hhmoore
tired & cranky shadow
We've been having a bit of a run of scammer accounts lately. I don't always post BOI threads about them...but this time, I can't resist.
This newly registered account posted 2 auctions - one for a spotted python and dotted albino ball python; and the other for a few Cuora species. I knew when I saw the name (Traveler Happy) that it wasn't real; but the pictures were a giveaway, too. In the first ad, the picture was of a Palmetto corn snake - I'm pretty sure the image belongs to Don Soderberg. The image in the other ad was one I've seen several times in the past. I'm not sure that I ever found its origin; but it can be found on multiple Asian sites. I will give a small amount of credit because the most recent accounts have taken a break from stealing the most commonly used, and easily found, images.
To take it just a bit further, the scammer(s) have also figured out that there's a reasonably good chance that they will be asked to confirm their identity. A couple have even managed to produce ID in the name on the account. But Traveler Happy? The two ads, and my responses, can be seen here (I'd screen shot them; but I'm pressed for time. Maybe later...or somebody else is welcome to do so.)
http://www.faunaclassifieds.com/forums/showthread.php?t=533187
http://www.faunaclassifieds.com/forums/showthread.php?t=533186
As you can see, the person posted in both ads that they would happily provide proof that his name was Traveler Happy. Obviously, I was intrigued.
This is the email I received:
Here is the image I received.
This newly registered account posted 2 auctions - one for a spotted python and dotted albino ball python; and the other for a few Cuora species. I knew when I saw the name (Traveler Happy) that it wasn't real; but the pictures were a giveaway, too. In the first ad, the picture was of a Palmetto corn snake - I'm pretty sure the image belongs to Don Soderberg. The image in the other ad was one I've seen several times in the past. I'm not sure that I ever found its origin; but it can be found on multiple Asian sites. I will give a small amount of credit because the most recent accounts have taken a break from stealing the most commonly used, and easily found, images.
To take it just a bit further, the scammer(s) have also figured out that there's a reasonably good chance that they will be asked to confirm their identity. A couple have even managed to produce ID in the name on the account. But Traveler Happy? The two ads, and my responses, can be seen here (I'd screen shot them; but I'm pressed for time. Maybe later...or somebody else is welcome to do so.)
http://www.faunaclassifieds.com/forums/showthread.php?t=533187
http://www.faunaclassifieds.com/forums/showthread.php?t=533186
As you can see, the person posted in both ads that they would happily provide proof that his name was Traveler Happy. Obviously, I was intrigued.
This is the email I received:
Ordinarily, I would never consider posting somebody's ID...but this time, I'm going to make an exception - I hope you understand.
Here is the image I received.
