa/4078704068.html
 - $650 / 1br - 950ft² - *Lease this stunning 1 bed 1 bath place* (Houston)

Accommodating floor plan design and laundry room with washer and dryer included in this big 1 bedroom 1 bathroom home.

*Air conditioner
*Parking also open off-street
*Additional storage space
*Wine rack
*Vinyl and tile flooring
*Remodeled kitchen with new appliances
    cats are OK - purrr
    dogs are OK - wooof
    Location: Houston
    it's NOT ok to contact this poster with services or other commercial interests

Posting ID: 4078704068
Posted: 2013-09-19, 7:58PM CDT