I posted an earlier thread about locating good places to live for a short term in Paris. Thanks to all who replied; the posts were very helpful. I have actually received a few messages from individuals who had posted available room ads (a few from Craigslist, a few that were linked through another site).
Now I am at the stage where there are two or three that I would be reasonably comfortable putting a deposit down on and signing the paperwork. However, I definitely want to make sure I am not getting scammed by someone who just posted a few pictures online and is trying to get deposit money.
What are the typical ways to go about entering into a short lease like this without being able to physically meet the landlord ahead of time. It seems like a scary prospect, but I can't delay in finding housing much longer and so I don't see any option besides just trusting that someone is being honest, faxing lease papers, and arranging a money transfer for the deposit. Is this typical? Are there certain questions or details I should be asking to get some official certification?