Top Notch Dragons
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BEWARE OF LAUREN BOWMAN (EMBER CREEK DRAGONS)
NAME: LAUREN BOWMAN
COMPANY NAME: EMBER CREEK DRAGONS (http://embercreekdragons.blogspot.ca/)
FAUNA USER NAME: BASKINGBABY
EMAIL ADDRESS: [email protected]
LOCATION: NEWARK, DELAWARE
The following is the correspondence (via email & text) between Lauren and I in response to her ad ``Amazing citrus female! Hypo Trans Leather`` posted on Fauna 05/26. I paid for the Dragon on 05/27 and to date I have not received it:
CHRIS (05/26): Hello, Is this female still available? How old is she? Do you have any other lineage information? and where did you get her from What payment methods do you accept? Thanks for your time Chris
Me Me 05/26/14 10:32 PM Hello. Sorry for the late text. My name is Chris I sent you an email regarding the Citrus Hypo Trans female. Just following up b/c I am very interested. C
To Me
Today at 4:59 PM
Me 05/26/14 10:32 PM
Hello. Sorry for the late text. My name is Chris I sent you an email regarding the Citrus Hypo Trans female. Just following up b/c I am very interested. Can you reply to my email when you get a chance? Thanks. Have a good night
+1 (302) 388-1333 05/26/14 10:34 PM
Hi there! I will get back to your email tonight. Where are you located?
Me 05/26/14 10:35 PM
I'm in Canada but I cross the border to pick up my Dragons
+1 (302) 388-1333 05/26/14 10:39 PM
Ohh wow okay! I love Canada haha. I'm from Delaware. I had one person from CA trying to send me money via Moneygram and WesternUnion and neither were working for him. My only other way is to use a reload card to load onto my American Express card or Netspend card. For the Am Ex the cards are called Vanilla Reload or Netspend Reload. Have you heard of any of them?
+1 (302) 388-1333 05/26/14 10:39 PM
I just want to throw that out first incase you aren't able to do that.
Me 05/26/14 10:52 PM
I've heard of the vanilla prepaid card. They sell them @ gas stations. I don't understan how you would get the funds though. I could try Western Union. I have one very close to my house
+1 (302) 388-1333 05/26/14 10:54 PM
With the Vanilla re-load cards, you give me the number on the card and I enter it online to my "American Expeess Serve" reloadable Card.
+1 (302) 388-1333 05/26/14 10:54 PM
https://www.vanillareload.com
+1 (302) 388-1333 05/26/14 10:55 PM
I wish there was an easier way to do it. This other guy just tried to buy the dragon from me using WesternUnion and Moneygram and both would not work for him. I don't know why.
+1 (302) 388-1333 05/26/14 10:55 PM
If you want to try WesternUnion you're welcome to....
+1 (302) 388-1333 05/26/14 10:58 PM
I responded to your email as well
Me 05/26/14 11:06 PM
Do you mind if we email? I'm pretty sure I have to pay for each text to a US #
+1 (302) 388-1333 05/26/14 11:07 PM
Oh so sorry!! Sure go ahead and email.
LAUREN (05/26): Hi there Chris. I have one other person all the way in CA who was trying to send me payment for her but we can't get it to work with the Moneygram and western union. So that deal fell through unfortunately. She's still available right now. Like I said in our texts your welcome to try those methods and maybe it will work for you. She is about 14 months old, from Bluemoon Dragons in California. She's really nice and a great quality hypo trans dragon. I hate to get rid of her!
CHRIS (05/26): If I buy the vanilla card in Canada will it convert to US funds when I give you the pin? Bluemoon Dragons. I haven't heard of them before. Any idea how big the parents were. I have been burned before where the adult Dragon looks amazing but maxed out at like 250g I'm comfortable with whatever payment method works
LAUREN (05/26): To be honest I have no idea how that works.....I can call the 1800 phone number and ask them how it would convert. The guys name from BlueMoon Dragons is Kenneth Gamboa (not sure if you Facebook but he does have one). I have a pic of the mother but not the father. I'll send that to you. She looked like a huge dragon. You def wouldn't be disappointed with this girl....she's stunning. I've had a lot of inquiries about her but nothing set in stone yet. I wouldn't even think of getting rid of her if I didn't need the money so badly for my LATE car payment
Me 05/27/14 11:53 AM
Good morning Lauren. I sent you another email this morning
CHRIS (05/27): Hi Lauren, Thanks for that information and pic. I really appreciate it. I am getting some Dragons shipped from other breeders this Thursday for a Friday delivery. If you can ship this Thursday then consider he sold. If you can call the 1 800 # and find out about the Vanilla card method / conversion to US funds that would help a lot since I will be at work in a 5 hour meeting. Then once I get home I can forward payment today. Just in case can you also send me the information required to send Western Union. I have never sent one before and but I want to get payment to you today Thanks Chris
LAUREN (05/27): Hey Chris got your email. I have 3 people total wanting this dragon but since I can't just use someone's paypal it's so damn complicated to explain to people the re-load card stuff! I don't know how else to do it though. Hopefully today you can give WesternUnion a try! It's super easy to do on their website. I'm going to call the re-load phone number shortly and let you know what they say. Thanks for being so patient throughout this! Lauren
CHRIS (05/27): No problem. I can work miracles when I am determined to. Let me know about the Vanilla card and I will try Western Union.
LAUREN (05/27): Haha good! I'm glad you're determined I'm sorry this is such a pain in the ass to do. I'm out right now and can't call them to figure out what's going to happen with the money but as soon as I get a spare second I will. I really hope we can work something out WesternUnion is probably the easiest route to try first, it's all online. I had the one other guy try using his Visa card and it didn't work, but I believe there's an option to have it come directly from your account which might work? I don't know...I hope something will work. Ill keep in touch! Lauren
Me 05/27/14 11:53 AM
Good morning Lauren. I sent you another email this morning
Me 05/27/14 5:00 PM
Hi Lauren. I spoke with Western Union. I am on my way there now. I can I have the correct spelling of your first and last name and the state you are in. They said if the spelling on your ID doesn't match that the funds will not be released to you
+1 (302) 388-1333 05/27/14 5:05 PM
Oh great! That's wonderful. My name is Lauren Bowman. If for some reason that doesn't work you can use my boyfriends name whih is Jonathan Hall
Me 05/27/14 5:09 PM
What state are you in?
+1 (302) 388-1333 05/27/14 5:09 PM
Delaware ...Newark 19711
+1 (302) 388-1333 05/27/14 5:09 PM
302-388-1333
Me 05/27/14 5:48 PM
The funds have been sent and I selected the 15 minute option so they should be available by 5:48 EDT. Control #: 330-265-7299. Please check email
+1 (302) 388-1333 05/27/14 5:49 PM
Awesome. I will check my email and let you know when I go to pick it up and let you know how everything goes. I appreciate all the trouble you had to go through! Will email you so you don't have to pay for texts.
Me 05/28/14 11:11 AM
Hi Lauren. I received notification that the funds were picked up yesterday but I haven't received a reply to my email. Is everything ok?
CHRIS (05/27): Hi Lauren, I have sent the funds via Western Union in the amount of 250.00 for the "Amazing citrus female! Hypo Trans Leather". The funds should be available for pick up at 5:48 pm EDT. I will send yoou the control number via text. Please confirm receipt of funds Thanks Chris
LAUREN (05/28): Hi Chris - so sorry I didn't get back to you last night. At work today so haven't had a chance to check my mail yet until now. Everything went smoothly and I appreciate your time and everything. If you want to go ahead and give me the address info I will contact my label provider and get everything started! Lauren
CHRIS (05/28): Hi Lauren, Thanks for the confirmation. The ship date is this Thursday, May 29th for a Friday May 30th pick up. My mailing address is: ……..Please let me know if you need any additional information Thanks Chris
LAUREN (05/29): Hey Chris....I really hope you aren't going to be really upset with me. I was working today and had my boyfriend get the shipping box together and get the label ordered online and printed out....well after all was said and done I get home from work and the only box he hae here is WAY too small to send her in...I swore I had 3 boxes but apparently the only one I can find is the small one. There's no way I felt comfortable sending her in that even though it is only overnight I just don't feel right in case the worst were to happen and I don't want her stuck on that for any longer than she needs to....I have never had a dragon die I shipping and don't want to cram her in something smaller than I feel comfortable doing. I am SO sorry and I promise you I am not doing this on purpose. I was so stressed out and angry I started an argument with my boyfriend over it and why he didn't tell me SOONER that everything was too small, I don't know. I was on the verge of tears tonight I was so mad. I really hope you understand and I will refund some of your funds since it's MY screw up and you were really looking forward to her this week. Please accept my apology and I will make this right ASAP. I will even show you a picture of the box and everything so you believe me! I'm so sorry. Please know that I fully intend to make everything right for you.
Lauren
CHRIS (06/30): Hi Lauren, No need to return any funds and please don't argue with your boyfriend. Things happen. It's sucks but such is life. The only thing is that I do not know when I will be able to make it back to the US. It may be up to 1 month. I do have to come back eventually because another breeder was also unable to ship as well. I'm not upset so don't be stressed out. In the grand scheme of things a missed shipment is not the end of the world. I will keep in touch and let you know when I can schedule shipping. I hope you are able to care for her until then. Thanks
CHRIS (06/03): Hi Lauren, I have not received a reply to my message below. Did you receive it? Are you ok with holding on to her for a bit? Thanks Chris
Me 06/05/14 1:10 PM
Hi Lauren. Have you received my latest email regarding the anticipated shipping delay? I haven't received a reply
Me 06/06/14 10:45 AM
Good morning Lauren. I have not been receiving any replies to my texts and emails. Is something wrong with the Dragon? Please advise
CHRIS (06/08): Hi Lauren, Is your Internet back up and running? Chris
+1 (302) 388-1333 06/06/14 1:20 PM
Hi there...SOO sorry I haven't been able to respond. I honestly am sorry. My internet has been down at home and we just are having someone come from Comcast today to install a new router and hope that fixes it. In the meantime I did find another box for her and she is doing fine. There is nothing wrong with her, just me! Next week I will get her to you, I really apologize for the lack of communication on my end. Things have just been crazy.
Me 06/09/14 1:32 PM
That's ok. I was just concerned because I hadn't heard from you. I will get back to you about an alternative ship date. Keep in touch
Me 06/09/14 1:32 PM
I send you a few emails when you are connected again. Have you tried breeding her before?
Me 06/12/14 9:59 PM
Hi Lauren, are you connected to the Internet yet? I am ready to arrange shipping
+1 (302) 388-1333 06/12/14 10:07 PM
Hey Chris. So sorry about all the delays. Yes internet is back up and I can ship out whenever is convenient for you next week! Hopefully weather in your area is mild and not too hot? It's been around 75-85 degrees here but I think she would be fine with no heat or cold packs.
CHRIS (06/14): Hi Lauren, Have you ever tried to breed her? I would like to get her shipped 06/26 for a 06/27 delivery. My shipping address is: … My Phone Number:.. Please confirm Thanks
LAUREN (06/15): Hey Chris, I have not tried to breed her yet. She had slowed down as all my dragons do for the winter (we had a BAD one!) and I wanted to put some weight back on her before I bred her. But then things came up with money and I had to sell her. I have a silk back hypo poss het trans that I could pair her with, for a few days before I send her out if you'd like? He is not a proven breeder yet. That date works out great for me actually. Again I'm really sorry about the delay and everything. You're really going to enjoy her when you get her! Lauren
CHRIS (06/17): Excellent I will contact you closer to the ship date? Is the Silkback also a Citrus? Do you have any pics of him? Thanks
LAUREN (06/17): Hey Chris here is the male, he's definitely a citrus I call him a citrus hypo silk back, poss het trans. I can put him in with her and see if he's interested, let me know. I can't guarantee anything as he's never been proven for me yet...I'm trying to breed him with my other female and he's "trying" but I can't say for sure whether he's tied her or not yet. I hope he gets the hang of it really soon LOL
CHRIS (06/17): Oh wow. He's stunning. Yes please do try to pair the. Holy. I have never seen a Citrus Silkback that vibrant and patternless Thanks Chris
LAUREN (06/17): Aww thanks so much for the nice compliment! I raised him and 2 other siblings that were also silkbacks from hatchlings, someone sold them to me because they were going away on vacation and couldnt care for the silkbacks needs at that time. I love him, his name is Apollo and hes actually about the same age as your girl....a little over a year I believe. Your girl is named Esa (pronounced E-suh) but of course you can change that. Just in case they DO breed, I want you to know that it's possible for them to have both leatherback and silkback babies. Silkback hatchlings do require a bit more intensive care but I'd be glad to help you with that if it came to that. Nothing too major, just some help with shedding and applying lotion to their skin. Anyway, I'll see if I can grab you some pictures of the two of them together later on Lauren
Me 06/25/14 6:08 PM
Hey Lauren, any luck pairing Esa with Apollo? Are you still able to ship her tomorrow?
Me 06/26/14 10:18 AM
Hey Lauren I didn't hear back from you. I'm just following up
Me 06/27/14 9:26 PM
Lauren the Dragon didn't ship yesterday and I haven't received a reply to my last 2 messages. What is happening. This is starting to make me feel uneasy
CHRIS (06/28): Hi Lauren, The Dragon didn't ship again on Thursday and you are not responding to my messages. What is happening? I am starting to feel very uneasy about this transaction. Thanks Chris
CHRIS (07/01): Lauren, I haven't heard from you in 14 days and it has been 6 days since the Dragon was supposed to ship. I have called you multiple times, sent you text messages and emailed you. I think I have been more than patient. At this point it is obvious that either something is wrong with the Dragon or this was a scam. Either way, unless you can reply by end of day tomorrow with an alternative ship date for this week and a tracking number I am no longer interested and would like a full refund. I'm a pretty reasonable guy and understand that things happen; like with the box error on the first ship date, however I don't appreciate being taking advantage of. I look forward to a response by end of day tomorrow. Chris
Me 07/01/14 12:20 PM
Lauren it has been 16 days since I last heard from you and 6 days since the Dragon was suppose to ship and did not. Unless you can provide me with an alternate ship date by EOD tomorrow, including a tracking number I am no longer interested and would like a full refund.
Me 07/01/14 12:21 PM
I also sent you an email and have been trying to call you. I have been more than patient and at this point feel that I am being taken advantage of
CHRIS (07/02): Hello Lauren,
Yesterday someone contacted you regarding a Citrus Translucent Leatherback female. The same Dragon that you previously sold to me on 05/27 and have failed to ship to me on 2 agreed upon ship dates. Well that person was a friend of mine and this confirms your intent to rip me off.
I'm a no nonsense kind of guy so here is how this is going to work:
1. I have already contacted your local authorities in Newark Delaware (302-366-7111) and the authorities here in Canada to report this scam.
2. I will be posting all of our correspondence (via text and email) on the Fauna BOI to advise and warn future individuals from doing business with you.
3. I will be contacting all of your donors on gofundme.com to advise them that you likely scammed them as well and will be in contact with the site administrators to look into your claims and use of their outlet.
4. I will be contacting your boyfriend Jonathan (Josh) Hall to advise him of this situation so he is aware of your intentional dishonesty.
5. Finally I understand that you are an unemployed Veterinary Technician so I will be sending a detailed copy of all of our correspondence to every Veterinary clinic in Delaware. I'm sure they would be very interested in the complete absence of responsibility and integrity of a potential employee.
This could all be avoided if you refund my money or ship the Dragon. The choice remains yours until EOD today. (THIS MESSAGE ALSO SENT VIA TEXT)
+1 (302) 388-1333 07/02/14 5:56 PM
I'm really sorry it has gotten to this point. I've had so much going on right now and honest to god I don't have to funds to even mail her until I get my car check from insurance hopefully next week. I don't know what else I can do and I apologize.
+1 (302) 388-1333 07/02/14 5:57 PM
I'm being completely honest with you I just do not have the money to send her. Being unemployed and in an accident has really screwed me up on top of Apollo being so sick and I'm just at a loss right now to be honest. I'm sorry and I swear my intentions were NEVER to do this to you
+1 (302) 388-1333 07/02/14 5:58 PM
The dragon I was going to sell the other person is my other female. You have seen pictures of her before as well.
Me 07/02/14 7:05 PM
Why did it have to come to this to have reply. I've proven that I am a reasonable guy when you missed the 1st shipment and I asked you not to fight with your boyfriend over it. Why would ignore my calls, emails and text? I get that things happen and I'm sorry you are going through a tough time but that's not professional to lose touch with me. When you needed money for your car I transferred the funds the same day
Me 07/02/14 7:07 PM
If you are able to prove that you have the Dragon by sending me a date stamped pic and will send me a promissory note via email that you will ship the Dragon on an agreed upon date I am willing to wait
Me 07/02/14 7:08 PM
Again I am being very patient and understanding. It's up to you
Me 07/02/14 7:09 PM
A date in the month of July
+1 (302) 388-1333 07/02/14 7:11 PM
I will send you a date stamped pic gladly when I get home tonight...I honest to god am not trying to scam you...I'm going through hell right now and being without a job is the last thing I ever thought would happen. The only money I have right now is the money from my totaled car which I can even send a pic of tonight too...I am expecting my check late next week I HOPE to god.
Me 07/02/14 7:24 PM
I don't need a pic of your car. I imagine you are already going through enough trauma/stress being in an accident and losing your job. I would just like the date stamped pic and the promissory note via email and then we will agree upon a date in July for shipping.
Me 07/03/14 10:05 PM
Lauren I did not receive an email yesterday as we agreed
+1 (302) 388-1333 07/03/14 10:06 PM
Will do this now. I just got home. Let me grab a pic of her and will email. Using my phone to email so I'll keep it short and to the point I guess.
Me 07/04/14 4:45 PM
Hello, I still haven't received the email and the pic
Me 07/06/14 6:41 PM
Lauren this is ridiculous. I made a simple request and once again you have terminated communication;despite me being patient once again and waiting for the email. If you still had the Dragon taking a simple pic and sending an email would take less than 5 minutes. If you don't have the Dragon simply say so and accept the consequences of your actions. I have been more than reasonable, more than understanding and you have done nothing but take that for granted. No more. My patience has run out
CHRIS (07/06): Hi Chris I apologize for everything that's been going on. I never intended for this to drag on like this. My car being totaled was a huge hit and my deductible was way more than I could afford. When I receive my money HOPEFULLY by the end of this week I will let you know and will arrange another ship date and even send the label picture and tracking number. It will be through FEDEX. Anyway. Picture to follow. Please accept this as an apology and a promise to send. Lauren Bowman
LAUREN (07/07): Here are pictures taken today.
Me 07/13/14 6:54 PM
Hi Lauren. Thanks for the email/pic. Did your funds come through? Will you be aable to ship this week?
Me 07/14/14 7:23 PM
I just replied to your email
LAUREN (07/14): Hi Chris. If you could please give me the shipping name/address info I can try to get the label for Esa made up. Once I do I will send you the tracking info. The company I use goes thru Fedex. What's looking like a good day for you? End of this, or next week? I really hope you enjoy her....after all this I just want you to be happy and her to have a good home I hate that all of this crap happened. I've done tons of transactions in the past and never had so many obstacles in my way before. You've been extremely patient and I appreciate it. Lauren
CHRIS (07/14): Hi Lauren, If you could ship tomorrow 07/15 for a Wednesday 07/16 pick up that would be great because I am picking up another Dragon on Wednesday and it will save me a second trip to the US. My address is: Things happen sometimes that are outside of our control. I just hope that all goes well with the shipment. Thanks
LAUREN (07/14): Yikes tomorrow is really soon.....let me see what I can do. I'll keep in touch....I'll try my best.
CHRIS (07/14): Please do. It would help me out a lot and I would really appreciate it. Thanks
Me 07/22/14 5:46 PM
Hi Lauren, what's going on with the shipment?
Me 07/28/14 5:40 AM
Lauren what is going on? You are not responding yet again. I would like the Dragon shipped this week
CHRIS (07/30): You contacted me 07/14 requesting a ship date for the week ending 07/18 or 07/25. After I replied you said you would be in touch. As usual no follow up on your part so I contacted you on the 07/21 & 07/22 and still no reply. How long does it take to reply? I'm not sure if you find this amusing or if you just don't appreciate the magnitude of this situation but I’m fed up of giving you chances. I have told you from the beginning to keep me informed and after being let down, lied to and strung along I can see that I am wasting my time communicating with you (THIS MESSAGE ALSO SENT VIA TEXT)
Misc. Notes:
- I understand that I made some mistakes along the way; sending funds via Western Union; even though I checked references and acknowledged that she had been a Fauna member since 2009, trusting Lauren to uphold her end of the agreement etc. At this point I just want people to be aware of what she did and to use extreme caution if they choose to do business with her. In 10 years this is the first time I have officially been scammed so you can appreciate why this is so disturbing.
- I have pics, screen captures and all original correspondence saved e.g. she used the same pic in Fauna as she did in her craigslist ad and tried to lie and say that it was a different Dragon. I have the pics to prove otherwise. Some of which are attached
- She has been updating her Facebook page throughout this drawn out process but refused to reply to my messages
- You can view her www.gofundme.com fundraiser details here:
1. http://www.gofundme.com/anr0u0
2. http://www.gofundme.com/cem244
These may or may not be legitimate.
NAME: LAUREN BOWMAN
COMPANY NAME: EMBER CREEK DRAGONS (http://embercreekdragons.blogspot.ca/)
FAUNA USER NAME: BASKINGBABY
EMAIL ADDRESS: [email protected]
LOCATION: NEWARK, DELAWARE
The following is the correspondence (via email & text) between Lauren and I in response to her ad ``Amazing citrus female! Hypo Trans Leather`` posted on Fauna 05/26. I paid for the Dragon on 05/27 and to date I have not received it:
CHRIS (05/26): Hello, Is this female still available? How old is she? Do you have any other lineage information? and where did you get her from What payment methods do you accept? Thanks for your time Chris
Me Me 05/26/14 10:32 PM Hello. Sorry for the late text. My name is Chris I sent you an email regarding the Citrus Hypo Trans female. Just following up b/c I am very interested. C
To Me
Today at 4:59 PM
Me 05/26/14 10:32 PM
Hello. Sorry for the late text. My name is Chris I sent you an email regarding the Citrus Hypo Trans female. Just following up b/c I am very interested. Can you reply to my email when you get a chance? Thanks. Have a good night
+1 (302) 388-1333 05/26/14 10:34 PM
Hi there! I will get back to your email tonight. Where are you located?
Me 05/26/14 10:35 PM
I'm in Canada but I cross the border to pick up my Dragons
+1 (302) 388-1333 05/26/14 10:39 PM
Ohh wow okay! I love Canada haha. I'm from Delaware. I had one person from CA trying to send me money via Moneygram and WesternUnion and neither were working for him. My only other way is to use a reload card to load onto my American Express card or Netspend card. For the Am Ex the cards are called Vanilla Reload or Netspend Reload. Have you heard of any of them?
+1 (302) 388-1333 05/26/14 10:39 PM
I just want to throw that out first incase you aren't able to do that.
Me 05/26/14 10:52 PM
I've heard of the vanilla prepaid card. They sell them @ gas stations. I don't understan how you would get the funds though. I could try Western Union. I have one very close to my house
+1 (302) 388-1333 05/26/14 10:54 PM
With the Vanilla re-load cards, you give me the number on the card and I enter it online to my "American Expeess Serve" reloadable Card.
+1 (302) 388-1333 05/26/14 10:54 PM
https://www.vanillareload.com
+1 (302) 388-1333 05/26/14 10:55 PM
I wish there was an easier way to do it. This other guy just tried to buy the dragon from me using WesternUnion and Moneygram and both would not work for him. I don't know why.
+1 (302) 388-1333 05/26/14 10:55 PM
If you want to try WesternUnion you're welcome to....
+1 (302) 388-1333 05/26/14 10:58 PM
I responded to your email as well
Me 05/26/14 11:06 PM
Do you mind if we email? I'm pretty sure I have to pay for each text to a US #
+1 (302) 388-1333 05/26/14 11:07 PM
Oh so sorry!! Sure go ahead and email.
LAUREN (05/26): Hi there Chris. I have one other person all the way in CA who was trying to send me payment for her but we can't get it to work with the Moneygram and western union. So that deal fell through unfortunately. She's still available right now. Like I said in our texts your welcome to try those methods and maybe it will work for you. She is about 14 months old, from Bluemoon Dragons in California. She's really nice and a great quality hypo trans dragon. I hate to get rid of her!
CHRIS (05/26): If I buy the vanilla card in Canada will it convert to US funds when I give you the pin? Bluemoon Dragons. I haven't heard of them before. Any idea how big the parents were. I have been burned before where the adult Dragon looks amazing but maxed out at like 250g
I'm comfortable with whatever payment method works LAUREN (05/26): To be honest I have no idea how that works.....I can call the 1800 phone number and ask them how it would convert. The guys name from BlueMoon Dragons is Kenneth Gamboa (not sure if you Facebook but he does have one). I have a pic of the mother but not the father. I'll send that to you. She looked like a huge dragon. You def wouldn't be disappointed with this girl....she's stunning. I've had a lot of inquiries about her but nothing set in stone yet. I wouldn't even think of getting rid of her if I didn't need the money so badly for my LATE car payment
Me 05/27/14 11:53 AM
Good morning Lauren. I sent you another email this morning
CHRIS (05/27): Hi Lauren, Thanks for that information and pic. I really appreciate it. I am getting some Dragons shipped from other breeders this Thursday for a Friday delivery. If you can ship this Thursday then consider he sold. If you can call the 1 800 # and find out about the Vanilla card method / conversion to US funds that would help a lot since I will be at work in a 5 hour meeting. Then once I get home I can forward payment today. Just in case can you also send me the information required to send Western Union. I have never sent one before and but I want to get payment to you today Thanks Chris
LAUREN (05/27): Hey Chris got your email. I have 3 people total wanting this dragon but since I can't just use someone's paypal it's so damn complicated to explain to people the re-load card stuff! I don't know how else to do it though. Hopefully today you can give WesternUnion a try! It's super easy to do on their website. I'm going to call the re-load phone number shortly and let you know what they say. Thanks for being so patient throughout this! Lauren
CHRIS (05/27): No problem. I can work miracles when I am determined to. Let me know about the Vanilla card and I will try Western Union.
LAUREN (05/27): Haha good! I'm glad you're determined
I'm sorry this is such a pain in the ass to do. I'm out right now and can't call them to figure out what's going to happen with the money but as soon as I get a spare second I will. I really hope we can work something out WesternUnion is probably the easiest route to try first, it's all online. I had the one other guy try using his Visa card and it didn't work, but I believe there's an option to have it come directly from your account which might work? I don't know...I hope something will work. Ill keep in touch! LaurenMe 05/27/14 11:53 AM
Good morning Lauren. I sent you another email this morning
Me 05/27/14 5:00 PM
Hi Lauren. I spoke with Western Union. I am on my way there now. I can I have the correct spelling of your first and last name and the state you are in. They said if the spelling on your ID doesn't match that the funds will not be released to you
+1 (302) 388-1333 05/27/14 5:05 PM
Oh great! That's wonderful. My name is Lauren Bowman. If for some reason that doesn't work you can use my boyfriends name whih is Jonathan Hall
Me 05/27/14 5:09 PM
What state are you in?
+1 (302) 388-1333 05/27/14 5:09 PM
Delaware ...Newark 19711
+1 (302) 388-1333 05/27/14 5:09 PM
302-388-1333
Me 05/27/14 5:48 PM
The funds have been sent and I selected the 15 minute option so they should be available by 5:48 EDT. Control #: 330-265-7299. Please check email
+1 (302) 388-1333 05/27/14 5:49 PM
Awesome. I will check my email and let you know when I go to pick it up and let you know how everything goes. I appreciate all the trouble you had to go through! Will email you so you don't have to pay for texts.
Me 05/28/14 11:11 AM
Hi Lauren. I received notification that the funds were picked up yesterday but I haven't received a reply to my email. Is everything ok?
CHRIS (05/27): Hi Lauren, I have sent the funds via Western Union in the amount of 250.00 for the "Amazing citrus female! Hypo Trans Leather". The funds should be available for pick up at 5:48 pm EDT. I will send yoou the control number via text. Please confirm receipt of funds Thanks Chris
LAUREN (05/28): Hi Chris - so sorry I didn't get back to you last night. At work today so haven't had a chance to check my mail yet until now. Everything went smoothly and I appreciate your time and everything. If you want to go ahead and give me the address info I will contact my label provider and get everything started! Lauren
CHRIS (05/28): Hi Lauren, Thanks for the confirmation. The ship date is this Thursday, May 29th for a Friday May 30th pick up. My mailing address is: ……..Please let me know if you need any additional information Thanks Chris
LAUREN (05/29): Hey Chris....I really hope you aren't going to be really upset with me. I was working today and had my boyfriend get the shipping box together and get the label ordered online and printed out....well after all was said and done I get home from work and the only box he hae here is WAY too small to send her in...I swore I had 3 boxes but apparently the only one I can find is the small one. There's no way I felt comfortable sending her in that even though it is only overnight I just don't feel right in case the worst were to happen and I don't want her stuck on that for any longer than she needs to....I have never had a dragon die I shipping and don't want to cram her in something smaller than I feel comfortable doing. I am SO sorry and I promise you I am not doing this on purpose. I was so stressed out and angry I started an argument with my boyfriend over it and why he didn't tell me SOONER that everything was too small, I don't know. I was on the verge of tears tonight I was so mad. I really hope you understand and I will refund some of your funds since it's MY screw up and you were really looking forward to her this week. Please accept my apology and I will make this right ASAP. I will even show you a picture of the box and everything so you believe me! I'm so sorry. Please know that I fully intend to make everything right for you.
Lauren
CHRIS (06/30): Hi Lauren, No need to return any funds and please don't argue with your boyfriend. Things happen. It's sucks but such is life. The only thing is that I do not know when I will be able to make it back to the US. It may be up to 1 month. I do have to come back eventually because another breeder was also unable to ship as well. I'm not upset so don't be stressed out. In the grand scheme of things a missed shipment is not the end of the world. I will keep in touch and let you know when I can schedule shipping. I hope you are able to care for her until then. Thanks
CHRIS (06/03): Hi Lauren, I have not received a reply to my message below. Did you receive it? Are you ok with holding on to her for a bit? Thanks Chris
Me 06/05/14 1:10 PM
Hi Lauren. Have you received my latest email regarding the anticipated shipping delay? I haven't received a reply
Me 06/06/14 10:45 AM
Good morning Lauren. I have not been receiving any replies to my texts and emails. Is something wrong with the Dragon? Please advise
CHRIS (06/08): Hi Lauren, Is your Internet back up and running? Chris
+1 (302) 388-1333 06/06/14 1:20 PM
Hi there...SOO sorry I haven't been able to respond. I honestly am sorry. My internet has been down at home and we just are having someone come from Comcast today to install a new router and hope that fixes it. In the meantime I did find another box for her and she is doing fine. There is nothing wrong with her, just me! Next week I will get her to you, I really apologize for the lack of communication on my end. Things have just been crazy.
Me 06/09/14 1:32 PM
That's ok. I was just concerned because I hadn't heard from you. I will get back to you about an alternative ship date. Keep in touch
Me 06/09/14 1:32 PM
I send you a few emails when you are connected again. Have you tried breeding her before?
Me 06/12/14 9:59 PM
Hi Lauren, are you connected to the Internet yet? I am ready to arrange shipping
+1 (302) 388-1333 06/12/14 10:07 PM
Hey Chris. So sorry about all the delays. Yes internet is back up and I can ship out whenever is convenient for you next week! Hopefully weather in your area is mild and not too hot? It's been around 75-85 degrees here but I think she would be fine with no heat or cold packs.
CHRIS (06/14): Hi Lauren, Have you ever tried to breed her? I would like to get her shipped 06/26 for a 06/27 delivery. My shipping address is: … My Phone Number:.. Please confirm Thanks
LAUREN (06/15): Hey Chris, I have not tried to breed her yet. She had slowed down as all my dragons do for the winter (we had a BAD one!) and I wanted to put some weight back on her before I bred her. But then things came up with money and I had to sell her. I have a silk back hypo poss het trans that I could pair her with, for a few days before I send her out if you'd like? He is not a proven breeder yet. That date works out great for me actually. Again I'm really sorry about the delay and everything. You're really going to enjoy her when you get her! Lauren
CHRIS (06/17): Excellent I will contact you closer to the ship date? Is the Silkback also a Citrus? Do you have any pics of him? Thanks
LAUREN (06/17): Hey Chris here is the male, he's definitely a citrus
I call him a citrus hypo silk back, poss het trans. I can put him in with her and see if he's interested, let me know. I can't guarantee anything as he's never been proven for me yet...I'm trying to breed him with my other female and he's "trying" but I can't say for sure whether he's tied her or not yet. I hope he gets the hang of it really soon LOLCHRIS (06/17): Oh wow. He's stunning. Yes please do try to pair the. Holy. I have never seen a Citrus Silkback that vibrant and patternless Thanks Chris
LAUREN (06/17): Aww thanks so much for the nice compliment! I raised him and 2 other siblings that were also silkbacks from hatchlings, someone sold them to me because they were going away on vacation and couldnt care for the silkbacks needs at that time. I love him, his name is Apollo and hes actually about the same age as your girl....a little over a year I believe. Your girl is named Esa (pronounced E-suh) but of course you can change that. Just in case they DO breed, I want you to know that it's possible for them to have both leatherback and silkback babies. Silkback hatchlings do require a bit more intensive care but I'd be glad to help you with that if it came to that. Nothing too major, just some help with shedding and applying lotion to their skin. Anyway, I'll see if I can grab you some pictures of the two of them together later on
LaurenMe 06/25/14 6:08 PM
Hey Lauren, any luck pairing Esa with Apollo? Are you still able to ship her tomorrow?
Me 06/26/14 10:18 AM
Hey Lauren I didn't hear back from you. I'm just following up
Me 06/27/14 9:26 PM
Lauren the Dragon didn't ship yesterday and I haven't received a reply to my last 2 messages. What is happening. This is starting to make me feel uneasy
CHRIS (06/28): Hi Lauren, The Dragon didn't ship again on Thursday and you are not responding to my messages. What is happening? I am starting to feel very uneasy about this transaction. Thanks Chris
CHRIS (07/01): Lauren, I haven't heard from you in 14 days and it has been 6 days since the Dragon was supposed to ship. I have called you multiple times, sent you text messages and emailed you. I think I have been more than patient. At this point it is obvious that either something is wrong with the Dragon or this was a scam. Either way, unless you can reply by end of day tomorrow with an alternative ship date for this week and a tracking number I am no longer interested and would like a full refund. I'm a pretty reasonable guy and understand that things happen; like with the box error on the first ship date, however I don't appreciate being taking advantage of. I look forward to a response by end of day tomorrow. Chris
Me 07/01/14 12:20 PM
Lauren it has been 16 days since I last heard from you and 6 days since the Dragon was suppose to ship and did not. Unless you can provide me with an alternate ship date by EOD tomorrow, including a tracking number I am no longer interested and would like a full refund.
Me 07/01/14 12:21 PM
I also sent you an email and have been trying to call you. I have been more than patient and at this point feel that I am being taken advantage of
CHRIS (07/02): Hello Lauren,
Yesterday someone contacted you regarding a Citrus Translucent Leatherback female. The same Dragon that you previously sold to me on 05/27 and have failed to ship to me on 2 agreed upon ship dates. Well that person was a friend of mine and this confirms your intent to rip me off.
I'm a no nonsense kind of guy so here is how this is going to work:
1. I have already contacted your local authorities in Newark Delaware (302-366-7111) and the authorities here in Canada to report this scam.
2. I will be posting all of our correspondence (via text and email) on the Fauna BOI to advise and warn future individuals from doing business with you.
3. I will be contacting all of your donors on gofundme.com to advise them that you likely scammed them as well and will be in contact with the site administrators to look into your claims and use of their outlet.
4. I will be contacting your boyfriend Jonathan (Josh) Hall to advise him of this situation so he is aware of your intentional dishonesty.
5. Finally I understand that you are an unemployed Veterinary Technician so I will be sending a detailed copy of all of our correspondence to every Veterinary clinic in Delaware. I'm sure they would be very interested in the complete absence of responsibility and integrity of a potential employee.
This could all be avoided if you refund my money or ship the Dragon. The choice remains yours until EOD today. (THIS MESSAGE ALSO SENT VIA TEXT)
+1 (302) 388-1333 07/02/14 5:56 PM
I'm really sorry it has gotten to this point. I've had so much going on right now and honest to god I don't have to funds to even mail her until I get my car check from insurance hopefully next week. I don't know what else I can do and I apologize.
+1 (302) 388-1333 07/02/14 5:57 PM
I'm being completely honest with you I just do not have the money to send her. Being unemployed and in an accident has really screwed me up on top of Apollo being so sick and I'm just at a loss right now to be honest. I'm sorry and I swear my intentions were NEVER to do this to you
+1 (302) 388-1333 07/02/14 5:58 PM
The dragon I was going to sell the other person is my other female. You have seen pictures of her before as well.
Me 07/02/14 7:05 PM
Why did it have to come to this to have reply. I've proven that I am a reasonable guy when you missed the 1st shipment and I asked you not to fight with your boyfriend over it. Why would ignore my calls, emails and text? I get that things happen and I'm sorry you are going through a tough time but that's not professional to lose touch with me. When you needed money for your car I transferred the funds the same day
Me 07/02/14 7:07 PM
If you are able to prove that you have the Dragon by sending me a date stamped pic and will send me a promissory note via email that you will ship the Dragon on an agreed upon date I am willing to wait
Me 07/02/14 7:08 PM
Again I am being very patient and understanding. It's up to you
Me 07/02/14 7:09 PM
A date in the month of July
+1 (302) 388-1333 07/02/14 7:11 PM
I will send you a date stamped pic gladly when I get home tonight...I honest to god am not trying to scam you...I'm going through hell right now and being without a job is the last thing I ever thought would happen. The only money I have right now is the money from my totaled car which I can even send a pic of tonight too...I am expecting my check late next week I HOPE to god.
Me 07/02/14 7:24 PM
I don't need a pic of your car. I imagine you are already going through enough trauma/stress being in an accident and losing your job. I would just like the date stamped pic and the promissory note via email and then we will agree upon a date in July for shipping.
Me 07/03/14 10:05 PM
Lauren I did not receive an email yesterday as we agreed
+1 (302) 388-1333 07/03/14 10:06 PM
Will do this now. I just got home. Let me grab a pic of her and will email. Using my phone to email so I'll keep it short and to the point I guess.
Me 07/04/14 4:45 PM
Hello, I still haven't received the email and the pic
Me 07/06/14 6:41 PM
Lauren this is ridiculous. I made a simple request and once again you have terminated communication;despite me being patient once again and waiting for the email. If you still had the Dragon taking a simple pic and sending an email would take less than 5 minutes. If you don't have the Dragon simply say so and accept the consequences of your actions. I have been more than reasonable, more than understanding and you have done nothing but take that for granted. No more. My patience has run out
CHRIS (07/06): Hi Chris I apologize for everything that's been going on. I never intended for this to drag on like this. My car being totaled was a huge hit and my deductible was way more than I could afford. When I receive my money HOPEFULLY by the end of this week I will let you know and will arrange another ship date and even send the label picture and tracking number. It will be through FEDEX. Anyway. Picture to follow. Please accept this as an apology and a promise to send. Lauren Bowman
LAUREN (07/07): Here are pictures taken today.
Me 07/13/14 6:54 PM
Hi Lauren. Thanks for the email/pic. Did your funds come through? Will you be aable to ship this week?
Me 07/14/14 7:23 PM
I just replied to your email
LAUREN (07/14): Hi Chris. If you could please give me the shipping name/address info I can try to get the label for Esa made up. Once I do I will send you the tracking info. The company I use goes thru Fedex. What's looking like a good day for you? End of this, or next week? I really hope you enjoy her....after all this I just want you to be happy and her to have a good home
I hate that all of this crap happened. I've done tons of transactions in the past and never had so many obstacles in my way before. You've been extremely patient and I appreciate it. LaurenCHRIS (07/14): Hi Lauren, If you could ship tomorrow 07/15 for a Wednesday 07/16 pick up that would be great because I am picking up another Dragon on Wednesday and it will save me a second trip to the US. My address is: Things happen sometimes that are outside of our control. I just hope that all goes well with the shipment. Thanks
LAUREN (07/14): Yikes tomorrow is really soon.....let me see what I can do. I'll keep in touch....I'll try my best.
CHRIS (07/14): Please do. It would help me out a lot and I would really appreciate it. Thanks
Me 07/22/14 5:46 PM
Hi Lauren, what's going on with the shipment?
Me 07/28/14 5:40 AM
Lauren what is going on? You are not responding yet again. I would like the Dragon shipped this week
CHRIS (07/30): You contacted me 07/14 requesting a ship date for the week ending 07/18 or 07/25. After I replied you said you would be in touch. As usual no follow up on your part so I contacted you on the 07/21 & 07/22 and still no reply. How long does it take to reply? I'm not sure if you find this amusing or if you just don't appreciate the magnitude of this situation but I’m fed up of giving you chances. I have told you from the beginning to keep me informed and after being let down, lied to and strung along I can see that I am wasting my time communicating with you (THIS MESSAGE ALSO SENT VIA TEXT)
Misc. Notes:
- I understand that I made some mistakes along the way; sending funds via Western Union; even though I checked references and acknowledged that she had been a Fauna member since 2009, trusting Lauren to uphold her end of the agreement etc. At this point I just want people to be aware of what she did and to use extreme caution if they choose to do business with her. In 10 years this is the first time I have officially been scammed so you can appreciate why this is so disturbing.
- I have pics, screen captures and all original correspondence saved e.g. she used the same pic in Fauna as she did in her craigslist ad and tried to lie and say that it was a different Dragon. I have the pics to prove otherwise. Some of which are attached
- She has been updating her Facebook page throughout this drawn out process but refused to reply to my messages
- You can view her www.gofundme.com fundraiser details here:
1. http://www.gofundme.com/anr0u0
2. http://www.gofundme.com/cem244
These may or may not be legitimate.
