So, you're looking for a rental and you find what seems to be a great deal on Craigs List, $800 dollars for a 3 bedroom home in southeast Reno. The price sounds a little too good to be true, but when you email the apparent owner, he has an explanation.

"I've joined a mission in Nigeria and I need a family to look after my home."

At some point you'll probably drive by the home. And you'll find--as we did that it's real and appears as advertised, for good reason, the ad you saw has been cut and pasted from a legitimate posting by someone like Spencer Grist from Reno Rental Finders, with his contact information removed.

Grist, "Our phone number will disappear, as will our website. They make an email address that sounds local. They may even research the home and find the homeowners' name."

You're emailed an application and asked for a deposit after which it's promised a best friend will deliver the key. But you won't see the key or your money again.

You've been scammed by a con artist working a half a world away in Africa.

Grist says people do fall for it. "The economy right now dictates that everyone is looking for a bargain. If they see one they're going to want to think it's real."

Avoiding the scam begins with a tried and true piece of advice.