How do you know if its a scam?

Hi, I was wondering when do you really know when buying snakes from Africa is a scam? I've seen this guy from Cameroon around the net he's had different emails and stuff. Idk maybe its even a different guy from Cameroon, but when they offer such good deals it makes you wanna buy but it also makes you think scam! I found most of his ads on different city's craigslist and in the ads he never said he lived in Cameroon but he never said he lived in that city either. If anybody can help me with this I would really appreciate it or if you could recommend a good overseas ball python dealer. I'm new to breeding ball pythons so I don't really know the ropes when buying them. I breed Leopard geckos and you really don't need to import them because there is enough variety and good deals here in the states.

if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. only buy from reputable breeders with references.

Well if they say that you pay for the snake when you pick them up at the airport can it still be a scam? I mean your not giving them any money your paying the delivery carrier at the airport.

is the delivery carrier going to let you open the box, examine the contents, and then refuse to pay if you aren't satisfied?

Good point but like I said how is it really a scam if I'm not giving him any money? And if its not a scam I can't afford to let the opportunity to pass by.

Does anyone have any experience with shipping from overseas or can anyone recommend someone to me? Thanks

i would just be wary

At a certain point he will ask for money. Besides I have yet to see ball pythons exported from Cameroon. They usually come from Ghana, Togo and Benin.

Originally Posted by SilverBlaze

I'm new to breeding ball pythons so I don't really know the ropes when buying them.

Lois

There are some really nice people here who will give you advice about bps. My suggestion is to not be in such a hurry to have the dollars fly out of your wallet. Read the bp forum posts, ask questions, take a few evenings a week and go into chat and soak up some knowledge.

People here have spent years on their projects and you could probably find a deal on a few pair of captive bred foundation bps for your breeding plans.

Scammers intentionally make it seem like if you don't buy right now (and send the funds Western Union) you will lose out forever. A good breeder will answer your questions and let you decide when to buy.

If you go shopping in Cameroon, we will all do our best to try not to say we told you so when the deal goes south,but why not just skip the heartbreak and do it the right way?

There was an interesting thread in the business forum on this topic (probably 05'-07'), you might find it useful.