I posted an ad on CL for temporary housing in an area centrally located between several college/universities. I asked to only be contacted by phone. I received a txt at 6:40am asking for an email so they could ask questions. I sent an email giving some information about myself and the property. Haven't heard back from them yet but when I noticed it wasn't a local area code I googled the number and this site came up. (213)537-9718 "Hi is the sublet still available? Please email me at [email protected] so that I can respond with questions.
It is probably a scam - the phone number is a Google Voice number in Los Angeles that could be forwarded anywhere. They don't call because they have an accent. If you requested to be contacted by phone only, then legitimate tenants would call, not text and request to do everything through the email. The scammers that email you will tell you that they are sending you a check for the rent plus extra and then have you send any overpayment to their mover/courier/banker/lawyer - whomever. The check will turn out to be fake and you will be left holding the bag.
Only deal with people you can talk to and meet.
