Craigslist

Yes, I just had a lot of experience with craigslist and apartment searching.

Generally if on Craigslist (or other online classifieds board) if the deal is too good to be true, it is. There are a lot of scammers on there who come back asking for credit checks and personal information for a story that they have their key in "Africa, Asia, over seas". Many of them have what appear to be pictures of the place as well as specific addresses, etc.

Maybe they left out a zero! This sounds way too good to be true. If it weren't, the apartment would be solidly booked through the next ten years....

No way..$100/night for a furnished three bedroom.

In 2002, I had a temporary furnished apartment in NYC. One bedroom, midtown. Fairly small...in those days it was $2800/month...closer to $4000 today.

I'd love to know where the apartment is located.

The apartment is located in Murray Hill and looks beautiful. However, I keep thinking it can't be possible because it's too inexpensive. Am trying to assist my Tuscan friends, but don't want to steer them in the wrong direction.

Camille...do you have a criss-cross directory? Maybe you can call the owners/renters to see if it's really on the market. Or check them in person the next time you're in Manhattan. At least they'll know there's someone locally keeping an eye on them!

I think each situation is different. I actually booked a temporary 2-night stay at an apt in Manhattan for $100/night. I had a layover and didn't want to spend the $300 plus/night for a hotel so I posted on Craigslist and asked if anyone had an apt that would be available for the dates of xxx. I got more than a dozen replies, and absolutely some of them were scams--the identical wording was a giveaway! But I got several offers from people that were legit. For example, one apt was in Chelsea, a studio, and it was available because the guy who had it, had moved in with his girlfriend and he was keeping the lease. He was more than happy to accept $200 for a place that would have been empty anyway. Other situations involved someone traveling during the period I happened to be there...again, they were thrilled at the opportunity to earn a little money while they were away. Then I think there were also some situations in which "times were tough" and someone offered to stay over with a friend a couple of nights in order to earn some money to pay toward their rent. I guess I'm saying I wouldn't be too quick to dismiss--but I would take precautions such as set up a phone interview, exchange some information, etc.

Hi Folks,
Thank you all for your timely response. Did a little investigating - it seems this person has a number of apartments for rent and uses the same phrases at the end of the apartment description:
"cats ok - purr"
"dogs of - woof"
Also, tried contacting via email and received a warning not to open the website.

I guess I have my answer!
Thanks, again.

Please, do your friends a huge favor and check out the New York City travel forum over at Trip Advisor

http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowForum-g60763-i5-New_York_City_New_York.html

Craigslist apartment rentals are notorious for scamming tourists.

I suggest the website VRBO. I have rented apartments and condos with them several times and never have a problem. There are plenty to choose from and offer feedback from other renters, pictures, etc. Worth a look.