760 Area Code Scam Text Message Scams

I just got a random text from a 760 number saying they were by a friend to contact me? What is that?

Just posted room for rent ad. Less than 2 mins later go tx for 760 area code wanting my email and willing to pay deposit n 1st month. But zero "as viewed" on site...response wanted to pay in advance, but was " currently in Guam studying microbiology"

The text I got followed up by 2 phone calls which I did not answer is "this is brandis husband, Richard. Stop doing that with the checks! It's a scam. Don't tell her I told you. She's going to be upset!