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How do you know if its a scam?

S

SilverBlaze

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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.
 
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.
 
SilverBlaze said:
I'm new to breeding ball pythons so I don't really know the ropes when buying them.
Click to expand...

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.
 
SilverBlaze said:
Does anyone have any experience with shipping from overseas or can anyone recommend someone to me? Thanks
Click to expand...

Why do you want to buy from overseas? Unless you're hoping to bring in the next big thing, you can find it here....and with a lot less hassle.
 
SilverBlaze said:
YA but not with the same cost
Click to expand...

ok, so if you are really set on trying this (there's a ton of great advice already given).. then ask the person for references and check those references. if those are people you've never heard of, ask them for references. Do a search for their name and email address here on fauna BOI and on google.

I would highly advise against doing any business with dealers from Cameroon as they are most likely scams. They'll typically ask for funds western union or ask for additional transport fees once the snake 'is in transit' (hint - nothing is in transit) in order to get it released to your location. Another warning sign is if you are asked to pay someone other than the person you are dealing with.

as fuzzylogix said - if it sounds too good to be true (ie, the price) then it probably is. Plus keep in mind, cheap WC snakes can quickly turn into expensive vet nightmares.

here's some links about the well known 'cameroon reptile scams' not including the multiple threads on the BOI (there was a recent one this week)

http://www.fraudwatchers.org/forums/showthread.php?t=12606
http://www.fraudwatchers.org/forums/showthread.php?t=2458

There's a lot to be gained with starting out in the reptile hobby/business with quality captive bred stock from reputable people.

good luck whatever you decide to do.

-April
 
I want to thank everybody for there input and help on this thread. I have made my decision on what to do now so I hope I don't regret it later.
PS: I think a lot of your will be happy with my decision!!!
 
scorpy said:
I was just reading this BOI thread the other day and I think it's relevant to your inquiry.

http://www.faunaclassifieds.com/forums/showthread.php?t=224307
Click to expand...

Yup. If the seller you're looking at goes by "Lisa Parks", "Christian Cheo", or "Cheo Christian", it's 110% a scam. This guy(s?) are hitting a lot of reptile buyers lately. They were hours, if not minutes, away from vanishing with my cash. [email protected] and [email protected] are involved email addresses; usernames "reyes" and "bill1988" are also this same group.
 
As much as everyone is trying to be helpful, the simple truth is, it's a scam. You will lose your money as well as tarnish your reputation in the reptile community. Your threads make it obvious that you want to breed something "cool" but not much more than $100 and a morph? You want to buy lord knows what from an African scammer. Etc etc.

If you wish to breed that's fine.. If you ever wish to sell your animals and make a name for yourself.. You're going about it the wrong way..
 
Foschi Exotic Serpents said:
As much as everyone is trying to be helpful, the simple truth is, it's a scam. You will lose your money as well as tarnish your reputation in the reptile community. Your threads make it obvious that you want to breed something "cool" but not much more than $100 and a morph? You want to buy lord knows what from an African scammer. Etc etc.

If you wish to breed that's fine.. If you ever wish to sell your animals and make a name for yourself.. You're going about it the wrong way..
Click to expand...


I get what your saying. I have this tendency to get locked on when I have this idea in my head. I have a yellow-belly and a pastel that were my first breeding pair and I've had them for 2 years. It's not that I'm looking for a cool and cheap morph, cause I know that's not gonna happen. It's just that I'm looking looking for a good deal. Oh and the dude from Africa was offering 2 Albinos from Africa for $400. And when you think that most albinos go for about $500 I was like ya I could save money there.
 
Giving money to someone who has no intention to send you anything in return is not an efficient way to save a few bucks.

There's a reason these guys are still around. It's apparently a lucrative career.
 
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