How NOT to get ripped off

Buying a herp online has its risks, like getting conned by a scammer. Here are a few things I always do to cut those risks down. This is not a holy grail, or anything, nor is it all inclusive or foolproof. But it helps.

1.Always make the seller take a new picture of the animal(s), with some object(s) in the picture that you tell them to put there. This, at least, verifies that they do, in fact, actually have the animal. If they make excuses as to why they can't produce a picture, (don't have a digital camera is the most common), proceed with extreme caution.

2. Ask for and check on references of other people this seller has done business with. Not having these dosen't necessarily mean they're dishonest, but search their real name and business name on the BOI on this site, and google it also.

3. Talk to the seller directly on the phone. Ask lots of questions. You can get a feel for the type of person you are dealing with. Again, this does not have 100% results, but it will help you weed out people who are only trying to scam. If you're not good at thinking of stuff like that on the spot, write down a bunch of questions ahead of time. Would anyone in their right mind send $200+ to someone who won't even talk to them on the phone?(answer=yes, lots of otherwise sensible people have been scammed this way) If they make excuses why they can't talk to you on the phone, run (don't walk) away

Following these tips does not gurantee success, but it might help protect you from scammers.

4. Have everything in writing. Although I agree the follow-up call is very important (particuarly to verify the address), everything that was said in it should be in writing as well on the e-mail exchange. If not, and in the event something goes wrong, it will just be another "he said, she said" case.

Regards.

debit/credit also a great tool, their is usually insurance free of charge that covers
items that are not as discribed lost in mail or broken/dead
might want to check with your bank about a debit card and what it the insurance coverage is.
keep in mind if u use paypal and withdraw it from a debit card or credit card
u will have to follow through with paypals procedures to gt the funds and fail before your card will cover it.