• Responding to email notices you receive.
    **************************************************
    In short, DON'T! Email notices are to ONLY alert you of a reply to your private message or your ad on this site. Replying to the email just wastes your time as it goes NOWHERE, and probably pisses off the person you thought you replied to when they think you just ignored them. So instead of complaining to me about your messages not being replied to from this site via email, please READ that email notice that plainly states what you need to do in order to reply to who you are trying to converse with.

  • IMPORTANT! PLEASE READ!! About the Google Adsense ads being displayed

    =====================
    Posted 08/15/2025
    =====================


    Yeah, I know. They are a pain in the butt. But they pay the bills to keep my server running. Just a fact of life, I am afraid.

    Want to get rid of them? Simple. Just become a Contributor level member or above and they will be gone. -> Please click HERE."

    Is that too much for me to ask of you to keep this site running? Well, sorry about that. I too wish I could get everything for free. But alas.....

    =====================
    Addendum: 01/10/2026
    =====================


    Google Adsense ad revenue for December, 2025 was just $30 over the cost of the lease for the server running this site. So, in effect, the money providing the incentive for me to continue running this site is coming SOLELY from the paid memberships and sponsorships here. Which honestly ain't much....

Fred Albury... BUYER BEWARE!!! BAD GUY!!!

A $600.00 loss

I hope I have not broken any rules by reposting this, I just thought it was really important for people to see and it was sort
of "lost in the middle" I hope that John has heard from Fred.

Does anyone here know what a Covina Kingsnake is? I have been unable to find any information on it. I searched for it for
over an hour yesterday and came up with nothing. I even searched through any information on Lloyd Lemke. No luck. Any information will be appreciated.



John Skipper
Junior Member
Offline

Registered: Apr 2003
Location: Maryland
Posts: 2
Feedback Rating: (0)
Fred Albury... Another very bad experience
I have refrained from going public with this up until now so as not to ruin Mr. Albury’s reputation over
what I thought was an isolated incident. After reading the previous posts about negative experiences
with Mr. Albury and those of the people who are still defending him I feel that it has become important to
go public with my story as well with the hope that it will prevent others from being hurt.
In July 2002 Fred Albury was advertising a pair of Max Pink Argentine boas for sale. My wife really liked
them and urged me to get them even though we did not really have the extra money. I contacted Mr.
Albury and inquired about the animals. After getting more information on the snakes I made the decision
to purchase the pair of Argentines. Fred wanted his money in advance, paid in full with a Postal money
order and he wanted it sent out next day via FedEx which came to a total of $598.65. I agreed to this but
I informed Fred that we were going to be leaving on vacation the next day and asked if he would mind
holding the animals for shipment until we returned. He agreed and said it was no problem and to contact
him upon our arrival home. I sent the postal money order that day and after contacting Fred to confirm
that he received it we went on vacation.
After returning from vacation, I tried several times to contact Fred by both telephone and email. In mid
August I was able to get in touch with him, at which time, he informed me that one of the snakes had
been regurgitating. He gave me the option of shipping the snakes as planned or refunding my money. I
told him that I appreciate his honesty but was no longer interested in the Argentines after hearing this
and wanted a refund. He told me that he had spent the money and it would take several weeks but I
would get my refund. I asked if he had any idea how long it would take and he said 3 or 4 weeks.
I tried to contact Fred after 4 weeks and initially he did not return my calls or email. When I finally did
get in touch with him he informed me that he still did not have the money and that 2 or 3 months would
have been a more realistic time frame for my refund. I was agreeable to this arrangement because I felt I
really had no other choice and he still seemed sincere in wanting to correct the situation.
After 3 months, I again contacted Fred at which time he became somewhat hostile on the telephone and
basically told me he did not have the money, did not care about his reputation, was sick of the whole
herp industry, and was sick of dealing with people including me. After he calmed down, he informed me
that he still had the Argentines and that they were both doing well. He also told me that the possibility of
ever seeing my refund was highly unlikely and gave me the choice to accept the animals. I figured
receiving the potentially sick Argentines that would have to be quarantined for a very long period of time
and vet checked at my expense was better than nothing. He agreed to send the snakes but was still
obviously having financial trouble and did not have any idea when he would be able to ship. At this
point, I even went so far as to offer to pay the shipping a second time just to assure I would get the
animals knowing that in the mean time Fred had continued to post and sell animals including a pair of
Albino boas. I had not reported my experience to anyone because I wanted to believe that Fred would
eventually return my money.
Now, we are approaching July 2003. I have emailed Fred numerous times and requested that he
contact me about arranging a shipping date. Fred has not returned my email or phone calls and I have
not heard a word from him since March 25, 2003.
I have been more than reasonable and patient and have tried to be understanding of Fred’s numerous
problems. At this point, I feel that I have given Fred every opportunity to resolve this situation to no avail.
I don’t know if he sold the animals to someone else, if they died, if they are still sick or what happened.
Why wouldn’t he send them when I was willing to go so far as to pay for the shipping all over again? All
he had to do was to put them in a box and send them on there way. At this point, I no longer feel
comfortable accepting the animals from Fred even if he still does have them. After everything that has
happened I don’t trust him and I just want him to do the right thing and return my money.
The email thread between Fred and myself is quite extensive and gets extremely confusing. At one point
Fred sent me an email intended for someone else that had to do with him sending them an egg bound
pine snake. I would be more than happy to post these threads if anyone needs further evidence but I
don’t think they will all fit on one page. All of this information has already been turned over to the
authorities.
Sincerely,
John Skipper



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06-21-2003 02:28 AM

Ann McCabe Miles

I am glad that Al has been unbanned.
 
$600.00 Loss

No Ann I have not heard a word from Fred, if and when I ever do or if I ever recover my money from Fred I will post it here.
Best regards,
John Skipper
 
Ken-

Thank you for your calm, level headed consideration of the matter. I hope that "Al" will be as courteous and considerate as you have been.
 
Wandering even further off topic...

And Seamus, it is all well and good that you use the comment about "dont like it? dont use the site" but it really doesn't cut it. I like this site, I will use this site. But there is room for constructive critisism. There are too many people out there who use this site as well but see the same flaws.

No. Unacceptable.

There is a forum set up specifically for discussing suggestions, a BOI thread about a totally unrelated topic is not it. Further, while suggestions and even critisisms have always seemed welcome, there needs to be something behind it to back up the claim that there was something done incorrectly and... the big part... if you're not happy with a decision that was made, you really are under no obligation to use the site.

In this specific incidence, an individual was warned repeatedly that his conduct was crossing lines. Rather than backing off a bit and respecting the wishes of the moderators of the website, he continued on the track that he decided to follow. A rather inane, juvenile track. The entire basis for his participation in this thread was for nothing other than personal spite and to spout unproven nonsense unrelated to any reptile dealings for no reason other than to get back at a man who talked down to him on a forum.

There's been this huge surge (well, not really *huge* but... more than normal) of sentiments wanting people who were banned with good reason to be allowed back onto the website to continue their inappropriate behavior. First Neil (hey, didn't Rozann thing that was a good idea too? Not very good judgement, is it?) now this guy who registered for the expressed purpose of causing problems... what's next? J. Underhill the Classifieds Moderator? Adam Block as an additional webmaster?

These people were removed for a reason, the decisions, when made the first time were more than sound, they were based in nothing short of logic and an enforcement of the rules well above what most webmasters would have allowed. Rescinding these decisions is a bad idea, it just gives the message that you can act in any way you want, violate whatever rules you wish and if you wait three or four days, you'll be allowed back and even applauded for your actions.

With all due respect Rozann... your judgement on this issue is not sound.
 
I think that stinks!

John, I am so sorry that you have had no response. I think Fred is probably staying away from here at this point but maybe it will filter back to him that there has been another negative post.

The male striped CA King that I received from him is sweet and I consider myself fortunate to have him even though he is not what I paid for.

I am sending a MO to Rich today in appreciation for this forum. I feel that it is the least I can do because without it who knows when I would have ever received any type of compensation from Fred. I can't afford much but will send what I can.

Thank you Landon for having the guts to post in the first place, thank to to John for posting your story and THANK YOU Rich for
this wonderful site. I can't imagine the time and effort it must take
to keep it running not to mention the expense. You are appreciated!

Ann McCabe Miles
 
Al's first post...

Anaconda Al said:
Like he always does. Ha Ha Ha! What a bunch of lepers you are!

Albert Applebaum

With an entry into the conversation as constructive as this one, it is any wonder Al was banned? That alone racked up quite a few points for trolling.

Not only does it not convey any information, it comes across as immature to the extreme.

When asked to back up claims about the plane crash, both he and Chris responded with more nonproductive, childish banter, side tracking the thread for several pages. They could have simply come on, stated their cases about the incident in a mature manner, and then shown whatever evidence they had, as per the rules of the board.

Al was by far the worse of the two for the nonproductive pot shots, which are against the rules of the board, and was warned repeatedly. He was racking up points at a furious pace, and he knew it.

Ken was not wrong in his decision. He's doing his job as moderator.

As far as any comments on Ritchie's end of that exchange, I think you'll notice if you look back through the board that the Webslave is not above telling him to tone it down from time to time as well. I think that he may have let Al and Chris get more of a rise out of him than he should have, but he wasn't the one who started the exchange or who propelled it forward.

I figured as long as folks were commenting, I'd toss in my .02 as well, so sorry about getting OT again.
 
I believe with the way he wrote he may be a good member added here

You did actually read his posts, right?

And you're positive that you're not confusing his posts with those of another person?

Maybe... reading the thread through a few more times and revising that opinion...
 
Richie how do you know that? You know I trust your word but your in MD?(east coast) so I have to assume you were not there and emails from Fred to you claiming it happened arent enough for me. I as well would like to hear from someone who was there that is creditable that handed him money to get it back. Althought maybe you were there? If so that would put it to rest. Thanks dude.

Oh no I was not there. I apologize if it sounded like that.
And NO Fred did not e-mail me saying it really happened.
Someone else did.

I can't post his name publicly at the moment. (pending transaction)

So since I can't show the proof. I will just withdraw that statement I made.
 
Now, I'm not trying to fight with anyone, and I'm not trying to stir the pot here either. Maybe this belongs elsewhere, but it was raised on this thread, so I thought I'd ask for clarification here as well.

Rozann,

You wrote the following:

"What does it say when big shooters fighting when it suits them or when they personally dont like the person for others rights, yet when it is someone they have done business with or like, they do not fight."

I guess I'm having trouble on Monday mornings again, but I'm having difficulty understanding what you were meaning to say there. Could you clarify that for me please?

Thanks in advance --
 
A warning to tone it down vs. 4 or 5 points to tone it down it two very different things. Especially for a new user here who sees what everyone else writes.
I have followed this entire post as well as others and find that he did not go sooo over the edge to warrant being banned. At least not compared to the many name calling of others that I have read.
It is neither here nor there now as he is being unbanned. Hopefully he will like strickly by the rules, even if others do not have to, and not get banned again.
Still, and most importantly, I hope these people get their money back from Fred. It is not right, I have heard sooo many times on how you do not spend others money UNTIL the transaction is final. This is a majority rule that Fred did indeed break and continues to break by not rectifing the deed.
He in my book is no better than the others jumped on for doing the exact same thing!
 
Darin,
There is simply no way of my expanding on that without naming names or other threads to which I have mentioned the same thing. I am not hear to bash or point fingers, I believe some know what I am saying. I will retract that since I do not want to publicly accuse.
If you would like to discuss it in private that is fine. Sorry.
 
to Seamus and Brian...

Actually, it was so productive that it made you guys furious as your recent posts demonstrate.

Seamus, you say "a rather inane juvenile track?
Was his statements any less juvenile than yours? Remember these..."ignorant, imbecile, and my personal favorite, tweedle dee and tweedle dumbass"? Those were your exact words. Were you not crossing the line? Let he who is without sin cast the first stone! I believe that your animosity toward Anaconda and myself is clouding your judgement of what is right and wrong, but more importantly what is fair. I truely believe that you were so angry when you found out that Al and I were right the whole time that the cute little icon under your name probably depicts exactly what you were doing when the hard truth finally surfaced. In any case, you fueled that fire as much or more than anyone else here, and you're still doing it. How about sticking to the important issues and stop straying to further your own personal vendetta.


P.S. Why is the plane crash issue any different than the towing incident??? Both were used as excuses not to ship therefore both relevant.


The statements above are my opinions, nothing more.



Chris Kennard
 
I think the decision to unban Al was a good one. I have also felt that some of his remarks were definitely not needed, and the quote from Al that Brian brought up was completely ignorant. I still dont think he deserved to be banned. They came after a known (to them) "Bad Guy" and got attacked and called names, brought their own stories under scrutiny, were made the center of attention of this whole thread. How many people keep responding without being called out or antagonized. Is it only AL and Chris talking over and over, or is their others also responding. If Fred doesnt feel the need to respond, why do people have to defend him. It is your right, just as it is theirs to think very harshly of a "Bad Guy" or "Rip Off" in our industry. I havent seen anyone start grilling Fred the way you would say an Adam Block or any of the others.. Why? I only responded to this thread because I saw it was completely one sided. People always claim that their is a bias on the BOI, and most the regulars say your wrong, it is totally even and their is no bias. I have noticed lately if a thread is about a "friend" of the BOI and is in negative light, the thread is moved to a different forum, or people at least request it. I dont know exactly what Seamus is talking about, because with the story Chris and AL laid out about the plane crash leaves me interested.... They took his attitiude into consideration on postings supposedly after the crash, the nationality of the crash victims, the timeline of his supposed reasoning for not paying people back which was before the crash. I thought it was a possibility that they were speaking the truth and I hoped either Fred would prove them wrong or one of the local internet detectives would be able to peice it together. What if they are right and Fred was only trying to capitalize on a similar name? I also think this has nothing to do with Neil (or others) coming back, because Neil abused this forum for a long time. If he was given the slack AL was none of us would ever of even heard of him. I thought he was a "Bad Guy" for a long time, story after story coming out about him selling sick, soon to be dead, mis-sexed, and who knows what else. Robberies, bad memory???? He was a friend and it was almost impossible to go against him here even though to me he was obviously a "Bad Guy". That does not even talk about hearsay that most people probably dont post, which is still true. I know of very bad dealings of some people, that will still give postive ratings because they are friends of the BOI. Although I disagree with that, it's not my business, and I will not get involved in one of the bring proof type battles of dealing which are none of my business. Have I heard something about Fred before this? Maybe... Is it relevant.. NO! I just think for a man that is not paying back a few customers, and only trying to after bringing it to a public forum; It seems very quiet...
I also want to state that I love the BOI and need to donate again also. If we all donated just a little it would probably make a big difference! These are just some thoughts that I've had and I do not know Fred, Chris, or AL and have never talked to any of them personally.
Thanks, Tom Baker
 
As requested I have unbanned Anaconda Al, but his warning points were not removed. This can be considered as a probation period.

Although both of the moderators here have the capability to ban someone, it is subject to my review. In most cases, I will support their decision and not even bother to research it. In any case where I might feel I would have handled it differently, I will ask the moderator whom did the banning to review the facts and reassess their decision. If he feels that the banning was justified, I will go along with that decision.

I do not expect everyone to agree with everything myself or the moderators do here. Sometimes I may just be in a bad mood and some things will hit me differently at those times that wouldn't faze me in others. There does seem to be a rash of stressful events taking place here lately, and I cannot fault anyone for doing something I very well might have done myself under the same circumstances.
 
Chris, did I sound furious? Interesting.

Let's see...

Actually, it was so productive that it made you guys furious as your recent posts demonstrate.

So, your idea of productivity is to make people "furious" about something? Even though the standard of conduct is to present evidence that supports your claim? See, I always thought that the productive people were the ones who actually proved something. Perhaps you mistook my confusion on that point for being furious?

I do think that shows exactly what your attitude is, and that it's an immature one. Both of you could have simply stated your case, and added useful information about Fred's character had you wanted to be productive.

Again, Ken was right in banning Al. This wasn't just a case of racking up five warnings, it was a case of racking them up in a short time frame. Ken was doing his job, and as far as I'm concerned, doing it right.

Neither is he wrong for unbanning Al. If Al can refrain from the ad hominems, and if both of you can refrain from the kind of immature, non-productive baiting demonstrated in your last post, Chris, I think both of you might have something worth saying. You'll notice that I have never disagreed with what you said, only how you said it, which was in violation of the terms of service. You both came on here looking for trouble, and you got it. You came on here with an attitude and started a fight, and one of you got slapped in the wrist for it. What did you expect? I seriously doubt you get anywhere with that attitude in real life, so why start off being confrontational here?

Neither of you has anything to complain about in regards to the moderation. Period.
 
Brian,
Lay blame where blame is due, I do not believe it was either Al or Chris who started the blame of moderation.
As for you, if you spend half the time trying to pull Fred out into the open so he can do what is right for these people he has ripped off instead of going against those who are trying it would be time well spent.
In your posts where is that? The last couple of posts from you did not even mention what this thread is about, it is about people getting ripped off by Fred. HELLO
 
It's nice to be back.....................

Thanks guys for lifting the ban, and thanks to those who posted on my behalf. I understand that I'm on probation and I will do my best to be as civil as possible, especially to those who have a personal vendetta against me.

Albert Applebaum
 
My apologies for not specifying Brian, but that post was for the most part in reference to Seamus, not you. I came here for the sole purpose of exposing a "bad guy", plain and simple, not to start trouble. Lastly, I never once accused a moderator of anything.



Again, just my opinions.



Chris Kennard

- can't we all just get along?-
 
Stardust said:
Brian,
Lay blame where blame is due, I do not believe it was either Al or Chris who started the blame of moderation.


I responded to Chris because he addressed me directly. Nothing more, nothing less.

As for you, if you spend half the time trying to pull Fred out into the open so he can do what is right for these people he has ripped off instead of going against those who are trying it would be time well spent.

It's not my job to be Fred's conscience. The board is to present evvidence of deals gone bad, and it has done its job. Everyone who reads this board is free to make up their own minds about a case presented here. What makes the person do right is a concern for their own reputation, and that pressure is applied without any comments from me.

In your posts where is that? The last couple of posts from you did not even mention what this thread is about, it is about people getting ripped off by Fred. HELLO


The last couple of posts were what I felt like responding to. They were in support of Ken, who was under fire for no good reason from a couple of people. If I feel like supporting Ken verbally, then I'll do so. I already apologized for being off topic. For that matter, I won't respond further to off topic banter.

As for whether I have responded to the topic of Fred, I suggest you go through the thread and read it again. I have responded to the issues concerning Fred, given an opinion on the matter, given support to the people who got the short end of the deal, and encouraged Fred to try to salvage his reputation by doing the right thing by these people. But maybe you missed that post in the flurry of exchanges generated by Al and Chris's tactic of trying to make folks "furious."

I think I'm the last person who needs to be called out for side tracking this thread, and I think you're out of line here. Of course, you're entitled to an opinion, but let's not start shouting accusations in all caps, shall we? Especially when the accusation is unfounded. (To be clear: The accusation that I haven't done anything to encourage Fred to come clean on his deals.)

Unless someone has something more topical and productive to say, I'm going to bow out and not reply to this type of side topic further. Feel free to IM me or e-mail me if you want to discuss it, though.
 
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